Palermo Polo Open & Patagonia on Horseback
A high-altitude riding adventure in Patagonia meets the glamour and spectacle of the Argentine Polo Open on this a nine-night small group journey – pairing remote wilderness with one of the capital’s most iconic social and sporting events.
Begin in Buenos Aires with a night in the leafy neighbourhood of Recoleta before flying south to one of Argentina’s great estancias. Here, three nights in the main lodge and three under canvas in remote fly camps set the stage for an unforgettable riding expedition. Rides are led by gauchos and feature dramatic volcanic lagoons, soaring Andean peaks and forests of lenga, monkey puzzle and pine trees. Along the way, expect fishing, lake swims, afternoon siestas and hearty picnics.
Returning to the city for the final weekend, you’ll join your well-connected host for the polo final itself – followed by one of the famed Buenos Aires afterparties. This is Argentine riding culture at its most authentic: spirited, stylish, and full of soul.
Enquire NowDATES
28th November – 7th December 2025
PRICE
$8,755 per person
GROUP SIZE
6 – 12 people
HIGHLIGHTS
- Five full days of riding led by gauchos through northern Patagonia, with fishing, lake swims, fireside meals and cultural immersion throughout.
- Three nights sleeping in safari-style tents, and three at one of Patagonia’s finest estancias.
- Three nights in the Argentine capital, with VIP tickets to the Palermo Polo Open Final – Argentina’s most celebrated sporting and social event.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive in Argentina’s charismatic capital settle into Casa Lucía, a refined boutique hotel in the heart of Recoleta. This elegant neighbourhood, with its leafy boulevards and Belle Époque architecture, offers the perfect introduction to city life. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers over dinner at one of PSA’s favourite local restaurants – a relaxed, intimate setting to toast the journey ahead.
DAY 2
Fly south from Buenos Aires to San Martin de los Andes. There, a private driver will take the group on a 3-hour journey along the Aluminé River into the wilds of Neuquén, to the wild and wonderful Estancia Rio Quillen.
After a relaxed outdoor lunch, you’ll be paired with your horse and gear before setting off through oak and araucaria forest to your first fly camp, El Mallín Escondido. Welcome drinks by the fire, dinner cooked over open flames, and your first night under canvas await.
DAY 3
After breakfast, saddle up for a ride down the southern slope of the valley with views of the Rucachoroi ridge. After fording the Quillén River, stop for lunch by the water — and a swim, if you’re tempted — before continuing on to Voladero Camp. Expect warm showers, a generous supper, and comfortable beds.
DAY 4
Wake to the crackle of the campfire and mount your steeds. Today’s ride ascends steadily to Mallín del Picudo, with lunch served in high pastures overlooking seven snow-capped volcanoes. The trail winds on through dense araucaria forest before a dramatic descent along Loma de los Chivos reveals sweeping views of Lanín Volcano and Lake Quillén. You’ll arrive at Camp Quillén, the expedition’s main base camp in Malalco, in time for sundowners and a well-earned rest.
DAY 5
Prepare to indulge in some hard-earned downtime. Trade your steeds for an easy boat ride to a shoreside Argentine barbecue and try your hand at fly fishing. Stretch your legs on a short walk through towering coihue forest to a hidden waterfall. Return by road to the main lodge in the late afternoon.
DAY 6
Today’s route takes you through oak woodland to a lookout with another exceptional view of the lake and Lanín. From there, descend to the riverbank for a quiet picnic before following the banks of the Quillén back to the lodge.
DAY 7
Your final ride takes you across the lake once more, where you’ll ascend into the lush Valdivian forest – a rich tangle of coihue trees, wildflowers and colihue cane. After a picnic lunch in a high meadow, continue up to a panoramic ridge with wide views over the lake and valley, before returning by the same route. Settle in for a final night at the estancia with a glass of Malbec in one hand and a good book in the other.
DAY 8
Bid farewell to your Patagonian paradise and fly back to Buenos Aires, where you’ll stay for a further two nights at the charming Casa Lucia. This evening, group for a late supper at a much-loved local spot – a last opportunity to share stories from the trail before tomorrow’s big event.
DAY 9
Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring Recoleta’s tree-lined avenues, Belle Époque architecture, and smart boutiques at your own pace.
This afternoon, you’ll attend the Argentine Polo Open Final, the biggest date in the polo calendar, held at the legendary Campo Argentino de Polo in Palermo. Your host will guide you through the afternoon’s match – a fiercely contested affair where the world’s best riders battle it out before a stylish local crowd. After the final whistle and the trophy lift, follow your host to one of Buenos Aires’ legendary afterparties – part celebration, part spectacle, and a lively window into Argentina’s enduring love affair with horses.
DAY 10
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Where You’ll Stay
At Estancia Río Quillén, you’ll spend the first three nights in remote safari-style tents set beside rivers or tucked beneath volcanoes, with hearty camp meals and starlit skies.
For the following three nights, you’ll have exclusive use of Casa Quillén, a seven-bedroom traditional ranch house overlooking a peaceful valley. Expect roaring fires, warm hospitality and home-cooked Argentine classics such as slow-roasted cordero al palo.
Your time in the city is spent at Casa Lucía, an elegant mansion in the leafy neighbourhood of Recoleta – ideally located for museums, galleries and pre-polo shopping.
INCLUDED:
- 9 nights accommodation
- All riding and experiences
- All meals at Estancia Rio Quillen
- Domestic flights and land transfers
- 24/7 concierge
Price per person, double occupancy: $8,755
Single supplement: $3,125
Interested in arranging a riding trip exclusively for yourself or your group? Simply reach out to speak to our travel designers, or explore our other riding holidays.
