Ride Description

The estancia is way off the beaten track on the top of the Sierra Chicas between the pampas and the Andes in the heart of the beautiful region of Cordoba. It has remained in the same Anglo- Argentine family for four generations. The house is a traditional Cordoba farmhouse and its elevated position provides stunning views across the garden and hills beyond.

It is set in 15,000 acres and is an idylllic retreat for horse riders, hikers and nature lovers. The riding terrain is vast and varied ranging from rocky paths down tree studded gullies to open grassy hilltops and earthen roads On offer here is a unique combination of colonial-style estancia life with long distance riding in one of Argentina's most beautiful landscapes.

Most people come to ride with the gauchos to get a true insight into rural life of Argentina. The estancia is celebrated for its exceptional string of Paso horses. The unique Peruano a pure descendant of the Conquistadors horses and the large, smooth gaited Criollos make for a comfortable ride. All the horses are home bred. The riding is flexible usually centred on estancia life and tailored to fit your needs. Longer expeditions can be arranged to explore the vast area across the Sierras where you can expect to be in the saddle between 4-6 hours a day

Food & Accommodation

The estancia is a traditional farmhouse nestled below the brow of a hill surrounded by acacia, coco and molle trees. The dwelling is north facing and its elevated position provides stunning views of the garden and hills beyond. Separate from the house, the swimming pool commands an excellent view of the surroundings. All seven bedrooms have wood burning stoves giving the place a special atmosphere and are furnished with comfortable antiques and wooden floors. Each room has a private bathroom with both a bath and shower.

A relaxed breakfast is taken on the patio under the bamboo pergola. Lunches can be 'asados' Argentinian barbecues where endless cuts of meat are offered. During a ride picnics are enjoyed perhaps in the shade of a weeping willow by a stream accompanied, of course, by a well-deserved drink. Meals are varied and delicious with opportunities to try local dishes. The excellent cook makes pasta and meat dishes usually with produce from the farm. Guests eat dinner in the formal dining room where Chippendale furniture is complemented by English prints on the walls. The local winery makes "Los Potreros' wine, a Malbec, and a Torrontes both of which are excellent.

Activities

Gaucho culture and reverence of the horse are very strong here along with the oldest traditions of Argentina. For those simply wanting a break just lying by the pool, walking in the hills and exploring the streams around the estancia will be a great pleasure. Mountain bikes are available and there are local festivals and rodeos to visit. There are annual cattle sales and branding to watch for those interested.

Those less interested in being a 'gaucho' will be attracted by the huge variety of wildlife. Ornithologists will be amazed by the bird species, from brightly coloured humming birds to soaring vultures and eagles. Partridges and doves are plentiful and condors have now returned to the hills. Hares and foxes are often seen around the estancia but wild boar, small deer and the puma are more elusive.

There are three excellent golf courses with an hours radius. Culture and history lovers will enjoy the Jesuit churches and interesting villages. Cordoba is only one hour away and there is much to do and see in the unspoilt university city.

Popular local sites to explore include the national Jesuit Museum and Estancia Sta. Catalina (1662), the folklore festival at Cosquin and the rodeo at Jesus Maria.

Horses

Type of horses: Criollo, Paso Peruanos, some crossbreeds. All bred on the estate.

Nature of horses: soft mouthed, well mannered, responsive and sure footed.

Number of horses: 150 (all home bred) 90 riding horses

Height of horses: 14.3 - 15.3 hh

Weight limit: None within reason

Tack type: The tack is English with sheepskins over the saddles

Further Details

Languages: English and Spanish

Health requirements: No special requirements

Age limit: None

Tuition: Yes

Included: Accommodation, meals, drinks (including wine, beer and spirits). all activities and transfer from Cordoba

Not included: Gratuities and items of a personal nature. Single supplement may be implemented

Travel Information

There are flights to Pajas Blanca international airport in Cordoba (COR) from Buenos Aires (AEP) almost every hour (duration one hour). There are daily flights to Cordoba from Santiago in Chile. The estancia is one hour away from the airport by car. Your transfer wil be arranged.

Airport: Cordoba (COR)

Ranch Based Activity Week

Riding is usually centred around the estancia life, with occasional overnight excursions, longer expeditions are also arranged. If on a trail ride you could expect to be in the saddle between five to six hours a day. Nights away from the estancia are spent camping or in local dwellings allowing the visitors to experience another way of life.

