Yippee, your Corrientes adventure begins today! Depending on your departure date, you will arrive at the estancia between 4am {on the public bus} or 6am {on the private GT bus transfer}. Representatives from Estancia Don Joaquin will be waiting at the bus stop to escort you to the estancia itself. Here, the Solanet family will welcome you with open arms and you’ll get to know them over breakfast. Then it’s time to head to the stables! You will ride two horses during your stay, and your guides will ensure they’re a perfect match, encouraging you to try as many as you like.

Astride one of your chosen horses, the debut ride begins with an exciting introduction to the Argentine riding style, followed by a super fun mini cattle drive, or perhaps some corral work with horses and cattle – your official induction into the world of the gaucho!

Afterwards, you’ll have lunch at the estancia (asado – Argentine barbeque) then try more horses on the afternoon ride, by the end of which you’ll have chosen your two perfect equine partners. Each day, the selected horses that aren’t being ridden will run freely alongside your group – a true highlight of this itinerary.

Come evening, you’ll sit back with a sundowner and tuck into a drool-worthy dinner as dusk settles over the estancia.

Riding time: approx. 5 hours.

Waking to unfamiliar birdsong and the occasional far-away moo, you’ll fuel up with a delicious breakfast before your first full day’s ride. Initially, the trail leads northeast across the open plains, with nice long canters along sandy tracks and grasslands, accompanied by the ringing of cowbells as up to 20 loose horses trot and canter around you. Pure magic!

At lunchtime, the gauchos will light a fire and cook traditional empanadas and meat (vegetarian options available) over the flames. Then, under the shade of the trees, you’ll lie back on your sheepskin saddle cover for a siesta.

The afternoon brings a change of scenery, with 360° views of the surrounding wetlands. The wetlands offer a chance to see capibaras, antelopes, caiman and the unmistakable greater rhea (if you’re lucky!) – a flightless bird that stands 3 to 5 feet tall.

Riding towards the broad open plain of the pampa, out of nowhere, a stunning colonial estancia will appear, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Here, you’ll wine, dine, talk and laugh the night away.

Riding time: 7 hours.

After breakfast, you’ll ride along lagoons and scrublands, eventually reaching the Corriente river. Lunch (another hearty asado) will be whipped up on the river bank while you absorb the unforgettable view over the water. Hammocks emerge for today’s siesta, or you can simply chill out and watch the horses grazing by the river’s edge.

Later, a series of canters along sandy freshwater beaches brings you to a Mediterranean-style estancia nestled on the riverbank. You’ll be welcomed with afternoon tea and sundowners on the terrace, followed by a delightful dinner.

Riding time: 5 hours.

Today, you’ll herd the unridden horses back to the main estancia through vast eucalypt forests. Eventually, you will come across a remote cattle corral, where the gauchos will once again cook lunch before everyone takes a rejuvenating siesta.

In the afternoon, you’ll follow the chime of the cowbell as the ‘godmother mare’ leads the horses back to Estancia Don Joaquin, where dinner and another restful night await.

Riding time: 7 hours.

Today brings a delightful change of pace, with a half-day in the saddle following the gauchos in their daily cattle routine, getting down and dirty for a taste of real estancia life. Ever tried your hand with a lasso? Now’s your chance! It’s a real treat to see the gauchos and their clever, athletic horses at work.

After a three-course lunch at the estancia (yes, really!), the afternoon is yours to enjoy, most likely lazing around the swimming pool with a cool drink.

In the evening, your hosts will delight your tastebuds with a blind tasting of outstanding Argentinian wines before a scrumptious dinner.

Riding time: 3 hours.

This morning, you’ll ride with the gauchos to explore a new part of the estancia. The grassland in this area is ‘hedged’ with acacia trees and native forests, creating the perfect ecosystem for a variety of birds and wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled, globetrotters!

Lunch will be served back at the main estancia, then in the afternoon, you’ll either walk or drive to the River Lodge*. Located on the other side of the estancia, this lodge boasts gorgeous sunsets over the water, which you’ll soak up over dinner before returning to the main estancia.

*On some departures, this is instead a lunchtime excursion.

Riding time: 3.5 hours.

Your last day certainly packs a punch! After breakfast overlooking the serene river, you will return to the main estancia, then mount up and spend the rest of the morning helping the gauchos herd cattle into the corral, lasso calves for tagging, and anything else that needs doing!

After lunch at the main estancia, you can either saddle up your favourite horse (it’ll be a tough choice between your two noble steeds!) for one final ride on the estancia, or visit the nearby town of Esquina to check out a local tack shop, where you’re bound to find a useful souvenir or two.

Finally, in the late afternoon, you’ll return to the main estancia and revel in one last delightful evening of great food, fine wine, tall tales and good company.

If you’re taking the public overnight bus back to Buenos Aires, you will be driven to Esquina in good time (the bus departs at 10:30pm and arrives in BA at 7am). Please note, your flight home must not depart until after 11am on the day you arrive.

If you’re taking the overnight private GT bus transfer back to BA. you’ll board the bus at the estancia at 10pm and arrive in BA at around 7am. Your driver, Alberto, will take you to your hotel. Remember to arrange early check-in!

Riding time: 3 or 5 hours.

Welcome to Corrientes, globetrotters! Depending on your departure date, you will arrive at the estancia between 4am {on the public bus} or 6am {on the private GT bus transfer}. Representatives from the estancia will be waiting at the bus stop to escort you to the estancia itself. Here, the Solanet family will welcome you with open arms and you’ll get to know them over breakfast. Then it’s time to meet your beautiful Criollo steed!

The debut ride begins with an introduction to the Argentine riding style, followed by a relaxed two-hour loop around the serene grasslands surrounding the estancia, where herds of horses and cattle graze contentedly.

Afterwards, you’ll have lunch at the estancia (asado – delicious Argentinian barbeque) then bask in the tranquillity of your surroundings during the first of many midday siestas.

In the afternoon, your hosts will lead a nature walk around the estancia, pointing out many rare species of flora and fauna and imparting a strong sense of place to enhance and inform your stay.

As dusk settles over the plains, you’ll be plied with fine Argentinian wine and a cheese platter in the garden before tucking into a drool-worthy dinner.

For the duration of your stay, each day will be tailored to your heart’s desires. The longer you’re in Corrientes, the deeper you’ll be immersed – we recommend a 10-day stay if you can spare the time. You’ll wade through the wetlands on horseback, spotting caimans, capybaras, and vibrant, incredibly diverse birdlife. In the untouched scrublands, you’ll duck and weave through dense native vegetation. You can join the gauchos in their traditional cattle work, herding livestock, tagging calves, and driving cattle across the vast estancia, learning (or at least witnessing!) techniques passed down through generations.

Another highlight is swimming the horses bareback in a serene lagoon – a magical and incredibly fun experience! You’ll also have the chance to practise gaucho skills such as lassoing and Sortija, which will test your coordination and deepen your connection with your horse. And on a very special moonlit ride, you’ll see a totally different side of Corrientes, listening to nocturnal calls, chirps and croons as you ride beneath the dark, star-studded sky.

There’s plenty of free time at the estancia to swim, indulge in a massage, or take a polo lesson, while an excursion to the tack shop in Esquina offers a chance to purchase traditional saddlery and leather goods. For the non-riders, there’s also fishing, bird watching, hiking, 4WD wildlife safaris, spa treatments and cooking lessons to ensure a well-rounded holiday.

Each day at noon, you’ll all chow down on delectable asados and relax with a siesta. Then come evening, the kitchen team will prepare a three-course feast of Argentinian cuisine. And of course, the wine and cocktails will flow freely!

After another delectable breakfast, you will mount up and relive your all-time favourite ride. Whether swimming bareback in the lagoon or cantering across the plains, this promises be a ride to remember!

After lunch at the estancia, the gauchos will take you on one final ride – this time through the wetlands and across the Corrientes River to the River Lodge. Drinks will be served on the deck overlooking the water while the sun edges closer to the horizon, ushering in a delightful evening of great food, fine wine, tall tales and good company.

If you’re taking the overnight bus back to Buenos Aires, you will be driven to Esquina in good time (the bus departs at 10:30pm and arrives in BA at 7am). Please note, your flight home must not depart until after 11am on the day you arrive.

If you’re taking the overnight private GT bus transfer back to BA. you’ll board the bus at the estancia at 10pm and arrive in BA at around 7am. Your driver, Alberto, will take you to your hotel. Remember to arrange early check-in!

Transfers to and from the estancia are not included in the price. Most guests take the luxury 8-hour overnight bus from Buenos Aires to the nearby town of Esquina, where the estancia staff will be waiting to collect you in the morning on day 1. The same route can be booked at the end of your stay. Please contact us to arrange.

Alternatively, you can self-drive from Buenos Aires (6 hours), Corrientes (3.5 hours) or Santa Fe (3 hours). This is a great option if you intend to visit Argentina’s famous Iberá National Park or Iguazu Falls after your ride. Hire cars tend to be very well-priced in Argentina, or your hosts can arrange private car transfers for up to 4 people for $500 USD each way (paid direct).

On GT-exclusive departures, you will take a private group bus transfer to and from the ride. The bus is very comfortable and designed to facilitate a good night’s sleep. The cost will be confirmed one month before departure (approx. $250-$300 USD per person, round trip). On day 1, the private bus leaves Buenos Aires at 10pm and arrives at the estancia at 6am. On the final day, the bus leaves the estancia at 10pm and arrives in Buenos Aires at 7am.

Non-riding partners and friends are welcome, with fishing, 4WD-ing, bird watching, hiking, cooking classes, and an oh-so-tempting pool on offer.

*Additional charges apply for fishing (license, equipment hire etc).