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 When I decided to travel to Argentina to learn Spanish and to attend the Day of Tradition at San Antonio de Areco I did not expect to meet such a wonderful, lively and energetic person as Patricia.
From my very first emails of enquiry to my last day in Areco she was ‘there’ to answer any questions, or to help fulfil any wishes I had – and there were many! One of my desires was to stay in an estancia and before I knew it Patricia found a magnificent and beautiful old estancia called La Margarita where some days I would take my lessons. Patricia is not only an excellent teacher of the Spanish language and traditions – she is the best personal ‘tour guide’ one could ever wish for – her ‘can do’ attitude made my visit to Areco the most memorable of my travels in Argentina. I look forward to the day I can return and catch up with mi
amiga Patricia. Angie White, Queensland, Australia
 I made a trip to San Antonio de Areco to photograph and watch the famous Gaucho festival. It was my great good fortune to have had Patricia Jacovella guide me around Areco and provide me with the opportunities to immerse myself in the culture. Through her expert detailed knowledge she showed me an insiders view and introduced me to so many wonderful local characters, from the amazing artist craftsmen to the authentic old Gaucho, all conveyed with such passion and joy. Though i had been to Argentina before, Pat's trips and courses give you what you cannot experience by yourself and many memories linger of succulent barbecues, interesting stories and insights, fascinating friendly people, exquisite silver and leather work, and an understanding and appreciation of the Argentine culture. I can't wait to go back!
Mike Johnson, U.K.
Atmospheric tours by historic horse-drawn carriages (also by foot or car) ride along the city streets, Gaucho Museum and the attached Park where Creole horses and cattle herds are bred. Visitors are taken for a typical barbecue lunch at a family run “parrilla” and tea at the local chocolate factory. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable Patricia Jacovella brings the area to life on such trips, introducing visitors to her artisan friends and having a drink with them in the local “pulperia”.
Patricia also offers stimulating short immersion courses in Spanish. By Jenny Egginton and Iain Macintyre
Thomas Cook Travellers book Argentina
The highlight of my visit to San Antonio de Areco was a personal guided tour from the friendly Patricia Jacovella. My friends and I were given an informative and colourful view of life in the village and Patricia was a fountain of knowledge from history to leather goods! We had a great time and Patricia could not have been more helpful.
We hope to get back there soon! Picture available on our website www.ofc.ie Paul Wyse from Dublin, Ireland
| What a great day we had in San Antonio de Areco! It was a highlight of our time in Argentina because we learnt so much (and ate so well!) Pat was a brilliant guide who bought the region and its history alive for us, and helped us with our Spanish at the same time. Charlotte Gray from USA | |  |
I moved to Areco from Kentucky (USA) for work and spoke no spanish whats so ever. I thought I could learn spanish as i went along but it wasn't until I started taking lessons from Pat that I really got a grasp of the spanish language. Learning spanish with Pat was fun and in a very relaxed environment. I would recommend anybody to give it a go. Moi Bien. Dan Verberne Melbourne Australia
We had heard about the town of San Antonio de Areco and decided to research my trip with Patricia of Living Your Spanish. Before our arrival we communicated often about our upcoming visit to Areco including transportation options. Patricia is very well organized and right away she
proceeded to show us around town of St. Antonio de Areco and her love of the Argentina culture! In three days we experienced the most throrough and fun visit to the gaucho capital of Argentina. Everyone knows Patricia and she can "make happen" anything one's heart desires! Corinne Thomson & Natasha Raschenko Voyages Millefleurs, Canada
We are world travelers from the Nile to the Amazon and I must say that Patricia Jacovella created one of our most unique travel experiences EVER!
San Antonio de Areco is truly a living museum to the gaucho way of life. We chose to stay on the historic town square in the elegant Pension Draghi. The Draghi is the very educational and "not to be missed" silver museum where all of those fancy silver belt buckles, spurs and various gaucho accoutrements  are fashioned by Florentine trained silversmiths. Next we met the gregarious and charming Patricia Jacovella on the opposite corner of the square. Next to her were two handsome and elegantly attired gauchos- Pepe accompanying our horsedrawn carriage for our morning tour.
Let me start by saying that the best part about Patricia's tours is that she allows you to somewhat customize based on what YOUR interests are.
We chose a morning tour to visit the Museo de Ricardo Güiraldes. This museum gives you an authentic picture of the gaucho's way of life, his traditions, habits, goods, and the role he played in Argentina's development.
After the museum we were transported to a lite lunch of gourmet hors d' oeuvres served amid a cluster of gaily painted authentic gaucho bunkhouses.
In the afternoon we opted for an elegant carriage tour of two of San Antonio's estancias- La Bamba and El Ombu. We chose both because each is unique in their individual styles.
Criollo asado under flickering stars in the sky? No problema! NOTHING is outside the realm of Patricia's imagination! Marilyn and Talaal Kaleel from Florida, USA
After my brief introduction to St. Antonio de Areco something drew me back. Learning Spanish from Patricia was fun! We went out shopping! Of course that was a very expensive lesson, but I learned alot of local terminology about clothing! In the afternoon, Patricia provided me with the opportunity to ride through the Pampas on horseback. I even learned to play polo with an Argentine polo player. What a great holiday this was for me. As a busy tour operator, I have to thank Patricia for providing me with a holiday of my choice. Corinne Thomson, Director, Voyages Millefleurs Travel Inc., Canada |
Tasting home made meals and barbecues with scrumptious Argentine wines?
San Antonio de Areco has a lot to offer, a Historical Gaucho Museum, the lavish “estancias”, the outstanding artists in silver and leather, masters in fine crafts, loom weavers, plus its friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina. The name means fair winds in Spanish. It is one of the largest cities in Latin America, with a lot of cultural offerings, and is the point of departure for travelling to the rest of the country. Buenos Aires is a singular, open and integrating destination that allows the visitor not only to view the city but also to live an exceptional urban adventure.