South America Vacations

Argentina Adventure Vacations

7 Days Argentinean Estancia Adventure Tour Package

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Priced From: $648 pp dbl. occ.
Departures: Daily

 



Estancia Los Potreros is an exclusive 6,000-acre working cattle farm that has remained in the same Anglo-Argentine family for four generations.

The Estancia is very secluded on the top of the "Sierras Chicas " in Argentina at an altitude of 3,000 feet, nestled between the pampas and the Andes n the heart of the beautiful region of Cordoba.

It is steeped in family history and locally there is much evidence of the pioneering work of the Jesuits who first organized farming in the area before they were forced to leave in 1765.

The family provide guests with an unforgettable vacation and a first hand contact with the rural traditions of Argentina.

Group Size: Min 2 - Max 16
Accommodations: Traditional Estancia

Sit back, relax and do nothing. But you are relaxing on a traditional working Argentinean estancia. A perfect choice to finish off a journey in to Southern Patagonia or Antarctica or as part of your Argentinean adventure. All meals supplied while on the estancia.

The Estancia sets high standard of professionalism in vacation accommodation, food, and guiding, taking care of the guests with unrivalled personal attention to detail. The estancia also provides a unique experience for those who would like to combine the pleasures of estancia life with distance horseback riding.

If you are on a riding vacation this is usually centred round the estancia life with occasional overnight excursions: longer expeditions are arranged and you can have the chance to ride from one estancia to another. Other Options While Relaxing Golf

There are three excellent 18 hole golf courses within 35 km of Los Potreros: Córdoba Golf Club, La Cumbre Golf Club and Ascochinga Golf Club. Caddies and club rentals are available on all courses.

Los Potreros has a Polo field often used as a driving range and impromptu three-hole course!

Córdoba (Villa Allende) has a magnificent 6824 yd. par 72 parkland course founded in 1922 only minutes away from Córdoba City, which hosts the Open Championship of the central region of Argentina.

La Cumbre has a 5991 yd. par 70 parkland course built in 1924 which has hosted several international tournaments.

Ascochinga has a 6350 yd. par 72 course only half an hour away from Los Potreros. Trekking

Estancia los Potreros is the starting point for unique adventurous treks. Trips are independent and tailor-made. Many use the estancia as a base and return every night to the comfort of the estancia, this popular option is open year round.

The "distance walks" are more testing, involve camping and have fixed departures. You should be relatively fit, at times remote and challenging you will go beyond the normal holiday routes. They span the sierras from valley to valley and soak up the warm hospitality offered by small farms.

A distance walk.

Six-day trek.

The challenge of this trek is to cross the sierras from east to west and to climb the highest peak in the sierras (Cerro Uritorco 1970 m 6938 ft, is known as the place with most frequent UFO sightings in Argentina). The walk is mainly along the water divide of the Sierra Chicas with wonderful views over the pampas to the east and the "valle de Punilla" to the West.

The first option is five days and four nights. We recommend an extra night at Potrero de Loza to make it six days and five nights the cost is the same.

Day 1. Meet your hosts at Cordoba Pajas Blancas airport (COR) preferably arriving in the morning to make the most of the day. Transfer to the edge of the sierras near the village of Unquillo. Commence ascent to the plateau. Night spent on the top of the sierra at Estancia Potrero de Loza, this is an old cattle ranch that breads horses and Aberdeen Angus, and it once dominated the whole area. The walk will be assisted by one or two horses that will take the equipment on panniers so making the first day lighter and the ascent easier. First night a typical Argentine outdoor open fire barbecue prepared by the gauchos.

Day 2. *Leave Estancia Potrero de Loza and walk through rolling grassland and along earth roads past the Canada de los Condores, with a mid morning stop at Estancia Potrero de Niz. Picnic lunch near the top of the sierras before arriving at Mentas farm (cabin). Menta is a wonderful host and a good cook. Together with her brother she ekes a meagre existence from her small holding. The visit is worth the experience! Swim in cool fast flowing crystal clear streams. We can spend the night camping or indoors if the weather is inclement.

Day 3. From Candonga we wind north towards La Cumbre partly along an earth road. We aim to reach Loma Grande for the night. The stone cabin is not reached by any other means than walking or riding. The small stone house has no road or electricity but does have hot showers, excellent food and spectacular views.

