Rocha, Uruguay: this ranch (estancia in Spanish) has an excellent location, situated on the banks of the Laguna de Castillos, which forms part of the Bañados del Este Biosphere Reserve.
The buildings are surrounded by flooded pastures, lagoon, dykes and native montane scrub. Of particular mention is an mature grove of Ombú trees. The views from the property are spectacular. This ranch is really old, converted into a casa rural with all mod-cons, and excellent home-mae food: roast dishes, home-made savoury and sweet cakes made with local produce in the form of jams and compotes of the coconut Butia capitata, a local palm found in extensive groves nearby.
There is a specialist library, and the management offewr information on birds in the area as well as the possibility of a guided bird tour.
Adaptable hours.