Argentina - Estancia Los Potreros

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from SN of Toronto on 13/11/2023

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. The riding is “Western”, very relaxed, and at any pace dependent on your ability. Riding is usually centred round the Estancia life with occasional overnight excursions. Longer expeditions can be arranged. Scenic rides out and horseback visits to local sights are also options. There is no riding on Sunday afternoons.

Ad-hoc overnight rides
For guests staying at the estancia for 5 nights or more during the summer months, ‘ad hoc’ 2 day/1 night can usually be arranged with sufficient notice at an additional charge (payable locally), minimum 2 people. Please enquire at the time of booking.

Polo
'Learn to play polo' weeks are available from October to April subject to availability and a minimum of 2 people. These are the same as estancia stays, plus half day "stick and ball" and practise chukkas; daily tuition; in house tournament on the last day; daily trail ride.
For more serious polo playing see the set date Polo Week itineraries.

There is no set itinerary for this horse riding holiday, the following is an example of some of the options available: On arrival guests are introduced to the horses and gauchos, followed by a familiarisation ride to a view point. A half, or full day ride on the estate following streams through valleys to the "top of the world" with 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, a 16th century 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
Kevin is your host on this ride. The Begg family have lived on the Estancia for 4 generations and know its history intimately.

**PLEASE NOTE: Prices for this ride include a tax discount for non-residents of Argentina. Riders must provide a photocopy/scan of their passport at the time of booking to qualify for this discount. Argentinian riders are asked to contact us for prices excluding the discount.**

Non-rider and other activities
There is plenty to do for non-riders and those wanting a day off. Walk in the hills and explore the streams, watch the exotic bird life or just lay 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 guests 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.

Additional Package Activities Available (Prices on request)

Cooking classes at the castle - Learn the intracacies of making the perfect pasta
Wine tasting and visits to local vineyards
Excusrion to Bolsena Lake - the biggest volcanic lake in Eurioe
Ferry (or hire a boat) to visit Bisentina Island. 17ha of fascinating exploring of gardens and monuments dating from pre 5th century.
Visit the ancient towns of Orvieto and Civita Di Bagnoregio

Staying in the Winter from June to September?
Also enjoy, free of charge (subject to availability):
- a half day polo session with tuition and the chance to play some ‘chukkas’
- a demonstration by our horse-breaker on our style of working with young horses
- an organised photo shoot of our herd of beautiful horses galloping on the hills
- gaucho skills afternoon - watch the gauchos in action taking part in some of their favourite activities, such as lassoing, and then have a go yourself!

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 for more information.

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 between 4 - 6 hours riding per day on the estancia ranch stays. Usually there is a morning and afternoon ride, or a day ride with picnic lunch. Polo is played once a week, usually on a Wednesday but it could be changed to another day depending on circumstances. There is no riding on Sunday afternoons. The riding is 'Western' and very relaxed. The tack is English with sheepskins over the saddles. You can ride at any pace dependent on your ability, although terrain dictates a lot of pace. Riding is usually centred round the Estancia life with occasional overnight excursions, and longer expeditions can be arranged. Scenic rides out and horseback visits to local sights are all part of the itinerary. Paso Peruanos are bred here, and this breed exhibit the 5th 'pace' gait. Other breeds include criollos and mestizos, used mostly for cattle work, and polo ponies. These horses have exceptionally soft mouths, are well mannered and in excellent condition, they are responsive and sure-footed.

Beginner, novice, intermediate and experienced riders are all catered for and can ride together or separately as wanted. There is informal tuition available for those wanting to improve, as well as riders wishing to try some polo.

There is no upper age limit and children over the age of 10 are welcome to ride. Children aged over 10 years can only ride if they are able to sit and control their horse independently and if they do not ride they must be accompanied on the Estancia at all times by an adult. If your child/ren are younger but do have an independent seat then please do enquire. For the children's convenience the dinner times are a little earlier than the adults, although lunches are taken together. Children must be accompanied by an adult on all rides. There are 2 cottages available with interconnecting rooms, ideal for families. The weight limit is 15stone/95kg/210lbs and 13stone/83kg/182lbs for the Peruvian Paso horses (some heavier horses are available although this is not guaranteed).

