A Timeless Tradition: The Festival de la Candelaria at Estancita

Deep in the heart of the Argentine countryside, where the horizon stretches wide and the rhythm of life follows the seasons, February 2nd marks a day of profound significance. The Festival de la Candelaria is an annual gathering at the historic Estancita chapel that serves as a vibrant bridge between sacred Catholic tradition and the rugged spirit of the gaucho. For those seeking the authentic soul of rural Argentina, this is the moment the landscape truly comes alive, blending spiritual devotion with a heritage that has defined the pampas for centuries.

The festival is rooted in the feast of Our Lady of Candelaria, a title of the Virgin Mary that symbolizes purification, hope, and the return of light. Traditionally depicted holding a candle, she serves as a beacon of guidance and protection for those who navigate the vast and often lonely stretches of the countryside. While she is the patroness of San Antonio de Areco, her influence is felt deeply throughout our local rural regions. To the families and workers here, she is a guardian who watches over their horses, their kin, and the long journeys undertaken across the land.

Once a year, the heavy doors of the small chapel at Estancita swing open to honor her, drawing neighbours and families from across the region. The morning air fills with the steady rhythm of hoofbeats as gauchos arrive on horseback to take part in the traditional Mass and a solemn procession. This gathering has evolved over time into a significant regional celebration, highlighting the enduring values of the gaucho community, an unwavering faith, a respect for tradition, and a spiritual connection to the land that sustains them.

Come and join us next year for the Festival de la Candelaria…

The Living Legacy of the Gaucho at Estancia Los Potreros

Generations of Gaucho Families at Los Potreros

Across Argentina’s wide-open landscapes, the gaucho stands as one of the country’s most enduring cultural symbols. More than a romantic figure on horseback, the gaucho represents a way of life shaped by the land, defined by horsemanship, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging. At Estancia Los Potreros, this heritage isn’t preserved behind glass - it is lived every day.

The Gaucho: Heart of the SIERRAS CHICAS

The gaucho emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries as a skilled horseman and cattle worker, roaming the vast grasslands of Argentina. Fiercely independent yet deeply tied to community, gauchos developed a culture rich in tradition from their distinctive dress and music to their mastery of riding, cattle handling, and life outdoors. Over time, they became a symbol of national identity, embodying freedom, humility, and a profound respect for the land.

While much of gaucho culture has faded elsewhere, it continues to thrive in places where tradition remains inseparable from daily life. Set in the rolling hills of the Sierras Chicas of Córdoba, Los Potreros is not a recreated version of rural life it is a working estancia with a long and layered history. The land itself reflects centuries of agricultural use, from early Spanish and Jesuit farming systems to the modern ranch it is today.

The Begg family established their roots here in the early 20th century, building a home and livelihood centered on cattle, horses, and the rhythms of estancia life. Over generations, Los Potreros has grown into a place where history, hospitality, and tradition exist side by side.

Families Working Side by Side for Generations

What truly sets Estancia Los Potreros apart is the enduring partnership between the Begg family and the gauchos who work the land. For generations, families have lived and worked alongside one another, passing down skills, stories, and knowledge that can only come from years spent on horseback and in the fields.

Many of today’s gauchos at Los Potreros are descendants of those who worked the estancia decades ago. Their expertise, caring for horses, managing cattle, and navigating the landscape, reflects not only technical skill but also an inherited understanding of the land’s character and needs.

This shared history has created a strong sense of community, built on trust, respect, and mutual responsibility. The relationship goes beyond employment; it is a collaboration rooted in shared values and a shared commitment to preserving a way of life.

Guests at Estancia Los Potreros don’t simply observe gaucho culture, they experience it firsthand. Riding alongside gauchos through open fields, learning traditional techniques, or sharing quiet moments over mate offers a genuine connection to Argentina’s rural heritage.

There is no performance here, no separation between daily work and cultural expression. What visitors encounter is real life on an estancia — shaped by generations of experience and sustained by people who continue to live and work as their predecessors did.

Preserving Tradition Through Continuity

In a rapidly changing world, Estancia Los Potreros stands as a reminder that cultural heritage survives best when it is lived, not staged. Through the long-standing relationship between the Begg family and the gauchos who call this land home, the traditions of the Argentine countryside remain strong, relevant, and deeply human.

