A Gaucho in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Nestled amidst vast meadows, fields and forests in the heart of the Mecklenburg lowlands, lies a hidden gem that brings the essence of Argentine life to Wardow near Rostock. Inspired by the estancias of his hometown, Hinterland host Amancio has created an outdoor oasis here with meticulous attention to detail. We spoke with him about his origins, the country life in Germany and all the experiences (and flavors) you can enjoy on his ranch.

The journey from Argentina to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is quite a distance – how and when did you make the move from South America to the German countryside?

I came to Germany in 2012 for a relationship. My first stop was Hamburg, but already then, I harbored the dream of realizing my own project in the countryside. In 2018, I started organizing trail rides with Argentine horses at a holiday estate in Mecklenburg. During one of these rides, I stumbled upon this small farm and thought it would be an amazing place for me: surrounded by lush greenery, relatively far from the nearest main road – just perfect.
Two years later, I spontaneously asked the owner if I could buy the farm – and to my surprise, he said yes. In September of last year, I took over the property and buildings, began renovating everything, and brought the first horses here. Since then, I've been living on the ranch myself and have gradually expanded the offerings. We now have three glamping tents and a camping spot for guests who want to experience genuine Argentine flair.

And does life in the Mecklenburg countryside really resemble life in Argentina?

I grew up on a large farm in Argentina, where we raised horses and cattle. "Living in the countryside" there is quite different from Germany and often means being completely isolated from civilization. That's why it was important to me that my ranch here in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is just as remote and only accessible via a small road. This tranquility and seclusion remind me a lot of my homeland and also provide our guests with the opportunity to escape the hectic everyday life and relax in the midst of nature.
Something that guests truly appreciate, in addition to the location, and which contributes to the Argentine spirit, is our openness. There's always a big table on the ranch where we all eat together – the team and I – and guests are warmly invited to join us. Here, you automatically become part of the team. It's this family atmosphere that makes this place welcoming for everyone.

Speaking of the big communal dining table: What role does Argentine culinary tradition play on the ranch? Are there specific Argentine dishes or specialties that guests can try?

The culinary experiences are truly significant here! Once a week, for example, we host an authentic “Asado”, which is an Argentine BBQ. We grill over a large fire pit, around which everyone gathers. We serve excellent meat and an abundance of vegetables – some of which even come from our own garden. It's a great way to savor the flavors of Argentina. We also have a deep appreciation for good wine here. And, of course, there's plenty of Mate tea.
By the way, I also enjoy playing the guitar! Especially during our Asado evenings, I often set the mood with folkloric music by the campfire. We play traditional songs, and sometimes, there's a bit of dancing. It adds even more liveliness to the evenings here on the ranch!

On the ranch, you offer Western-style trail rides – can anyone participate, or do guests need prior experience?

If you have reasonably good body awareness, you can enjoy riding with us even without prior experience! In Argentina, there's generally no formal riding instruction. We ride very intuitively there, without relying on textbooks. Riding in Argentina is closely connected to rural life and a deep bond with nature. That's precisely the experience I want to offer on our ranch.
We have ten Criollo horses here, which are both relaxed and well-balanced yet fast and agile. Our trail rides exclusively take place in natural terrain, which is a completely new experience even for many experienced riders. In Germany, riding often occurs in indoor arenas or designated areas, while here, we like to explore untouched nature. Our horses live outdoors all year, so they're well accustomed to the terrain and outdoor life. We often encounter wildlife here, but the horses remain unfazed.

How long does a typical trail ride last?

We offer shorter rides lasting a few hours, as well as full-day rides with an extended break at a farm café. In summer, we often ride to the bathing lake. In Western style, our rides explore meadows, fields, and forests in nearly pristine nature for all levels of riding proficiency.
One amusing difference I often notice is that on rides in Germany, everyone tends to ride in a straight line. I keep repeating that it's perfectly fine to spread out and ride side by side :) In Argentina, hardly anyone would think to ride in single line in wide open spaces.

What are your next plans for the ranch and your offerings here?

I personally love sleeping under the open sky, and I'd like to share that experience with our guests. Therefore, we can very well imagine offering accommodations next year, where guests can truly sleep outdoors under the breathtaking starry sky. Additionally, we're planning to build an outdoor sauna and a hot tub for this winter to add a bit of warmth to the German winter and provide even more comfort to our guests.

Another personal highlight is my upcoming trip to Argentina in October. Together with guests who have booked this unique experience, we will embark on a five-day horse trail and experience "Gaucho-Life." This means we will live like Argentine cowboys: herding cattle, exploring untouched nature, and sleeping either under the open sky or in small cabins. And, of course, good wine and good food will be a part of this adventure! That's always a part of our experiences.

Photos: privat, Julian Würzler