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Bell Stone Estancias Ride
This is a weeklong estancia to estancia ride
starting at the Estancia at Sierra Chicas, an 6,000-acre working cattle farm that has
remained in the same Anglo-Argentine family for four generations.
This horseback ride takes you over the constantly changing
geography of the region, through areas impossible to reach
by car. You stay at a variety of locations from cattle
estancias to very simple dwellings exposing you to the life
of the local people. This expedition is rich in local
history and offers some exceptional horseback riding.
The Estancia at Sierra Chicas is very secluded on the top of the "Sierras Chicas" at an
altitude of 3,000 feet, nestled between the pampas and the Andes in the
heart of the beautiful region of Cordoba. It is steeped in family
history and locally there is much evidence of the pioneering work of the
Jesuits who first organized farming in the area before they were forced
to leave in the 1760's.
If you have a love for the wild and enjoy the thrill of arriving by
horse, this adventure allows you to experience Argentine wildlife,
scenery and culture at close quarters while not abandoning creature
comforts provided by good accommodation, the best tack and fabulous
horses.
This is a place for people who appreciate fine horses and know how to
ride. However, there are horses for every ability, and beginners are
welcome.
 IT-ARRT11-E
Rates include accommodations, meals, beverages and 7
riding days
2008:
8 days/ 7 nights $ $ 2,730
extra nights at the ranch $340
2008 Dates:
02/23-03/01 03/15-03/22
09/27-10/04 10/25-11/01
... additional dates can be set for groups of 4+
Meeting: Cordoba
Airport: Cordoba
Transfer: included from Cordoba
Horses: Peruvian Paso, Criollo,
Polo Ponies
Tack: South American, English trekking with sheepskin
Pace: Moderate, trots and canters
Level:
Intermediate and better
Min/Max Riders: 4-12
Note: weekly Estancia Stays are
available throughout the year
Horses:
The horses, all bred on the estancia, have exceptionally soft mouths,
are well mannered and in excellent condition, they are responsive and
sure-footed, and most are either "Criollos" or "Paso Peruanos" with some
crossbreeds. These horses differ in that here they are used constantly
on the farm, moving cattle over the terrain makes them sure footed and
willing animals.
Itinerary
Day one: Meet your host at Cordoba Pajas
Blancas airport (COR). Transfer to the estancia (approx
1 hours drive). Afternoon horseback ride if time allows
to Estancia Chiviquin , an old cattle outpost. This is a
very and simple traditional dwelling and offers an
insight to cattle farming in these remote areas. Enjoy a
candle-lit dinner, this is a tradition on every evening
when staying at the home ranch, an opportunity to
discuss the plan for the rest of the expedition.
Day two : A morning horseback ride to feel
comfortable with your horse and the gauchos. Ride
horseback to some of the high points and get your
bearings. Explore the cattle ranch.
Lunch is a traditional Argentine “ asado ” (barbecue) by
the pool with several cuts of meat to try. The afternoon
may be spent swimming or walking. Watch the sun go down,
enjoying a drink on the “Patio Verde”. Dinner and night
spent at Estancia Potrero de Loza and if the moonlight
allows: go to a high point to see the lights of the city
of Cordoba in the distance. On the way hear the sound of
the “church bell stone” that inspired the bell-shaped
cattle brand of this farm.
Day three: Ride horseback "Across country” past
“Canada de los Condores ” Canyon of the Condors, where
condors may sometimes be seen, to “La Estancita ” for a
picnic lunch at the local school, visit Dominican church
go past local dwellings and small farms. Night spent at
Estancia Potrero de Niz or camp out (optional).
Day Four : Set out towards Candonga going north
along the top of the Sierras Chicas towards Mentas farm
(cabin). Menta is a wonderful host and a good cook.
Together with her brother she ekes a meagre existence
from her smallholding. The visit is worth the
experience! Some earth road work. Swim in cool fast
flowing crystal clear streams. Stay in Mentas cabin or
camp out. Visit Candoga church (C1650).
Day five : Long horseback ride, some on earth
roads. Climb above La Cumbre to the “Loma Grande”.
Dinner and night spent at a charming and secluded stone
lodge. The house is not reached by any other means than
walking or horseback riding . The stone constructed
house has no road or electricity but hot showers,
excellent food and spectacular views. One can spend the
night camping or indoors if the weather is inclement.
Don't miss the night stars, one feels one could reach
and touch them.
Day six : Descend on horseback to explore the
charming town of La Cumbre (town of English origin built
around a golf course at 1,150M ASL) at the top of the
Punilla valley. Chance to do some shopping and replenish
stocks . Try the excellent local beer! We wind down
towards La Falda along the “Camino de Los Artesanos ”
towards Estancia Alto San Pedro. Night spent at local
Inn or estancia depending on availability.
Day seven : Early morning horseback ride
towards “El Cuadrado ” earth road. Passing the outskirts
of La Falda , a town of German origin, via the remains
of the famous Eden Hotel (funded by Hitler during the
war and now a museum). Climb ridge to vermiculite mines
(Cerro Sapo ) , we make our way along the top of a ridge
seeing the views across the Valle de Punilla . Return
past El Vergel and dinner and overnight at the home
estancia.
Day eight : Farewell horseback ride on the
estancia before returning to the airport.
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