7 Night Sample Non-Riding Itinerary

Day 1

Your transfer will meet you at the international airport of Córdoba.  Just under an hour from your pick-up you will arrive at Estancia Los Potreros in time for a late lunch.  Head out with one of our guides on an acclimatization walk and visit the “Bell stone” which will have the geologists amongst you scratching your heads. Then meet the riders for a sundowner at one of many fabulous viewpoints.  Upon your return, enjoy dinner on the veranda surrounded by stunning views of the estancia. 

day 2

This morning take a guided hike (or drive) to the ‘Top of the World’, the highest point on the estancia, to witness the spectacular views out over the Sierras Chicas. Take the estancia bird guide with you as the trail along the ridge is perfect for condor and eagle spotting, before returning to the estancia in time for lunch on the veranda. This afternoon enjoy a demonstration by our gauchos on the special Peruvian Paso horse, and then either head out for a short ride around the estancia or spend the afternoon relaxing in a hammock or by the pool.

day 3

This morning why not join the chefs and discover the art of cooking your own asado or take one of our maps and head out in any direction accompanied by the estancia dogs. For lunch today enjoy a traditional Argentine ‘asado’, sampling several different cuts of the estancia’s home-reared beef, washed down with plenty of Malbec. Take the rest of the afternoon to relax by the pool and in the evening, you are invited to an informal wine-tasting, sampling local wines of the region before sitting down to a candle-lit dinner.

day 4

Set out on a drive to our cattle station and watch the gauchos go about their day-to-day life and witness them working with our award-winning herd of Aberdeen Angus. Join the gauchos for a “country asado”  under the shade of some trees and sample several different cuts of the estancia´s home-reared beef, before taking to the corrals to try your hand at lassoing! The return journey is perfect for spotting some of our fabulous bird life especially the wonderful burrowing owls which will gaze at you curiously from the edge of their burrows. You may even spot our ever-growing number of Condors, getting back to the estancia in time for tea and cake on the veranda.

Day 5

The ride this morning is heading down to the hidden waterfall where guests can take a dip or just take a few moments to relax in the cool shade. The waterfall is only accessible on horse or by foot, but a guide is always on hand to accompany you on your hike journey. Continue along the path to  ‘Potrero de Niz’, the original family home of the Beggs, and a delicious picnic lunch on the porch. Perched on the top of a hill, the house has stunning views over the valleys, and we warn you that once there you will never want to leave! 

This evening, with a glass of wine in hand, join the chefs in the beautiful farmhouse kitchen and discover how to make some traditional Argentine dishes. Prepare the famous empanada, homemade breads and pastas before sitting down to a feast of Argentine regional dishes.  

Day 6

No holiday to Argentina would be complete without at least spectating the ‘Sport of Kings’ –  polo! Head down to the polo ground and watch a few chukkas or spend the morning relaxing at the main house before joining a little later on for another spectacular ‘asado’ at Los Melados. After a barbeque lunch, witness our gauchos take on some gaucho games – barrel racing and ‘sortija’ – a race that involves spearing a small ring with a stick at speed! Take the short walk back to the estancia or spend some time exploring some of the other hills, before sunset drinks in the garden.

 
 

day 8

After breakfast depart for your onward travels.

day 7

On your final day, allow one of our guides to walk with you through plunging gorges and over soaring mountain tops to reach ‘Las Tasas’ – a gorgeous natural swimming-hole where you can dive, swim or just take a snooze in the sun. After a shady picnic lunch, take a shorter route back to the estancia in time for a siesta in a hammock. Tonight, enjoy some live traditional Argentine music with a glass of wine in the garden before sitting down to a fabulous farewell dinner under the stars.

 
 

Additional notes:

  • The itinerary is flexible, and subject to weather.

  • Most walks or hikes can be swapped for drives with guides.

  • There are over 80 riding horses, with the herd being a mixture of Criollos, Peruvian Pasos and polo ponies, which are forward-going, responsive and sure-footed. We tend to change horses during a guest´s stay, giving guests the opportunity to try several different horses.

  • There is a strict maximum weight limit of 15stone/95kg/210lbs and due to the smaller size of the breed the Peruvian Paso horses are only suitable for guests under 13stone/83kg/182lbs.

  • Guests must provide their own insurance to cover all the estancia activities and will be asked to sign a riding waiver which is available in advance on request.

  • Hard hats are not obligatory (except for polo, gaucho games and children) but are strongly recommended. There are a number available to use at the estancia but for safety and fit we recommend guests bring their own.