The legacy of the gaucho endures here - not as a memory of the past, but as a living, breathing part of everyday life.

The Magic of Estancia Los Potreros in 4 Nights

If you are looking for a real look at rural Argentine life without sacrificing comfort, our 4-night stay at Estancia Los Potreros is the ideal length for a first visit.

Located in the Sierras Chicas hills of Córdoba, the estancia is a working organic farm that has been in the same family for four generations. Unlike a standard hotel, a stay here is an immersive experience where you live alongside the family and the gauchos.

Your arrival starts with a transfer from Córdoba airport, followed by a drive into the hills where the paved roads end and the farm begins. Once you’ve settled into your room each of which is uniquely decorated with family antiques we head out for an afternoon ride. We take horse matching seriously here; we have over 100 horses, including our famous Paso Peruanos and sturdy Criollo crosses, so we can find a horse that fits your confidence level, whether you ride every day or haven't been in a saddle for years.

The middle days of your stay are built around the rhythm of the farm. We usually head out for a long morning ride to explore the 6,500-acre estancia, reaching high ridges that offer views across the entire province. On these rides, you’ll experience the varied terrain of the Sierras, from rocky outcrops to hidden valleys, seeing the land exactly as the gauchos do.

Lunch is always an event, often a traditional "asado" (barbecue) cooked over an open fire. You’ll eat our own grass-fed beef and organic vegetables, paired with wines from our private cellar. In the afternoons, the pace is up to you. You can choose to go back out for a ride, go birdwatching around the estancia with our dedicated guides to spot local species, or simply watch estancia life unfold from the comfort of the veranda.

One of the unique aspects of Los Potreros is the "home-stay" feel. Evenings are social, starting with drinks on the veranda and moving into a communal dinner. You’ll be dining with the owners and other guests from around the world, making it a great option for solo travelers as well as couples. The atmosphere is relaxed; there’s no pressure to follow a rigid schedule. If you’d rather spend an afternoon reading by the pool instead of riding, you are more than welcome to do so.

By the time your four nights come to an end, you’ll have a true sense of the history and daily life of a Córdoba estancia. Whether you’ve come for the world-class riding or the quiet of the hills, you leave feeling like part of the family.

Sun, Sierras, and Spirits: A Christmas & New Year to Remember

What a way to ring in 2026!

This Christmas and New Year break was a sun-drenched blur of long rides, afternoon swims, and late-night parties. From the smell of the asado drifting across the lawn to spontaneous picnics under the trees, the energy was electric as we welcomed a wonderful mix of returning guests and new faces.

One of the season’s biggest hits was our Blind Fernet Tasting. We put the classic Italian Fernet-Branca up against the bold Argentine favorite and a sophisticated English wildcard (Britannica London Fernet). While the Argentine pour remains the king of the "Fernet-and-Coke," the English version’s notes of cacao and roasted nuts were a revelation to our neat-drinkers.

The crowning jewel, however, was our Full Moon Ride on January 3rd. Crossing the landscape under a silver sky before sharing a moonlight picnic was pure magic—the perfect grand finale to a spectacular holiday. 🌕✨

We are already looking forward to doing it all again! We still have availability for next year, so if you’d like to join us for a summer Christmas under the stars, please get in touch to secure your spot.

Meet Flamenco: The Newest Member of Our Family!

We are absolutely thrilled to finally introduce the newest addition to our herd: Flamenco.

If you’ve been following our journey, you know we look for horses with heart, personality, and spirit. Flamenco has all three in spades, but he also brings something a little "extra" to the trails. Flamenco is an Argentine Marchadora, a breed famous for its incredible endurance and a ride so smooth you’ll forget you’re even in a saddle.

While most horses trot, Flamenco "marches." As a Marchadora, he performs a unique, natural four-beat gait called the Marcha.

Flamenco isn’t just a "fancy mover"; he’s already become a barn favorite because of his temperament. In the short time he’s been with us, he has shown us classic Marchadora intelligence. He’s curious, calm under pressure, and has a "work ethic" that is truly inspiring.

