Estancia at Sierra Chicas 
This is an 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" 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 the 1760's.
The family provide short and long riding breaks for those who want to experience first hand the majesty and rural tradition of Argentina.
The Estancia sets a standard of professionalism in accommodation, food, guiding and equine care above the normal standard of Argentina, combining care for the client 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 riding.
If you have a love for the wild and enjoy the thrill of arriving by horse, this adventure allows you to experience Argentine wildlife, scenery and culture at close quarters while not abandoning creature comforts provided by good accommodation, the best tack and fabulous horses.
This is a place for people who appreciate fine horses and know how to ride. However, there are horses for every ability, and beginners are welcome.

IT-ARRT11

2008 Rates incl. lodging and meals with daily rides and optional overnight trips.
7 days/ 6 nights  $ 2,040    
additional days $340
... shorter or longer stays are possible
Single rooms: +30% -- waived if willing to share

HT Special book 6 nights, get 1 night free during June, July and August

Sold Out dates 2008:
all of May, July 9 to 12, Nov 11-22

Dates: any time except May
Meeting: Cordoba
Airport: Cordoba
Transfer: included from Cordoba
Horses: Peruvian Paso, Criollo, Polo Ponies
Tack: South American, English trekking  with sheepskin
Pace: Moderate, trots and canters
Level:   Novice, Intermediate, Advanced
Max Riders: 12
Note:  Polo Tuition is available at $285 per day/night ...  Special Country Polo Clinics are available for 2007 and 2008

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.

Excursions:
There is a vast area to explore across the Sierras and we tend to arrange the itinerary according to the visitors wishes, sometimes in combination with the vintage car tours.
Riding is usually centered 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.
  Bell Stone Estancias Ride

There is no set itinerary for the home horseback rides. The following are some examples:
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!

Other activities:
There is plenty to do for those not interested in riding. Walking in the hills and exploring the streams, watching the exotic bird life or just lying by the pool.
There are also three excellent golf courses in the vicinity. The farm is remote but a taxi ride or a lift can take you shopping to Rio Ceballos (13K), La Falda (17K) or La Cumbre (35K). Cordoba city (55K) is an interesting University town, a principal staging post between Lima (Peru) and Buenos Aires.
The area is rich in Jesuit churches showing their intense activity in the region. Popular local sites to explore are the national Jesuit Museum in Jesus Maria (1618), Estancia Sta Catalina (Founded in 1662), and Embalse San Roque (lake that provides the water for Cordoba city).
The folkloric festival at Cosquin and the Rodeo at Jesus Maria are also annual attractions as are Cattle sales and the cattle branding. Specific activity itineraries are available for riding, vintage car driving, trekking, golf and mountain biking, please contact us for further details.
Wine tasting: Argentina is the fifth largest producer of wine in the world; you will be trying various wines throughout your stay in Argentina. The vineyards are based almost entirely on European grape varieties. Vast stretches of fertile vineyards stretch along the foothills of the Andes dotted with more than 2,000 wineries. The region is blessed with a combination of plentiful water, sandy soil, a dry climate and year-round sunshine, which makes for enormous yields.