Horseback Riding in Argentina

Estancia Los Potreros

Overview

Estancia Los Potreros is an ideal location for a horseback riding trip in Argentina. It is a 6,000 acre working cattle ranch and has remained in the same Anglo-Argentine family for four generations. The Estancia is secluded on top of the Sierra Chicas at an altitude of 3,000 feet and located between the pampas and the Andes in the heart of the Cordoba region. Known for its breathtaking views and healthy climate, the higher lands of the Cordoba Hills are covered in long straw like grass called ‘paja brava’. At lower altitudes one encounters a large number of tree species with much bird and wildlife seen from your saddle. From early spring to autumn a mosaic of wildflowers are there to be admired. It is the perfect setting to enjoy a variety of riding activities, including gaucho work and playing polo.

The Estancia has a traditional Cordoba farmhouse and all seven bedrooms with private bathrooms are authentically decorated giving the place a special atmosphere. The house surrounds a large grass patio where guests can admire the beautiful gardens and hills beyond. Separate from the house, the swimming pool commands excellent views of the surroundings and the activities on the farm.

The excellent cook makes the most delectable dishes, usually with produce from the farm. Vegetarian or other specific dietary requirements can be accommodated with advanced notice.

  • Overview:
    The horses on the estancia have exceptionally soft mouths, they are in excellent condition and are either "Criollos" or "Paso Peruanos" with some crossbreeds. These horses differ from the norm because they are worked constantly on the farm, moving cattle over the terrain makes them sure footed and willing animals. The tack is English with sheepskins over the saddles. The horses are chosen to suit the ability of the horseback rider. The horseback riding is “Western” and very relaxed. There is a vast area to explore across the Sierras and we tend to arrange the itinerary according to the visitors wishes.
  • Horse Breeds:
    Criollos and Paso Peruanos
  • Trip Pace:
    To suit riders
  • Tack:
    McClellan w/ sheepskin and polo saddles
  • Weight limit:
    210 lbs, 182lbs for riding the Peruvian Pasos and for the polo weeks

Non-riders can enjoy the accommodations and ranch independently. Guided walks are available upon request or watch the gauchos go about their day-to-day life and witness them working with the award-winning herd of Aberdeen Angus and try your hand at lassoing. Enjoy a relaxing morning around the swimming pool or play a spot of boules on the lawn.

Cordoba, Argentina

Trip Itinerary

This is a flexible program centered around horse riding. You will be met on arrival and driven to the beautiful Estancia Los Potreros. During your 7-night stay you may relax and soak up life on the estancia, or take full advantage of the superb riding, walking and the outdoor life. On the final day you will be transferred to the airport in time for your departing flight.

Riding is usually centered on estancia life with a huge variety of rides around the estancia with occasional overnight excursions. The staff offer regular round pen demonstrations, lassoing, gaucho games and Paso demonstrations with the estancia's impressive stallion. Helping the gauchos in their daily work is a truly memorable experience and brings with it the very best traditions of Argentina.

To ‘ride like an Argentine’ probably refers to stylish polo players and the gaucho is at the root of this tradition. The estancia boasts a polo field and riders are welcome to ‘stick and ball’ with informal instruction from the owners. Polo is more for the keen novice than the high goal player, though by the end of your stay you may enjoy a chukka or two.

There are plenty of other activities, from picnics and wine tasting, to swimming, lassoing, bird watching and stargazing.

Day 1

7 night sample itinerary

The transfer will meet you at the international airport of Córdoba on arrival. Just under an hour from your pick-up you arrive at Estancia Los Potreros in time for a late lunch and to settle into your room.  An introductory ride in the afternoon to get used to the ‘gaucho’ style of riding – long legs, deep seats and neck reining, whilst enjoying the comfortable sheepskins on the saddles.  After your ride, Kevin and Lou invite you to dinner in what has been the  family home for over 100 years.

Day 2

A long morning’s ride to the far south of the farm, dropping into the local village to visit a unique and unusual chapel and museum that was built as a memorial to his wife and daughter by Guido Buffo, an art and science
lover. Enjoy a traditional Argentine ‘asado’, sampling several different cuts of the estancia’s home-reared beef, washed down with plenty of Malbec. Take the rest of the afternoon to relax by the pool and in the evening, you are invited to an informal wine-tasting, sampling local wines of the region before sitting down to a candle-lit dinner.

