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Horseback riding vacations in
Argentina
Estancias, Tango, Criollo horses, Patagonia & Pampas
Argentina is the second largest country in South America. Sprawling geographically, from sub tropical in the north to almost subarctic in the southern tip, the western side of Argentina is separated from Chile by the stunning Andes mountain range - the variety is perfect for a horse riding holiday!
Horse Riding in Argentina
Hidden Trails have a large collection of excellent Argentinean horse riding holidays available – covering many different regions of Argentina. Close to Buenos Aires you will find riding clinics and horseback tours specializing in the great equestrian national pastime – Polo! The Cordoba region horse riding holidays offers Estancia style ranches, and wide open spaces for exploration and cattle wrangling. In Salta, you can join an authentic cattle drive and learn about the hardworking and fully-rewarding lifestyle of a gaucho. In the Corrientes we have more historic Estancia horseback vacations, with the vast grassland of this area perfect for long canters and gallops. Northern Patagonia is home to the most stunning National Parks and some unforgettable Andean horseback tour crossings into Chile. Southern Patagonia on the other hand is famous for its coastal National Parks and impressive glaciers.
About Argentina
There is more to Argentina than polo and the tango! Vast plains and deserts, glistening lakes, thundering glaciers and the greatest waterfalls on Earth, all make Argentina a destination with immense potential for horseback riding.
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 of 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, 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. With many discos, a casino, and plenty of bars the night has no end in Buenos Aires. 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 which made it famous: The Argentinean 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.
Argentina Climate and Weather
Argentina is subject to a variety of climates. The climate is predominantly temperate with extremes ranging from subtropical in the north to subpolar in the far south. The north of the country is characterized by very hot, humid summers with mild drier winters. Central Argentina has hot summers with thunderstorms and cool winters. The southern regions have warm summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall, especially in mountainous zones.
Explore more South America Horse Riding Holidays
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Holidays on horseback in Argentina
See Mini Country Guide
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Below is a list of our trips in this area with video clips.
 Click on the 'watch video' icon
to view a video clip,
Patagonia Glacier Ride
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The Patagonia Glacier Ride offers exploring on horseback the most remote corners of Los Glaciares National Park where nature is discovered in its maximum expression: a combination of Andean woodland, crystal clear lakes, high mountains, impressive skies, and glaciers. The trip allows you to access where vehicles cannot reach, leaving the main buildings of the estancia behind to climb high up and enter another world.
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Trip Details
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Argentina
Travel restrictions
The Argentine Government announced that effective November 1st 2021, foreign tourists are permitted to enter.
There are no longer any COVID-19 specific entry requirements regardless of your vaccination status.
If you test positive and are not living or working with someone in a high-risk group, it is recommended that you stay home while you have symptoms, do not work or engage in social activities, and seek medical advice if your symptoms persist or get worse. For 10 days after the first appearance of symptoms do not attend large events, use a mask, ventilate your space, wash your hands frequently, and cover your cough or sneeze.
The above information is based on the most recent Argentine federal government guidelines. Local guidelines may differ, and the length and location of isolation or quarantine will be determined by local health officials and may vary depending on individual cases and circumstances.
Measures taken by the government
The use of face mask is recommended in all indoor settings, including public transport.
If you are aged 13 or over you may be required to prove you have received a complete course of a COVID-19 vaccine to enter certain venues and events. You can do this via the ‘Cuidar’ (Health Pass) app, or via a document from a national or state-level public health body if vaccinated abroad. Additional requirements can be imposed by each jurisdiction/province.
Testing
Both PCR and antigen tests are widely available in the City of Buenos Aires. Outside of the City of Buenos Aires, travelers may find varying availability of testing.
Within the City of Buenos Aires, if using a private lab, results are generally available within 24 hours. If using a public hospital, the time frame for receiving results can vary between 8 and 72 hours. Please note that private and public facilities may experience delays in returning test results if demand for tests increases.
Appointments are generally required, and tourists must pay for the cost of their own test. Generally, the cost for a COVID-19 test at a private lab is 6,500 Argentine pesos.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of labs providing testing in the Buenos Aires area: Diagnostico Rossi, Laboratorio Hidalgo, Diagnostico Maipu & IADT (Instituto Argentino de Diagnostico y Tratamiento).
Test results are generally provided electronically in Spanish.
Testing for travelers only is also available at both Jorge Newbery domestic airport and the Ezeiza International Airport, and no appointments are required.
