Wake up with the dawn light and become immersed in the purest experience of rural Argentina, embarking on a equestrian ride led by seasoned gauchos—the traditional South American cowboys whose knowledge of the land is as old as the estancia itself.
The centre based horseback ride moves through landscapes that feel untouched by time. Here, vast open fields stretch endlessly, dotted with ancient groves of native trees that provide shade and a sense of serenity. The path winds along estuaries, where you can observe local birdlife and hear the calls of nature all around. The horseback trip also visits the river coast, offering breath taking views of the water and a peacefulness that only this secluded northern corner of Argentina can provide.
This estancia is not just a ranch; it’s a multi-generational family estate rooted deeply in Argentina’s cattle-ranching traditions. With each generation, the family has preserved the customs, culture, and pride of their gaucho heritage, creating an authentic experience that allows visitors to connect to a storied way of life. Located near the border of Uruguay, this estancia brings together history, nature, and a quiet majesty—an idyllic escape into Argentina’s pastoral heartland.
While horses are central to the Estancia’s cattle work, there are many other activities on offer eg 4WD, wildlife viewing, fishing, golf and this is a perfect location for a mix of riders and non-riders.
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Sample itinerary. This can be tailored to suit the requirements of the group.
Arrival Day: Arrival in Beunos Aires. Either hire a car if you intend to drive to the estancia, or we recommend a transfer to the bus station to cathc an overnight bus to the Esqiuna bus station. Overnight busses are very luxurous with flat beds and meals served and a perfect way to cover this distance.
Day 1
Arrival and Introduction Ride: Upon arrival at the bus terminal, riders will be transferred to the Estancia (if arriving by car, report to reception), and be greeted with breakfast. There is time to relax before an introduction to the ranch facilities and grounds, with a chance to visit the corrals where the gauchos work with the cattle. Lunch is served back the Estancia. In the afternoon, after an introduction to the horses and the riding style, each rider will be carefully paired with their mount for 1 hour ride along the palm tree trail, giving both rider and horse the time to acclimatise. After the ride, return to the ranch for tea and some free time to explore before dinner.
Day 2
Riding to the Corriente River: After breakfast at the Estancia the group head off for a ride to the Corriente River, passing an old cemetery and a rural school before crossing the provincial route and continue through the bush reach the river where a freshly cooked lunch will be waiting, along with Argentinian red wine or a cold beer. This is followed by a siesta, or simply relaxing by the river. On the return ride to the Estancia the riders cross the river on horseback (when the water is deep there is the option to swim on horseback). Keep a look out for the many different animals along the way. Afternoon tea is served on arrival and plenty of free time to relax before dinner, either in the dining room, or a traditional outside asado.
Day 3
Horseback riding to the “Estero”: Breakfast at the Estancia before setting off toward the Estero, situated at the “pucu” lagoon Observe the many antelope and deer along the journey while passing through a peaceful pine forest. Stop for a typical Argentine picnic style lunch along the way. After lunch there is mMore exploring on horseback, passing many small lagoons that are home to alligators and capybaras. Arrive at the Estero and the purpose-built shelter next to the lagoon. Riders have the option to spend the night here for a full gaucho experience and feel the freedom of the countryside. Take a nap in one of the comfortable hammocks before exploring the scenic countryside, bird-watching, and relaxing. Spend a magical evening, with an asado cooked on our open fire followed by music and stories by the campfire under the starlit sky
Day 4
Have breakfast cooked on an open fire at the Estero before making a leisurely departure back towards the Estancia passing through dense forests and lagoons. On arriving, relax until lunch before heading out on horseback in the afternoon to explore and capture some superb photos of the area. Return forrefreshments and cakes at the Estancia and relax before dinner.
Day 5
Breakfast at the Estancia followed by participating in typical gaucho activities like helping to herd the horses in the corral for their health checks, or checking on the cows and their calves. After a leisurely lunch at the Estancia saddle up again to continue with the gaucho activities – maybe even channelling ones inner gaucho to try lassoing!. It isn't all work, and there is also the opportunity to take part in the typical gaucho games such as the “carrera de sortijas” (ring race) and “carrera de barriles” (barrel race). After refeshments and cake, there is free time before dinner.
Day 6
During a final breakfast at the Estancia, the group decide which direction to take for the morning ride. Relax over lunch by the river or the lagoon before a nap in a hammock/ Return to the Estancia, taking the opportunity to take photos, and maybe even a final gallop. Refreshments and cakes on return to the Estancia forllowed by ffree time to relax to pack for the return trip. •After a final dinner guests will be transfered to Esquina bus terminal to start the journey home.
Departure Day: Arrival back in Buenos Aires for the flight home.
Non-rider and other activities (included):
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
There are 80 criollo horses with around 30 available for guest use, around 14.2-16hh with a few smaller ponies for children. All levels of rider are welcome.
