RIDING TRIP

Estancia Los Potreros – Seven Night Riding Itinerary

Set in the rugged hills of Córdoba, Estancia Los Potreros is a working cattle farm spanning 6,500 acres. It remains in the careful hands of the Begg family, who have cultivated not just a livelihood but a way of life here for over a century. This is no curated retreat; it is a living, breathing place where the land, the animals, and the people are inseparable.

Each day on the estancia is different; there is a three-night minimum stay, but if you can, we recommend staying for a week to experience it in full. Ride through landscapes shaped by centuries of history, experience the rhythm of an authentic estancia, and delve into the culture of Argentina’s heartland.

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HIGHLIGHTS

Venture on horseback across the rolling hills of the Sierras Chicas, situated between the Pampas and the Andes – renowned for their scenery, abundant wildlife and rural traditions
Experience life on a traditional working cattle farm – herd cattle alongside the gauchos, master the lasso, and test your nerve in traditional gaucho games
Try your hand at polo and play a few lively chukkas on the estancia’s fields

DAY BY DAY

DAY 1:

A short drive from Córdoba brings you to the gates of the estancia. Lunch on the terrace is an introduction to the farm’s approach: home-reared meats, fresh seasonal vegetables, and bread still warm from the oven.

That afternoon, the saddle beckons. Matched with your horse, you’ll set off out for a relaxed first ride across the rolling sierras, giving you time to adjust to the unique ‘gaucho’ style of loose reins and deep seats. As evening falls, a fireside dinner completes the day.

DAY 2:

On the second day, you ascend to new heights. The ‘Top of the World’ ride lives up to its name, taking you to a crest where the Sierras Chicas seem to fade into the vast horizon.

After an unhurried lunch back at the estancia, the afternoon features a display of Peruvian Paso horses. Riding these graceful, smooth-gaited creatures feels like gliding across the landscape, a striking contrast to the Criollos you’ll be riding for most of the week.

DAY 3:

This morning’s ride takes you south, winding through shallow streams and skirting glades until you reach a village seemingly forgotten by history. Here, you’ll visit the unusual chapel and museum of Guido Buffo, built in memory of his wife and daughter. Returning to Los Potreros, the fire is already crackling for a traditional Argentine asado, then the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace.

DAY 4:

Today, you ride as a gaucho, helping drive Aberdeen Angus cattle across the hills to the station. It is no staged performance; it is the real, daily work of the farm, and you are part of it. Lunch is taken under the shade of trees. In the afternoon, the gauchos teach you the art of the lasso at the corrals before a long, open canter back over the hills to the estancia.

DAY 5:

The morning ride brings you to a hidden waterfall, where you can cool off with a swim or simply unwind by the water’s edge. Afterwards, you’ll continue on to Potrero de Niz, the original Begg family home, where a picnic awaits on the porch. Evening brings the warmth of the farm kitchen, where you’ll roll up your sleeves and join the chefs in preparing some traditional Argentine dishes.

DAY 6:

Polo is less a sport here and more a way of life. The gauchos, with their easy expertise, guide you through the essentials – how to strike a ball, how to read the rhythm of the game – before playing a few lively chukkas.

After lunch, the spirit of competition shifts to the games of the gauchos: barrel racing demands speed and daring, while sortija — a test of precision where riders spear a tiny ring at full tilt — reminds you of the sharp skill that threads through everything here.

DAY 7:

The final ride is one for the soul. The trail cuts through plunging gorges and crests ridges before descending to Las Tasas, a natural swimming hole where the water is as clear as the sky. Here, swim, dive or simply let the warmth of the sun settle into your skin before gathering under the trees for a languid picnic lunch. The day ends with a feast under the stars.

DAY 8:

Over breakfast, savour a few last moments of the estancia’s quiet magic – perhaps a final chat with your hosts or a lingering gaze over the hills that have by now become so familiar – then bid farewell to the estancia to begin your onward journey.

What type of horse will I be riding?

The horses at Los Potreros mirror the essence of the estancia: practical, versatile, and quietly remarkable. The Criollos, bred for the rigours of ranch work, are reliable and surefooted, well-suited to the varied terrain of the sierras. These are the horses of the gauchos, as their natural endurance and calm temperament make them ideal companions for long rides or cattle drives.

Alongside them are the Peruvian Pasos, distinctive for their smooth, flowing gait. Riding one is an experience of precision and ease, a contrast to the Criollos’ rugged dependability.
How much riding experience do I need for this trip?

Every ride at Los Potreros is tailored to your experience level, whether you’re a seasoned rider or climbing into the saddle for the first time. The gaucho style, with loose reins and relaxed postures, is intuitive and easy to learn, even for beginners. For experienced riders, the Sierras Chicas offer an enormous variety of terrain, from rocky ridges to undulating hills, and forested trails to gentle, meandering paths through villages and farmsteads.
What do I need to pack?

Packing for a riding holiday at Los Potreros is about practicality and embracing the estancia’s way of life. On the sierras, mornings can carry a chill while afternoons are warmed by the sun.

For the saddle, pack riding trousers or jodhpurs that will hold up to long hours, sturdy boots with a low heel, and gloves to save your hands on longer trails. A riding helmet is advisable (mandatory if you’re playing polo/gaucho games, and for children) – there are a limited number available on the estancia, but for comfort and fit, we recommend you bring your own. Layers are the key to the unpredictable weather: think lightweight shirts to guard against the sun, a fleece or jacket for cooler moments, and something waterproof for the unexpected.

Beyond the rides, you’ll want comfortable clothes for evenings at the estancia and swimwear for waterfall and swimming hole dips. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are vital for the midday sun, while insect repellent will be your friend when dusk settles. A water bottle, a camera, and perhaps a book for quieter hours round out the essentials.