The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

The Estancia rooms are individually and authentically decorated with wood stoves to heat the rooms. They are well furnished with good quality linen and antique furniture. All have private bathrooms. The rooms are lit by electricity generated on the Estancia. The Estancia is a working cattle ranch, with a herd of approximately 400 Aberdden Angus which are bred here.

The food is plentiful and beautifully prepared. Breakfast is home made bread and toast, cereals, bacon and home produced eggs. Lunch is a 2 course cooked meal, salads, sometimes BBQ, and wine. Sometimes it is a picnic lunch on an all day ride. Dinner can be home-grown beef dishes, but always changes daily with a good range of cuisine all delicious. 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.

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

Cordoba is known for its good weather and healthy climate; "siempre de temporada" always in season, is the old slogan. The climate can vary but is generally sunny and dry, the rainy season is in the summer months. The winter is short but can be cold at night, it is usually warm and sunny in the middle of the day.The sun can be very strong so hats and good protection is recommended all year round.

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.

Please take along sun cream and anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites.

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 electricity available at the Estancia for digital cameras and video recorders. There is free wi-fi in the main building, a laptop for guest use and a satellite phone for emergencies. There is limited mobile phone coverage. Please note that the wi-fi is satellite based and as such can be slow and/or intermittent. In addition wi-fi is turned off during mealtimes on the estancia. If you want to bring a GoPro please be advised that you will have to have permission from all other guests and guides that they are willing to be filmed.

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384
- Gloves
- Clothing for horseback riding (resistant fabric pants, fast drying shirts, long sleeve shirts to protect from the sun)
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Broad rimmed hat which must stay on firmly
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Trainers which are comfortable to walk in
- Raincoat - although it rains very rarely it may be a good idea to pack a waterproof/ windproof jacket
- Sleeping bag (one can be provided, but we recommend you bring your own)
- Shorts
- Sarong or wrap
- Swimsuit
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with string
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Small camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- Power banks as there will be no where to charge phones/cameras
- Torch for the evenings
- Binoculars
- Copies of passport and travel insurance and plastic bags for keeping documents dry

Provided by hosts
Sleeping bag

Laundry can be done for you on request

The Estancia is open for guests all year round including Christmas. Any length of stay can be booked, although 5 - 14 days are recommended. There is a minimum stay of 3 nights required for normal times and 5 nights for Christmas, New Year and Easter.

2024/5: Open all year except May and June, anytime arrival and departure.
Christmas/New Year: 1 - 15 January, 15 - 31 December

There is no single supplement providing one of the three allocated single occupancy rooms is available. A guaranteed double room for single occupancy available at a supplement.

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Rough Guide to Argentina - 2nd Edition - Danny Aeberhard

On A Hoof And A Prayer: Around Argentina At A Gallop  - Polly Evans

Footprint Argentina Handbook - Christabelle Dilks

‘Gauchos and the Vanishing Frontier’ –Richard W Slatta,

‘The Drunken Forest’ and ‘The Whispering Land’ – Gerald Durrell,

‘Saddled With Darwin’- Toby Green

‘In Patagonia’ – Bruce Chatwin.

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 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 (55Km) 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. Dove shooting is also available locally.

The Cordoba hills are in the centre of Argentina and are famous for their healthy climate and wonderful scenery. The higher land is bare of trees and covered in long straw like grass called ‘paja brava’ which the animals eat in the winter months. There are a number of tree varieties, acacias, cocos and molles are the most common, and wild flowers cover the hills from early spring to autumn. There is an interesting variety of bird species from vultures and eagles down to the most brightly coloured humming birds. Condors today have returned to the hills.

Partridges and doves are plentiful. Foxes and hares can often be seen, though pumas, wild boar and small deer are more elusive.
The locals are steady, respectful and gentle people. The culture of the gaucho and reverence of the horse is strong and bring with them the best traditions of Argentina. The locals gather for annual religious or music festivals and ride to the venues kitted in their best attire riding their sharpest steeds.

**PLEASE NOTE: Prices for this ride include a tax discount for non-residents of Argentina. Riders must provide a photocopy/scan of their passport at the time of booking to qualify for this discount. Argentinian riders are asked to contact us for prices excluding the discount.**

There is free wi-fi in the main building, a laptop for guest use and a satellite phone for emergencies. There is limited mobile phone coverage. Please note that the wi-fi is satellite based and as such can be slow and/or intermittent. In addition wi-fi is turned off during mealtimes on the estancia.

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.