The name "Flamenco" was chosen to honor his Iberian roots and the rhythmic, dancing grace of his movement. Once you see him in motion, you’ll understand exactly why it fits!

Heritage, Habitat, and Heart: The Farming Philosophy of Los Potreros

The story of Estancia Los Potreros is not merely written in history books; it is etched into the rolling hills and pastures the Begg family call home . While the family’s connection to the land began even earlier through a tenancy agreement, it was in 1965 that Robert Begg formalised the farming system that defines the estancia’s legacy today.

A Legacy of Excellence

The farming operations at Los Potreros are centered around two world-class programs:

• Award-Winning Angus Cattle: The estancia raises a highly recognised herd of Aberdeen Angus, maintaining a breeding program that prioritises quality, health, and resilience.

• A Diverse Equine Herd: Over the last two decades, the estate has cultivated a magnificent collection of over 120 horses, including Argentine and Chilean Criollos, agile Polo Ponies, smooth-stepping Peruvian Pasos, and versatile Quarter Horses.

Living Wild and Free

At Los Potreros, the belief is that animals thrive best when they live as nature intended. There are no cramped stalls or confined feedlots; instead, the cattle and horses spend their entire lives roaming freely across vast natural grasslands.

By mimicking their natural habitats, the estancia allows these animals to socialize, graze, and express their essential "wild" behaviors. This approach is more than a farming choice, it is a fundamental commitment to the spirit and well-being of the animal.

Beyond Sustainability: Regenerative Roots

For Estancia Los Potreros, "sustainable" is only the starting point. The guiding ambition is regenerative: to leave the land in a better state than it was found. The estancia recognises that the success of its operations depends entirely on the health of the surrounding ecosystem.

The team actively works to expand natural habitats, enhance biodiversity, and protect threatened species. By incorporating regenerative agriculture into daily routines, the farming protocol remains in a state of constant, healthy evolution.

"The commitment at Los Potreros goes beyond merely being sustainable; the goal is to leave things better than they were found."

The Five Pillars of Animal Welfare

Animal welfare is the heartbeat of the estancia. Every manager, gaucho, and staff member is rigorously trained to uphold these core principles:

1. Freedom to Move: Animals are never confined; they are born to roam.

2. Natural Expression: Every animal is afforded the space and social structure to behave as they would in the wild.

3. Environmental Well-being: The estancia provides 24/7 access to pasture and sufficient natural protection from the elements.

4. Pure Nutrition: The use of food additives, growth promoters, hormones, or animal by-products is strictly prohibited.

5. Expert Care: All personnel are thoroughly trained and competent in the highest standards of animal husbandry and welfare.

At Estancia Los Potreros, tradition and nature walk hand-in-hand, creating a working landscape where history is honored and the future of the land is secured.

Tradition with Purpose: Supporting Our Schools Through Local Craft

Introducing our new community project at Estancia Los Potreros

At Los Potreros, we’re celebrating the incredible talents of our local community - with a collection of handcrafted goods that we have for sale in our small shop onsite. From rawhide belts sewn by our gaucho, Pachi, to hand-painted pottery, silk neckscarves similiar to those worn by the gauchos, and of course the classic Los Potreros polo shirts, each piece is a little slice of life on the estancia.

This isn’t just about beautiful craftsmanship - it’s about giving back to the place we all call home. Every penny raised goes straight to supporting two of our local schools - which are where many of our employees have attended. Whether it’s helping with school supplies, repairs, or new learning opportunities, your purchase makes a real difference. This is just the beginning of our community outreach programme, and we couldn’t be more proud to kick things off by supporting the next generation.

So if you're visiting the estancia or simply want to take home something meaningful, come see what’s on offer. Each item in the shop is rooted in tradition, and made to carry the spirit of Los Potreros…

The Los Pots Kitchen

Welcome to the Heart of Estancia Los Potreros — Where Food Brings Us Together

At Estancia Los Potreros, we believe the best meals are made with seasonal ingredients, grown close to home, and shared with good company. Our new seasonal menu is a celebration of just that: fresh, local produce cooked simply and served generously.

