Estancia Ride Cordoba | Horse Riding Holidays in Argentina | Globetrotting

Sierras Chicas, Argentina

3-7 NightsBeginner to AdvancedFrom $1,680 USD?Tour costs $1,680 USD which is approximately $2,573 AUD

To delve under Argentina’s skin, you have to jump on a Criollo horse, learn to drink mate with a gaucho, try your hand at country polo and sing folklorica around a blazing fire. You’ll do all this and MORE on this estancia-based ride in the Sierras Chicas mountain range.

This exceptionally well-run estancia is located in the Sierras Chicas, a mountain range northwest of Cordoba city in Argentina. It’s a 6,500-acre working cattle and stud farm which has been in the same family for four generations. As soon as guests arrive at this estancia they instantly feel at home, welcomed with open arms by both the owners and staff. Exploring this property on one of the 80 home-bred horses is an absolute delight. The horse breeds range from the traditional Criollo to polo ponies to the Peruvian Paso, which has a natural four-beat lateral gait.

Guests have the opportunity to ride in the morning and afternoon each day, and no two rides are the same. One day may involve a full day picnic ride to a local Dominican church and a visit to the nearby one-teacher rural school, or a polo morning followed by ‘sortija’, a gaucho game on horseback. In between rides there is the opportunity to dine on traditional Argentinean cuisine, swim in the pool, and enjoy long, uninterrupted walks or a spot of bird watching.

Fast Facts

  • Horse Breed:There are approximately 80 riding horses available on the property. The horses have been bred on the estancia, have exceptionally soft mouths, are well-mannered and in excellent condition. They’re responsive and surefooted and are either Criollos, Peruvian Pasos or polo ponies, with some crossbreeds.
  • Pace:The pace can vary from a walk right through to a gallop.
  • Weight Limit:A maximum of 90kg / 198lbs for estancia stays and 83kg / 182lbs to ride Peruvian Pasos or participate in polo and trail rides.
  • Type of tack:The type of tack used on this ride is the traditional Argentinian tack, the recado.
  • Seasons:Estancia stays are available year-round, with the exception of 12 weeks over May/June/July when the estancia is closed for essential repair work.
  • Group size:4 to 6 riding guests, plus guides.
  • Time in Saddle:On average, 4 to 6 hours in the saddle each day.
  • Riding Ability:All riding abilities are catered for, from beginner to advanced. Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out.
  • Accommodation:Comfortable rooms that are traditionally furnished with plenty of antiques, all individual and with private bathrooms. Rooms are heated with wood-burning stoves or fireplaces.
  • Ride Length:A minimum of 3 nights.
  • Inclusions:

    The price includes transfers to and from Cordoba Airport (arrival/departure must be between 8am and 6pm), food, drink, accommodation, daily riding, guides, equipment, and all other activities whilst on the estancia.

  • Exclusions:

    The price does not include international or regional flights, travel insurance (compulsory) and staff tips.

 

DEPARTURE DATES & RATES

Estancia stay is available all year round, with the exception of four weeks over May/June when the estancia is closed for essential repair work.

NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!
Departing Total

Rates for 2024
3 to 6 nights, $560 USD per person, per night.
7 nights or more, $504 USD per person, per night.

From: $560 USD ?Tour costs $560 USD which is approximately $858 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

Rates for 2025
3 to 6 nights, $600 USD per person, per night.
7 nights or more, $540 USD per person, per night.

From: $600 USD ?Tour costs $600 USD which is approximately $919 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

Single supplement charge is an additional thirty percent on total ride rate.
For children aged between 10 and 16, there is a discount of 20% off the standard ride rate.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE RIDE PRICE?
The price includes transfers to and from Cordoba Airport (arrival/departure must be between 8am and 6pm), food, drink and accommodation, daily riding, guides and equipment, and all other activities whilst on the estancia.

NB: In 2025 transfers are no longer included in the ride price.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RIDE PRICE?
The price does not include international or regional flights, travel insurance (compulsory) and staff tips.

For 2025: Transfers to/from the airport and Cordoba City will be charged at US $60 per vehicle (max. three guests). All other destinations other than the above will be quoted on an individual basis. Prices are subject to change.

Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. Depending on the ride you choose to book and your country of residence, there will be a 1.2% to 2.9% surcharge.