Day 4. Early morning ascent from Loma Grande along old paths and then out on to the open grasslands with beautiful views east and west. Picnic lunch along the way as on all days. We then walk north along the water shed to the base of the Cerro Uritorco (at 6,398 feet, the highest point in the sierras Chicas). We camp for the night at the foot of the peak.

Day 5. Early morning ascent of the peak. After reaching the top we return walking down the West side of the mountain into the town of Capilla del Monte for a restaurant lunch. Return to Estancia Los Potreros or Cordoba airport to continue journey.

All itineraries are subject to change.

*There is a chance to spend an extra night and Potrero de Loza. We recommend a day riding on the fabulous "Paso Peruano" horses as well as "wine tasting" savouring some of the local wines. All activities are included. Wine Tasting

Argentina is the fifth largest producer of wine in the world; you will be trying various wines throughout your stay in Argentina. The vineyards are based almost entirely on European grape varieties. Vast stretches of fertile vineyards stretch along the foothills of the Andes dotted with more than 2,000 wineries.

The region is blessed with a combination of plentiful water, sandy soil, a dry climate and year-round sunshine, which makes for enormous yields.

Cordoba has a wine growing tradition that goes back some time. Records show that 10,000 vines were planted the year after the foundation of Cordoba in 1574.

The wine cellar of the Jesus Maria Jesuit farm was the largest in the Spanish colony of the River Plate. From this cellar, the very first bottle of wine from the Spanish Americas was sent to the king in Spain. This wine was christened "Lagrimilla", which we still drink as a dessert wine at Los Potreros today!

Wine production in Cordoba had a second wind when the immigrants arrived from the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia in northern Italy. They founded "Colonia Caroya" in 1878 only 50 kilometers from Cordoba city in the heart of the old Jesuit country. The spirit of those pioneers still continues, as do some of their traditions and dialects.

Today riders, drivers, walkers and birdwatchers alike all enjoy the Cordoba wine produced by the Bodega Caroyense. Trying the different wines is great fun. La Caroyense selects grapes from other provinces as well as the homegrown. Some of the better wines are from these selected grapes.

Half a century ago, Estancia Los Potreros had a small home production of wine. Today using modern methods, La Caroyense produce and bottle the only private wine in their cellars for Estancia Los Potreros. The popularity of the Malbec and Torrontes is now spreading beyond the visitors of the estancia.

Trail ride

Horseback Riding and Safaris

The horses, all bred on the estancia, have exceptionally soft mouths, are well mannered and in excellent condition, they are responsive and sure-footed, and most are either "Criollos" or "Paso Peruanos" with some crossbreeds. These horses differ in that here they are used constantly on the farm, moving cattle over the terrain makes them sure footed and willing animals.

The tack is English with sheepskins over the saddles. The horses are chosen to suit the ability of the horseback rider. The horseback riding is "Western" and very relaxed. There is a vast area to explore across the Sierras and we tend to arrange the itinerary according to the visitors wishes.

Horseback riding is usually centred round the estancia life with occasional overnight excursions: longer expeditions are arranged and you can have the chance to ride horseback from one estancia to another.

Los Potreros is a place for people who appreciate fine horses and know how to ride horseback. However, there are horses for every ability, and beginners are welcome.

The ranch's forte for horse lovers is its Peruvian paso horses, which here are used to round up cattle on the rocky hillsides like any criollo equine, giving lie to the popular notion that they can only amble and are incapable of galloping surefootedly. The one assigned to me gave me one of the smoothest canters I have ever enjoyed, in addition to the superb swift ambling walk that is innate in the breed.

If on a trail horseback ride you should expect to be in the saddle between four to six hours a day with the occasional days requiring an extra push to reach the objective. Nights away from Los Potreros are spent camping or in local dwellings (you have a choice) allowing the visitors to experience another way of life . All horseback riding abilities can be catered for there is a minimum age of 15 years.

(eight day/seven nights example itinerary)

This horseback ride takes you over the constantly changing geography of the region, through areas impossible to reach by car. You stay at a variety of locations from cattle estancias to very simple dwellings exposing you to the life of the local people. This expedition is rich in local history and offers some exceptional horseback riding.

Day 1. Meet your host at Cordoba Pajas Blancas airport (COR). Transfer to Los Potreros (approx 1 hours drive). Afternoon horseback ride if time allows to Estancia Chiviquin , an old cattle outpost. This is a very and simple traditional dwelling and offers an insight to cattle farming in these remote areas. Enjoy a candle-lit dinner, this is a tradition on every evening when staying at Los Potreros, an opportunity to discuss the plan for the rest of the expedition.

