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Estancia at Alto Ongamira
Cordoba/Mendoza
Argentina
At the handsome Argentinean estancia with 7500 acres of unblemished wilderness, avid international travelers can enjoy the spectacular countryside, the proud hills and the rural tranquility on horseback, on foot or simply finding sought after relaxation in estancia's lovely gardens. Due to its convenient proximity to historic locations, you can readily visit the attractions of Ischilin, the Fader Museum, Mount Uritorco and the incredible Saint Catherine Jesuit Convent during your stay. The estancia is very cozy and comfortable: The rooms are spacious and bright, with all the modern day conveniences. Open your bedroom windows at dawn and experience the most breath taking views - a truly unforgettable moment for many guests! The large garden here is a magic location; an ideal spot to enjoy a good book or a drink by the pool after a day of riding and exploring the beautiful foreign lands that this region of Argentina has to offer. The culinary experience is enviable: Using the best in regional products, the chef provides delicious and refined country-style fare, served in a well presented, dining room ambiance or as the popular Argentine-style open fire barbecues.
You can choose to ride only a few hours per day around the vicinity of the glorious property or opt for the day long horseback treks up into the vast hills and the impressive cliff side. For example, you can ride to Moon Ravine and watch the massive condors fly over the peaks of the cliffs which is quite magnificent. The trails are varied; you will traverse mountainside and meadows, cross rivers and visit the waterfalls. There are even some little beaches hidden in this paradise! Birdwatching includes eagles, condors and peregrine falcons and often we may catch sight of foxes, hares, wild donkeys and goats. You can even arrange for the unique night ride under the light of the full moon, visiting Aspero hill and Piedra Parada, if the conditions are right! Whether horse riding or simply sitting back to relax and enjoying the hospitality, the positive energy of the estancia and its surrounding wilderness will transform the body, mind and soul.
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Guest Ranch Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Alto Ongamira
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Airport:
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Cordoba
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Transfer:
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Cordoba airport
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
Max
18 riders
(per riding group)
Max Capacity
18
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accomodations, meals - breakfast, lunch (three course), afternoon tea and dinner (three course), daily riding, trekking, bird watching, gourmet activities. Access to all the facilities.
| A | 2013 | 7 day trip, AP (March-December) | 7d / 6n | $1980 |
Minimum Deposit:
40 %
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Cordoba per car (1-3 pax) one way
- to be paid locally
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$200
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2013
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Single supplement (30% extra)
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$0
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2013
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Children aged 2-12 (30% discount)
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$0
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Check in: 12 noon -- Check out: 12 noon
Tour Dates for 2013
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| A |
2013
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03/01
- 12/31
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP (March-Decemb...
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18
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Reserve
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Open all year, except Dec 24 and 25
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Rates do not include:
Drinks, and some of the extra activities.
There are options for everybody. From a couple of hours of riding per day, up to the possibility of riding between the hills and the monumental cliffs for several days, enjoying the most incredible locations nature can offer.
Horseback Excursions (samples):
The experience begins at the Montureo (place where the horseback riding gear is kept, where the guides are waiting with the horses already saddled to start the excursion.
· Mount Colchequin
Length: 3 to 4 hours.
Ascent to the Hill. Return to the Farm. Attractions: riding on horseback around the same lands where the Comechingones Indians fought their last battle against the Spanish. Panoramic view of Ongamira Valley and the Farm. Eagle, condor and; pilgrim hawk watching. On top of the hill, there is one of the few places, apart form the Andes Range, where condors sleep and can be often seen at a short distance.
· Horseback to the River
Length: 4 hours.
We go through a neighboring land and arrive at Copacabana River; we can go across the bed of the river as far as we want to. Once again the scenery is superb. We are soon surrounded by palm trees; we see wild donkeys and surely many goats. Baskets and bags made of palm-tree leaves with very typical designs are manufactured by villagers. It is important to sit down on the sandy beaches and contemplate the landscape that is completely different to the usual landscapes in Córdoba.
· El Saucecito excursion
Length: 5 hours.
We go along the same path that takes us to the Piedra Pcrade and through a detour we arrive at Saucesito where the ground and the flora change completely. This is shady woodland in an intensive green that contrasts with what we usually find in this zone. During this ride we cross several streams – ideal to plunge into in the summer.
· Piedra Parada excursion
Length: 3 hours.
Across a track made by a Russina engineer at the beginning of the twentieth century. We will see different landscapes, finding a wide range of greens and blues. On the skyline we will see the Salinas Grandes and some small villages. It is usual to find animals from the local faunda such as foxes, hares, many kinds of birds, among which a “chuna” may appear.
· Full Moon Ride
Length: 3 hours.
Departure after dinner. Full Moon horseback riding by night within the Farm, crossing Mount Aspero and Piedra Parada. Return by Puente de Laja. Back to the Farm. Attractions: an unforgettable experience on horseback under Córdoba’s full moonlight.
· La Cascada excursion
Length: 3 hours.
