Argentina - Cordoba Estancia

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Day 1
Transfer from Cordoba airport through breathtaking mountain landscapes to the estancia (2.5 hours). Depending on arrival time, riders have a snack (or lunch) before and can spend the rest of the say relaxing by the pool, or maybe a tennis match to loosen up the muscels before dinner.

Day 2
After breakfast, meet the horses and discuss riding experience. An induction, meeting the Peruvian Pasos and their gait, the Paso llano, with tips on how to sit. After lunch ride out in the countryside past farmhouses and along small rivers. Visit the chapel “Nuestra Señora de Fátima”, built in honour of the beatified 'Gaucho Priest'. After a picnic lunch take a different trail back through the traditional farmlands. Dinner and overnight at the estancia.

Day 3
After breakfast, ride into the Altas Cumbres mountains to a remote farm to meet a family and learn about traditional life on a farm. This trail can be walked or ridden and passes an area of special microclimate created by “Huaico”. Picnic on the farm with the family and learn about their life and traditions. Ride back to the estancia in the afternoon and relax until dinner.

Day 4
Today's ride leads into the mountains to the Mogote, a residual hill, with far reaching views of the nearby valleys and mountains. En route, there is a short break to visit the Rocsen museum. The trail crosses canyons and rivers, then finally reaches the top where the back up team have brought a picnic lunch. Relax with views over the Traslasierra Valley and then ride back to the estancia for dinner.

Day 5
The day starts with breakfast before riding to the cattle ranch Pozo del Algarrobo, about 16 km from the Estancia, where riders get to enjoy a barbecue and take part in the daily chores of the ranch. Follow riding trails surrounded by meadows along the La Viña dam before heaing back to the estancia for dinner

Day 6
After breakfast, transfer back to the horses and begin a horseback ride to San Jerónimo. Stop for a picnic lunch before setting off to San Jerónimo, where riders spend the night in comfortable cabins, and dinner in the mountains 

Day 7
Those riders who stayed at the estancia will enjoy a relaxing morning, while the adventurers will set off from San Jerónimo  ride toward the majestic Quebrada de los Dos Ríos. The group reunites in San Jerónimo for lunch. Say goodbye to the hoses and leave them in the caring hands, while the Ampascachi’s logistics team transfers riders back to the estancia (1 hour drive). End the day with a special farewell dinner accompanied by folk music. 

Day 8
After breakfast, transfer to Cordoba airport.

All riding days are optional and there are other activities at the estancia for those who wish to remain there.

We are part of the programme NO DEJE RASTROS (NDR) that translates to 'Leave No Trace'. The idea is to minimize the impact on nature and the environment by education about ethical behaviour and techniques so future visitors can also enjoy a pristine experience. The programme unites social and institutional conditions, and emphasises the importance of protecting the environment. If we damage our natural world, it has impacts on soil, vegetation, flora and fauna and water resources, and hence our quality of life.

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.

The horses are gaited Peruvian Paso horses, bred on the farm. The Paso Llano is a 4-beat gait, a little like the Icelandic tölt, a comfortable pace for long distances. Using anatomic saddles, similar to the Argentine gaucho type, the animals are responsive to light aids and ridden in comfortable short shank Pelham bits, The reins and bridle are made of sole leather which is also used when getting a horse under saddle. The daily rides, including the excursion to the cattle farm, are optional.

Intermediate riders onwards will adapt to the Paso Llano.
Minimum riding age 16;
Maximum rider weight 100kg.
Riders must bring their own well-fitting riding helmet and its use is mandatory.

The weight limit for this ride is 220 lb/100 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

The estancia is a colonial country house that has been refurbished to offer maximum comfort to guests while preserving its charming gaucho style. There are 9 rooms and 2 apartments with central heating and private bathrooms and air conditioning. There is a training area for the horses, a swimming pool and tennis courts.

Expect local cuisine with typical regional recipes prepared by the resident chef. There is an optional excursion to a cattle farm with camping.

 

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

The climate is considered warm and temperate. During the winter season, precipitation levels are significantly lower compared to those experienced in summer. In Nono, the mean yearly temperature amounts to 15.3 °C | 59.6 °F. In a year, the rainfall is 1093 mm | 43.0 inch. The geographical position of Nono is situated in the southern hemisphere. Summer begins in December and ends at the end of January. The months of summer are: December, January, February, March. According to our analysis, the optimal period for embarking on a journey is during January, February, March, November, December. In July, the precipitation level plummets to a mere 15 mm | 0.6 inch. This month holds the title for being exceptionally arid. The majority of rainfall occurs during the month with the highest precipitation, which is January, and has an average amount of 189 mm | 7.4 inch.

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 internet connection and wi-fi in the reception area but it doesn't extend to the rooms. If using a GoPro ensure you have the group's permission 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
- 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

Can be provided by hosts:
Riding Helmet

8d / 7n programme with 6 riding days. Departures Mar - June; Aug - Dec

2025: 31 Aug; 14 Sep; 19 Oct; 2, 16, 30 Nov; 14, 28 Dec
2026: 18, 31 Jan; 15, 28 Feb; 15, 28 Mar; 18 Apr; 2 May

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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

Tennis, Swimming, hiking, tabletennis.

Typical wildlife on the ride are hares, foxes and condors.

Nono is a small town full of history with a cultural background and heritage that root back to local native tribes and the Spanish colonialists. Please carry your passport with you at all times or if you leave it in a safe, carry a copy of your passport with you and always have a copy of your passport separately in your luggage. In Argentina, you can pay by credit or debit card, you can also change foreign into national currency at a bank, also Ampascachi offers that service.

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.