Tourist Estancia in the Far Southeast of Patagonia

Since 1880, this historic estancia, located at the edge of continental America, at the confluence of the South Atlantic Ocean and the Strait of Magellan, has welcomed visitors eager to explore the authentic Patagonia. On this vast expanse of more than 26,000 hectares, where the mythical National Route 40 begins, the estancia combines tradition and comfort to offer an unforgettable experience.

Accommodations and Amenities

Monte Dinero Ranch

Owned by the Fenton family, the estancia is dedicated to offering a modern tourist experience without losing its sheep farming essence. Visitors can stay in the century-old Casa Grande, which has been restored to offer modern comfort, while maintaining the building features of the last century.

  • Rooms:
  • 4 standard double rooms with private bathroom.
  • 2 standard double rooms with shared bathroom (upstairs).
  • Rooms are available from singles up to the maximum capacity listed.

Services and Amenities:

  • Restaurant
  • Box lunch
  • Credit cards accepted
  • Parking
  • Light 24 hours
  • Heating
  • WiFi
  • Museum
  • Café
  • Entertainment

How to get to the Monte Dinero Ranch

The ranch is located 120 km from the city of Río Gallegos, accessible via National Route No. 40, a gravel road that is part of the old Provincial Route No. 1.

  • Address: National Route 40, Km 14, Southeast of the Province of Santa Cruz, Patagonia Argentina.
  • Coordinates: -52.3256347, -68.5614474
  • Main Distances:
  • Río Gallegos: 120 km along National Route 40
  • El Calafate: 455 km along Provincial Route 5
  • Cancha Carrera Border Crossing: 445 km via National Route 40
  • Monte Aymond Border Crossing: 150 km via National Route 3
  • Monte León National Park: 375 km via National Route 3

Other Approximate Distances:

  • • Gallegos River 130 Km
  • • El Calafate 408 Km
  • • Cmt. Piedrabuena 350 Km
  • • Puerto Natales (CHI) Km
  • • Gov. Gregores Km
  • • Rio Grande 330 Km
  • • Ushuaia 540 Km
  • • Punta Arenas (CHI) 290 Km
  • • El Calafate 420 Km
  • • Gallegos River 113 Km
  • • Hope 258 Km
  • • Le Marchand site 248 km
  • • Mount Aymond 79 km
  • • 314 Km Race Course
  • • Monte León National Park 342 km
  • • Los Glaciares National Park 500 km

Useful Information:

  • There is no possibility of refueling at the ranch.
  • There is only cell phone signal with the Claro company.
  • There is no telephone on site and no passenger transport companies serve the property.

Monte Dinero Ranch

  • Cabo Vírgenes and Penguin Colony Tour: Just 15 km from the ranch, this tour includes a 30-minute walk to the lighthouse. The penguin colony, one of the largest in Latin America, is home to around 180,000 Magellanic penguins, who arrive at the end of September to hatch and leave at the end of April. The tour lasts all day.
  • Visit to the “Al fin y al Cabo” Tea House: Located in Cabo Vírgenes next to the lighthouse, this tea house, owned by the ranch, offers privileged views of the Strait of Magellan and a selection of homemade cakes and pastries. In addition, you can visit kilometer 0 of the legendary National Route 40. The activity also lasts all day.

For more details and updates, it is recommended to check directly with the establishment.

Monte Dinero Stay Reviews

Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 – Excellent (31 reviews)

#1 of 2 shelters in Rio Gallegos

Establishment Description:

Since 1880, Estancia Monte Dinero has offered a unique experience at the edge of continental America, on the South Atlantic Ocean and the Strait of Magellan. With more than 26,000 hectares of pure Patagonia, it is the starting point of the legendary National Route 40. The estancia combines sheep farming tradition with modern comfort in its century-old Casa Grande, restored to offer the best comfort while maintaining its historic charm.

Featured Services:

  • Hotel Style: Mid-range
  • Property Services:
  • Free parking
  • Free high speed internet (Wi-Fi)
  • Bar/lounge
  • Trekking
  • Billiards
  • Picnic area
  • Shared lounge/TV room
  • Laundry service
  • Room Types: Non-Smoking Rooms

Featured Reviews:

  • Rutalsur (Mar 2024): "An incomparable experience in the southernmost part of the continent. Stories of Patagonian pioneers and nature in its entirety. The stay invites you to rest and unwind in a unique environment. Excellent service from the staff and exquisite dishes prepared with local products. Unforgettable!"
  • Hector M (Feb 2024): "We had a great day at the Estancia. The staff was wonderful. Although lunch did not fully meet our expectations, the snack was very well received. The demonstration of cattle handling and the walk were also noteworthy."
  • Gabriela Z (Mar 2022): "Not to be missed! The best start to Route 40. We were greeted by Mica, who guided us through kilometer 0, the lighthouse, and the penguin colony. The food, prepared by Norma, was exquisite. The Casa Grande is beautiful, with a mini-museum, orchard, and shearing workshop. The experience was a dream."
  • EDU1917 (Jul 2020): "Excellent place to stay. The food is very good and the staff is outstanding. Although it is not cheap, it is worth spending at least one night and exploring the area with more time."
  • Silvina Cecilia (Dec 2019): "The estancia is almost reaching Cabo Vírgenes, with dining room (reservation required) and accommodation. Although it is expensive, the experience and the rest of the trip on a gravel road make it worth it. The service is attentive and the food is very good, with a small area for children in the dining room."

Recommended Activities:

  • Cabo Vírgenes and Penguin Colony Tour: Just 15 km from the ranch, it includes a 30-minute walk to the lighthouse and a visit to one of the largest penguin colonies in Latin America, with approximately 180,000 Magellanic penguins. The tour lasts all day.
  • Visit to the “Al fin y al Cabo” Tea House: Located in Cabo Vírgenes, next to the lighthouse, this tea house offers exceptional views of the Strait of Magellan and delicious homemade pastries. You can also visit kilometer 0 of National Route 40. The activity lasts all day.

Additional information:

  • Location: National Route 40, Km 14, Southeast of the Province of Santa Cruz, Patagonia Argentina
  • Coordinates: -52.3256347, -68.5614474
  • Main Distances:
  • Río Gallegos: 120 km along National Route 40
  • El Calafate: 455 km along Provincial Route 5
  • Cancha Carrera Border Crossing: 445 km via National Route 40
  • Monte Aymond Border Crossing: 150 km via National Route 3
  • Monte León National Park: 375 km via National Route 3

Useful Information:

  • There is no possibility of refueling at the ranch.
  • There is only cell phone signal with the Claro company.
  • There is no telephone on site and no passenger transport companies serve the property.

Make your reservation and live a unique experience in Patagonia!