ESTANCIA LOS POTREROS - ARGENTINA
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Estancia Los Potreros is an exclusive 6,000-acre working cattle farm that has remained in the same Anglo-Argentine family for four generations. Polo is part of the tradition here, and this extends to Gauchos and Guests. The estancia is in a very secluded location at an altitude of 3,000 feet nestled between Pampas and the Andes in the heart of the beautiful region of Cordoba. 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.
NOTES - ESTANCIA LOS POTREROS
Horses
Type: Most are either "Criollos" or "Paso Peruanos" with some crossbreeds. Total Number: 510+, all home bred. Riding Horses: 30+ Height: 14.3 – 15.3hh Nature: These horses have exceptionally soft mouths, are well mannered and in excellent condition, they are responsive and sure-footed.
Weight and age limits
No age limit within reason. Your hosts Robin, Teleri and Kevin have a young family themselves and riders of all ages are welcomed into the large multi-generational family set up. Weight limit is 15 stone.
Riding
The riding time is totally flexible on ranch stays, it can be from 4-6 hours on a day trail ride or less if staying on the Estancia to work with the gauchos or play polo. Type of Riding: The riding is “Western” and very relaxed. You can ride at any pace dependent on your ability. Riding is usually centred round the Estancia life with occasional overnight excursions, longer expeditions are arranged. Cattle work, scenic rides out and horseback visits to local sights are all options.
There is no set itinerary for this horse riding holiday, the following is an example of some of the options available: On your arrival day you are introduced to the horses and gauchos, followed by a familiarisation ride to a "top view" point. A half or full day riding on the estate following streams through valleys to the "top of the world" stunning views of Cordoba City in the distance and the pampas beyond with a picnic lunch on the way. Riders may have the opportunity to spend the morning with the gauchos while they work cattle.The amount and type of work will depend on the season, rounding up, herding, branding etc. Enjoy a full day's ride to explore Candongas C1600 church, returning to Los Potreros past the "Estancita" and the Dominican church. Spend a day visiting the Canada de los Condores and swim in the waterfall (Cascades de los Condores). Picnic by the crystal clear stream under the willows. Once a week there is a Polo day, you can learn the basics and play a few chukkas, everyone can have a go.
Guide
Teleri, Robin and Kevin are your hosts on this ride. They have lived on the Estancia all their lives and know its history intimately. Kevin and Veronica also lead some rides.
Accommodation
Comfortable en suite rooms on the ranch. Nights away from Los Potreros are spent camping or in local dwellings allowing the visitors to experience another way of life.
Food
European, varied and delicious with plenty of opportunities to try local dishes. Some of the food is grown on the ranch. All meals are served with drinks and good Argentine wines. Various grape varieties make for interesting wine tasting. The Estancia has its own wine made locally.
Other activities
There is plenty to do for those not interested in riding or on a day off. Walking in the hills and exploring the streams, watching the exotic bird life or just lying by the pool. There are also three excellent golf courses in the vicinity. The farm is remote but a taxi ride or a lift can take you shopping to Rio Ceballos, La Falda or La Cumbre. Cordoba city (55K) is an interesting University town, a principal staging post between Lima (Peru) and Buenos Aires. The area is rich in Jesuit churches showing their intense activity in the region. The folkloric festival at Cosquin and the Rodeo at Jesus Maria are also annual attractions as are cattle sales and the cattle branding. Specific activity itineraries are available for riding, vintage car driving, trekking, golf and mountain biking.
Buenos Aires city break
Should you wish to visit Buenos Aires we can arrange an excellent city break in good hotels with a city tour, Tango dinner and show and more. Please enquire.
GETTING TO Cordoba Airport
As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book your flights for you. Should you wish to book your own flights please see our flights page for some options.
Alternative travel to Cordoba
It is also possible to arrive in Cordoba by overnight luxury bus from Buenos Aires. Unlike travelling in the UK these are very luxurious liners comparable to first class on an airline. Each person has a seat that folds out to a full bed with pillow and duvet. We all loved it and slept well! This is convenient and considerably more reasonably priced and easily available than internal flights. We can highly recommend this form of travel. Buses leave the Buenos Aires bus terminal arround 22.00 and arrive in Cordoba 06.00-07.00. You will be met at the bus terminal and transferred to Los Poteros, a trip of 45 min.
The weight limit for this ride is 15st /210 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation, meals, drinks (including wine, beer and spirits), all activities including riding as described, transfer from Cordoba and English speaking guide.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Gratuities and items of a personal nature. A single supplement may be payable if a single rooms is requested but this is not charged if the Estancia is not full.
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