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 familiarisation 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 be a picnic in the hills or by a stream.

· Enjoy a full day's horseback ride to explore Candongas church. Return to the ranch 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 steaks 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" (barbecue) 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!

Accommodation: The estancia is a traditional farmhouse nestled below the brow of a hill surrounded by acacia, coco and molle trees. The dwelling is north faced and its elevated position provides stunning views of the garden and hills beyond. Separate from the house, the swimming pool commands an excellent view of the surroundings. All seven bedrooms have wood burning stoves giving the place a special atmosphere and the rooms are furnished with comfortable antiques and wooden floors. Each room has a private bathroom with both a bath and shower.

Minimum group size: 1

Maximum group size: 12

Ability description: All abilities are catered for including complete beginners

Type of ride: Varied ranch based activities tailored to suit

Total riding time: 3 hours in the morning 2 hours in the afternoon

Departure dates: Minimum Stay Three Nights and 5 nights over the Christmas, New Year and Easter period. Available all year round with the exception of four weeks over May/June when essential repairs are carried out.

Pricing: Price includes 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.

Cost is £175 per person per day. Single supplements are charged at 30% if not prepared to to share twin-bedded accommodation.

In June, July & August we have a fantastic offer so if you book a seven night stay you will get one night free.

There is a discount of 20% for those under the age of 16.
There is a discount of 50% for non-riding children aged 6 and under.

Bellstone Trail

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 the ranch are spent camping or in local dwellings allowing the visitors to experience another way of life. All horseback riding abilities can be catered for.

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

Day two : A morning horseback ride to feel comfortable with your horse and the gauchos. Ride on 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 the night is spent at an estancia 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 three: Ride on 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 a Dominican church going past local dwellings and small farms. Night spent at Estancia Potrero de Niz or camp out.

Day Four : 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 makes 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.

Day five : Long horseback ride, some on earth roads. Climb above La Cumbre to the “Loma Grande”. Dinner and the night is 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 that you feel you could reach out and touch.

Day six : Descend on horseback to explore the town of La Cumbre (town of English origin) at the top of the Punilla valley. Chance to replenish stocks and batteries. Lunch in a typical Cruz Chica home. 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 seven : Early morning horseback ride towards “El Cuadrado” road. Passing 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), you make your way along the top of a ridge seeing the views across the Valle de Punilla. Return past the ruin at “El Vergel” (c1700) dinner and overnight stay back at the estancia.

Day eight : Farewell horseback ride on the estancia before returning to the airport.

Accommodation: You stay at a variety of locations from cattle estancias to very simple dwellings exposing you to the life of the local people. You have the oppportunity to spend some nights camping out under the stars if you wish.

Minimum group size: 4

Maximum group size: 12

Ability description: Intermediate onwards. Novice by arrangements. Minimum age 15 years.

Type of ride: Trail

Total riding time: 5 to 6 hours

Departure dates: 27th September -4th October; 25th October - !st November (4 places left).

Pricing: Price includes full board accommodation, drinks including wine, beer and spirits. All activities, guides, equipment, support vehicle, horses and saddlery and equipment are also included.

The price is £1400 and £1220 for children under 16

Polo Weeks

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 you 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.

You will 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 the estancia 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. Polo gear can be provided during your stay, however it is strongly recommend that you bring your own boots, gloves and helmet to guarantee a comfortable fit.

We have a special polo week running from 15th November with 4 places left. During this week there is a guest coach from the UK. Juliette Finn managed a medium goal polo team in Cirencester for many years reaching a personal handicap of 2. She now helps Henry Brett arguably the best player in the UK today. Her enthusiasm for the game is contagious and you are guaranteed a week of fun and fast riding, combined with afternoon rides out in the beautiful scenery.

The polo weeks are aimed at intermediate riders and above or the occasionally player who would like an introduction to the game in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.

Minimum group size: 4

Maximum group size: 12

Ability description: Intermediate but fit

Type of ride: Trail and polo

Total riding time: 2-3 hours riding per day plus polo tuition

Departure dates: 16th - 23rd August; 15th -22nd November. Please ask about other dates

Pricing: Price includes 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.

Cost is £189 per person per day. Single supplements are charged at 30% if not prepared to share twin -bedded accommodation.

There is a discount of 20% for those under the age of 16.
There is a discount of 50% for non-riding children aged 6 and under,
Please contact the office for 2008 prices.