This exceptionally well-run estancia is located in the Sierras Chicas, which is a mountain range north west 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 to this estancia they instantly feel at home by both the owners and staff. Exploring this property on one of the eighty horses is an absolute delight. The horse breeds’ range from polo ponies to the traditional Criollo breed to the Paso Peruano, which is a fifth, gaited horse. Riding guests have the opportunity to ride in the morning and afternoon each day and no two rides are the same. One riding day may involve a full day picnic ride to a local Dominican church and a visit to the local one-teacher rural school to another day where guests try their hand to spending an afternoon watching one of the gauchos break in a horse or participating in ‘sortija’ a gaucho game on horseback.
In between rides there is the opportunity to dine on traditional Argentinean cuisine, swim in the pool, enjoy long, uninterrupted walks or a spot of bird twitching. The estancia also 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.
There is also an eight-day, seven-night long distance ride available three times a year, which explores the beautiful Sierras Chicas. The ride takes guests over the constantly changing geography of the region, through areas impossible to reach by car. Guests stay at a variety of locations from local estancias to very simple dwellings exposing guests to the life of the local people. The eight-day ride is rich in local history and offers some exceptional riding.
time in saddle
4 to 6 hours
breed of horses
There are approximately 80 riding horses available at this property. The horses have all been bred on the estancia, have exceptionally soft mouths, are well mannered and in excellent condition. They are responsive and sure-footed, and are either Criollos, Paso Peruanos, with some crossbreeds.
riding ability
suitable for beginner to experienced riders
weight limit
maximum of 90kg for estancia stays and 90kg for polo and trail rides
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.
seasons
September and October is Argentina’s spring. It can frost at night, but the days are cool. In summer, November through to March is always delightful, warm during the day with refreshing cool nights. April is exceptional with autumn colours and May starts to get cold. June through to August is winter, with some snow.
group size
4 to 6 guests plus guides
dates
'Learn to Play Polo' week, 8 days, 7 nights, 2012
October 29 to November 5, $3010 USD per person.
November 19 to 26, $3010 USD per person.
Long Distance Trail Rides, 8 days, 7 nights, 2012
November 3 to 10, $3010 USD per person.
November 10 to 17, $3010 USD per person.
Polo Holidays (dates by arrangement), 5 or 7 nights
January to April, 2012, $430 US per person, per night
October to December, 2012, $450 US per person, per night
prices
January to April, 2012
3 to 6 nights $415 USD per person, per night.
7 nights or more $390 USD per person, per night.
May to September, 2012
3 to 6 nights, $370 USD per person, per night.
7 nights or more, $350 USD per person, per night.
October to December, 2012
3 to 6 nights, $430 USD per person, per night.
7 nights or more, $405 USD per person, per night.
Single supplement 30%.
There is a minimum stay of three nights required.
Price includes transfers to and from Cordoba airport, all food, drink and accommodation, daily riding, guides and equipment and all other activities whilst on the estancia.
The price does not include international flights or travel insurance.