Estancia Los Potreros - Argentina

Children are most welcome. This is an ideal spot for a family holiday; egg collecting, milking cows, building dams in the streams and wild flowerer pressing are popular activities. There are very tame horses for children. A nanny can be provided to help with activities when parents are out riding and in the evenings, this service should be requested in advance. Children may breakfast lunch and have tea with guests, however for dinner we ask children under 12 years old to dine earlier (Adults dine at 9.00PM).

European, varied and delicious with plenty of excursions into local dishes, some of the food is produced on the property. All meals are included with drinks and good Argentine wines. Various grape varieties make for interesting wine tasting.

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 the 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.

Riding is usually centred round the estancia life with occasional overnight excursions: longer expeditions are arranged. If on a trail ride you should expect to be in the saddle between four to five 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 allowing the visitors to experience another way of life. 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 ether Criollos or Paso Peruanos with some crossbreeds. The tack is English with sheepskins over the saddles. The horses are chosen to suit the ability of the rider. The 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. Beginners are welcomed.

Accommodation on the farm is simple and very comfortable providing you with all creature comforts. Families often request the “Dolls House” this has one double room and a large room that can take three or four single beds. There are two bathrooms and another small room for a nanny.

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. There is also world-class dove shooting, fishing of sorts and 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 (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, the Rodeo at Jesus Maria, cattle sales and the cattle branding are annual attractions. Car rental can be arranged if you want to take longer excursions.

Cordoba is known for its good weather and healthy climate; “siempre de temporada” always in season, is the old slogan. The estancia is open all year round. 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 are recommended year round.

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. The estancia is one hour away from the Pajas Blancas Cordoba airport by car. You can also travel to the estancia by a comfortable and economic coach (to Rio Ceballos) or drive from Buenos Aires (about nine hours).

You require a valid passport; British passport holders require no visa to enter Argentina. There are no inoculation requirements for visitors entering Argentina.

Full board accommodation, drinks including wine, beer and spirits. All activities, guides, porters, equipment, support vehicle, horses and saddlery and transfers. Country polo is played once a week on the farm there is no additional cost for this. On “polo weeks” polo is played once a day. All visitors can ride in the morning and the afternoon. Child discount (under 16) 20% Non riding child discount 50% (under 6) Minimum stay 3 nights Single room supplement 20% (not always available on distance rides)

Not included are: personal calls, insurance and gratuities. A “single supplement” may be payable for a single room if it is requested but may not always be available. Hard hats are not provided.