El Charabón Estancia Turística — Hotel in Rocha

Even before we arrived in Uruguay the owner of the Estancia was so helpful in responding to all my questions and in a very timely manner. When we finally arrived we were so warmly greeted by the staff. We had a little trouble finding the exact road to get to the Estancia but locals at a restaurant/gas station were familiar with the Estancia and directed us to El Charabon. When we arrived Alejandro came running out and directed us where to park and his wife, Daiana and the Chef, Paola came out to take our bags. We were so well cared for and had so much fun with everyone. The accommodation was amazing, we had two large rooms and a bathroom. One side looked out into the courtyard where we could watch all the Peacocks strutting around and the other view was of the rolling hills with llama, sheep, and horses and of course the charabon. The pool was great and the weather was amazing. Horses were great and well behaved. The rides different every day. I got to help clip the hooves of the Sheep!! Another one off my bucket list. WE DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE. We actually had tears in our eyes when we finally had to say goodbye. Did I mention that I am the only one who knew a little Spanish but that didn't stop us from having a great time, in fact I improved my ability to speak Spanish and am grateful for that, an extra bonus. The food was amazing (Diet time for sure now that we are back) I think I have a picture of every meal. The last night was the wonderful Asado (the original Uruguayan Barbecue) prepared by Alejandro. Graciela, the owner, was not able to be with us but she called frequently to check that we were okay. Hope she enjoyed all the pictures the staff sent her. There is nothing but good I can say about...

Unfortunately our experience was not like the other reviews. We had such high expectations based on all the positive things people said on Trip Advisor. However the owners were absent which I think made all the difference as it is they who provide the setting, make guests feel welcome and involve them in the farm activities. They left a skeleton staff of the cook and a housekeeper to take care of us. They were very kind but as they could speak no English and we no Spanish, they could not take the place of the owners. They disappeared after serving food and were not to be seen until the next meal. The food was plentiful but rather bland for our taste and certainly the food we ate everywhere else in Uruguay was much better. The resident gaucho was sick but they pulled in a young gaucho to take me for a ride which was very nice. On the first night we were greeted by an awful smell of strong insect killer that had been liberally sprayed all over. It was so bad that we had to sleep on the sofas in the lounge of the main house. This was the nail in the coffin. So the next morning we decided to leave the estancia after only one night. We haven’t received an explanation for why the owners were away but my advice is to check beforehand that they will be on site during your stay - it will probably make or...

El Charabon is a delight. The Property itself is wonderful. First, because it is authentic—a working ranch with 1000 head of cattle and hundreds of sheep— all part of the food chain and economy of Uruguay. Second, It also happens to be beautiful—rolling hills with eucalyptus trees, native grasses, shrubs, as far as the eye can see scattered with animals and native birds. And, if that were not enough, the house is lovely and comfortable with wonderful gardens and and rooms. The owners, Graciela Sbarbaro and Jorge Zuasnabar were gracious hosts welcoming us into what is their home. Graciela found me a wonderful bird guide and did everything to make our stay as comfortable as possible. Jorge took my son on his rounds to check the status of the female herd. The staff is impeccable. The day to day hotel management is led by Daiana Bravo and her husband Alejandro Perez (who is also the gaucho) responsible for leading riding tours. Their son, Anthony is the gauchito also part of the team—all of whom are lovely, professional, courteous, warm and helpful. The cook (chef really) Paola Corbo turns out beautiful, delicious meals. Not a thing could have been done to improve our stay except to extend it. You must visit this place if you want a taste of the...