Timeless Traditions and New Adventures

Timeless Traditions, New Adventures at Estancia Los Potreros

Discover the magic of Estancia Los Potreros, a historic working cattle ranch nestled among the breathtaking hills of Cordoba, Argentina. Surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the Sierras Chicas, this family-run estancia offers a rare opportunity to experience the true rhythm of rural Argentina, where generations-old traditions blend naturally with new adventures and unforgettable experiences.

Life at Los Potreros is centred around the land, the horses and the people who call this special place home. From the moment you arrive, you become part of the estancia family, welcomed with the warmth and hospitality that Argentina is famous for. Each day brings a new opportunity to explore, reconnect with nature and discover the true spirit of Argentine estancia life.

For those searching for an authentic horse riding holiday in Argentina, Estancia Los Potreros offers an unforgettable adventure through some of the country's most spectacular landscapes. Whether you are an experienced rider or stepping into the saddle for the very first time, our rides are designed to be enjoyed at your own pace. Explore open valleys, follow historic trails through the hills, cross streams, discover hidden waterfalls and experience the freedom of riding through the Argentine countryside on horseback.

Guests can also join our gauchos caring for the cattle, helping move the herd across the estancia just as generations have done before. This unique experience provides a fascinating insight into the skills, traditions and connection between horse, rider and land that define Argentine gaucho culture.

Beyond riding, estancia life is about slowing down and appreciating the simple pleasures of the countryside. Enjoy delicious home-cooked meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients, share stories around the dining table, taste locally produced wines and relax while taking in the spectacular views across the Córdoba sierras. Our farm-to-table experiences celebrate the flavours of Argentina, from traditional asados cooked over the fire to seasonal produce grown close to home.

Nature lovers will also find plenty to discover at Los Potreros. The estancia is home to an incredible diversity of birdlife, including colourful Monk Parakeets and the impressive Andean Condor. Exploring the landscape offers constant opportunities to connect with the wildlife and natural beauty of this unique region.

As a historic working cattle ranch, Estancia Los Potreros offers something increasingly rare: an authentic connection to Argentina beyond the typical tourist experience. Here, traditions are preserved, hospitality is personal and every guest has the chance to experience the real spirit of estancia living.

Come ride, relax and reconnect with nature in one of Argentina’s most beautiful landscapes. Experience the freedom of horseback riding, the warmth of Argentine hospitality and the unforgettable adventure of life at Estancia Los Potreros.

Discover the Heart of Argentina: Friendship and Traditions

At estancia los potreros, every story begins with friendship…

IIn the heart of Argentina’s Sierras Chicas, surrounded by rolling hills, open landscapes and endless skies, there is a simple belief that guides everything we do at Estancia Los Potreros: nothing truly meaningful happens without friendship.

For generations, this land has been shaped by connection - between people and nature, between tradition and modern life, and between travellers who arrive as guests and leave as friends. We believe that the most memorable experiences are not just created by the places we visit, but by the people we share them with.

At Estancia Los Potreros, our guests are invited to step into a world where authentic Argentine culture, rural traditions and warm hospitality come together. Located in the Sierras Chicas of Córdoba, our estancia offers a unique opportunity to experience the true spirit of Argentina: from horseback rides across the countryside to long lunches shared around the table, every moment is designed to create connection.

In this video, we invite you to discover the friendships that bring our estancia to life. Guests from across the world come together here - not only to explore the beauty of the Argentine landscape, but to slow down, share stories and become part of our community.

Our connection to the land is deeply rooted in the traditions of the gauchos who have shaped rural Argentina for centuries. Through horseback riding, traditional asados, and everyday life on the farm, guests experience a way of living that celebrates respect for nature, local heritage and the rhythms of the countryside.

Whether you are riding through the Pampas beneath a wide-open sky, learning about Argentine horsemanship, enjoying a homemade meal prepared with local ingredients, or simply relaxing with a glass of wine as the sun sets over the hills, it is the shared moments that make the experience unforgettable.

Friendship is at the heart of everything we do. It connects our team with our guests, our guests with each other, and all of us with the incredible landscape we are fortunate to call home.

At Estancia Los Potreros, we are more than a destination - we are a place where people come together. A place where stories are shared, traditions are celebrated and lifelong friendships are created.

Because here, in the Sierras Chicas, every adventure begins with a connection, every memory is built together, and every story begins with friendship.

Join us and discover the magic of estancia life, where authentic experiences, Argentine traditions and friendships from around the world come together under the open skies.

Through the Guides Eyes...

The world has been hugely affected by the ongoing pandemic of 2020 and it is something I am sure many of us will never forget; from the shortage of toilet paper to the extensive period of social distancing, disruption has been widely felt and Argentina is no exception. Although life on a working cattle estancia continues one of our guides Sammie has decided to share with us an insight into quarantine at Estancia Los Potreros.

‘Que estamos separando? What are we separating?’

