Itinerary
Highlights
- Introduction to polo - an exhilarating and addictive sport. This is normally available once a week and all guests can participate (the estancia organises special "polo weeks" and extra tuition can be arranged locally at extra cost if required)
- All abilities are welcomed and there is a horse to suit everyone
- Competent riders can experience the "cadillac of horses", the Peruvian Paso
- Relax in the comfort and elegance of this converted estancia
- Non-riders are welcome to just relax, discover hiking trails, try their hand at wine tasting or play golf (at extra cost - there are three excellent golf courses nearby)
Dates & prices
Price details
- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin or double room during your stay. Rates are based on a stay of 7 nights.
- The riding groups are composed of a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 international riders.
- You can arrive and depart on any day and stay for as long as you like. The minimum stay is 3 nights (except over Christmas and New Year: 5 night minimum stay) and we recommend a stay of 7 nights so that you can experience all of the activities on offer. The dates shown above are for example purposes only. Please enquire for prices for shorter or longer stays (rates listed are based on 7 days and therefore benefit from a special long stay rate). There is little rainfall in the area. Please note the estancia will be closed in May and June.
- Airport transfers from/to Cordoba airport are included between the hours of 08:00 and 20:00. Transfers can be arranged outside these times or from the city centre and have an extra cost of $75 (per car - max. 3 people), please contact us.
- There is no single supplement if you are willing to share a bedroom with another rider of the same sex. There are also a limited number of single rooms available without supplement so please do ask. To request your own double room there is a supplement of 30% of the ride price (calculated according to the season).
- Children are welcome but must be aged 10 or more, except by prior agreement. There is a discount of 20% for children aged 10 to 16 years old.
- The listed price includes at tax refund and is not valid for Argentinian citizens.
- The estancia can be booked on an ‘exclusive use’ basis for groups of 6 full paying adults or more. Please enquire.
- Polo sessions U$150 per person. Seven nights+ itineraries include one polo session.
- Although this itinerary is predominantly riding-focused, non-riders are welcome, and all guests can take part in non-riding activities:
> Farm drives to the cattle station, local school or dominican church,
> Introduction to traditional argentine cooking and wine tastings,
> Walking and birdwatching,
> Relax by the pool...
- Please respectfully note that we have a riding weight limit of 15stone/95kg/210lbs, and 13 stone/83kg/182lbs for polo and for the Peruvian Paso horses.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.
Price includes
Support Team
Gauchos team at the estancia
Logistic
Inland transports
Accommodation
Meals
Extras
Price doesn't include
Meals
Transports
Visa fees for those with USA, Canadian or Australian passports
Extra
Insurance
Optional
Accommodation
Equestrian info
Horses
Please respectfully note that we have a riding weight limit of 15stone/95kg/210lbs, and 13 stone/83kg/182lbs
for polo and for the Peruvian Paso horses.
Guide & local team
Minimum riding ability
Minimum riding ability
Some activities such as Polo or cattle work are reserved to those with some riding experience.
Please respectfully note that there is a riding weight limit of 15stone/95kg/210lbs, and 13 stone/83kg/182lbs
for polo and for the Peruvian Paso horses.
Pace
Competent riders may get the chance to ride a Paso Peruano horse which is characterized by : the "llano de paso". This is a "running walk" where the horse exhibits alternate lateral movements - it is a smooth, graceful, fast and extremely comfortable pace.
Tacking ability and participation
Trip conditions and Requested experience
Guests can expect to be in the saddle between 4 – 6 hours per day.
Visiting a new country offers the opportunity to meet other cultures with different mentalities, therefore it is important to accept these differences and respect the local way of life.
Equestrian equipment
A hard hat must be worn when playing polo, gaucho games or for children. We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and that you bring your own to ensure a proper fit.
Travel info
Comfort
For families, the Estancia also has two cottages with interconnecting rooms ideal for families
Meals are European in style, varied and delicious, with plenty of excursions into local favourites, with homemade dishes supplemented by the estancia's own organically grown vegetables, fruit and free-range eggs. The excellent chef can cater for a range of special dietary requirements.
Free wi-fi is available in the main building but is satellite-based and as such can be slow and/or intermittent. Wi-Fi is turned off during drinks and mealtimes. Please note there is no mobile phone signal.
Meals
There are excellent cooks who are delighted to cater for any specific dietary requirements, including vegetarians or food intolerances, given sufficient notice in advance, within the limits of what can be sourced locally. Please ask for our information sheet on outline menus that we are able to provide for specific dietary requirements in advance of booking.
Climate
The average annual temperature is 18 ° C.
In January, the hottest month of the southern summer, temperatures range between 17 ° C and 31 ° C, with high temperature differences between day and night.
In July, the coldest month of the southern winter, average temperatures vary between 4 ° C and 19 ° C, with frequent frosts and occasional, but rare, snowfalls.
Tips
Packing list
-Equus Journeys strongly recommend that you wear a riding helmet and that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. You will have to wear a riding helmet if you wish to play Polo.
-Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun and dust
- Warm hat if visiting during the winter months of June-August
Upper body
- Thermals in case of cold weather during the winter months of June - August
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent (plus a spare in case one gets wet)
- Waterproof jacket - rain can be difficult to predict and it's better to be prepared.
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Waterproof over trousers in the winter months of June - August
- Casual clothes for the evenings (jeans or walking trousers)
- Thermals in case of cold weather during the winter months of June - August
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Several pairs of warm socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding
Other useful items
- Swimsuit - for swimming/bathing in rivers - particularly during the summer months (Nov-Mar)
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)
In your luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag.
- Swiss army knife or equivalent
In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat
Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel
- Medication against altitude sickness might be a good idea. Please ask your GP.
Our Recommendations
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- Keep a copy of your passport and travel documents in a separate place in case you lose the originals
- Please be aware that internal flights in Argentina may have a lower luggage allowance than your international flight and you should pack according to the lowest limit.
Sustainable tourism
- Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
- Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
- Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
- Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
- Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
- Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Polo is the oldest team sport in the world! The first evidence of the game of Polo appeared in Persia some 2,500 years ago. The sport spread to Constantinople and from there to Turkmenistan, Tibet, China and Japan. The name Polo comes from the Tibetan word "pulu" meaning ball. In the 12th century, Genghis Khan conquered Iran and Afghanistan and brought Polo back with him to practice with his warriors. The game became an essential teaching tool: it tests the merit of a man and reinforces his personality. Polo teaches him agility on horseback, an appreciation of speed, the intensity of battle and a decisive mind.
The modern game of Polo, though formalised and popularised by the British, originated from Manipur in India where it was known as Sagol Kangjei or Kanjai-bazee. The first Polo club was establised in the town of Silchar in Assam, India in 1833. In 1862 the Calcutta Polo Club was established by two British soldiers who spread the game to their peers in England. The game's governing body in the UK is the Hurlingham Polo Association which drew up the first set of formal rules in 1874, many of which are still in existence today.
British settlers in Argentina started practicing the game on the pampas, and David Shenna is believed to have organised the first formal game in Argentina in 1875 at Estancia El Negrete. The sport spread fast amongst the skillful gauchos and Argentina is now credited with being the mecca of Polo, mainly because it has the highest number of 10 handicap players in the world.
You can try your hand at Polo on a riding holiday at Estancia Los Potreros, and on certain weeks they run specific "Learn to play Polo" courses.