Click HERE to read more about our fees and charges.
Click HERE to read our recommendations on which cards are best to use to avoid international transaction fees.
WHY IS THE PRICE QUOTED IN USD?
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.

Itinerary

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Estancia stay is available all year round, with the exception of four weeks over May/June when the estancia is closed for essential repair work.

*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only for a 5-night stay and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.

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  • Day 1

    A transfer service will meet you at the you at Cordoba Airport and you’ll begin the hour’s drive to the estancia. If your flight arrives in the morning, you should reach the estancia in time for a late lunch. You’ll have the chance to enjoy an introductory ride this afternoon – this will give you the chance to get used to the ‘gaucho’ style of riding, i.e. long legs, deep seat and neck reining, whilst enjoying the comfortable sheepskins on the saddles.
    After your ride, your hosts Kevin and Lou will join you for a welcome dinner in what has been the family home for nearly 100 years.
  • Day 2

    You’re heading to the highest point on the estancia today, otherwise known as the ‘Top of the World’, to appreciate the spectacular views out over the Sierras Chicas. You’ll return to the estancia in time for lunch on the verandah. This afternoon you’ll enjoy a demonstration and introduction to the Peruvian Paso horse. You’ll learn more about this amazing five-gaited horse, before trying out their super-smooth paces yourself on the afternoon ride.

    In the evening you are invited to an informal wine-tasting with Kevin, sampling some of the local wines from the region before sitting down to a candlelit dinner.

  • Day 3

    Cattle day! Discover your inner gaucho as you help the boys round up your host’s herd of award-winning Aberdeen Angus cattle, collecting them and moving them across the hills to the cattle station. Following lunch ‘gaucho style’ under a shady tree, you’ll be given the chance to see if you can master the art of the lasso in the corrals, before enjoying some lovely long open canters along the top of the hills as you ride back to the estancia.

  • Day 4

    Today’s morning ride heads out first to a hidden waterfall, where you can take a dip or just take a few moments to relax in the cool shade. From there you’ll head off for a picnic lunch on the beautiful verandah of ‘Potrero de Niz’, the original family home of your host family. Perched on the top of a hill, the house has stunning views over the valleys. Be warned: once there, you will never want to leave! In the afternoon you’ll ride back via the ‘Bellstone’, which will have the geologists amongst you scratching your heads (you’ll find out why).

    Tonight the chef opens the farm kitchen doors and invites you to join her in preparing some traditional local dishes whilst sampling some of the fabulous Argentine wines.

  • Day 5

    No horse riding holiday to Argentina would be complete without trying your hand at the ‘Sport of Kings’ – polo! Today you’ll ride down to the polo field, where Lou will give a short lesson followed by some practice ‘stick and ball’, then you’ll play a few chukkas of this highly addictive game. After a barbeque lunch, why not challenge the gauchos to some gaucho games – barrel racing and ‘sortija’, a race that involves spearing a small ring with a stick at speed. Good luck!

    You’ll enjoy one last farewell dinner tonight at the estancia.

  • Day 6

    After breakfast, you’ll bid a fond farewell to your hosts and horses at the estancia and depart for your onward travels. A transfer service will take you back to Cordoba Airport if you wish.

  • Polo Week

    The estancia offers polo weeks three times a year which are specifically aimed at the beginner, novice or occasional player who wishes to learn how to play, brush up their skills or just have some fun in an informal and friendly environment. Half-day polo sessions are combined with stunning trail rides out into the estancia in the afternoon. The polo weeks offer the best of both worlds, learning or honing your polo skills in the morning and then exploring the estancia in the afternoon.

    Quality coaching is provided by an Argentine polo professional.

    What would a typical day look like?

    After a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs, you take the horses down to the polo ground. A short session on the ground covers the skills and tactics that are going to be focused on for that day, then riding guests are mounted on polo ponies for a short ‘stick and ball’ session, followed by some chukkas. Back to the estancia for lunch, a siesta and maybe a swim in the pool, followed by a sunset ride out into the beautiful Sierras Chicas. A candlelit dinner accompanies the tales of the day, which get longer as the week goes on! The week culminates in an in-house tournament, often joined by players from the local area.

