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Our equestrian tours in Argentina 
Horseback riding vacations in Argentina
Estancias, Tango, Criollo horses, Patagonia & Pampas

Argentina has, arguably, the tastiest beef, the sexiest dance, the best-looking people, some of the cutest penguins, the highest peak and the most cosmopolitan city in South America - and definitely some of the best horses and polo players in South America.
Add to that its vast plains and deserts, glistening lakes, thundering glaciers and the greatest waterfalls on Earth, and you have a destination with immense potential. Just as important, Argentina is emerging from a dark and tangled period in its history—its government and economy are becoming more stable. So it’s little wonder that this beautiful country is becoming a hot spot for travelers.
The capital city Buenos Aires is the center of the country in all ways except its geographical location. With the Rio de la Plata, in the east of the country, it is actually the city that is closest to the Old Continent, and probably the most European city in South America.
Behind Buenos Aires, the land of the Pampas begins. Many towns with historical centers that go back to colonial are worth visiting. In the west, the Andes mountains offer great outdoor opportunities. Patagonia, the far south of Argentina is a rugged and cold land. The area around Ushuaia, southern most city of the country, is mild in October to May. It is great for the lovers of nature and wildlife; big glaciers that go directly into the Barney, birds, seals and other arctic animals abound.
In the northwestern corner of this dreamed land, deserts and steppes are the most common geographical sites; and in the northeastern part of the country, Iguazú Falls, complete all kinds of climate existing on the Earth... all in one beautiful country.
The people are awesome, full of kindness - at least most of the time ;) -, and the weather is mostly pleasant all the year. Many people call this the Paris of the Americas.
Every country seems to have its own unique foods and Argentina is no different. You will be hard pressed to go anywhere in Argentina without seeing someone carrying a "mate" (wooden cup) and "bombilla" (metal straw) with "yerba mate" drink (a local herbal tea) in one hand and a vacuum flask (Thermos) slung over their shoulder, ready to top up their mate when empty. Another strange obsession with the Argentine people is their love of ice cream. Locally made ice cream af great quality can be found all over the country in a variety of flavors. Remember to try dulce de leche (caramelized milk) flavored ice cream. You can also get dulce de leche spread to have on your toast. A must to try.
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is one of the most European cities in South America. It is a very stylish city with many interesting buildings from the nineteenth century. It is also known as the South American Paris for its architecture and style. Don't miss the neighborhood of San Telmo. A run-down but appealing area halfway between midtown and the south end of the city, it is comparable to New York's Greenwich Village. Cobblestone streets here are rich with early 19th-century colonial architecture and mansions once inhabited by upper-class Spaniards.
If you are looking for some entertainment, Buenos Aires is your best choice. Many discos, a casino, plenty of bars... The night has no end in Buenos Aires. And of course the Tango shows and the “Opera Pampa" Horse Opera are not to be missed.
There are countless things to see and do in this passionate city including San Telmo, Ricoletta, el Teatro Colon, La Casa Rosada, Plaza de Mayo.
Opera - Pampa - Horse Opera
The horse has been an important part of Argentina's history and culture and the inseparable partner of the gaucho - the inhabitant of the Pampa.
Accordingly, this show, through the combination of amazing artistic expressions, presents memorable scenes depicting the traditions, the music, the dances, the culture, the dexterity of the Argentine horsemen, and the powerful beauty of their horses.
Opera Pampa is dynamic and uninterrupted succession of fascinating scenes portraying different historical times and memorable events in the history of the Americas and mainly in history of Argentina.
The show integrates different artistic expressions: folklore dances, musicians, singers, equestrian displays, fixed and moving stages, live and pre-recorded music and songs, and light and sound effects, among others.
Tango Shows
No doubt one of the great attractions of Buenos Aires is the dance wich made it famous: The Argentinian Tango.
Buenos Aires IS tango and you won´t want to miss its charm and sensuality. Either if you want to learn to dance it or if you wish to enjoy the best tango-shows in all the world, Meet Buenos Aires can give you the best tango-tour imaginable.
The Argentine people love to celebrate life. There are numerous nightlife venues throughout Buenos Aires, with the Argentine Tango at the heart of the after hours scene. The city practically dances to the sound of a tango ballad, and this sultry dance can be witnessed at many public gatherings around town. Some bars and clubs specialize in tango performances, offering guests a phenomenal show.
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See Mini Country Guide
Holidays on horseback in Argentina
Below is a list of our trips in this area with video clips.