Cross-country horseback riding excursion. Climbing up and down several hills we arrive at a hidden waterfall. This is an ideal excursion where you can have picnic by the creek on warm days
Subject to change
Meeting:
Alto Ongamira
Airport:
Cordoba
Transfer:
Cordoba airport
Distance:
120 km (2 hrs)
Check in: 12 noon -- Check out: 12 noon
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Tack:
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South American
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Horses:
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Criollo cross
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Pace:
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Moderate some trots and canters according to riding level
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2
to
4
out of 5) All riding levels
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Weight:
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Max
100 kg
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
18 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
18
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Argentine Criollo
Present in all of South America, the name given to the creole horse varies from country to country: Criollo in Argentina or Uruguay; Crioulo in Brazil, Costeño and Morochuco in Peru; Corralero in Chile and Llanero in Venezuela.
This breed is the direct descendant of horses brought to the New World since the arrival of Columbus, imported by Spanish conquistadors during the 16th century. Many of these war horses escaped or were abandoned, and rapidly returned to a more primal state in an environment perfect for their development, the Pampa . Until the beginning of the 19th century, colonial Argentines also used these creole horses, taking what they needed from the wild herds roaming the Pampa. Later they began to import European horses, notably Percherons and Thoroughbreds, which they crossed with the creole.. The Criollo is a medium-length horse, with a powerful body. Size : 1.38 m to 1.52 m (13.2h to 15.0h.
Basic riding lessons are available free of charge!
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in chart. The minimum passport validity is equivalent to the time granted by the immigration authorities.VisasNot required by nationals referred to. more
Average yearly temperatures:
Jan Max 33 Cº Min 18 Cº
Feb Max 32 Cº Min 17 Cº
Mar Max 29 Cº Min 16 Cº
Apr Max 25 Cº Min 12 Cº
May Max 22 Cº Min 9 Cº
Jun Max 18 Cº Min 5 Cº
Jul Max 18 Cº Min 5 Cº
Aug Max 21 Cº Min 6 Cº
Sep Max 24 Cº Min 9 Cº
Oct Max 27 Cº Min 12 Cº
Nov Max 30 Cº Min 15 Cº
Dec Max 32 Cº Min 17 C
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This list is only a guideline for you |
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Travel documents and Voucher |
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Flight tickets |
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Passport |
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Visa (check with your consulate) |
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RIDING GEAR |
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Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) |
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Trekking shoes or riding boots + Minichaps |
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Long-sleeved shirt |
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
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Riding gloves |
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Hat (with chin strip) or cap with brim for sun protection |
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Rain coat/Wax jacket |
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PERSONAL CLOTHING |
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
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Jeans |
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Shorts |
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Underwear and socks |
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Pyjama |
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Light summer jacket |
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Warm jacket |
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Comfortable shoes/sneakers |
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Swimsuit |
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
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Personal Toiletries |
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Insect protection |
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Personal medications |
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Sore cream (for the emergency) |
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Sewing kit |
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Handkerchiefs |
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Adapter for electric appliances |
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Camera and enough extra films |
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Belt pack |
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Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!) |
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Sun glasses with strap |
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
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Flashlight and batteries |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips

The estancia is very cozy and comfortable. The rooms are spacious and bright and with all the modern conveniences. Open the windows at dawn to experience the view from the house for an unforgettable moment. The large garden concentrates the magic of the location. It is the ideal spot to enjoy nature after horse-back riding or an afternoon at the pool. Most of the bathrooms are shared – one for every two rooms. Two rooms have a private bath.
The culinary experience is unforgettable. Breakfast and tea with home baked bread, fried pastries, croissants, the home made jams of Donna Irene, natural fruit juices and local honey.
Using regional products, the chef offers an authentic refined country-style fare, served in a dinning room ambiance which fosters relaxation after the meal. Argentine-style open fire barbecues by the pool or the option of a large picnic basket to take along on the rides.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
|
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South American
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Criollo cross
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate some trots and canters according to riding level
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2
to
4
out of 5) All riding levels
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
100 kg
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
1 riders
|
Max
18 riders
(per riding group)
|
Max Capacity
18
|
Argentine Criollo
Present in all of South America, the name given to the creole horse varies from country to country: Criollo in Argentina or Uruguay; Crioulo in Brazil, Costeño and Morochuco in Peru; Corralero in Chile and Llanero in Venezuela.
This breed is the direct descendant of horses brought to the New World since the arrival of Columbus, imported by Spanish conquistadors during the 16th century. Many of these war horses escaped or were abandoned, and rapidly returned to a more primal state in an environment perfect for their development, the Pampa . Until the beginning of the 19th century, colonial Argentines also used these creole horses, taking what they needed from the wild herds roaming the Pampa. Later they began to import European horses, notably Percherons and Thoroughbreds, which they crossed with the creole.. The Criollo is a medium-length horse, with a powerful body. Size : 1.38 m to 1.52 m (13.2h to 15.0h.
Basic riding lessons are available free of charge!
Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in chart. 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 are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
Visa Note
Argentine minors traveling to or from Argentina, if unaccompanied by their parents or traveling 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.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Estancia at Alto Ongamira
Tour Code:
IT-ARGR02
7 days /
6 nights
~$1,980.00
Dates :
Available all Year
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner  | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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