since 1920
Our history
In 1920, the Basque explorer Félix Arbeletche discovered Punta Ninfas and was instantly captivated by its wild beauty. He purchased the land and commissioned the construction of a Norman-style manor for his wife María — a monumental gesture of love in the heart of the Patagonian steppe. Materials and furnishings were shipped from Europe and unloaded directly onto the estancia’s stone shoreline.
The house was inaugurated in 1923, crowned by its unmistakable red-domed tower, which has overlooked the landscapes of Punta Ninfas ever since like a lighthouse on solid ground. Sadly, María never saw it completed — yet her story lives on in every wall, every room, and in the lush green oasis she had always dreamed of.
More than a century later, that same pioneering spirit remains alive. Today, El Pedral is an intimate lodge that carefully preserves the timeless elegance and atmosphere of another era.
"A house that is, in itself, a museum"
Estancia El Pedral · Punta Ninfas, Patagonia · since 1923
More than a century of history
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1920 The discovery
Félix Arbeletche arrives at Punta Ninfas, buys the land, and begins to dream of El Pedral.
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1923 The inauguration
The Norman-style manor opens with European materials. The red-domed tower becomes a landmark on the landscape.
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2012 Wildlife refuge
El Pedral is designated a Natural Wildlife Refuge for its commitment to the coastal ecosystem.
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Hoy Lodge
A boutique lodge that preserves the aesthetic of its origins — with solar energy and active environmental commitment.
Our valores
Flora & Wildlife
El Pedral’s pebble beaches and cliffs are home to more than 4,000 pairs of Magellanic penguins that return each season, along with elephant seals, sea lions, cormorants, and southern right whales. A unique ecosystem the estancia actively protects through beach clean-ups and careful management of human impact.
Energy
The estancia runs on solar power, choosing to reduce its environmental footprint without giving up the warmth and comfort that define every stay. A conviction: that excellence and respect for the land that welcomes us can go hand in hand.
Community & Territory
El Pedral works closely with local communities, honouring field knowledge and Patagonian traditions. Every guide, every story shared around the fire is a way to honour that bond — because caring for Patagonia also means caring for those who make it possible.
Environmental stewardship
Our teams coordinate routes, seasons, and wildlife wellbeing, ensuring every visit is safe and respectful. Each season brings its own access criteria, shared with every guest before heading out.
Do you have a research or monitoring proposal?
We welcome collaborations with institutions, monitoring projects, and environmental education programmes that strengthen understanding of Golfo Nuevo and long-term conservation. If you have a proposal, we would love to hear from you.
Prensa
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2026
Patagonian estancias: a new way to discover Península Valdés Open article in new tab
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Weekend / Perfil
Estancia El Pedral in Weekend / Perfil Open article in new tab
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2026
Patagonia: the historic estancia house turned hotel, back in the hands of its original family in a land rich in marine wildlife Open article in new tab
Espacios comunes pensados para la calma
Calma, gastronomía casera y rusticidad elegante en la Patagonia Atlántica.
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Habitaciones y Full House
Alojamiento íntimo con vistas al Golfo Nuevo y la estepa patagónica.
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Vida patagónica
Fauna, costa y actividades guiadas desde la estancia.
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