Comfort
Accommodation on the estancia is simple and traditional, but providing you with all creature comforts. The estancia can welcome a maximum of 12 guests. Rooms are individual and tastefully furnished in keeping with the history and style of the estancia, and have their own private bathroom. Antiques and books abound, and crisp winter nights are warmed by wood-burning stoves and open log fires. There is a pool to rest after long rides in the summer heat.
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
All meals are included, including drinks. The meals have a European influence and meat, particularly beef, is popular in Argentina. Most of the meat and vegetables will be sourced locally, from the estancia itself or its neighbours. In particular you may enjoy sampling the local wines.
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 climate of Córdoba, like most of the province, is sub-tropical with four distinct seasons. However, this part of Argentina can be visited all round and the pleasant riding weather can be experienced at all times of the year, with few extremes.
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.
Guide and local team
Your hosts at the estancia are Kevin and Louisa Begg who speak both English and Spanish. You may be guided by a member of their local team but lead guides always speak good English.
Tips
Tipping is not expected but if you are happy with the service you receive then you may wish to leave a tip for the team. You can leave this with your guide who will ensure that it is split between all members of staff. We would recommend c. USD 10-15 per day per person.
Packing list
Head
-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.
