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| ARGENTINA : Ranch and Riding Tours in Cordoba |
43:Cordoba Ranch Holidays:8-D/7-N/6 R/Saturday to Sat.
43:Bellstone Ride:8-D/7-N/7 RD/Sat. to Sat
43:Polo weeks:8-D/7-N/7/RD/Sat. to Sat |
| What: |
Los Potreros is multi-generational family run horse and cattle ranch that hosts up to 30 person a week. The riding program whatever your option is generous in terms of hours, and quality of horses, either Paso Peruvians, or criollos or some of both to ride. The historic countryside is much as it was and the Bellstone Ride allows you to explore the lost villages by-passed by modern roads. Polo weeks are a chance for beginning polo players to get their feet wet in the world of polo hoping to move to at least a level of controlled chaos on the polo fields. There are so many things to do on horseback that you cannot exhaust the possibilities in a week. |
| Dates and Rates: |
Property operates year round.
Ranch Stays: Rates 2008: $340 US/170 GBP/250 E per person per day.
Polo Weeks: 8 D/7 N/7 RD. March
29-April 5, Aug. 16-23, and Nov. 15-22. Rates: $2730 US/1362 GBP/1992 E. per person, per week.
Bellstone: Feb. 23-March1, 15-22, Sept 27-Oct4, 25-Nov.1.
Rates: $2730 US/1362 GBP/1992 E. per person, per week based on double occupancy.
Rates include full board, accommodation, with all drinks, all activities, guides, porters, equipment support vehicle, horses and equipment, as well as transfers from Cordoba. |
| Horsesense: |
The riding tours require at least confident intermediate riders. Horses are criollo, and Peruvian Paso and crossbreds. The tack is English with sheepskins over the saddles. You ride 4- 6 hours on the estancia, consisting of either a morning and afternoon ride or a day/picnic ride.Informal polo is played once a week at no additional cost. Costs staying over 5 night might request ‘ad hoc’ overnight trail rides. Children may ride provided they are able to sit and control their horse independently. Weight limits are 15 stone/95 kg/210 lbs for estancia ride and 14 stone/90 kg/185 for trail rides and polo. |
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| WHAT TO EXPECT: |
| Estancia Los Potreros is a 6,000-acre working cattle farm and has remained in the same Anglo-Argentine family for four generations. The Estancia is very secluded on the top of the "Sierras Chicas" at an altitude of 3,000 feet, nestled between the pampas and the Andes in the heart of the beautiful region of Cordoba . The main house is steeped in family history with many references to the days of the Jesuits who first organized farming in the area before they were forced to leave quite suddenly in 1769. The family provide short and long breaks for those who want to experience first hand the majesty and rural tradition of Argentina . Visitors range from swimming pool loungers to seasoned outbackers who wish to take full advantage of the riding, hiking and outdoors life. Other leisure activities include walking and bird watching. The estancia is centrally located to visit Jesuit churches and three excellent golf courses in the vicinity. Cordoba city is only 50 kilometres away. |
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| Getting There : |
There are flights to Pajas Blancas international airport (COR) from Buenos Aires (AEP) almost every hour (duration one hour). There is also a direct flight to Cordoba from Santiago in Chile and Sao Paulo Brazil . The estancia is one hour away from the Pajas Blancas Cordoba airport by car. |
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| Room and Board : |
| There are three meals a day; the style can be called European with much of the food grown locally. Various regionally grown wines make for interesting tasting opportunities. Vegetarians or special diets may be catered too, but please inform us in advance. Guests sleep in comfortable private bedrooms , pictured in our photo presentation with shared bathroom facilities or in designated locations on riding tours. |
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| Alternate Activities: |
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There is plenty to do for those not interested in riding or simply wanting a break from riding. Walking in the hills and exploring the streams, watching the exotic bird life or just lying by the pool. Three excellent golf courses in the vicinity can be reached by taxi. The farm is remote but a taxi ride or a lift can take you shopping to Rio Ceballos (13K), La Falda (17K) or La Cumbre (35K). Cordoba city is an interesting University City, a principal staging post between Lima (Peru) and Buenos Aires. The area is rich in Jesuit churches showing their intense activity in the region.Popular local sites to explore are the national Jesuit Museum in Jesus Maria (1618), Estancia Sta Catalina (Founded in 1662), Embalse San Roque. The folkloric festival at Cosquin and the Rodeo at Jesus Maria are also annual attractions. Cattle sales and the cattle branding are annual attractions but the dates depend a little on the weather conditions.Car rental can be arranged if you want to take longer excursions. |
