Argentina - Polo Week

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The Polo week is an introduction to polo and is aimed at the novice or occasional player who would like to improve their Polo, but also enjoy varied and interesting rides in fabulous countryside. In the words of the hosts “We would like polo to be cheerful and fun, with no pressure or embarrassment, a starter course”.

On a typical day, a two to three hour morning ride will be followed by lunch at the estancia, or a picnic if out doing some cattle work. The siesta is spent swimming, snoozing, or reading a book. After tea and a ride to the polo ground for a lesson and playing some chukkas at the end of the day. Sometimes this sequence is reversed. Candle-lit dinners back at the farm follow.

Los Potreros can provide guests with polo gear during the stay, however we strongly recommend that you bring your own boots, gloves and helmet to guarantee a comfortable fit.

This is a holiday that way exceeds the average polo estancia and is aimed at riders who have always fancied a "go" at polo plus the advantage of riding adventures in a beautiful landscape, with excellent horses, all within a real country environment. The estancia is not 'precious' about polo, but it would be a mistake to underrate their form of farmers polo!

It is also possible for those with professional polo experience to book Polo Holidays with an in house tournament - these can be arranged at most times of the year with a minimum of four players.

The week includes:
- Stick and ball, polo lessons followed by chukkas
- Riding on the farm, including farm activities when they are going on
- Ride the Paso Peruano horses
- Accommodation at the Estancia
- Full board, appetizers, and drinks
- A wine tasting evening of local wines
- Airport transfers from Cordoba

**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.**

Other activities
There is plenty to do for non-riders and those wanting 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.

Communications
There is free Wi-Fi in the main building on the estancia however it is satellite-based and as such can be slow and/or intermittent. In addition, kindly note that the Wi-Fi is turned off during drinks and meal times at the estancia. There is no mobile phone signal at the estancia.

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. Alternatively, Estancia Los Potreros also owns a studio apartment in Buenos Aires called 'Casa Mini'. It is available for a minimum of 2 nights at a very reasonable price. It is situated right in the centre of Buenos Aires on the main shopping street and makes a cost effective and very comfortable alternative to a hotel. Please enquire for more information.


Reading List
We're avid readers here at Unicorn Trails and have selected several books connected to this ride. If you're interested in reading more about the area before you travel, or want to get into the cultural background, here are some suggestions that may inspire you. Click on the links for more information.

Gauchos and the Vanishing Frontier –Richard W Slatta
The Drunken Forest and The Whispering Land - Gerald Durrell
Saddled with Darwin: A Journey Through South America on Horseback - Toby Green
In Patagonia– Bruce Chatwin

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.

Country Polo is an introduction to polo. It is aimed at the novice or occasional player who would like to improve their Polo but also enjoy varied and interesting rides in fabulous countryside. With notice professional polo tuition is available at an additional cost. Too many hours spent hanging around the “pampas polo estancias” waiting for the lesson gave us the idea of this combination of trail rides and polo lessons! It helps if you are fit. Usually there is a morning ride out and the afternoon is devoted to polo.

On a typical day a two to three hour morning ride will be followed by lunch at the estancia, or a picnic if out doing some cattle work. Swimming, a siesta or reading a book will fill the warm hours. After tea you ride to the polo field and take a lesson playing some chuckkas at the end of the day. Candle-lit dinners back at the farm.

The aim is to prepare for a mini tournament at the end of the week when local players may visit or go to the village and “play away” representing Los Potreros in the team colours. All of this takes place in a beautiful setting allowing you to explore the hills and a traditional way of life. Sunday afternoons is a rest day for the horses.

The riding style is "polo" and very relaxed with loose reins and neck reining. You can ride at any pace dependent on your ability although terrain dictates a lot of pace. Other than polo, riding is usually centred round the Estancia life with occasional overnight excursions, longer expeditions are 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.

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.

Intermediate and experienced riders will get the best out of the polo tuition. Beginners onwards can be accommodated on other rides on the estancia but not on the polo lessons. Riders of all ages are welcomed into the large multi-generational family set up, however for this particular itinerary there is a minimum age of 10. There are 2 cottages available with interconnecting rooms, ideal for families.
Weight limit is 13 stone/83kg/182lbs.

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 decorated authentically 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 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 can be accommodated with advanced notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests.

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.

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. Film should be purchased before arrival at the Estancia.
There is free Wi-Fi in the main building on the estancia however it is satellite-based and as such can be slow and/or intermittent. In addition, kindly note that the Wi-Fi is turned off during drinks and meal times at the estancia. There is no mobile phone signal at the estancia.

Laundry can be done for you on request. Light summer clothing is needed on most of the departure dates.

You need a riding helmet or a broad rimmed hat which must stay on firmly and sunglasses with string. 2 pairs of riding trousers, half chaps are recommended, riding gloves, jersey, warm jacket (spring, autumn and winter), shorts, long sleeves shirts, T-shirts, sarong or wrap, swimsuit, 4 pairs of socks, raincoat (seasonal), sun block, camera on a shoulder strap with a pouch which can be secured to your belt, binoculars, lightweight riding boots and another pair of shoes, perhaps trainers which are comfortable to walk in. Some reading material.

A selection of hard hats available provided on site.

This is an 8d/7 night itinerary on set dates throughout the year. Polo weeks can also be arranged for four or more players at any time.

2023: 6 March; 2 October; 6 November.
Other dates on request for 2+ people

There are 3 single rooms at the Estancia which can be booked without a supplement. To guarantee a double room for single occupancy a supplement applies.

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‘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 an excellent selection of equestrian travel and adventure books visit www.horsetravelbooks.com (part of the Long Rider’s Guild).

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 and bird watching. Wine tasting, visiting local estanciasand painting on the estancia are all offered too. 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.**

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 that 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.