Responsible tourism

Supporting Our Schools Through Local Craft

Our 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 similar 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.

What You'll Find in Our Small Estancia Shop

Alongside Pachi's rawhide belts, the shop stocks hand-painted mate cups and pieces from other local artisans and craftspeople, so every purchase also supports traditional skills in the region. Each item is a lovely keepsake of your stay, and a reminder of the people who make the estancia what it is.

Where the Money Goes: Projects So Far

All of the shop's proceeds go to the two rural schools we support, including the Gregoria Matorras school on the edge of the estancia, where many of our gauchos studied and their children go today. Over the years, guests' generosity has helped pay for the school's first computer and a printer, a new cooker, solar power, books and stationery, and improvements to the school buildings. You can read more in A Look Into the Success of Our Shop This Season.

Bring Something With You: Pack for a Purpose

We're proud to be part of Pack for a Purpose, so if you have a little space in your suitcase, you can help too. Stationery, footballs and children's games are always welcome, and we gratefully receive any donations. When we can, we ride down to the school to hand them over in person - and it usually ends with a game of football in the playground.

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…

Our Journey to Solar Power on the Estancia

Our Journey to Solar Power on the Estancia

Twenty years ago Estancia Los Potreros decided to join the modern world of electricity and move away from paraffin power and kerosene chaos. Without knowing the difference between an ampere, a watt or a volt we bit the bullet. What we did know was that due to our location, nowhere near the grid, energy would be alternative and green.