Emergency number (related to COVID-19) while visiting the country
In case of presenting symptoms, even if they are mild, consult the health system by telephone: 107 in CABA, 148 in Buenos Aires Province, 0800-222-1002 nationwide.
Source:
US Embassy in Argentina https://ar.usembassy.gov/covid-19/
Published on March 29th 2023 (checked on April 5th 2023)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx
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Argentina
At A glance
Capital City: Buenos Aires
Land size: 2,736,690 sq km
Population: 26,141,369 (2022 est.)
Official language: Spanish
Currency: Argentine pesos ($ / ARS)
UNESCO properties and sites:
- Los Glaciares National Park;
- Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis;
- Iguazú National Park;
- Cueva de las Manos;
- Valdés Península;
- Ischigualasto/Talampaya National Parks;
- Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba;
- Quebrada de Humahuaca;
- Qhapaq Ñan/Andean Road System
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/argentina/
Brief History
In 1816, the United Provinces of the Rio Plata declared their independence from Spain. After Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay went their separate ways, the area that remained became Argentina. The country's population and culture were heavily shaped by immigrants from throughout Europe, with Italy and Spain providing the largest percentage of newcomers from 1860 to 1930. Up until about the mid-20th century, much of Argentina's history was dominated by periods of internal political unrest and conflict between civilian and military factions.
After World War II, an era of populism and direct and indirect military interference was followed by a military junta that took power in 1976. Democracy returned in 1983 and has persisted despite numerous challenges.
Argentina underwent a brief period of economic reform and international reintegration under Mauricio MACRI (2015-19), but a recession in 2018-19 and frustration with MACRI’s economic policies ushered in a new Peronist government in 2019 led by President Alberto FERNANDEZ.
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/argentina/
Cultural Insights
Football (soccer in the United States) and tango (which encompasses more than just the dance itself) are probably the two strongest symbols of a common national identity.
Argentines are very fond of beef and pastas. Most restaurants offer a wide assortment of meat dishes and pastas.
Both men and women greet each other by kissing on the cheek. In very formal encounters, men and women shake hands.
Source: https://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Argentina.html
Transportation
By Air
Argentina's main international airport is Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE), located 32km (20 miles) to the west of Buenos Aires.
By Road
Buenos Aires’s bus station (Estación Terminal de Omnibus de Retiro) is located near Retiro Station. South America is served by numerous companies offering comfortable, and at times luxurious, bus services to other major cities, often overnight.
Source: https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/en/article/getting-buenos-aires
https://www.frommers.com/destinations/argentina/planning-a-trip/getting-there
Money
ATMs are widely available. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and major shops and restaurants. Photo ID may be required.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/argentina
Health
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to some parts of the country.
Dengue fever can occur throughout the year. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Asthma, sinus and bronchial problems can be aggravated by the polluted atmosphere in the major cities.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 107 or 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
Medical facilities are good, but can be expensive. Public hospitals tend to be crowded. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition and you regularly take prescribed medication, carry enough medication to cover the duration of your stay and a letter from your doctor describing the medical condition. You can find most medication in pharmacies in large cities, but medicine for complex treatment may be unavailable in smaller towns. You will need a prescription from a local doctor to get prescribed medication. All medication in pharmacies, whether prescribed or not, is stored behind the counter and must be requested.
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Argentine Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Argentina. Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/argentina
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Argentina.html
Electricity
Argentina operates on a 220V supply voltage and uses type I plugs.
The Type I plug has two flat pins in a V-shape as well as a grounding pin. A version of the plug, which only has the two flat pins, exists as well.
Source: https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs
Communication
Time zone in Argentina: Argentina Time (GMT-3)
International country code – 54
Nearly a quarter of the country’s broadband connections are via DSL, although fiber is starting claim an increasing share of that market as networks expand across most of the main cities.
The first 5G service was launched in February 2021 using reframed LTE frequencies.
The government is also making an active contribution towards boosting broadband connectivity around the country; its national connectivity plan ‘Plan Conectar’, launched in September 2020, provides funding for a range of programs to increase coverage.
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/argentina/
Phrasebook
Phrasebook
| English |
Spanish |
| Hello! |
Hola |
| Goodbye |
Adiós |
| Good morning |
Buenos días |
| Good evening |
Buenos tardes |
| Good night |
Buenas noches |
| Please |
Por favor |
| Thank you |
Gracias |
| Yes |
Sí |
| No |
No |
Source: https://www.linguahouse.com/phrasebook/english-spanish/basic-words-and-phrases/basic-words-and-phrases
Entry Requirements
If you are visiting Argentina, your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.
