Estancia at Sierra Chicas

Introduction
Cordoba/Mendoza Argentina
Swathed in 15,000 acres of secluded grassy wilderness at the top of the Sierra Chicas hills, the Estancia is an idyllic retreat for horsemen, hikers and nature lovers. This working ranch breeds Aberdeen-Angus cattle and Paso Peruano pacing horses. It has been in the Anglo-Argentine Begg family for four generations and offers the possibility of combining the pleasures of British-style estancia life with riding in one of Argentina's most interesting riding areas. The main house is steeped in family history with many references to the days of the Jesuits who first organized farming in the area.  At an altitude of 3,000 feet, it is 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 provides 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 unrivaled 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.
 
Introduction to Polo

Add 3 Polo sessions to your week. We are delighted to offer a ‘Learn to Play Polo’ 3 day package for anyone that wants to try this fun, fast and exciting sport.
Based from the beautiful estancia, the package consists of 3 consecutive half days on the polo ground, where you will be introduced to the basics of the game – the shots, the rules and of course the play, all on our wonderfully kind and forgiving horses. Offered either as part of a stay at the estancia, this is an ideal way to gain an introduction to the sport whilst also enjoying the hospitality of the Begg family, and soaking up some Argentine culture.

Accomodation



Accommodations
This is a stationary ride where all 7 nights are spent at the estancia.

Description
The estancia has a rustic elegance and is very comfortable providing you with all creature comforts. Many of the estancia buildings are several hundred years old, and have been lovingly restored with traditional materials to reflect the history of the area, with every room unique and individual. Antiques and books abound and cooler winter nights are warmed by log fires and wood-burning stoves. Deep roll-top baths in most of the rooms provide the perfect antidote to a long day in the saddle. One of the original cattle brands and symbols of the area, ‘The Bell’, can still be seen etched into the fireplace in the sitting room.



A ‘pool with a view’ provides a perfect place to relax, along with hammocks on the verandahs. The estancia has an eclectic range of books in virtually every room for guests to enjoy, and an artist’s box is provided for the creatively minded.

The majority of energy we use at the estancia is generated from renewable resources (wind and solar power). We are also working to make the estancia a plastic-free zone. We provide guests with re-usable thermo water bottles and we use solid shampoo and conditioner made with gentle products.

There is free Wi-Fi in the main building but as it is satellite based it can be slow and intermittent. In addition Wi-Fi is turned off during mealtimes on the estancia.
There is no cellphone coverage on the estancia.
A complimentary clothes washing service is available.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is only mandatory if you are unwilling to share a room.
We have 2 cottages with interconnecting rooms ideal for families.



Meals
All meals are included during this trip.
Breakfast, and dinners are eaten at the estancia while, lunches are eaten on the trail.

We operate with a strong ‘farm-to-table’ ethos when it comes to our food, providing home-reared beef, free-range eggs, and wherever possible, vegetables and fruit from the estancia gardens. All farming is undertaken with organic principles. We're often told how fresh and different it tastes.

Meals at the estancia reflect both Argentine and international cuisine. They are varied and delicious with as much local products as possible. For those interested in Argentine cooking, the chef is delighted to share and demonstrate knowledge of traditional Argentine dishes from our beautiful farm kitchen, using only fresh ingredients, much of which is provided from the estancia. Meals are taken ‘family style’ with all guests eating together in the main dining room or on the verandah.

Breakfasts usually include bacon and eggs, toast, cereals, yoghurt, fruit and porridge.

Wine is served with dinner at the estancia (included in trip cost). The Estancia has its ‘own label’ Argentine wines to accompany the meals, and various grape varieties make for interesting wine tasting. 

Dietary Restrictions
The excellent chef can cater for a range of special dietary requirements with prior notice. It should be noted that we are not always able to source gluten and lactose free alternatives for some food items.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Your Hosts
Your estancia stay is hosted by Louisa and her husband, Kevin. They are always thrilled to invite guests into the family farm, where being a part of day-to-day life is encouraged. Kevin delights in regaling visitors with tales of his family and life in Argentina over a glass of Malbec, while Louisa is always ready to chat, surrounded by our other family members - the horses and the dogs!
Our permanent team have nearly 100 years combined experience on the estancia, so for them, the estancia is their home as much as their place of work. Whether it's Pato, our cook, inviting you into the kitchen to see what she is baking for the day, or Leo, one of the gauchos showing off his skills on horseback, our team are always ready to share special glimpses of real Argentine life.

Horses
Horses on the estancia include sure-footed and tough Criollos, energetic and smooth gaited Peruvian Paso horses, strong and even-tempered Quarter Horses and agile and fast Polo Ponies. The unique quality of the "Peruvians" is that they have the pre-Moorish Spanish Paso, an extraordinary gait that enables them to walk at the speed of a canter. The ride is smooth and feels like sitting in a portable armchair, perfectly suited for the distances required of the landscape. The gait of the Peruvian Paso is similar to the Icelandic horse. It is a four-beat lateral gait. Very comfortable indeed. The Rolls Royce of horses.
The herd of over 100 horses provides something for everyone, and for riders of all abilities.
All horses are soft-mouthed, forward going and with wonderful temperaments, typical of working horses who lead varied lives and are free to roam on the hills in their downtime.
Many of our horses are homebred and raised by us. Horses are our passion, and each and every one is considered part of the family.
Guests are encouraged to get involved with all of the horse activities on the farm, whether that is watching the horse-breaker at work or rounding up the mares and foals to protect them from pumas.

Riding
You can expect to ride for between 4 and 6 hours per day, usually with a longer ride in the morning and a shorter ride in the afternoon. On Sunday there is a morning ride but no afternoon ride.
Rides are split according to ability, and often we will have several rides going out at the same time. The maximum number of guests per ride is 6 (plus 2 guides) but usually we have about 4 riders or so per riding group.
Our horses are ridden ‘gaucho style’, in a relaxed manner with loose reins, which is very intuitive and easy to pick up.

Polo Game
We usually play an informal game of polo at least once a week on the estancia for those that would like to learn/take part. All guests can participate at no extra cost.

Hard Hats
We strongly recommend that you wear a hard hat for riding, and it is obligatory for playing polo. We have a limited number available at the estancia, but you may prefer to bring your own to ensure the correct fit and comfort.

Non-Riders
For those accompanying riding partners or friends, there is often the opportunity to join for picnic lunches, and to watch polo being played on the Estancia, or perhaps enjoy a ride in one of the antique cars or more traditional horse-drawn carriage. There are a range of non-riding activities available on the estancia (guided walks, farm drives, wine tastings, etc) that can be organized with the hosts on arrival, or guests can express their interest at the time of booking.

Itinerary


Every day at the estancia is different. The would-be gauchos amongst you can canter along grassy hilltops, take a dip in natural rock pools, visit local churches on horseback, help round-up the young horses, learn how to lasso, or have a go at polo. Riding groups are kept small and split according to the ability of the riders so that guests can ride at their own speed.

There are between 4-6 hours riding daily on the estancia, consisting of either a morning and afternoon ride, or a day ride with picnic. On Sunday, there is a morning ride but no afternoon ride. Riding does not need to be arranged or booked in advance.

We're proud to say that 'The World’s Best Riding’ (Real Travel) and ‘The Most Inspiring Horse Rides Around the World’ (The Huffington Post) are just a couple of the many accolades the estancia has received in recognition of the first class riding on offer.

Note: All outdoor activities are weather dependent and we do not ride in extreme weather conditions such as storms or high winds. 


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Please, note that the itinerary below is just a sample and can be adapted.

Day 1: Arrival
Your transfer will meet you at the international airport of Córdoba. Just under an hour from your pick-up you will arrive at the Estancia in time for a late lunch. An introductory ride to get used to the ‘gaucho’ style of riding – long legs, deep seats and neck reining, whilst enjoying the comfortable sheepskins on the saddles. After your ride, your hosts invite you to dinner in what has been the family home for over 100 years.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Estancia

Day 2: Introduction
Ride to the ‘Top of the World’, the highest point on the estancia, to appreciate the spectacular views out over the Sierras Chicas. The trail along the ridge is perfect for condor and eagle spotting, before returning to the estancia in time for lunch on the veranda.
This afternoon, demonstration and introduction to the very special Peruvian Paso horse. Learn more about this amazing 5-gaited horse, before trying out their super smooth paces yourself. All our horses are home-bred on the estancia and are forward-going and extremely comfortable.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Estancia

Day 3: Village Ride & Wine Tasting
A long morning’s ride to the far south of the farm, dropping into the local village to visit a unique and unusual chapel and museum that was built as a memorial to his wife and daughter by Guido Buffo, an art and science lover. Enjoy a traditional Argentine ‘asado’, sampling several different cuts of the estancia’s home-reared beef, washed down with plenty of Malbec.
Take the rest of the afternoon to relax by the pool and in the evening, you are invited to an informal wine-tasting, sampling local wines of the region before sitting down to a candle-lit dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Estancia

Day 4: Cattle Day
Discover your inner gaucho as you help the boys round up our herd of award-winning Aberdeen Angus, collecting them and moving them across the hills to our cattle station. Following lunch 'gaucho style´ under a shady tree, see if you can master the art of the lasso in the corrals, before some lovely long open canters along the top of the hills as you return to the estancia for tea and cake on the veranda.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Estancia

Day 5: Potrero de Niz Ride
The ride this morning drops down to our hidden waterfall where you can take a dip or just take a few moments to relax in the cool shade. From there a wonderful long canter takes you up to ‘Potrero de Niz’, the original family home, and a delicious picnic lunch on the porch. Perched on the top of a hill, the house has stunning views over the valleys, and we warn you that once there you will never want to leave! In the afternoon we ride back via the ‘Bellstone’ which will have the geologists amongst you scratching your heads. Tonight, our chefs open the farm kitchen doors and invite you to join them in preparing some traditional local dishes whilst sampling some more fabulous Argentine wines.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Estancia

Day 6: Polo or Trail Ride
No horse-riding holiday to Argentina would be complete without trying your hand at the ‘Sport of Kings’ – polo! Ride down to the polo ground where you will be given a short lesson followed by some practice ‘stick and ball’ and then play a few chukkas of this highly addictive game. After a barbeque lunch, challenge our gauchos to some gaucho games – barrel racing and ‘sortija’ – a race that involves spearing a small ring with a stick at speed!
In case weather conditions are dry and do not allow us to play polo we will go on a trail ride around the estancia.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Estancia

Day 7: Last Day
On your final day, ride through plunging gorges and over soaring mountain tops to reach ‘Las Tasas’ – a gorgeous natural swimming-hole where you can dive, swim or just take a snooze in the sun. After a shady picnic lunch, help our gauchos round up the mares and foals to protect them from the elusive puma. Tonight, enjoy some live traditional Argentine music with a glass of wine in the garden before sitting down to a fabulous farewell dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Estancia

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast depart for your onward travels. Guests with later departures are welcome to ride in the morning and stay for lunch but must check out of their rooms by 10 am.
Meals included: Breakfast



Riding activities

Trail Rides
Trail riding is tailored to suit ability and the hills provide a surprising variety of landscapes and terrain. Rocky outcrops give way to open hillsides. Hidden valleys lead to tumbling waterfalls and wooded paths. Trails take you to swimming holes and spectacular viewpoints, or further afield to neighboring lands that offer a glimpse of rural life, past homesteads, churches and remote schools.

Waterfall Ride (Half-Day)
Ride to the waterfall, and take a refreshing dip in the pool. Return to the estancia for lunch on the veranda, and after a well-earned siesta help the gauchos to bring in the mares and foals.

Bellstone Ride (approx. 2 hours)
Take a sunset ride to the ‘Bellstone’ to learn more about the history of the estancia and then help the gauchos round up the mares and foals.

Church & School Ride (Full Day)
A full day picnic ride to a local Dominican church, and to visit the local one-teacher rural school which is supported by the estancia. The fabulously smooth and forward-going Paso Peruano horses make sure that the day in the saddle doesn’t feel quite so long!

El Vergel Ride
Visit ‘El Vergel’, the oldest building on the estancia dating back to 1639 and try your hand at ‘sortija’, a gaucho game on horseback that involves threading a stick through a small ring at speed!

Potrero de Niz Ride
Ride to the north of the farm to soak up some of the family history of the farm. This was the original family home of the Begg’s some four generations ago, and the landscape is peppered with shrubs along running streams.

Guido Buffo Ride
Another full day’s ride to the far south of the farm, enjoying a picnic by the stream next to a small museum in what used to be the house of Guido Buffo, an art and science lover, who built an unusual chapel as a memorial to his wife and daughter.

Chiviquin Ride
Visit Chiviquin on horseback, the main working cattle part of the farm, perhaps seeing the gauchos in action with the Aberdeen Angus cattle which are the backbone of the farm today. Ring the ‘Bellstone’ on the way back, and on returning to the estancia enjoy a traditional Argentine ‘asado’ and a leisurely afternoon dip in the pool. Follow this with an afternoon in the corrals – watch our horse-breaker at work or try your hand at lassoing. 

Full Moon Ride
The night of the full moon we often ride to a point on our hills for moon-uppers and sun-downers, to marvel at this beautiful spectacle unfolding ... After a long canter or gallop along the hilltop imagine standing amongst long grasses gently swaying in the breeze, a glass of wine in hand, looking out over the plains in front of you as the blue sky fades. Then turn to face the other direction to be confronted with the dramatic crimsons, scarlets and flame thrown hues of the sun setting over the dramatic horizon of the surrounding mountains before turning back to see a silvery moon start to ascend into an indigo sky. And if there isn't a full moon due we sometimes ride up for sundowners anyway!


Cattle Work
The cattle are overseen by the gauchos, using our horses for herding and working in the corrals. Each gaucho carries a ‘rebenque’ or cattle whip when he's working, which is used to make a sound that encourages the cattle to move. He also carries a ‘facon’ or gaucho knife, used for a multitude of purposes, from taking a stone from a horse's hoof, to eating his beef.
The annual branding, in preparation for the sales or ‘yerra,’ is the absolute highlight of the year for the gauchos, and for us. This is when they have the opportunity to demonstrate their prowess with a lasso, over a long weekend of hard work and camaraderie, followed by the traditional ‘fiesta’. The yerra has long been an important event in the rural community. If you're here when it happens, consider yourself invited.
As a working cattle estancia, there is often the chance for our guests to ride out alongside the gauchos and help them with their daily tasks.

Bringing in the young horses to protect them from the elusive puma, rounding up stray cattle, moving the herd into the corrals for counting or vaccinating, or taking salt out to the herd are just some of the day-to-day estancia activities in which guests can be involved.
For instance, you could join the gauchos taking salt out to the cattle herd and checking over the newborn calves (half day ride) or test your skills against the gauchos in a round of ‘gaucho games’ including barrel racing and sortija (approx. 2 hours).

Polo
No visit to Argentina would be complete without the chance to try one of the local passions - polo. We both love introducing this extremely fun and highly addictive sport to guests, who wouldn't normally have a chance to try it. Take part in one of the informal weekly sessions (half-day long), which include tuition and a practice game, or take it a bit further and join one of the regular fixed date ‘learn to play polo’ weeks, which are run under the expert supervision of a local professional.



Non-Riding Activities
Out of the saddle, the cattle and horse trails make for wonderful walking, taking guests to awe-inspiring viewpoints and hidden waterfalls whilst experiencing the plentiful birdlife and colorful wildflowers, or watching the gauchos at work. The serenity and landscape lend themselves to those who enjoy painting, photography or writing, or simply curling up with a book, whilst good conversation and a gin and tonic are never far away.

Farm Drive
A fantastic way to spend a morning is to take a trip around the estancia. Learn about the family history of the estancia and see some of the many references to Jesuit farming in the area. It is likely you'll see some interesting wildlife along the way, and for added fun we usually have a story or two to tell as we go!