There’s something timeless about gathering around a table, where strangers become friends over delicious, honest food.

At the core of our kitchen is the Argentine asado, now prepared in our establo, a rustic space where fire, smoke, and tradition meet. Here, guests come together at our six-metre-long table to share dishes hot off the grill, crafted with care and bursting with flavour.

Meet our head chef

We recently sat down with Chef Claudio to talk about life behind the scenes in the Los Pots Kitchen. His passion for local ingredients and simple, soulful cooking is the heartbeat of the estancia.

A Menu for Everyone

Whether you're a meat-lover, vegetarian, or have specific dietary needs, our kitchen welcomes you. From flame-roasted vegetables and vibrant vegetarian mains to gluten-free desserts, everyone has a place at our table.

Have dietary requirements or questions? Just drop us a message - we’re always happy to help.

Cook, Read & Be Inspired

Our Los Pots Kitchen Blog is full of seasonal recipes, cooking tips, and stories straight from our kitchen. Whether you're mastering empanadas or want to try a rich ossobuco, there’s something for every home cook.
Explore recipes and stories from the Los Pots Kitchen

From Our Soil to Your Plate

We cook with what’s growing now. Vegetables picked from nearby fields, meat raised on our land, and herbs that flourish just steps from the kitchen window. This is our way of honouring the land - cooking sustainably, reducing waste, and celebrating flavour at its peak.

A Journey Through Wildlife

Nestled within the stunning landscapes of Los Potreros, this video offers an immersive look at the region’s vibrant wildlife, birdlife, and natural beauty. The landscape at Los Potreros beckons you to lace up your boots, wander thoughtfully, and discover the farm from a different point of you. Every rustling bird, blooming flower, and scuttling insect is part of a living story, our story.

Our trails that are used for riding make are wonderful and varied for walking. We invite you to join us on a guided walk with one of the estancia staff, or head out on your own or perhaps with one our dogs!

🐦‍⬛The estancia is blessed with plentiful and varied birdlife all year, and the Andean Condor, Black Chested Buzzard Eagle, American Kestrel and Black Vulture are just some of the commonly seen larger birds.

🌷Wildflowers throughout the year are spectacular, and as you wander along watch out for the smell of wild mint and herbs. 🌿

Stories From Estancia Los Potreros

A celebration of life on the estancia, this long-awaited book is filled with beloved recipes, stunning photography, and heartfelt stories from the hills of Córdoba.

Whether you’ve ridden with us, cooked with us, or simply dreamt of estancia life, this book brings a little piece of Argentina into your home.

100% of the profits are going to our community outreach projects, helping to renovate 2 of our local schools. We will be using the donations to help improve the classrooms (new roof, fresh paint etc!).

Each book is U$D25.00 - shipping to the UK & Europe included - for further afield we can advise delivery cost!

For more information & to order send Georgia an email to marketing@estancialospotreros.com, please note we only have a limited number of books.

The Peruvian Paso: The Horse That Glides

Meet the Rolls-Royce of Horses: The Peruvian Paso

Nestled among the rolling hills of Córdoba, Argentina, our days at Estancia Los Potreros are deeply intertwined with the horses that carry us. And few are more treasured than the elegant, spirited, and smooth-as-silk Peruvian Paso.

For those who’ve visited us before, you’ll know exactly what we mean. The Peruvian Paso isn’t just a horse, it’s an experience.

What Makes the Peruvian Paso So Special?

The secret lies in their gait - the paso llano - a natural, four-beat lateral movement unique to this breed. It’s hard to describe until you’ve felt it: a soft, gliding motion that makes even long days in the saddle feel effortless. There’s no bounce, no jarring; just a rhythmic flow that carries both horse and rider in perfect harmony across even the roughest terrain.

But the Peruvian Paso isn’t all smooth movement and pretty looks. These horses are known for their brío a word that doesn’t translate neatly, but captures a blend of fiery spirit and gentle willingness. They’re alert, intelligent, and proud, yet completely in tune with their rider. Whether you’re an experienced horseperson or a total beginner, they meet you with grace and generosity.

