Packages and Options

If on a trail ride you should expect to be in the saddle between four to six hours a day with the occasional days requiring an extra push to reach the objective. Nights away from the ranch are spent camping or in local dwellings allowing the visitors to experience another way of life. The itinerary is complex and subject to change. Shorter stays have altered riding itinerary.

Day 1: After taking your transfer to Estancia Los Potreros and settling into your room, have an introduction to the horses and the relaxed style of riding. A beautiful sunset ride to get your bearings is followed by a traditional candle-lit dinner and the chance to discuss the plan for the rest of the week.

Day 2: Ride out this morning to the ‘Top of the World’ for a spectacular 360 degree view of the estancia, and a chance to see the route of the trail ride. After passing the cattle ranch, hear the sound of the `bellstone` that inspired the original bell-shaped cattle brand of the estancia.

Lunch is a traditional Argentine “asado” (barbecue) and the afternoon may be spent swimming or walking, or preparing for the trip ahead. Watch the sun go down and enjoy a drink on the “Patio Verde”. Dinner and night spent at Potrero de Los Melados.

Day 3: Start the trail "across country” past the “Cañada de los Condores” (Canyon of the Condors) and perhaps a dip in the waterfall. Arrive at “La Estancita” for a picnic lunch at the local rural school which is supported through the kind donations of guests, and visit the local Dominican church dating back to the 1870’s. The night is spent at ‘Cañada del Molle’, the childhood home of Kevin and Robin Begg, and perhaps enjoy some folklore music under the stars.

Day 4: Set out towards Candonga, going north along the top of the Sierras Chicas, through some truly dramatic scenery. Pine forests give way to rocky descents, and you will marvel at the sure-footedness of the horses. Arrive for a late lunch at Mentas farm. Menta is a wonderful host and an excellent cook., who together with her brother ekes a meagre existence from their smallholding. A dip in the natural rock pools is followed by a late afternoon ride to Candonga church (C1650), riding back at sunset along the river to our hilltop accommodation.

Day 5: This long days ride sets out west across the sierras, climbing above La Cumbre to the “Loma Grande”. A picnic lunch is taken on the way, and after crossing a wide variety of landscapes and scenery, dinner and the night are spent at a charming and secluded stone lodge, which cannot be reached by any other means than walking or riding. The stone-constructed house has no road or electricity but hot showers, excellent food and spectacular views.

Day 6: The morning ride descends from our beautiful retreat to the town of La Cumbre at the top of the Punilla valley, which was originally an English settlement. Lunch is in a typical Cruz Chica home, and the afternoon is spent at leisure exploring the local town. The night is spent at the lovely Reydon Hotel, an old girl’s boarding school, tastefully restored into a charming and comfortable guest house. Your hosts are well-known for their impromptu tango lessons!

Day 7: Set out early for the long ride home, winding down towards La Falda along the “Camino de Los Artesanos”. Pass by La Falda a town of German origin, with a picnic lunch at the famous Eden Hotel (funded by Hitler during the war and now a museum). Climb the ridge to vermiculite mines (Cerro Sapo), make your way along the top with views across the Valle de Punilla. You will feel the horses pulling towards home as you pass the restored farm house at “El Vergel” (C1700). Farewell dinner and overnight at Los Potreros.

Day 8: Farewell ride on the estancia or even a game of polo before returning to the airport.

                   Subject to change

The Cordoba region is known for its good weather and healthy climate.  The summers are hot-“siempre de temporada” always in season, is the old slogan. The estancia is open all year round. The climate can vary but is generally sunny and dry, the rainy season is in the summer months (Dec /March).

The winter is short but can be cold at night; it is usually warmer and sunny in the middle of the day. The sun can be very strong so hats and good protection is recommended.

The estancia is situated at 1100 metres and therefore weather can sometimes be unpredictable - there is always the possibility of a wet, windy or cold day, and so you should pack accordingly! In addition, the sun is very strong, and so hats and good sun protection are recommended all year round.

• - Hard hat (a limited supply of hard hats are available on the estancia but for comfort, fit and to ensure compliance with safety regulations in your own country we recommend you bring your own)

• - Comfortable trousers or jodhpurs

• - Layers on top, including a warm fleece

• - A good windproof/waterproof

• - Long riding boots or short boots and half chaps (a limited supply of half-chaps are available from the estancia)

• - Riding gloves

• - Casual clothes for the evening

• - Swimsuit

• - High factor sun cream and sun hat

• - Insect repellent

• - Small torch

• - Personal medication and toiletries

• - Closed toe walking boots/shoes if you wish to explore the estancia on foot

• - Personal insurance details

• - Camera + batteries or charger + film or card

• - Binoculars

• - Towels for the room and swimming pool are provided

The estancia generates its’ own electricity and supports responsible tourism. Therefore, the use of electrical items such as hairdryers and irons may be limited, and are not provided by the estancia.

Accommodation:
Accommodation on the farm is simple and very comfortable, with all rooms having their own private bathroom. Whilst on the trail ride, accommodation ranges from shared ‘bunk’rooms to comfortable guest houses.

Meals: European, varied and delicious with plenty of local dishes.. Some of the food is produced on the property. Good Argentine wines for tasting.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Horses:
On the trail ride you should expect to be in the saddle between four to five hours a day with the occasional days requiring an extra push to reach the objective. All personal items are carried in saddlebags on your own horse, and so the lighter you travel the more comfortable both you and your horse will be.
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 ether Criollos or Paso Peruanos polo ponies  with some crossbreeds. The tack is English with sheepskins over the saddles. The horses are chosen to suit the ability
of the rider. The riding is “Western” and very relaxed. For trail rides, riders should be a minimum of intermediate or confident novices.

Children

Children under 15 years are not permitted on trail rides, unless they are experienced and competent riders, and the party they are travelling with have reserved the ride exclusively.

Tack:		South American
Horses:		Criollos, Paso Peruanos, polo ponies and some crossbreeds
Pace:		Moderate, trots and canters | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3 to 5 out of 5)    Intermediate
Age:		Min 12	Max 70
Weight:		Max 185 lb
Riders:		Min 3	Max 10

Horses:
On the trail ride you should expect to be in the saddle between four to five hours a day with the occasional days requiring an extra push to reach the objective. All personal items are carried in saddlebags on your own horse, and so the lighter you travel the more comfortable both you and your horse will be.
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 ether Criollos or Paso Peruanos polo ponies  with some crossbreeds. The tack is English with sheepskins over the saddles. The horses are chosen to suit the ability
of the rider. The riding is “Western” and very relaxed. For trail rides, riders should be a minimum of intermediate or confident novices.

Children

Children under 15 years are not permitted on trail rides, unless they are experienced and competent riders, and the party they are travelling with have reserved the ride exclusively.

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in chart. The minimum passport validity is equivalent to the time granted by the immigration authorities.

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for either business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days (extensions for a further 90 days are possible for some nationals; contact the consulate for details).

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
Argentine minors travelling to or from Argentina, if unaccompanied by their parents or travelling with a single parent, must carry their parents’ or legal guardian’s authorisation to travel, which must be certified by an Argentine Consul if issued abroad. Fines will be levied if passengers do not comply with immigration requirements and passengers will be deported.