The saddles are the typical gaucho saddles: deep with high cantle and pommel and sheepskin coverings, ideal for long days in the saddle. If neccessary there are also 2 English and 2 western saddles available. Riding style is western.
The horses are very safe, good-natured, calm, relaxed and very willing. There is a horse to suit everyone from schoolmaster to forward going and responsive.
Beginners "learn by doing" on good horses and feel confident in the saddle after just a few hours. The program is designed around your wishes - you can ride 8 hours a day for 8 days if you like.
There are a variety of rides to reflect the different landscapes eg to the nearby marshland or gallop on the kilometre-long sandy beach along the Rio Corrientes.
There is always cattle work to be done: gathering and moving herds, dipping, feeding, lassoing and doctoring. This is the perfect opportunity to learn all about the daily work and life of the traditional Argentinian gaucho.
All levels of riders are welcome.
Minimum riding age 10yrs
The weight limit for this ride is 242 lb/110 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
Food is excellent, mostly home grown from the very large vegetable garden and surrounding orchards. Although (home grown) meat is featured prominently vegetarians and vegans can usually be catered for with prior notice. Gloria is an excellent cook with a skilled kitchen team and happy to share her traditional cooking style and recipes with guests in informal “lessons” in the kitchen.
The main house is built in colonial style and surrounded by a park with numerous ancient trees. It has 4 comfortable bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms/shower. There is an additional house close by with 4 more equally as comfortable en-suite bedrooms.
The main house has a large dining room and living room with an open fire making it very cosy in the colder months. There is also a typical Argentinian bar with pool table and sattelite TV. On the veranda there are a variety of seating options for you to take a nap in the afternoon or relax with a good book. There is a barbacue area, large swimming pool (mid November to mid March) and soccer field.
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. When visiting Argentina your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/argentina In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Argentina.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/argentina
Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
Nearby Esquina's climate is classified as warm and temperate. The rainfall in Esquina is significant, with precipitation even during the driest month. The climate here is classified as Cfa by the Köppen-Geiger. The average temperature in Esquina is 20.0 °C | 67.9 °F. The annual precipitation in this location is approximately 1360 mm | 53.5 inch.
The months of summer are: December, January, February, March. It is recommended that the optimal period for embarking on a journey would be during January, February, March, November, December.
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to some parts of the country.
Health authorities have classified Argentina as having a risk of Zika virus transmission.
Dengue fever can occur throughout the year. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Argentina and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
In Argentina the supply voltage is 220V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 220V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.
There is WIFI at the lodge and the mobile coverage is improving day by day. If using a GoPro please ensure to have the permission of the other guests to be filmed.
Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries, casual clothes, and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards (some locations can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Riding gloves
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof
Water bottle
Mobile phone
Warmer months:
- Lightweight long sleeved shirts – light colours are best
- Insect repellent
Rainer months:
- Layers are best
- Waterproof coat, gloves & trousers
8 day / 7 night / up to 8 riding days as wanted. Shorter or longer stays available on request.
The estancia is open all year round except 3-18 January.
20% supplement
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | double pp | 1,429 |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 289 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | double pp | 1,689 |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 339 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | double pp | 1,819 |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 365 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | double pp | 19,909 |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 3,985 |
Rough Guide to Argentina
On A Hoof And A Prayer: Around Argentina At A Gallop
Footprint Argentina Handbook
‘Gauchos and the Vanishing Frontier’ –Richard W Slatta,
‘The Drunken Forest’ and ‘The Whispering Land’ – Gerald Durrell,
‘Saddled With Darwin’- Toby Green
For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com
Also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com
There are several ecosystems such as pampa, bush, river and marshland, and as such they have a lot of wildlife and bird species (around 250), with a specialist bird guide you could see 100 species.
Other wildlife can be seen from the boats, such as crocodiles, capybara and various fish/bird species.
Argentina is the second largest country in Latin America after Brazil (almost all the countries of Western Europe and Scandinavia could fit inside Argentina's land mass). The country is diverse and includes rain forest in the north, vast areas of fertile farming land in the centre, the Andean mountain range to the west and the desolate plains of Patagonia in the south, leading down to glaciers at the southern tip. Argentina has the world's southernmost city (Ushaia). Despite Argentina's recent economic woes, its pleasures - stunning natural wonders, an elegant capital and a passionate culture - are still as tempting as ever. Argentina has a distinctly European feel, Argentinians are much more European in temperament than their South American neighbours but their Latin spirit is still evident such as in their love of football and in the tempestuous dance of the Tango. Argentina is three hours behind GMT. Remember in the summer the UK is one hour ahead of GMT and daylight savings is not in use in Argentina. They use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The international dialling code is +54.
