ESTANCIA LOS POTREROS,
CORDOBA
POLO HOLIDAYS IN ARGENTINA
Estancia
Los Potreros
Estancia Los Potreros is an exclusive 6,000-acre working cattle farm that
has remained in the same Anglo-Argentine family for four generations.
The Estancia is very secluded on the top of the "Sierras Chicas" in Argentina at an altitude of 3,000 feet, nestled between the pampas and the Andes in the heart of the beautiful region of Cordoba.
It is steeped in family history and locally there is much evidence of the pioneering work of the Jesuits who first organized farming in the area before they were forced to leave in 1765.
The family provide guests with an unforgettable vacation and a first hand contact with the rural traditions of Argentina.
The Estancia sets high standard of professionalism in vacation accommodation, food, and guiding, taking care of the guests with unrivalled personal attention to detail. The estancia also provides a unique experience for those who would like to combine the pleasures of estancia life with distance horseback riding.
If you are on a riding vacation this is usually centred round the estancia life with occasional overnight excursions: longer expeditions are arranged and you can have the chance to ride from one estancia to another.
“Los Potreros is a place for people who appreciate fine horses and know how to ride. However, there are horses for beginners of every riding ability and many of the guests prefer to explore the estate on foot. "
If
you have a love for the wild and are in Argentina estancia comes to mind.
Estancia Los Potreros allows you to experience wildlife, scenery and culture
at close quarters while not abandoning creature comforts provided by good
accommodation, great food, the best tack and fabulous horses
Horseback
Riding and Safaris
The
horses, all bred on the estancia, have exceptionally soft mouths, are
well mannered and in excellent condition, they are responsive and sure-footed,
and most are either "Criollos" or "Paso Peruanos"
with some crossbreeds. These horses differ in that here they are used
constantly on the farm, moving cattle over the terrain makes them sure
footed and willing animals.
The tack is English with sheepskins over the saddles. The horses are chosen to suit the ability of the horseback rider. The horseback riding is “Western” and very relaxed. There is a vast area to explore across the Sierras and we tend to arrange the itinerary according to the visitors wishes.
Horseback riding is usually centred round the estancia life with occasional overnight excursions: longer expeditions are arranged and you can have the chance to ride horseback from one estancia to another.
“Los Potreros is a place for people who appreciate fine horses and know how to ride horseback. However, there are horses for every ability, and beginners are welcome.
The ranch's forte for horse lovers is its Peruvian paso horses, which here are used to round up cattle on the rocky hillsides like any criollo equine, giving lie to the popular notion that they can only amble and are incapable of galloping sure-footedly. The one assigned to me gave me one of the smoothest canters I have ever enjoyed, in addition to the superb swift ambling walk that is innate in the breed.”
Local
horseback rides with itinerary
Every
day the farm offers new challenges, guests can chose to be involved in
the daily activities or are free to chose a great number of horseback
rides returning to base.
There is total flexibility regarding both the length of stay and the horseback riding possibilities
Horseback
Riding Trail Itineraries
If
on a trail horseback ride you should expect to be in the saddle between
four to six hours a day with the occasional days requiring an extra push
to reach the objective. Nights away from Los Potreros are spent camping
or in local dwellings allowing the visitors to experience another way
of life . All horseback riding abilities can be catered for.
Bell Stone Horseback ride
(Eight
day seven nights example itinerary)
This horseback ride takes you over the constantly changing geography of the region, through areas impossible to reach by car. You stay at a variety of locations from cattle estancias to very simple dwellings exposing you to the life of the local people. This expedition is rich in local history and offers some exceptional horseback riding.
Day one: Meet your host at Cordoba Pajas Blancas airport (COR). Transfer to Los Potreros (approx 1 hours drive). Afternoon horseback ride if time allows to Estancia Chiviquin, an old outpost. This is a very old and simple traditional dwelling and offers an insight to cattle farming in these remote areas. Enjoy a candle-lit dinner, this is a tradition on every evening when staying at Los Potreros, an opportunity to discuss the plan for the rest of the expedition.
Day
two : A morning horseback ride to feel comfortable with your horse and
the gauchos. Ride horseback to some of the high points and get your bearings.
Explore the cattle ranch.
Lunch is a traditional Argentine “asado” (barbecue) by the pool
with several cuts of meat to try. The afternoon may be spent swimming
or walking. Watch the sun go down, enjoying a drink on the “Patio
Verde”. Dinner and night spent at Estancia Potrero de Loza and if
the moonlight allows: go to a high point to see the lights of the city
of Cordoba in the distance. On the way hear the sound of the “church
bell stone” that inspired the bell-shaped cattle brand of this farm.
Day three: Ride horseback "Across country” past “Canada de los Condores” Canyon of the Condors, where condors may sometimes be seen, to “La Estancita” for a picnic lunch at the local school, visit Dominican church go past local dwellings and small farms. Night spent at Estancia Potrero de Niz or camp out.
Day Four : Set out towards Candonga going north along the top of the Sierras Chicas towards Mentas farm (cabin). Menta is a wonderful host and a good cook. Together with her brother she ekes a meagre existence from her smallholding. The visit is worth the experience! Some earth road work. Swim in cool fast flowing crystal clear streams. Stay in Mentas cabin or camp out. Visit Candoga church (C1650).
Day five : Long horseback ride, some on earth roads. Climb above La Cumbre to the “Loma Grande”. Dinner and night spent at a charming and secluded stone lodge. The house is not reached by any other means than walking or horseback riding . The stone constructed house has no road or electricity but hot showers, excellent food and spectacular views. One can spend the night camping or indoors if the weather is inclement. Don't miss the night stars, one feels one could reach and touch them.
Day six : Descend on horseback to explore the town of La Cumbre (town of English origin) at the top of the Punilla valley. Chance to replenish stocks and batteries. Lunch in a typical Cruz Chica home. We wind down towards La Falda along the “Camino de Los Artesanos” towards Estancia Alto San Pedro. Night spent at local inn or estancia depending on availability.
Day seven : Early morning horseback ride towards “El Cuadrado” road. Passing La Falda a town of German origin, via the remains of the famous Eden Hotel (funded by Hitler during the war and now a museum). Climb ridge to vermiculite mines (Cerro Sapo), we make our way along the top of a ridge seeing the views across the Valle de Punilla. Return past a the ruin at “El Vergel” (C1700) dinner and overnight at Los Potreros.
Day
eight : Farewell horseback ride on the estancia before returning to the
airport.
Golf
There
are three excellent 18 hole golf courses within 35 kms of Los Potreros:
Córdoba Golf Club, La Cumbre Golf Club and Ascochinga Golf Club.
Caddies and club rentals are available on all courses.
Los
Potreros has a Polo field often used as a driving range and impromptu
three-hole course!
Córdoba (Villa Allende) has a magnificent 6824 yd. par 72 parkland course founded in 1922 only minutes away from Córdoba City, which hosts the Open Championship of the central region of Argentina.
La Cumbre has a 5991 yd. par 70 parkland course built in 1924 which has hosted several international tournaments.
Ascochinga has a 6350 yd. par 72 course only half an hour away from Los Potreros.
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