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| Weather : |
| 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 (June, July, Aug) and can be cold at night but 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. In terms of Fahrenheit winter temperatures (June, July and August) average 62 in days and go down to low 40's. While in the Argentina summer days go to 80's and nights cool off to 60's.In other words the winters are dry and in the summer there are showers! Spring and the fall are very pleasant for long distance riding. The estancia and most of the sierras chicas being at an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters (3,000 feet) there is usually a pleasant breeze. |
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| ITINERARY |
Option 1 Ranch Stay
Eight days/seven nights at Estancia Los Potreros/Ranch Holiday :
There is no set itinerary for the home horseback rides. The following are some examples:
Guests are met at the airport and taken up to the estancia (one hour).There is an introduction to the horses and gauchos, followed by a familiarization horseback ride to a high view point.
A half or full day of horseback riding on the estate following streams through valleys to the "top of the world" with stunning views of the punilla valley and the Sierras Grandes beyond.
Riders on horseback may have the opportunity to spend the morning helping the gauchos work cattle. The amount and type of cattle work will depend on the season: rounding up, herding, branding, etc. lunch can be back at the estancia or may have to be a picnic in the hills or by a stream.
Enjoy a full day's horseback ride to explore Candongas C1600 church. Return to Los Potreros past the "Estancita" and the Dominican church. This can also be a half-day horseback ride to the Dominican church with a visit to the local single teacher school.
Spend the day visiting the Cañada de los Condores and swim under the waterfall. Picnic by the crystal clear stream.
A visit to Canada del Molle and Potrero de Niz, see more of the family history in the area.
Picnic by a clear stream. Sip the ice cool white torrontes wine while the stakes are sizzling on the fire and a gaucho is trying to fish a trout out of the river.
Ride on horseback towards the quebrachitos past the bellstone rock. From a high point see the spectacular view of Cordoba City in the distance and the pampas beyond.
Ride on horseback to the far end of the estancia Chiviquin. Enjoy an "asado" or a picnic lunch. There is a chance to climb to the water divide and have breath-taking views of the Sierras Grandes, Carlos Paz and the lush valley of Punilla.
An overnight stay at Chiche and Menta's farm is very popular as is an overnight camping stay at Plomo's Estancia under the Pan de Azucar.
Take a polo lesson. Understand some of the rules that will make for greater enjoyment of viewing the game if not making you a high goal player! |
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Option 2: Polo Weeks:
Polo Weeks: 8 D/7 N/7 RD. March 29-April 5, Aug. 16-23, and Nov. 15-22.
Rates: $2730 US/1362 GBP/1992 E. per person, per week.
For those of you who are tired of thinking that chukkas is a soul singer and that to play polo you need a budget like Prince Charles, join the polo crowd. At the least get your feet wet while having a rollicking good time playing polo, in a country where everybody who rides can play polo. Polo weeks will consist of Cordoba Airport Transfers, accommodations, full board, including all drinks, daily riding, guides and equipment 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.
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Option 3 - 8 day/7 nights - Bell Stone Horseback Rride
Bellstone: Feb. 23-March1, 15-22, Sept 27-Oct4, 25-Nov. 1.
Rates: $2730 US/1362 GBP/1992 E. per person, per week based on double occupancy.
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. |
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| Day1: |
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. |
| Day2: |
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. |
| Day3: |
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). |
| Day4: |
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 smallholding. 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). |
| Day5: |
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. |
| Day6: |
Descend on horseback to explore the charming town of La Cumbre (town of English origin built around a golf course at 1,150M 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. |
| Day7: |
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. |
| Day8: |
Farewell horseback ride on the estancia before returning to the airport |
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