Frequently Asked Questions

 

Where is Estancia Los Potreros located?

Estancia Los Potreros is located in the scenic Sierras Chicas of Córdoba Province. Set within a protected provincial reserve and surrounded by rolling hills, native forest, and traditional ranchland, the estancia offers a peaceful countryside setting. It lies approximately 70 km (about a 1.5-hour drive) from the city of Córdoba, and the closest town is Río Ceballos. 


Is Estancia Los Potreros a hotel?

Estancia Los Potreros is not a traditional hotel but a family-run working ranch that offers accommodation as part of an authentic estancia experience. Guests stay in the historic estancia house and can enjoy first-class horseback riding, birdwatching, and traditional gaucho life. 

The estancia also includes excellent home-cooked Argentine cuisine, with traditional meals shared with the hosts and other guests. It’s designed to give visitors a genuine taste of Argentine ranch life rather than a standard hotel stay.


What is the earliest pickup time from your local airport?

Pickup is from Cordoba international airport, with transfers beginning at 08:30 from the airport or 10:00 from hotels in the city of Córdoba. Guests arriving earlier can meet the scheduled transfer at the airport, while those staying in the city may be collected directly from their hotel at the later departure time.


We offer a complimentary laundry service for our guests. Laundry usually takes around 24 hours and is washed in cold water and line-dried. Please note that our housekeepers are unable to wash delicate fabrics.

Do you have a laundry service?


Do I need to be an experienced horseback rider?

No, you do not need to be an experienced horseback rider. Guests of all riding levels are welcome, including beginners. Our horses are well-trained and suitable for different abilities, and we will match you with a horse that fits your experience. All rides are accompanied by a gaucho and an English-speaking guide, who will provide guidance to ensure you feel comfortable and safe during the ride. Please note that for the wellbeing of our horses, we have a maximum rider weight limit of 90 kg (14 stone / 200 lbs).


Internet?

We have Starlink internet, which works well in each room. As it is satellite internet, the connection can occasionally be intermittent during bad weather.


What is available if I am not a rider?

If you are not a rider, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy during your stay. Guests can go walking on the trails around the estancia, birdwatching, relaxing by the swimming pool, or simply enjoying the peaceful countryside and the views of the Sierras. You can also take part in traditional estancia life, watch the gauchos at work, and enjoy the home-cooked Argentine meals shared with other guests and the hosts.


Do you provide riding gear? Rain wear?

We provide a selection of riding helmets and half chaps for guests to use, however we cannot guarantee a perfect fit. However, guests should bring their own riding clothes, long trousers, and suitable boots or closed shoes. We do not provide rain gear, so we recommend that all guests bring appropriate wet weather clothing, such as a waterproof jacket, at any time of year.


Do I need to arrange my own transfer from the airport? And how far away is Estancia from the closest airport?

No, you do not need to arrange your own transfer. We organise transfers for our guests from the nearest airport and from hotels in the city. The closest airport is Ingeniero Aeronáutico Ambrosio L.V. Taravella International Airport in Córdoba. Estancia Los Potreros is located close to the airport and the journey takes around 1 hour. We can also organise transfers from Córdoba city.

Some guests choose to rent a car. However, please note that the farm tracks leading to the estancia are not well suited to low-clearance cars.


What style of riding/tack do you use?

We use traditional Argentine tack, with a saddle called a Changualla saddle. The style of riding is closer to Western riding, and we guide the horses using Neck reining. This style is comfortable for long rides and reflects the traditional way that Argentine gauchos ride and work with horses. Guests who are used to other riding styles usually adapt quickly. 

Before the first ride, we give all guests a short demonstration to explain the basic commands and ensure everyone feels comfortable and confident.



Will I be able to play polo during my stay?

Playing Polo during your stay is not guaranteed and is subject to weather conditions. When possible, friendly chukkas or practice may take place, and guests may have the opportunity to participate.

However, polo is not a focal point of the estancia. The main activities are riding out across the countryside and experiencing traditional estancia life.


In Argentina, the standard electrical plug is Type I.The Type I socket has two flat pins in a V-shape, and sometimes a third vertical grounding pin.

Many international travellers will need a Type I plug adapter to use their devices. We recommend bringing a universal travel adapter, as we do not provide adapters at the estancia.

What kind of plug do I need to bring?


What time can I check into my room and what time do I have to check out?

Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is at 10:00.

Guests with later departures are welcome to ride in the morning and stay for lunch, but rooms must be vacated by 10:00 on the day of departure.


How many hours a day do we ride for?

We ride for about 3 hours in the morning, including a short coffee and water break. In the afternoon, rides last around 1.5 to 2 hours. Please note that we do not ride on Sunday afternoons.

On some occasions, we will ride our all day and have a picnic.



Our party are of mixed riding abilities; will we all ride together or is there a potential to split?

We ride in groups based on riding ability, unless guests prefer to ride with a partner of mixed experience. In that case, the ride is adapted to the level of the less experienced rider, with staff support to ensure that all guests can still enjoy canters and gallops where possible.

Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 6 guests to ensure safety and a personal experience.


In the case of an injury or accident, is there a protocol in place and how is this covered by insurance?

We have a protocol in place for injuries or accidents. Due to the remote location, there is no air ambulance service, but we work closely with our local private hospital to ensure prompt medical care if needed.

Guests are responsible for their own travel or health insurance, which should cover any medical treatment or evacuation costs. We strongly recommend that all riders have adequate insurance before participating in horseback activities.


What is Estancia doing to minimise its environmental impact?

We are committed to minimising our environmental impact by generating 100 % of our electricity from on‑site solar power, sourcing all food locally wherever possible to reduce transport emissions and support the community, and managing the land responsibly to protect biodiversity. 

We are proud members of The Long Run, a global network of nature‑based tourism and conservation leaders, and we continually strive to operate in ways that benefit both the environment and the people around us.



Are there English-speaking guides on the rides and on transfers?

Yes, there are English-speaking guides on all rides and activities. They are also available for transfers, depending on availability, and this service is offered at an additional cost.


Can guests go fishing in nearby rivers or streams?

Because Estancia Los Potreros is located within a protected provincial reserve, fishing is not permitted on the property. Córdoba is also not a major fishing destination in Argentina; instead the area is best known for its beautiful mountains, horseback riding, hiking, and estancia experiences.