Day 2. A morning horseback ride to feel comfortable with your horse and the gauchos. Ride horseback to some of the high points and get your bearings. Explore the cattle ranch.

Lunch is a traditional Argentine "asado" (barbecue) by the pool with several cuts of meat to try. The afternoon may be spent swimming or walking. Watch the sun go down, enjoying a drink on the "Patio Verde". Dinner and night spent at Estancia Potrero de Loza and if the moonlight allows: go to a high point to see the lights of the city of Cordoba in the distance. On the way hear the sound of the "church bell stone" that inspired the bell-shaped cattle brand of this farm.

Day 3. Ride horseback "Across country" past "Canada de los Condores " Canyon of the Condors, where condors may sometimes be seen, to "La Estancita" for a picnic lunch at the local school, visit Dominican church go past local dwellings and small farms. Night spent at Estancia Potrero de Niz or camp out (optional).

Day 4. Set out towards Candonga going north along the top of the Sierras Chicas towards Mentas farm (cabin). Menta is a wonderful host and a good cook. Together with her brother she ekes a meagre existence from her small holding. The visit is worth the experience! Some earth road work. Swim in cool fast flowing crystal clear streams. Stay in Mentas cabin or camp out. Visit Candoga church (C1650).

Day 5. Long horseback ride, some on earth roads. Climb above La Cumbre to the "Loma Grande". Dinner and night spent at a charming and secluded stone lodge. The house is not reached by any other means than walking or horseback riding. The stone constructed house has no road or electricity but hot showers, excellent food and spectacular views. One can spend the night camping or indoors if the weather is inclement. Don't miss the night stars, one feels one could reach and touch them.

Day 6. Descend on horseback to explore the charming town of La Cumbre (town of English origin built around a golf course at 1,150 m ASL) at the top of the Punilla valley. Chance to do some shopping and replenish stocks. Try the excellent local beer! We wind down towards La Falda along the "Camino de Los Artesanos" towards Estancia Alto San Pedro. Night spent at local Inn or estancia depending on availability.

Day 7. Early morning horseback ride towards "El Cuadrado" earth road. Passing the outskirts of La Falda, a town of German origin, via the remains of the famous Eden Hotel (funded by Hitler during the war and now a museum). Climb ridge to vermiculite mines (Cerro Sapo ), we make our way along the top of a ridge seeing the views across the Valle de Punilla. Return past El Vergel and dinner and overnight at Estancia Los Potreros.

Day 8. Farewell horseback ride on the estancia before returning to the airport. Polo

You can always "stick and ball" at the estancia. Beginners are welcome and encouraged to try this noble sport. Country Polo

A "country polo" week with an in house tournament will take place for the 1st and 2nd week of December and guests are welcome. This concentrated week of polo can be arranged at most times of the year with a minimum of four players. Professional polo tuition is also available. 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

All meals, appetizers, and drinks

A wine tasting evening of local wines

Airport transfers from Cordoba 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. "We would like polo to be cheerful and fun, with no pressure or embarrassment, a starter rather than main course". In 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 we ride to the polo ground and take a lesson playing some chukkas at the end of the day. Candle-lit dinners back at the farm. We hope 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. Los Potreros can provide you with polo gear during your stay, however we strongly recommend that you bring your own boots, loves and helmet to guarantee a comfortable fit.

• Transfers to/from Cordoba airport
• Accommodation
• Full board including all drinks
• Daily riding, guides and equipment
• All other activities whilst on the estancia

Trail ride

• Transfers to/from Cordoba airport
• Accommodation
• Full board including all drinks
• Guides and equipment
• Support vehicle

Polo weeks

Same as above plus:

• Stick and ball
• Practice chukkas once a day
• All polo equipment
• Daily tuition from the estancia management
• At least two sessions of tuition from a low/medium goal polo professional
• In-house tournament on final day

Not included in this package

• Domestic Flights
• Visa fees (if required)
• Passport & Visa Costs
• Vaccination Costs
• Personal Spending Money
• Meals where not listed
• Drinks
• International Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Airport departure taxes
• Border taxes or fees

• Buenos Aires City add-ons
• Puerto Madryn add on
• Patagonia extensions
• Antarctica Expeditions

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