A Voice from the Hills

To truly share what makes this breed so special to us, we recently created a video celebrating the Peruvian Paso. Narrated by Kevin Begg, whose family has been riding and raising horses here for generations, the video offers a heartfelt look into the history, character, and enduring importance of the breed at our estancia.

Meet the Herd

Our Pasos aren’t just working horses - they’re family. Each one has a personality all their own, and in the weeks to come, we’ll be introducing you to a few of our favorites. From the wise old souls who’ve seen it all, to the younger ones just coming into their own, each horse carries a piece of the estancia's heart.

Ride With Us

If you're curious to experience the magic of the Peruvian Paso firsthand, we’d love to welcome you. Whether you're dreaming of a horseback adventure through the sierras, or simply want to feel the unique rhythm of the paso llano beneath you, there's no better place to start than here.

At Estancia Los Potreros in the Sierras Chicas of Córdoba, Argentina, the Peruvian Paso horses are a highlight of the riding experience.

A selection of the Estancia Los Potreros, homebred Peruvian Pasos.

Timeless Traditions and New Adventures

Timeless Traditions, New Adventures - from breathtaking horseback rides and wine tastings to luxurious new trails and farm-to-table feasts.

Come ride, relax, and reconnect with nature in the heart of Argentina. ✨🐎 Discover the magic of Estancia Los Potreros, a historic working cattle ranch nestled in the stunning hills of Córdoba, Argentina.

Join our gauchos for an unforgettable horseback riding holiday across wide-open landscapes, cattle drives, and authentic rural traditions. Whether you're an experienced rider or a first-timer, Los Potreros offers a truly immersive equestrian adventure with world-class hospitality, home-cooked meals, and breathtaking views. Escape to Argentina and experience ranch life the way it was meant to be.

Discover the Heart of Argentina: Friendship and Traditions

At estancia los potreros, every story begins with friendship…

In the heart of Argentina’s Sierras Chicas, where the horizon stretches endlessly and the spirit of the land runs deep, we believe that nothing is truly meaningful without friendship. It's through the bonds we form, with the land, with our traditions, and with the people we meet, that unforgettable experiences are created.

In this video, we invite you to step into our world, where guests from all corners of the globe come together not just to explore, but to connect. Here, we honor the timeless traditions of the gauchos, the rich heritage that flows through the very soil we walk, and the friendships that transcend borders.

Whether you’re sharing a meal around the table, riding horseback across the Pampas, or simply enjoying the warmth of the sun, it’s the friendships that truly make these moments unforgettable.

Because at Estancia Los Potreros, nothing happens without friendship.

Join us and see how it all comes together.

Argentina and the Gauchos: A Journey into the Tradition and Culture of the Pampas

The Early History of Los Potreros

The Early Roots of Estancia Los Potreros: A Journey Through Time

On 8 August 1825, William Grierson sailed across the Atlantic aboard the ship Symmetry as part of the first organised migration to Argentinafrom Leith, Edinburgh. Two and a half months and 7,000 miles later, he and more than 200 compatriots docked in Buenos Aires with the hopes of laying the foundations of a pioneering Argentine colony of Scottish farmers. The intervening years were fraught with immense challenges, but today nearly two centuries later, the Begg family have not been dissuaded from farming. In the central province of Córdoba amidst the rolling hills of the Sierras Chicas, lies Estancia Los Potreros, run by the direct descendants of William Grierson.

The Begg family first settled in the Córdoba region in the early part of the 20th century. Robin Glassford Begg and his wife Louie regularly came to holiday at Potrero de Loza, which was owned by the Keene family. They used to stay in the Muñecas cottage (or Dollshouse), which was built for them beside the main house. The Beggs later lived at Los Melados, which they rented from Guy Keene, and eventually built their own house on the land that they purchased, Potrero de Niz.

After Robin’s death in 1949, Louie began taking paying guests. They usually stayed for around a month or two. Before long Louie introduced the practice of keeping a guestbook, a tradition that is still maintained today. Over the years people have shared their lyrical memories of their time on the estancia, which has been described as ‘heaven among the hill tops’. Louie lived to see three centuries, passing away at the impressive age of 104. She and had three children Jean, Margaret and Robert.