Estancia Los Potreros

General Information & Travellers Guide

Through this website we have tried to give the traveller a taste of Estancia Los Potreros, but the only way to get the full experience is to visit this special place. We encourage visitors to stay at least five days to fully explore and immerse themselves in another world.

Accommodation

Accommodation on the farm is simple and very comfortable providing you with all creature comforts. All rooms are individual and tastefully furnished, and all have their own private bathroom. Antiques abound and cooler winter nights are warmed by log fires and wood-burning stoves.

Meals

Meals are European in style, varied and delicious with plenty of excursions into local dishes, with the dishes supplemented by our own organically grown vegetables, fruit and free-range eggs. Our excellent chef can cater for a range of special dietary requirements. We have our ‘own label’ Argentine wines to accompany the meals, and various grape varieties make for interesting wine tasting.

Flora and Fauna

The Cordoba hills in the centre of Argentina are famous for their healthy climate and wonderful scenery. The higher land is bare of trees and covered in long straw-like grass called ‘paja brava’ which the animals eat in the winter months. There are a number of tree varieties: acacias, cocos and molles are the most common, and wild flowers cover the hills from early spring to the end of autumn. There is an interesting variety of bird species from vultures and eagles down to the most brightly coloured humming birds, whilst condors have also returned to the hills. Partridges and doves are plentiful and foxes and hares can often be seen, though the puma, wild boar and small deer are more elusive.

Around the estancia

As a working estancia and horse breeding farm, there is always something happening. Guests are welcome to spend the morning in the corrals watching our horse-breaker working with the young horses, try their hand at lassoing or a gentle game of ‘bochas’ on the lawn.

For the less energetic, a ‘pool with a view’ provides a perfect place to relax, along with hammocks on the verandahs. The estancia has an eclectic range of books in virtually every room for guests to enjoy, and an artists box is provided for the creatively minded. The sierras are a photographer´s delight.

For those interested in Argentine cuisine, our chef is delighted to share and demonstrate knowledge of traditional Argentine dishes from our beautiful farm kitchen, using only fresh ingredients, much of which is provided from the estancia.

For those accompanying riding partners or friends, there is often the opportunity to join for picnic lunches, and to watch polo being played on the estancia. Or perhaps enjoy a ride in one of the antique cars or more traditional horse-drawn carriage.

Argentine culture

The locals are steady, respectful and gentle people. The culture of the gaucho and reverence of the horse is strong, and they bring with them the best traditions of Argentina. The locals gather for annual religious or music festivals and ride to the venues kitted in their best attire riding their sharpest steeds. Meals at the estancia reflect traditional cuisine, and the working practices of the farm respect the long history of animal breeding in the area.

Climate

The Cordoba region or Argentina is known for its good weather and healthy climate; "siempre de temporada" always in season, is the old slogan. The climate can vary but is generally sunny and dry. The rainy season is in the summer months, whilst the winter is short and dry with crisp nights, made cosy by log burning fires The sun is strong all year round, so hats and good sun protection are recommended..

Packing list

The estancia is situated at 1100 metres and therefore weather can sometimes be unpredictable - there is always the possibility of a wet, windy or cold day, and so you should pack accordingly! In addition, the sun is very strong, and so hats and good sun protection are recommended all year round.

• - Hard hat (a limited supply of hard hats are available on the estancia but for comfort, fit and to ensure compliance with safety regulations in your own country we recommend you bring your own)

• - Comfortable trousers or jodhpurs

• - Layers on top, including a warm fleece

• - A good windproof/waterproof

• - Long riding boots or short boots and half chaps (a limited supply of half-chaps are available from the estancia)

• - Riding gloves

• - Casual clothes for the evening

• - Swimsuit

• - High factor sun cream and sun hat

• - Insect repellent

• - Small torch

• - Personal medication and toiletries

• - Closed toe walking boots/shoes if you wish to explore the estancia on foot

• - Personal insurance details

• - Camera + batteries or charger + film or card

• - Binoculars

• - Towels for the room and swimming pool are provided

The estancia generates its’ own electricity and supports responsible tourism. Therefore, the use of electrical items such as hairdryers and irons may be limited, and are not provided by the estancia.

Location and getting there

Estancia Los Potreros is located in the Sierras Chicas north-west of Cordoba city.
There are flights to Pajas Blancas Cordoba international airport (COR) from Buenos Aires (AEP) almost every hour (duration one hour), along with direct flights to Cordoba from Santiago in Chile and Sao Paolo in Brazil. Guests can also travel by comfortable and economic coaches from Buenos Aires to Rio Ceballos or Cordoba (about 10 hours). The estancia is under one hour away from Cordoba airport by car.