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ARGENTINA / CORDOBA : HORSE RIDING HOLIDAYS IN CORDOBA'S AREA...

Itinerary - Extensions - Horses and required riding level
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking

The estancia is very secluded on the top of the "Sierra 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's 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 accomodation, food, and guiding, taking care of the guests with unrivalled personal attention to detail. The estancia also provides a unique experience for those whowould like to combine the pleasures of estancia life with distance horseback riding. If you are on 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. - Stay at the estancia - Bell Stone horseback ride

220 € discount on every departure !!

ITINERARY

Guests are met at the airport and taken up to the estancia (one hour).There is an introduction to the horses and gauchos, followed by a familiarization horseback ride to a high view point.

- A half or full day of horseback riding on the estate following streams through valleys to the “top of the world” with stunning views of the punilla valley and the Sierras Grandes beyond.

- Riders on horseback may have the opportunity to spend the morning helping the gauchos work cattle. The amount and type of cattle work will depend on the season: rounding up, herding, branding, etc. lunch can be back at the estancia or may have to be a picnic in the hills or by a stream.

- Enjoy a full day's horseback ride to explore Candongas C1600 church. Return to Los Potreros past the “Estancita” and the Dominican church. This can also be a half-day horseback ride to the Dominican church with a visit to the local single teacher school.

- Spend the day visiting the Cañada de los Condores and swim under the waterfall. Picnic by the crystal clear stream.

- A visit to Canada del Molle and Potrero de Niz, see more of the family history in the area.

- Picnic by a clear stream. Sip the ice cool white torrontes wine while the stakes are sizzling on the fire and a gaucho is trying to fish a trout out of the river.

- Ride on horseback towards the quebrachitos past the bellstone rock. From a high point see the spectacular view of Cordoba City in the distance and the pampas beyond.

- Ride on horseback to the far end of the estancia Chiviquin. Enjoy an "asado" or a picnic lunch. There is a chance to climb to the water divide and have breath-taking views of the Sierras Grandes, Carlos Paz and the lush valley of Punilla.

- An overnight stay at Chiche and Menta's farm is very popular as is an overnight camping stay at Plomo's Estancia under the Pan de Azucar.

- Take a polo lesson. Understand some of the rules that will make for greater enjoyment of viewing the game if not making you a high goal player !

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 the estancia are spent in camping or in local dwellings (you have a choice) allowing the visitors to experience another way of life . All horseback riding abilities can be catered for there is a minimum age of 15 years.

BELL STONE HORSEBACK RIDE

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 1
Meet your host at Cordoba Pajas Blancas airport (COR). Transfer to the estancia (approx 1 hours drive). Afternoon horseback ride if time allows to Estancia Chiviquin , an old cattle outpost. This is a very 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 2
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 3
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 (optional).

Day 4
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 5
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 6
Descend on horseback to explore the charming town of La Cumbre (town of English origin built around a golf course at 1,150M ASL) at the top of the Punilla valley. Chance to do some shopping and replenish stocks . Try the excellent local beer! 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 7
Early morning horseback ride towards “El Cuadrado ” earth road. Passing the outskirts of 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 El Vergel and dinner and overnight at the Estancia.

Day 8
Farewell horseback ride on the estancia before returning to the airport.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

Buenos Aires

To make the most of your stay in Argentina, we suggest you to spend a few days in Buenos Aires. From the city center and its French style with grand avenues, old-time cafes and stylish restaurant, to the Boca, the italian area with its coulourfull houses along the Riachuelo river, Buenos Aires is more european than south american, but so charming !
We offer you to spent the night in a central four star hotel, including breakfast, and visit the city at your pace (entrance fees, meals and personal expenses are not included).

Cf. "options" section below to check the price of this extension.

Iguazu falls (3 days / 2 nights) Between Argentina and Brazil, the Iguazu falls are 4 km long and 70 meter high creating a spectacular scenery. This falls are registered since 1984 to the Unesco world heritage as the national park in which they are located. You'll be free to discover the site according to your wills. For example, you'll have the possibility to do some visits in the park, in the tropical forest and over the river to admire the falls from above thanks to footbridges. We offer you to spend 3 days and 2 nights in Iguazu, in a four star hotel, including breakfast and a return flight ticket. Are not included in the package : meals, transfers, entrance fees and personal expenses. Cf. "options" section below to check the price of this extension.

HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL

Horses
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.

Tack
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.

Required riding level
It's 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.

Children under 15 are not allowed on the Bell Stone Ride except if they are advanced riders.
Weight limit : 90 kg

YOUR GUIDES

You will be accompanied by the gauchoes of the estancia, and by the owners Robin and Teleri speaking Spanish and English.

ACCOMMODATION

Stay at the Estancia
Accomodation is very comfortable. each double/twin room has his own private bathroom.

Bell Stone horseback ride
During this trail, accomodation will be in estancias, guesthouses or bivouac, depending your choice (in case of bivouac, please bring your own hot sleeping bag)

Food is delicious. It'll be the perfect place to taste local food and house wines ("Malbec" and "Torontes").

DATES AND RATES

- Single room supplement : 540€ (7 nights)
Only for riders who ask for a single room. Those who are willing to share, will not pay the supplement even if they are finally in a single room.

- Additional night : 260€ / person / 7 nights, all included.

- Reduction for child under 16: - 350 €/ 7 nights, all included.

- Reduction for non riders: - 890 €/ 7 nights, all included.

Options (price per person)

RATE INCLUDING

- the horse trekking as mentionned above in estancia accomodation (or guesthouse/tent if Bell Stone ride booked) and full board basis (drinks included),
- transfers from and to Cordoba airport,
- english and spanish speaking guide,
- financial deposit guaranteed to Randocheval.

RATE NOT INCLUDING

- flight to Argentina
- supplementary nights
- any other services not mentioned in the program.
- The tips and personal expenses
- Optional insurance: more information.

BOOKING - INFORMATION

Contact Claire, the specialist for this destination !

PRATICAL INFORMATIONS

COUNTRY

LENGTH

LANGUAGE

GROUP SIZE

ACCESS

CLIMATE

Formalities
Check with your local Embassy according to your nationality.

Vaccins - Health
It is necessary to be up to date concerning your usual vaccinations, in particular for the tetanus vaccine.
Remember that a repatriation travel insurrance is compulsory.

REFERENCE :CH129-argentine-cordoba-en