  • Transfer Information

    Please arrive anytime between 8am and 6pm on day one (morning flight arrivals to Cordoba work best so you can enjoy a ride in the afternoon). Transfers to and from Cordoba Airport are included in the ride price (for 2024), as long as they fall within the time frame of 8am to 6pm.

    NB: For 2025, transfers to/from the airport and Cordoba City will be charged at US $60 per vehicle (max. three guests). All other destinations other than the above will be quoted on an individual basis. Prices are subject to change.

What our valued Globetrotters say about The Sierras Chicas

Jane Elliott

‘The estancia was incredible! It had 6,000 acres of land with 120 horses and 500 cattle. The gauchos and volunteers were fantastic and provided great service. The hospitality was amazing and the venue was like a storybook. I felt like a kid in a movie. We had a great time riding horses to the waterfalls where we took a dip. The cattle drive was also an amazing experience. And most of all, the evening rides were thrilling as we galloped like crazy! Mr. Beggs was a wonderful host who treated all his guests and staff with amazing kindness. My travel companions and I are already talking about planning a return trip!’

The Sierras Chicas Ride, Argentina, Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Lisa Sorgini

‘The Sierras Chicas ride is heaven on earth. The horses are a delight to ride, and our hosts didn’t skip a beat. Incredible food, a stunning location, gorgeous accommodation, and fun, varied rides made for a truly unforgettable experience. I loved that they catered for all levels of riders. If you’re thinking about taking a less experienced friend globetrotting, this is the place to go. My son was riding like a gaucho after three days, and there were plenty of opportunities to have a good canter or gallop for those who wanted to. The highlight, though, is the Peruvian Pasos, a stunning breed and the smoothest ride of your life. Argentina is an absolute must. I’ve booked my return trip already.’

Sierras Chicas, Argentina - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Christina Wang

‘I had an amazing holiday in Argentina! Kevin, his guides and horses are pros in the hospitality business. I rode a different horse every day. Each one was kind, patient, well trained and clearly loved its job. I especially liked riding the Peruvian Pasos – their fifth gait is so cool! The accommodation is quaint and comfortable. There is so much delicious food and wine for every meal and any moment in between. Before I left for the airport, I requested a sandwich to eat on the road. Not only did they make me one, but two! That speaks to the generosity and thoughtfulness of the family.
Kate and Laura were great. They patiently answered my questions and provided lots of helpful information. I will definitely use Globetrotting for my next horse vacation!’

Sierras Chicas, Argentina - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

John Mulcahy

‘A great way to experience a different breed of horse. Doing it in style and comfort with like minded people. Fantastic! The spacious, old-style rooms were very comfortable. I really enjoyed the barbeques. The service, environment and hospitality were excellent. I enjoyed the gait of the Peruvian Paso horses. My favourite experience was the afternoon when we mustered some cows and calves, separated the calves and then roped some of them. We then rode to the top of a hill to view a super moon rising, while enjoying drinks and nibbles.’

Ashleigh Holden

‘I was so happy with the Sierras Chicas ride. I would definitely recommend it! The food, service, horses and terrain far exceeded my expectations. We cooked in the kitchen with the chefs, which was a lovely surprise. The guides were absolutely amazing, and I’m glad that I got to ride with people who were at the same level as me!’

Elaine Herlihy

‘Trying polo was great fun and the full moon ride was very special. The guides and gauchos were lovely and great to ride out with. They were very good at looking after the group and the horses. It’s quite something to see the gauchos with their horses, and the bond between them. The pacey and varied rides were fantastic, and the horses were superb, beautifully trained and well cared for. I rode a different one every time, and all were great. My favourites were Chilenita, Rubia and Picante. If a week of total peace and quiet, clean air and excellent food and accommodation is your thing, with riding on superb horses thrown in, Sierras Chicas is the place to go.’

horse riding holiday in Sierras Chicas, Argentina

Claire Pollock

‘My ride in the Sierras Chicas, Argentina was fabulous. It was all amazing, however the polo days were a standout! The hosts, Lou and Kevin, went out of their way to ensure that I had a fantastic experience on the polo field. All the horses were fabulous, especially the Peruvian Pasos – so much fun. I wanted to bring a gaucho saddle home with me, they were amazingly comfortable, and the food and accommodation was amazing! You are certainly never going to go hungry whilst on this trip.’

STORIES FROM THE SADDLE

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