You can find out whether you need a visa to travel to Argentina by visiting https://www.migraciones.gov.ar/accesible/indexdnm.php?visas
Source: https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/south-america/argentina/passport-visa/
Embassies and Consulates
U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires
Av. Colombia 4300
C1425GMN Buenos Aires
Argentina
Telephone: (54-11) 5777-4533
Canada Embassy in Buenos Aires
Tagle 2828,
C1425EEH Buenos Aires
Argentina
Telephone: (54-11) 4808-1086
Source: for USA https://www.usembassy.gov/
For Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates
UNESCO Sites
Los Glaciares National Park
The Los Glaciares National Park is an area of exceptional natural beauty, with rugged, towering mountains and numerous glacial lakes, including Lake Argentino, which is 160 km long. At its farthest end, three glaciers meet to dump their effluvia into the milky grey glacial water, launching massive igloo icebergs into the lake with thunderous splashes.
Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis
The ruins of San Ignacio Miní, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa María la Mayor in Argentina, lie at the heart of a tropical forest. They are the impressive remains of Jesuit missions built in the land of the Guaranis during the 17th and 18th centuries. Each is characterized by a specific layout and a different state of conservation.
Iguazú National Park
The semicircular waterfall at the heart of this site is some 80 m high and 2,700 m in diameter and is situated on a basaltic line spanning the border between Argentina and Brazil. Made up of many cascades producing vast sprays of water, it is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. The surrounding subtropical rainforest has over 2,000 species of vascular plants and is home to the typical wildlife of the region: tapirs, giant anteaters, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and caymans.
Cueva de las Manos
The Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas, contains an exceptional assemblage of cave art, executed between 13,000 and 9,500 years ago. It takes its name (Cave of the Hands) from the stenciled outlines of human hands in the cave, but there are also many depictions of animals, such as guanacos (Lama guanicoe ), still commonly found in the region, as well as hunting scenes. The people responsible for the paintings may have been the ancestors of the historic hunter-gatherer communities of Patagonia found by European settlers in the 19th century.
Valdés Península
This is a site of global significance for the conservation of marine mammals. It is home to an important breeding population of the endangered southern right whale as well as important breeding populations of southern elephant seals and southern sea lions. The orcas in this area have developed a unique hunting strategy to adapt to local coastal conditions.
Ischigualasto/Talampaya National Parks
These two contiguous parks, extending over 275,300 ha in the desert region on the western border of the Sierra Pampeanas of central Argentina, contain the most complete continental fossil record known from the Triassic Period (245-208 million years ago). Six geological formations in the parks contain fossils of a wide range of ancestors of mammals, dinosaurs and plants revealing the evolution of vertebrates and the nature of palaeo-environments in the Triassic Period.
Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba
The Jesuit Block in Córdoba, heart of the former Jesuit Province of Paraguay, contains the core buildings of the Jesuit system: the university, the church and residence of the Society of Jesus, and the college. Along with the five estancias, or farming estates, they contain religious and secular buildings, which illustrate the unique religious, social, and economic experiment carried out in the world for a period of over 150 years in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Quebrada de Humahuaca
Quebrada de Humahuaca follows the line of a major cultural route, the Camino Inca, along the spectacular valley of the Rio Grande, from its source in the cold high desert plateau of the High Andean lands to its confluence with the Rio Leone some 150 km to the south. The valley shows substantial evidence of its use as a major trade route over the past 10,000 years. It features visible traces of prehistoric hunter-gatherer communities, of the Inca Empire (15th to 16th centuries) and of the fight for independence in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Qhapaq Ñan/Andean Road System
This site is an extensive Inca communication, trade and defense network of roads covering 30,000 km. Constructed by the Incas over several centuries and partly based on pre-Inca infrastructure, this extraordinary network through one of the world’s most extreme geographical terrains linked the snow-capped peaks of the Andes – at an altitude of more than 6,000 m – to the coast, running through hot rainforests, fertile valleys and absolute deserts. It reached its maximum expansion in the 15th century, when it spread across the length and breadth of the Andes.
The Qhapac Ñan, Andean Road System includes 273 component sites spread over more than 6,000 km that were selected to highlight the social, political, architectural and engineering achievements of the network, along with its associated infrastructure for trade, accommodation and storage, as well as sites of religious significance.
Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/ar
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