´Las lindas de las feas. The beautiful from the ugly´

A year ago today, if you’d told me that I’d be chasing cows around a corral on foot, separating the ‘good looking’ from the ´ugly´ ones I´d have thought you were mad; but here we are. 

For many across the globe, COVID-19 has put a halt on life, but work doesn´t stop on a farm. This week we pregnancy tested our Aberdeen Angus cows. With the horizon still aglow from a tangerine sunrise, six of us tacked up our horses and headed out to the campo in search of cows in order to herd them to our cattle station. With my ´compañero´ Pachi we headed out across the sierras. ´Go over that hill, and push any cows you find, over the other hill´ Pachi (unhelpfully) instructed; hills, that I might add, are as high, if not higher than Ben Nevis.

Wanting to prove my worth, I cantered over the crest and found some cows scattered over the rock and crag. My horse, Muchacho, much better versed in cow herding than me, and certainly more sure-footed, found his way through the difficult terrain. Nearly six months have passed and I still can´t whistle like the gauchos, but I have learnt to copy their various calls (and Spanish vocabulary that I definitely wasn´t taught as school). Pachi and I reconvened and pushed our cows together. Eventually three distinct lines of cattle from opposing directions converged and the six of us pushed the whole herd to the cattle station. 

Once the cows were separated we quickly took up a station each in order to start testing. Georgie on her horse in the corral pushed 10-15 cows into a smaller corral; Pachi then moved one into the shoot; a gate was then shut behind it (my job); Headman Dani clamped the head; Kevin read out the number to Georgia on his chip reader; the vet entered and inserted her arm to ascertain how far along the cow as with her calf. The cow was then released, and the process started again, only stopping for an asado lunch, cooked by Daniel. 

Work was over for the vet, but not for us. Dust and sweat mingled on our brows, as we then began to separate the female from the male calves, on foot. It was only halfway through this process that I realized the gauchos had rebenques, and we didn´t. Great. If you want to picture what this looks like, all you need imagine is a game of dodgeball, but with live cows. 

Soon we had released all the males, and the next task was to find the 70 best-looking female cows, who were to be the estancia´s future mothers. Previously unbeknown to me, there are certain things you look for in a cow: normally short legs, but here longer ones so that they are able to easily traverse the rocky terrain. Also, a larger build and a ´nice face´ (I still don´t know what this actually means, but the gauchos seemed to). The rest were released, and these 70 would remain in the corral for the next three days to be weaned from their mothers (who would wreak havoc on the estancia trying to find them for the next 72 hrs.)

We rode home as the sun began to set, exhausted and filthy, but soaring in spirit. I reflected on the day, and my life here, wondering what the world will look like when our new calves enter it, and whether, after all of this, I´ll leave Los Potreros more fluent in Spanish or cow?

For enquiries about our guide program please send us your CV to marketing@estancialospotreros.com

Through the eyes of . . .

. . . .photographer Kevin Faingnaert.

A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of welcoming renowned Belgian documentary photographer Kevin Faingnaert to Estancia Los Potreros. As part of a three-month journey through Argentina, Peru and Bolivia, Kevin contacted us to ask if he could spend a few days on the estancia, immersing himself in life on the farm and photographing the landscapes, horses and people that make this place so special.

Based in Ghent, Belgium, Kevin is an internationally recognised documentary photographer whose work has been featured by publications including National Geographic, The New York Times and The Atlantic. Before becoming a full-time photographer, he studied sociology, and this background is evident throughout his work. Rather than simply documenting places, Kevin is interested in understanding the people who live there, the traditions they uphold and the communities that shape their identity.

His approach to photography is thoughtful and immersive. Instead of arriving, taking a few photographs and moving on, Kevin spends time getting to know the people and places he visits. By living alongside local communities and experiencing their daily routines, he is able to create images that feel genuine and deeply personal. His photographs are not only beautiful, but also tell stories of culture, heritage and the connections between people and their environment.

During his travels across South America, Kevin deliberately chose to focus on everyday life rather than the continent's most famous landmarks. His project, which he describes as "A Love Letter to Peru, Bolivia and Argentina," captures quiet moments that might otherwise go unnoticed: the changing light across vast landscapes, conversations shared over a cup of maté, the rhythm of daily work and the traditions that continue to define rural communities.

His time at Estancia Los Potreros perfectly reflected this approach. Rather than directing scenes or searching for dramatic moments, Kevin observed life as it unfolded naturally. From gauchos working with horses and cattle to peaceful mornings in the Sierras Chicas, his photographs capture the authenticity of life on an Argentine estancia. The soft natural light, muted colours and carefully composed images create a sense of calm that beautifully reflects the pace of life here.

We are delighted to share a small selection of Kevin's photographs from his stay with us. They offer a unique perspective on the estancia and remind us that some of the most meaningful stories can be found in everyday moments.

If you enjoy documentary photography or simply appreciate authentic travel stories, we highly recommend exploring more of Kevin's remarkable work. His complete portfolio, including his South American series, can be found at www.kevinfaingnaert.com.