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. 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.

The Estancia at Sierra Chicas 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.
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.

Accommodation:
Accommodation on the farm is simple and very comfortable, with all rooms having their own private bathroom. Whilst on the trail ride, accommodation ranges from shared ‘bunk’ rooms to comfortable guest houses.

Meals:
European, varied and delicious with plenty of local dishes. Some of the food is produced on the property. Good Argentine wines for tasting.

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

Horses:
On the trail ride you should expect to be in the saddle between four to five hours a day with the occasional days requiring an extra push to reach the objective. All personal items are carried in saddlebags on your own horse, and so the lighter you travel the more comfortable both you and your horse will be.

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 ether Criollos or Paso Peruanos polo ponies with some crossbreeds. The tack is English with sheepskins over the saddles. The horses are chosen to suit the abilityof the rider. The riding is “Western” and very relaxed. For trail rides, riders should be a minimum of intermediate or confident novices.

Children

Children under 15 years are not permitted on trail rides, unless they are experienced and competent riders, and the party they are travelling with have reserved the ride exclusively.

If on a trail 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 ranch are spent camping or in local dwellings allowing the visitors to experience another way of life. The itinerary is complex and subject to change. Shorter stays have altered riding itinerary.

Day 1: After taking your transfer to Estancia Los Potreros and settling into your room, receive an introduction to the horses and the relaxed style of riding. A beautiful sunset ride to get your bearings is followed by a traditional candle-lit dinner and the chance to discuss the plan for the rest of the week.

Day 2: Ride out this morning to the ‘Top of the World’ for a spectacular 360 degree view of the estancia, and a chance to see the route of the trail ride to come. After passing the cattle ranch, hear the sound of the `bellstone` that inspired the original bell-shaped cattle brand of the estancia.

Lunch is a traditional Argentine asado (barbecue) and the afternoon may be spent swimming or walking, or preparing for the trip ahead. Watch the sun go down and enjoy a drink on the Patio Verde. Dinner and night spent at Potrero de Los Melados.

Day 3: Start the trail "across country” past the Cañada de los Condores (Canyon of the Condors) and perhaps a dip in the waterfall. Arrive at La Estancita for a picnic lunch at the local rural school which is supported through the kind donations of guests, and visit the local Dominican church dating back to the 1870’s. The night is spent at Cañada del Molle, the childhood home of Kevin and Robin Begg, and perhaps enjoy some folklore music under the stars.

Day 4: Set out towards Candonga, going north along the top of the Sierras Chicas, through some truly dramatic scenery. Pine forests give way to rocky descents, and you will marvel at the sure-footedness of the horses. Arrive for a late lunch at Mentas farm. Menta is a wonderful host and an excellent cook. A dip in the natural rock pools is followed by a late afternoon ride to Candonga church (C1650). Ride back at sunset along the river to our hilltop accommodation.

Day 5: This long days ride sets out west across the Sierras, climbing above La Cumbre to the Loma Grande. A picnic lunch is taken on the way, and after crossing a wide variety of landscapes and scenery, dinner and the night are spent at a charming and secluded stone lodge, which cannot be reached by any means other than walking or riding. The stone-constructed house has no road or electricity but does have hot showers, excellent food and spectacular views.

Day 6: The morning ride descends from our beautiful retreat to the town of La Cumbre at the top of the Punilla valley, which was originally an English settlement. Lunch is in a typical Cruz Chica home, and the afternoon is spent at leisure exploring the local town. The night is spent at the lovely Reydon Hotel, an old girl’s boarding school, tastefully restored into a charming and comfortable guest house. Your hosts are well-known for their impromptu tango lessons!

Day 7: Set out early for the long ride home, winding down towards La Falda along the “Camino de Los Artesanos”. Pass by La Falda a town of German origin, with a picnic lunch at the famous Eden Hotel (funded by Hitler during the war and now a museum). Climb the ridge to vermiculite mines (Cerro Sapo), make your way along the top with views across the Valle de Punilla. You will feel the horses pulling towards home as you pass the restored farm house at “El Vergel” (C1700). Farewell dinner and overnight at Los Potreros.

Day 8: Farewell ride on the estancia or even a game of polo before returning to the airport.

Dates Note: Additional dates can be set for groups of 4+. Weekly Estancia Stays are available throughout the year.

The Cordoba region is known for its good weather and healthy climate. The summers are hot-“siempre de temporada” always in season, is the old slogan. The estancia is open all year round. The climate can vary but is generally sunny and dry, the rainy season is in the summer months (Dec /March).

The winter is short but can be cold at night; it is usually warmer and sunny in the middle of the day. The sun can be very strong so hats and good protection is recommended.

Climate Centigrade	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg High Temp.	31	29	27.5	25	20	17	17	19	22	22	27.5	30
Avg Low Temp.	16	15.5	14	11	7.5	5	4.5	6	7.5	11	13	15.5
Avg Precip. mm	134	109	116	50	23	13	15	13	38	74	107

The estancia is situated at 1100 metres and therefore weather can sometimes be unpredictable - there is always the possibility of a wet, windy or cold day, and so you should pack accordingly! In addition, the sun is very strong, and so hats and good sun protection are recommended all year round.

The estancia generates its’ own electricity and supports responsible tourism. Therefore, the use of electrical items such as hairdryers and irons may be limited, and are not provided by the estancia.

Bell Stone Estancias Ride

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