Daniel picks you up at your hotel, drives you to Estancia Nibepo Aike, about 40 km away on the shores of Lago Argentino, and brings you back after your visit. The price is fixed per vehicle for up to 4 passengers. The estancia's activities, such as horseback riding or lunch, are booked directly with Nibepo Aike.
Quick summary
| Route | Your hotel in El Calafate → Estancia Nibepo Aike → back to your hotel |
| Distance | About 40 km · around 40 minutes on the road |
| Usual day | Pick-up around 9 a.m., back around 4 p.m. (6 to 7 hours in total) |
| Transfer price | ARS 270,000 per vehicle in cash · card ARS 314,550 (+16.5%) · USD 186 at the day's rate · round trip, up to 4 passengers |
| Estancia activities | Booked and paid directly with Nibepo Aike, not included in the transfer |
| How to book | On WhatsApp, with your date, number of passengers and hotel |
How does the private transfer to Nibepo Aike work?
Daniel picks you up at your hotel in El Calafate. Nibepo Aike is a historic estancia about 40 km from town, on the shores of Lago Argentino, and the drive takes around 40 minutes, with the Patagonian steppe and the lake along the way.
The vehicle is just for you and the people traveling with you. Daniel waits during your whole visit and drives you back to your hotel in the afternoon, so you can spend the day at the estancia without thinking about the road. Daniel speaks Spanish and basic Portuguese, Italian and English. On WhatsApp we write to you in your language.
On the way, keep an eye out for wildlife: condors, foxes, guanacos and flamingos can show up, and Daniel points them out as you go.
What is there to do at Nibepo Aike?
Nibepo Aike is a working Patagonian estancia: sheep, horses, gauchos and the quiet of the lakeshore. The activities change with the season and the package you choose, and they can include:
- Guided horseback ride across the estancia's fields with a gaucho guide, with options for different experience levels.
- Farm tour, with sheep-shearing demonstrations and sheepdogs at work.
- Patagonian barbecue at midday: lamb on the spit, chorizo, salad and wine, outdoors.
- Gaucho afternoon snack after the ride: mate, tortas fritas and dulce de leche.
All of this is booked and paid directly with the estancia. Daniel's service is the private transfer there and back; if you need a hand coordinating times with Nibepo Aike, he can help.
What does a typical day at the estancia look like?
This is the suggested schedule. The exact pick-up and return times are agreed with you when you book.
- Around 9 a.m.: Daniel picks you up at your hotel and you head out across the steppe toward Lago Argentino.
- Morning at Nibepo Aike: horseback ride, a tour of the estancia, wildlife and scenery.
- Midday: the Patagonian barbecue, if it is part of the program you booked with the estancia.
- Around 4 p.m.: Daniel drives you back to your hotel.
In total, the day takes about 6 to 7 hours.
How much is the transfer to Nibepo Aike, and how can you pay?
The transfer has a fixed price per vehicle, round trip from your hotel, for up to 4 passengers. The amount below comes straight from the price panel.
- Cash in Argentine pesos: the cash price.
- Credit card: the same amount plus 16.5%.
- US dollars: at the day's exchange rate.
Groups of more than 4 passengers: contact us. We have a Hyundai H1 (up to 11 passengers) and a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (15 to 19 passengers, depending on the unit); for larger groups we combine vehicles. More about cash, cards and dollars: paying in El Calafate.
What should I wear for a day at the estancia?
Dress in layers: comfortable clothes, a jacket, a hat and sunscreen. The wind can be strong by the lake, even on sunny days.
If you plan to ride, wear long pants and comfortable sneakers or boots.
Can I combine Nibepo Aike with the Perito Moreno Glacier?
Yes. Daniel's tip: visit Nibepo Aike and the Perito Moreno Glacier on two consecutive days, and you get both sides of Patagonia, the ice and the countryside. For the glacier day, see the Perito Moreno Glacier transfer.
Planning the whole stay? Read how many days to spend in El Calafate or the 3-day El Calafate itinerary. If you would rather spend a quiet day by a river, there is also the private transfer to Río Mitre. Booking for clients? See transfers for travel agencies and tour operators.
Hi, I'm Daniel. I first came to El Calafate in 2006, fell in love with Patagonia and in 2012 moved here for good. In 2024 I started Transfer El Calafate by Jerez. For Nibepo Aike I drive you there and back, so all you need to plan is your time at the estancia.
Planning a day at Nibepo Aike?
Tell me your date, how many people are traveling and your hotel. If you have already booked with the estancia, send me the times too.
Frequently asked questions
Is the estancia visit included in the transfer price?
No. The price covers the private round-trip transfer from your hotel. Activities at Nibepo Aike, such as horseback riding, the barbecue or the afternoon snack, are booked and paid directly with the estancia; Daniel can help you coordinate times.
How long is the day at Nibepo Aike?
About 6 to 7 hours in total: pick-up around 9 a.m. and back at your hotel around 4 p.m. The exact times are agreed when you book.
Does Daniel wait while I am at the estancia?
Yes. He waits during your whole visit and then drives you back to your hotel in El Calafate.
Can children ride at Nibepo Aike?
According to the estancia, the horseback rides have options for different ages and experience levels. Check the details with Nibepo Aike when you book your activities.
Is the transfer priced per person?
No, per vehicle, round trip, for up to 4 passengers. Groups of more than 4 passengers: contact us. We have a Hyundai H1 (up to 11 passengers) and a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (15 to 19 passengers, depending on the unit); for larger groups we combine vehicles.
What should I wear for the horseback ride?
Long pants and comfortable sneakers or boots, plus a jacket, a hat and sunscreen. The wind can be strong.
Can I visit Nibepo Aike and the Perito Moreno Glacier on the same trip?
Yes. A good plan is to do them on two consecutive days: one day for the glacier and one for the estancia, each with its own private transfer.