Day 3

Ride to the ‘Top of the World’, the highest point on the estancia, to appreciate the spectacular views out over the Sierras Chicas. The trail along the ridge is perfect for condor and eagle spotting, before returning to the
estancia in time for lunch on the veranda. Demonstration and introduction to the very special Peruvian Paso horse. Learn more about this amazing 5-gaited horse, before trying out their super smooth paces yourself. All our these horses are home-bred on the estancia and are forward-going and extremely comfortable.

Day 4

Cattle day! Discover your inner gaucho as you help the boys round up our herd of award-winning Aberdeen Angus, collecting them and moving them across the hills to our cattle station. Following lunch ´gaucho style´under a shady tree, see if you can master the art of the lasso in the corrals, before some lovely long open canters along the top of the hills as you return to the estancia for tea and cake on the veranda.

Day 5

The ride this morning drops down to our hidden waterfall where you can take a dip or just take a few moments to relax in the cool shade. From there a wonderful long canter takes you up to ‘Potrero de Niz’, the original family home of the Beggs, and a delicious picnic lunch on the porch. Perched on the top of a hill, the house has stunning views over the valleys, and be warned  that once there you will never want to leave! In the afternoon
ride back via the ‘Bellstone’ which will have the geologists amongst you scratching your heads. Tonight, our chefs open the farm kitchen doors and invite you to join them in preparing some traditional local dishes whilst
sampling some more fabulous Argentine wines.

Day 6

No horse-riding holiday to Argentina would be complete without trying your hand at the ‘Sport of Kings’ – polo! Ride down to the polo ground where you will be given a short lesson followed by some practice ‘stick and ball’
and then play a few chukkas of this highly addictive game. After a barbecue lunch, challenge our gauchos to some gaucho games – barrel racing and ‘sortija’ – a race that involves spearing a small ring with a stick at speed

Day 7

On your final day, ride through plunging gorges and over soaring mountain tops to reach ‘Las Tasas’ – a gorgeous natural swimming-hole where you can dive, swim or just take a snooze in the sun. After a shady picnic
lunch, help our gauchos round up the mares and foals to protect them from the elusive puma. Tonight, enjoy some live traditional Argentine music with a glass of wine in the garden before sitting down to a fabulous farewell dinner.

Day 8

After breakfast depart for your onward travels.

Trip Map

Trip Dates & Pricing

Year round, except for May, June and July when they are closed for maintenance. We recommend a week but additional nights or stays of less than a week are possible (3-night minimum stay). A 5 night minimum stay is required over Christmas and New Years.

Pricing & Options

  • Base Price
  • $3,530weekly rate
  • Other Options
  • 20% off standard rate for children aged 10-16. Minimum age to ride at the Estancia is 10 yrs. 2 cottages with interconnecting rooms are ideal for families.
  • Pricing Variation
  • $560
    Nightly rate for 3-6 nights stays
  • Single Supplement
  • Three rooms available to singles at no extra charge. Thereafter a 30% supplement applies.
  • Transportation
  • Included from and to the Cordoba airport between 8 AM and 8 PM. For all other transfers please check with us.
Additional Pricing Information:
Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid.      


Request Booking

Tell us more about your riding experience and trip preferences below so we may find the perfect options to meet your needs. We will research availability and get back to you with a booking confirmation detailing suggested departure, cost and extended ride itinerary.

Tell us more about yourself

* required field

Email Phone

Yes No
Yes No

Preferred Departure

Group Information

Riding Level

Please answer the equation: 6 + 3 =
Processing your request...

Do you have questions about this ride itinerary? Do you want to make sure that this it is the right ride for you? Or are you ready to book? Please call or email our experienced and friendly ride consultants for more detailed information. With first-hand knowledge of the exciting tours we offer, the ride consultants at Equitours look forward to answering any questions you might have

Call us

Speak with our reservation team directly.

1.800.545.0019

Customize this Trip

Our reservation team would be happy to customize this trip to meet your groups needs. Customize your trip.

Email this Trip Consultant

Contact Biggi Hayes

I recently returned from Estancia Los Potreros in Argentina and my heart and head are still in the clouds! I took Hadley's suggestion and am so very impressed with their ranch. The horses are sure-footed in this often rocky expanse, have good manners, soft mouths and are well trained. If asked... it would be impossible for me to choose a favorite mount. Their numerous dogs often joined uns on our treks and provided plenty of love upon our return. The landscape changed dramatically during our rides and flowers were in bloom. The various birds were aplenty, including hummingbirds. The delicious and varied meals were professionally prepared, including fresh bread baked every day. The staff (guides, gauchos, owners Kevin and Lou Beggs) have made every effort to know the guests from other countries. Thank you to you, Equitours and the Fox family for helping me plan this amazing adventure!

Kathrin Koonce, February 2020