Horseback riding plays a major role in the history, economy and folklore of Argentina. The Argentine gaucho is as picturesque as the American cowboy, but while the classic cowboy of the American West is a dieing breed, the traditional life of the gaucho in Argentina is very much alive.
This huge and varied country stretches from spectacular Iguazu Falls in the north to the jagged glaciers of Tierra del Fuego in the south which is as long a distance as from northern Maine to Florida. Much of it is wide open pampas covered with wonderful grass for cows and it is ideal ranching country. Buenos Aires is one of the world’s largest and most vibrant cities.
We have two excellent horseback riding destinations in Argentina and both are run by Anglo-Argentine families although they are quite different in character. The Patagonia Ride is based on a 15,000 acre estancia -- a guest and cattle ranch located in a remote and beautiful part of Patagonia near the Andes. Estancia Los Potreros has been in the same Anglo-Argentine family for four generations and is a 6,000 acre cattle ranch in the mountains just north of Cordoba. Both ranches do an excellent job of blending the best of local culture with our own so that guests feel entirely at home while being exposed to the most picturesque aspects of life on an Argentine ranch.
Argentina - ESTANCIA LOS POTREROS - Less than an hour’s drive from the university town of Cordoba, this 6,000 acre ranch is located on a mountain range well above the town and one has the feeling of being far from civilization. Your hosts make you feel at home immediately and are pleased to introduce you to the colorful ranch life of Argentina. Hundreds of black angus cattle graze year round on the nutritious grass of the mountain sides of the estancia. There is an excellent polo field and a fine string of polo ponies so it is an ideal place for any who would enjoy a few relaxed chukkas. Novices are encouraged to have a try at this noble sport whether they have played before or not. A variety of day rides are possible from the ranch and one can often accompany the ranch gauchos on a working day. Informal and formal polo instruction is possible. The horses are outstanding and far more comfortable than the average Argentine criollo. Many of them are gaited. The gauchos can sing some splendid traditional songs. The climate here is excellent year round and the ranch is always open for guests.
Argentina - JOURNEY FROM LOS POTREROS - Ride across the Cordoba Hills from Estancia Los Potreros to visit neighboring estancias. The pace varies from walk to gallop depending on the terrain. This week-long trek through wide open country is a great adventure which only happens 4 times each year, in April and October.
Argentina - PATAGONIA FRONTIER TREK - Join this exciting estancia-to-estancia ride in the foothills of the Andes. This is a fast and challenging ride where you will become involved in the history of the Patagonia area and meet the interesting and colorful local people whose way of life is very unique. The comfortable accommodations, notable Argentine cuisine, and experienced guides and horses assure you a memorable week.
Argentina - PATAGONIA RIDE - The estancia lies in Patagonia at the base of the Andes and has a famous trout stream running through it. There is considerable flexibility in the schedule depending on the time of year and individual preferences. At times guests can help move cattle from pasture to pasture and there are many destinations for day rides around the ranch on well trained criollos. There are frequent pack trips into the wild and beautiful Andes Mountains for those who wish to venture into the roadless wilderness of Patagonia for a few days. The ranch is open from September through April.
Argentina - RIDE ACROSS THE ANDES - This is an adventurous trek into one of the least populated areas of the world where rolling grasslands and picturesque lakes meet thick forests, snow capped peaks and soaring volcanoes. It is organized jointly by two very experienced outfitters and professionally run estancias. You will set out from the estancia in a sheltered valley on the River Alumine in Argentina, cross the vast Andes, and finish at Huife Hot Springs in forested mountains near Pucon, Chile.
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