Cattle & Gauchos Drive (Half day)
Drive to the cattle station to understand more about the management of the Aberdeen Angus herd, the day-to-day role of the gaucho and the rural traditions.

Potrero de Niz Drive (Half day)
Head to the north of the farm to see the original family home of the Beggs. Watch the landscape change and learn about the challenges faced by Robert Begg in the building of the original family home, along with stories of Louie Begg, Kevin’s grandmother, one of the pioneers of rural tourism in the 1940’s.

School Drive (Half day)
Visit the local rural school, long supported by the estancia, which supplies rudimentary education for the families of the gaucho. Go further up to the local Dominican church, founded in the 1880’s.


Gaucho Skills
Immerse yourself in their world for a moment and try your hand at one of their greatest skills.

Lassoing (approx. 1 hour)
Discover your inner gaucho and learn how to lasso from one of the boys on the estancia. Learn how the lasso is made, what it is used for and most importantly have go yourself! (1 hour)

Introduction to the Peruvian Paso horse (approx. 1 hour)
Learn about this unique breed of horse, the ‘dancing horse’ of Peru that came to Argentina through the trading route of the Camino Real between Lima and Salta. Learn why they are different to ‘normal’ horses, their history, the traditional saddles and bridles used and watch our stallion be put through his paces. (1 hour)


Walking
You can either join a guided walk with a staff member, or head out on your own - our estancia dogs will be happy to join you! Wildflowers throughout the year are spectacular, and you shouldn't be surprised at crushing wild mints and herbs underfoot, releasing the most incredible fragrances. Ranging from an hour’s wander to full day hikes incorporating swimming holes, there's a walk around the estancia for everyone.

Owls Walk (approx. 2 hours)
Visit the burrowing owls which inhabit many parts of the estancia and share their burrows with a large rodent called a ‘vizcacha’.

Bellstone Walk (approx. 2 hours)
Take a sunset walk to the ‘Bellstone’ to learn more about how this mysterious rock is part of the history of the estancia. Continue on up onto one of the  nearby hills to get an amazing unset view of the estancia.

Top of the World Walk (Half day)
For the more energetic, walk up to the ‘Top of the World’ for outstanding 360 views of the estancia from the highest point on the farm.

Las Tazas Walk (Full day)
Pack a picnic and head alongside a rocky stream to arrive at ‘Las Tazas’, some stunning natural rock pools, ideal for swimming, sunbathing and lazing a few hours away.


Bird watching
Do you know your Andean Condor from your Black Chested Buzzard Eagle? You might well, after your visit with us. The estancia is blessed with plentiful and varied birdlife all year; we also get American Kestrels, Peregrine Falcons and Black Vultures paying us a visit. The wonderful ‘burrowing owl' is a regular sight, eyeing passing visitors from fence posts, while other smaller birds include herons, hummingbirds, nightjars, plovers and mocking-birds. We have binoculars and bird books for you to borrow at the estancia.


Food & Wine
No visit to Argentina would be complete without experiencing of one of the Argentine national pastimes—eating and drinking.

Wine Tasting
Kevin shares his appreciation and fondness for Argentine wines with an informal and fun wine-tasting.

Introduction to traditional argentine cooking
Join Pato, our cook, in the warm and spacious estancia kitchen and learn how some of the traditional Argentine dishes are prepared, including the famous empanada and home-made pastas.

Sundowners
Accept an invitation to sundowners on the verandah at Lou and Kevin’s home, and meet some of their various animals including peacocks and pygmy goats.

Rates and Dates for Estancia at Sierra Chicas

Dates Note: Short stays are possible with a min. of 3 nights (5 nights for holidays)
A Polo Week can be arranged at most times of the year with a minimum of 2 players at $430-$450 a day. (min of 5 nights)
Estancia closed for parts of May and June

Other Info
Meeting: Potreros
Airport: Cordoba
Transfer: Cordoba airport

Climate:
                                                Córdoba area