Los Potreros - Sierra Chicas, Argentina
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.
Height of horses:
14.3 - 15.3 hh
Weight limit:
None within reason
Tack type:
The tack is English with sheepskins over the saddles
Weather
Current Conditions:
Fair, 10 C
Forecast:
Sat - Mostly Cloudy. High: 21 Low: 6
Sun - Mostly Cloudy. High: 21 Low: 8
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Ranch Based Activity Week
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.
2009 price is £220 per person per night. Single supplements are charged at 30% if not prepared to to share twin-bedded accommodation.
We are offering a reduced rate for June-September inclusive of £178 per night and no single supplement!
2010 price is £220 per person per night. Single supplement remains at 30%.
Low Season rate (May-September) will remain at £178
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.
The price quoted is adjusted daily to reflect accurate currency rates.
Minimum stay of 3 nights but 5 nights over Christmas and New Year.
Bellstone Trail
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.
Price 2009: £1714
Price 2010 £1641 (for booking confirmed in 2009)
Polo Weeks
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 £1714 per person per week. Single supplements are charged at 30% if not prepared to share twin -bedded accommodation.
This price is accurate and is adjusted daily to reflect currency fluctations
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,
Availability/Booking Form
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 and today the hosts are Kevin & Louisa Begg. 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.
Our Far & Ride representative was made very welcome here as a single traveller. She enjoyed everything about this wonderful destination and the riding was beyond her expectations. This is a holiday that can be enjoyed by families, couples, groups as well as single travellers.
How about combining your trip to Los Potreros with a visit to the Rural Exhibition – Country Fair taking place on 24th July – 5th August 2009.
The ‘Rural’ is the largest agricultural show in Argentina. Lasting a week, it combines fixed exhibitors and a range of native breeds (including horses, cattle, etc) with a full programme of events and exhibitions. www.exposicionrural.com.ar
The Argentine Polo Open Championships take place between 14th November – 5th December (weekends only) in Buenos Aires The only place to see polo played at the highest level in the world. This extraordinary sporting event takes place over 4 weekends, with only 8 teams taking part. Each team plays once each weekend, and so any weekend ticket will guarantee that you see all of the top players in action. Not just for polo lovers, go along to people watch! www.aapolo.com.ar
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
The estancia is a traditional farmhouse nestled below the brow of a hill and 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. Picnics are often enjoyed during a ride, perhaps in the shade of a weeping willow by a stream. This is 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 within 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.
Further Details
Languages: English and Spanish
Health requirements: No special requirements
Age limit: None
Tuition: Yes
Included: Accommodation, meals, drinks (including wine, beer and spirit, 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 will be arranged. We are pleased to announce that the road has finally been paved making the transfer a more enjoyable trip.
Airport: Cordoba (COR)
Alternative Airport: Buenos Aires
Programmes
Ranch Based Activity Week
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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! |
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| 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 29 April-30 May when essential repairs are carried out. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Bellstone Trail
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Trail riding always has a certain excitement of the unpredictable. Set in the beautiful Sierras Chicas the Estancia lends itself to some fabulous long distance rides through rural Argentina. There are fixed date departures for longer rides throughout the year, and single overnight expeditions are spontaneously arranged at any time from spring through to autumn. The Bellstone Trail is an eight day seven night trip and 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 local 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 riding. The following itinerary may vary depending on circumstances. Day one: After taking your transfer to the Estancia and settling into your room you will have an introduction to the horses and the relaxed style of riding. A beautiful sunset ride to get your bearings is followed by a traditional candle-lit dinner and the chance to discuss the plan for the rest of the week. Day two: Ride out this morning to the ‘Top of the World’ for a spectacular 360 degree view of the estancia, and a chance to see the route of the trail ride. After passing the cattle ranch, hear the sound of the `bellstone` that inspired the original bell-shaped cattle brand of the estancia. Lunch is a traditional Argentine “asado” (barbecue) and the afternoon may be spent swimming or walking, or preparing for the trip ahead. Watch the sun go down and enjoy a drink on the “Patio Verde”. Day three: Start the trail "across country” past the “Cañada de los Condores” (Canyon of the Condors) and perhaps a dip in the waterfall. Arrive at “La Estancita” for a picnic lunch at the local rural school which is supported through the kind donations of guests, and visit the local Dominican church dating back to the 1870’s. The night is spent at ‘Cañada del Molle’, the childhood home of your hosts and perhaps enjoy some folklore music under the stars. Day four: Set out towards Candonga, going north along the top of the Sierras Chicas, through some truly dramatic scenery. Pine forests give way to rocky descents, and you will marvel at the sure-footedness of the horses. Arrive for a late lunch at Mentas farm. Menta is a wonderful host and an excellent cook., who together with her brother ekes a meagre existence from their smallholding. A dip in the natural rock pools is followed by a late afternoon ride to Candonga church (C1650), riding back at sunset along the river to our hilltop accommodation. Day five: This long days ride sets out west across the sierras, climbing above La Cumbre to the “Loma Grande”. A picnic lunch is taken on the way, and after crossing a wide variety of landscapes and scenery, dinner and the night are spent at a charming and secluded stone lodge, which cannot be reached by any other means than walking or riding. The stone-constructed house has no road or electricity but hot showers, excellent food and spectacular views. Day six The morning ride descends from our beautiful retreat to the town of La Cumbre at the top of the Punilla valley, which was originally an English settlement. Lunch is in a typical Cruz Chica home, and the afternoon is spent at leisure exploring the local town. The night is spent at the lovely Reydon Hotel, an old girl’s boarding school, tastefully restored into a charming and comfortable guest house. Your hosts are well-known for their impromptu tango lessons! Day seven Set out early for the long ride home, winding down towards La Falda along the “Camino de Los Artesanos”. Pass by La Falda a town of German origin, with a picnic lunch at the famous Eden Hotel (funded by Hitler during the war and now a museum). Climb the ridge to vermiculite mines (Cerro Sapo), make your way along the top with views across the Valle de Punilla. You will feel the horses pulling towards home as you pass the restored farm house at “El Vergel” (C1700). Farewell dinner and overnight back at the estancia. Day eight Farewell ride on the estancia or even a game of polo before returning to the airport. On the 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. All personal items are carried in saddlebags on your own horse, and so the lighter you travel the more comfortable both you and your horse will be. |
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| Accommodation: | Accommodation on the farm is simple and very comfortable, with all rooms having their own private bathroom. Whilst on the trail ride, accommodation ranges from shared ‘bunk’ rooms to comfortable guest houses. |
| 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: | 4 to 5 hours but often longer |
| Departure dates: | , 3-10 October, 24-31 October 2009, 13-20 February, 27 February-6 March, 22-29 November 2010 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Polo Weeks
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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. |
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| 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: | 21-28 September, 16-23 November 2009.22-29 March, 8-15 November, 22-29 November 2010 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |