Take your first lessons in the game of 'polo', or ride sturdy-footed horses with the gauchos across the oldest mountain range in South America. Either way, you will enjoy this unique, working estancia, for its warm hospitality, and upmarket accommodation.
Holiday Videos:
Summary of the trip:
Cordoba Cattle Ranch is a 6,000 acre estancia, nestled between the pampas and the Andes, on top of the 'Sierras Chicas', in the heart of the region of Cordoba. The ranch is owned and run by the Beggs, a fourth generation Anglo-Argentinian family. It is a perfect location for those looking for a relaxed riding holiday with excellent, well-schooled horses and comfortable, country house style accommodation which is adorned with antiques. You'll also enjoy the superb, tasty, home cooked food, served with excellent, locally produced wine.
There is a polo field and a fine string of polo ponies, so it is an ideal place for those who wish to try a few relaxed chukkas. Day rides are exciting and adventurous, and you can often accompany the ranch gauchos on a working day. The relaxed atmosphere lends itself well to families and groups who are looking for a bit of variety, rather than hard core riding all day, although you can do that as well if you wish.
In addition, there are lots of other activities, so good for non-riding partners, like visiting a winery, hiking, bird watching, fishing, golfing and sight seeing. Or, you can just chill out and soak up the warm sun, enjoy the gentle breeze and swim in the pool in complete tranquility, which is only interrupted by bird song or the distant echo of everyday ranch life.
Getting there :
International flight to Buenos Aires
Internal flight to Cordoba
Transfer :
¾ hour car transfer to the estancia
Accommodation :
Estancia- Stylish country house rooms, with ensuite, luxury cabins and a swimming pool
Gourmet home cooked meals and local wines
Optional camping - Basic facilities, but comfort at hand with great food
Days / Nights :
Min 3 night stay except over holiday period when min is 5 nights. Low season rates are May - Sept and High season rates are Jan - April & Oct - Dec
Price in £: From £175 low season & from £220 high season pp per night
Start - End date :
Start date
End date
01 Jan 2009
31 Dec 2010
Date information:
Group size : Maximum 14
Pace : Suited to ability of group and individuals
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Horses: Criollo and Paso Peruanos, plus some crossbreeds
Tack: English
Weight restriction :
16 Stone / 102 kg / 224lbs
Included :
Full board, drinks, activities on the estancia and return airport transfer from Cordoba
Excluded :
Flights
Please Ask About:
Polo Weeks, 2010
22 Mar - 29 Mar
8 Nov - 15 Nov
22 Nov - 29 Nov
Trail Rides, 2010
13 - 20 Feb
27 Feb - 6 Mar
23 Oct - 30 Oct
Add-ons
Buenos Aires
Day by day Itinerary :
Example of the 'Trail Ride' itinerary.
Day 1 - Afternoon horseback ride and, if time allows, ride on to Estancia Chiviquin, an old cattle outpost.
Day 2 - A morning ride to feel comfortable with your horse and the gauchos. Ride to some of the viewpoints and get your bearings. Explore the cattle ranch. Lunch is a traditional Argentinian asado (barbecue) by the pool with several cuts of meat to try. Dinner and night spent at Estancia Potrero de Loza and if the moonlight allows, go to a viewpoint to see the lights of the city of Cordoba in the distance.
Day 3 - Ride across country, past Canada de los Condores (Canyon of the Condors) where condors may sometimes be seen. On to La Estancita for a picnic lunch at the local school, with a visit to the Dominican church, other 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). Some earth roadwork. Swim in cool, fast flowing, crystal clear streams. Stay in Mentas cabin or camp out.
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.
Day 6 - Descend on horseback to explore the charming town of La Cumbre. A 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 on earth road. 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.