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to view a video clip,
Mesopotamia Kaleidoscope Ride
(IT-ARRT12)
Corrientes, Argentina
12 days / 11 nights, regular rate
$4,350
Historic Estancias, Esteros de Libera and Iguaçu Falls This is a combination of our El Dorado Ride with crossing Mesopotamia's Panatanal region - ending up at the breathtaking falls of Iguaçu. The ride starts in the Corrientes of Argentina - a place where gau... Minimum riding level: Intermediate+
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Argentina Mini Guide Source: World Travel Guide
Overview
Deep in the south of South America is this land of infinitely enchanting landscapes -from the snow-capped peaks of the Andes and the dusty plains of Patagonia to the ‘Land of Fire' - Tierra del Fuego. Whether exploring the lush rainforest of Missiones, horse riding in the scorched red mountains of Salta, trekking the turquoise lakes and evergreen forests of the Lake District or playing the gaucho in the fertile Pampas, the country provides wonderful, boundless adventures.
At the heart of all this is the capital city, Buenos Aires. Somewhat unfairly described as a grimy Paris, Buenos Aires is a smart, contemporary city that is full of life and bursting with energy. While the spirit of the tango is alive and well and the gaucho heritage is celebrated, modern Argentina is more cosmopolitan in its outlook than many South American countries.
The people of Argentina are warm, friendly and open to visitors. Despite a dark period of military dictatorship and a series of economic crises, the Argentines have a tenacious spirit and lust for life that is infectious. This passion shines through in the nation's great loves of football, food and partying. Visitors to this country will find it easy to get into the swing of things, bringing back long-lasting memories of fine local wines and enormous steaks, along with those of the unforgettable and extraordinary landscapes.
Passport/Visa
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Passport Required? |
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British |
Yes |
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Australian |
Yes |
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Canadian |
Yes |
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USA |
Yes |
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Other EU |
Yes |
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Visa Required? |
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British |
No |
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Australian |
No |
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Canadian |
No |
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USA |
No |
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Other EU |
No |
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Return Ticket Required? |
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British |
Yes |
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Australian |
Yes |
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Canadian |
Yes |
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USA |
Yes |
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Other EU |
Yes |
Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in chart above. The minimum passport validity is equivalent to the time granted by the immigration authorities.
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for either business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days (extensions for a further 90 days are possible for some nationals; contact the consulate for details).
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
Argentine minors travelling to or from Argentina, if unaccompanied by their parents or travelling with a single parent, must carry their parents’ or legal guardian’s authorisation to travel, which must be certified by an Argentine Consul if issued abroad. Fines will be levied if passengers do not comply with immigration requirements and passengers will be deported.
Money
Currency
Peso (ARS; symbol AR$) = 100 centavos. Peso notes are in denominations of AR$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of AR$5, 2 and 1, and in 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. US Dollars are accepted in some hotels and tourist centres. Confusingly, both peso and dollar prices are often preceded by just ‘$', so check if you are uncertain.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks and authorised cambios (bureaux de change), which are available in all major cities.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Most major credit cards are accepted, but not as widely as in the US or Europe, and even some large hotels do not have credit card facilities. ATMs are available in most cities but it is still best to carry alternative forms of payment as daily withdrawal limits are low and machines don't always work.
Traveller's Cheques
These can be exchanged at banks, cambios and some hotels. It is often difficult to exchange these in the smaller towns. Travellers are advised to use ATMs and credit cards, but if they do take traveller's cheques to bring them in US Dollars.
Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 1000-1500.
Exchange Rate Indicators
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Date |
Jul 08 |
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£1.00= |
AR$6.00 |
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$1.00= |
AR$3.02 |
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€1.00= |
AR$4.77 |
Health
Vaccinations
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Special Precautions |
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Diphtheria |
Yes |
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Hepatitis A |
Yes |
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Malaria |
No* |
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Rabies |
Yes** |
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Tetanus |
Yes |
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Typhoid |
Yes |
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Yellow Fever |
No |
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Inoculation regulations can change at short notice. Please take medical advice in the case of doubt. Where 'Sometimes' appears in the table above, precautions may be required, depending on the season and region visited. |
* Argentina is a low risk area for malaria and instances are limited to northern lowlands in the Jujuy, Salta, Corrientes and Misiones provinces. Protection against mosquito bites should be enough, but chloroquine can be used as an extra precautionary measure.
** Recommended if visiting jungle or remote rural areas. If bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
Food and Drink
Tap water is generally safe but bottled water is recommended, especially outside main cities and towns.
Other Risks
Dengue fever, carried by mosquitoes, is present but not common. Leishmanasis, a skin disease spread by sandflies, is a low risk. Both can be avoided with sensible precautionary measures such as using mosquito nets and insect repellent in lowland and jungle areas.
Health Care
Medical insurance is highly recommended as there are no reciprocal health agreements. Medical facilities are generally of a high standard, though of varying quality outside Buenos Aires. Immediate cash payment is often expected by doctors.
Getting There
Getting There by Air
The national airline is Aerolíneas Argentinas (AR) (website: www.aerolineas.com.ar).
Approximate Flight Times
From London to Buenos Aires is 15 hours 50 minutes (via Madrid) and from New York is 10 hours 30 minutes.
Main Airports
Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) (website: www.aa2000.com.ar) is 37km (23 miles) from Buenos Aires. To/from the airport: Regular shuttle buses connect to the city (journey time - 40 minutes). Taxis and private hire cars are also available.
There is also a coach connection to Jorge Newbery airport (locally called Aeroparque) for domestic flight connections. To reach the city by car, drive on the Teniente General Ricchieri freeway. Facilities: 24-hour bank, bureau de change, ATMs, restaurants, tourist information kiosk, duty-free shops and car hire.
Air Passes
Mercosur Airpass: valid within Argentina, Brazil, Chile (except Easter Island), Paraguay and Uruguay. Participating airlines include Aerolíneas Argentinas (AR), Aerolíneas Del Sur (AS), Pluna (PU) and VARIG Airlines (RG). The pass can only be purchased by passengers who live outside South America and must be booked in conjunction with an international ticket. It is valid for seven to 45 days.
South American Pass: valid on Aerolíneas Argentinas and Austral (its domestic subsidiary) flights only.The pass can only be purchased by passengers who live outside South America and whose international flights are booked with Aerolíneas Argentinas. Up to 10 flight coupons are allowed and it is valid for 7 to 45 days.
oneworld Visit South America Pass: valid within Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile (except Easter Island), Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. Participating airlines are American Airlines (AA), British Airways (BA), Cathay Pacific (CX), Finnair (AY), Iberia (IB), LAN (LA) and Qantas (QF). The pass must be bought outside South America in the country of residence. It allows unlimited travel to over 30 destinations. You can take as many flights as you like, but a minimum of three flights must be booked. For further details, go to www.oneworld.com, or contact one of the participating airlines.
Departure Tax
US$18. For flights to Montevideo (Uruguay) and regional flights, the departure tax is US$8. Passengers in transit and children under two years of age are exempt. Visitors are advised to check with their airline or travel agent as the departure tax is subject to frequent changes.
Climate
The climate of Argentina ranges from the great heat and extensive rains of the subtropical Chaco in the north, through to the pleasant climate of the central Pampas and the sub-Antarctic cold of the Patagonian Sea in the south. The main central area is temperate, but can be hot and humid during summer (December to February) and cool in winter.
Required Clothing
Lightweight clothing in the north. Warm clothes are necessary in the south, in the mountains and during winter months in the central area. It is sensible to carry waterproofs in all areas.
Contacts
Embassy of the Argentine Republic in the UK
65 Brook Street, London W1K 4AH, UK Tel: (020) 7318 1300. Website: www.argentine-embassy-uk.org Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700.
Argentine Consulate in the UK
27 Three Kings Yard, London W1K 4DF, UK Tel: (020) 7318 1340. Website: www.argentine-embassy-uk.org Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1300.
Embassy of the Argentine Republic in the USA
1600 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA Tel: (202) 238 6401 or 6460 (visa section). Website: www.embassyofargentina.us
Argentina Government Tourist Office in the USA
12 West 56th Street, New York, NY 10019, USA Tel: (212) 603 0443. Website: www.turismo.gov.ar
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Estancia Pampas El Silencio
3 days / 2 nights, regular rate ~$280
Let yourself experience the amazing opportunity to discover the endless Argentine Pampas on the back of our Creoles, the horses of the legendary Gauchos. These Creole horses have a strong pace, steel nerves and a high endurance.
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Pampas Polo and Trail
3 days / 2 nights, regular rate ~$495
Thi Polo and Riding canter is located in the Cañuelas county, just 1 hour from Buenos Aires City, and just 30 minutes away from Ezeiza International Airport. Here you can enjoy a few days away from the big city among friends.
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Andean Crossing Adventure
12 days / 11 nights, regular rate ~$2,681
We will ride through the Aconcagua region up to the Chilean border. Here stands the most massive and immense mountains in America, including its tallest peak, the Aconcagua (23,200 ft).
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Bell Stone Estancias Ride
8 days / 7 nights, regular rate ~$2,800
This is a weeklong estancia to estancia ride starting at the Estancia at Sierra Chicas, an 6,000-acre working cattle farm that has remained in the same Anglo-Argentine family for four generations. This horseback ride takes you over the constantly changing geography of the region, through areas impossible to reach by car.
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Estancia at Sierra Chicas
7 days / 6 nights, regular rate ~$2,160
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.
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Sierra Chicas Country Polo Clinics
8 days / 7 nights, regular rate ~$2,800
Using the estancia as your base, explore the Sierras Chicas on a trail rides and play polo ‘country-style’. This is an 6,000-acre working farm that has remained in the same Anglo-Argentine family for four generations.
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El Dorado Estancias Ride
9 days / 8 nights, regular rate ~$2,570
Corrientes is a place where gauchos still drive cattle and horses from one place to another. It's a place where men on horseback calculate distances in terms of the hours they think they'll need to ride them.
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Mesopotamia Kaleidoscope Ride
12 days / 11 nights, regular rate ~$4,350
Historic Estancias, Esteros de Libera and Iguaçu Falls This is a combination of our El Dorado Ride with crossing Mesopotamia's Panatanal region - ending up at the breathtaking falls of Iguaçu. The ride starts in the Corrientes of Argentina - a place where gauchos still drive cattle and horses from one place to another.
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Andean Crossing from Argentina into Chile
10 days / 9 nights, regular rate ~$4,113
Join us on a special expeditions from Argentina into Chile. Your trip starts in Northern Patagonia from a 15,000-acre cattle ranch in the Andean foothills 45 miles from San Martin de los Andes.
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Cordillera Lake District Crossing
9 days / 8 nights, regular rate ~$2,000
Definately a trip for horse lovers, this trail will take you from Argentina, across the diverse and dense landscape, throught the Lion's pass, and into Chile. This trip will be an eye-opener to how rough the west was once!
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Estancia & Wilderness Excursion
9 days / 8 nights, regular rate ~$2,848
Your trip starts at a 15,000-acre ranch with 900-head of cattle, located in the Andean foothills, 45 miles from San Martin de los Andes. The landscape is made up of shrub covered hills, table-tops, craggy rock outcrops, and wide-open water-meadows.
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Mt Tronador Ride
7 days / 6 nights, regular rate ~$795
Just 50 miles south of Bariloche we offer one of the most spectacular scenic rides in Argentina at the base of Mount Tronador. This impressive 12,000 feet high mountain is the highest in Nahuel Huapi National Park.
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Pioneer Estancias Ride
9 days / 8 nights, regular rate ~$3,640
This fantastic ride takes place in the northern region of Patagonia. With Jane Williams helping us to organize this trip, riders are sure to experience great riding, hospitality and the chance to understand the history of the region and the people who settled it.
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Rio Negro - Las Mellizas Patagonia Ride
8 days / 7 nights, regular rate ~$1,260
The splendor of Huapi National Park, high in the Andes of western Argentina's Rio Negro, are yours to explore. This 1.
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Patagonia Estancia Alta Vista
4 days / 3 nights, regular rate ~$1,199
Los Glaciares National Park is your destination for the best viewing of wildlife, birds and glaciers in Patagonia. View of Argentina's Pilar Mountains We'll accommodate you at the very comfortable Alta Vista as your base for excursions of surrounding tundra, mountains, and glaciers.
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Patagonia Glacier Ride
6 days / 5 nights, regular rate ~$1,450
We have found a "jewel in the rough" in Southern Patagonia. Join us on a 5 day adventure getaway at this wonderful intimate lodge in the middle of the wilderness at the base of the Viedma Glacier, 120 miles north of Calafate.
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Tierra del Fuego Trail
5 days / 4 nights, regular rate ~$1,450
Tierra del Fuego - Argentina's only coastal national park - is a place of extremes: the world's southernmost national park accessible from the world's southernmost city - Ushuaia. This is a journey to the "heart" at the bottom of the world!
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