El Dorado Estancias Ride Corrientes Argentina Corrientes is still a place where gauchos regularly drive cattle and horses from one place to another. It's still a place where men calculate their distances in terms of the hours they think they'll need to ride them. The Corrientes hinterland is a n immense flat grassland that hides water around every corner and where the only signs of civilization are the occasional fences and outpost houses. It's the land of EL DORADO, the mythical realm of a gold-attired king sought by the Spanish conquistadores, a place where a lone rider's only companions are the fattened cattle in the lush green fields, the attentive owls on the fence posts, the water fowl and frogs in the marshes and an occasional Cayman that was left behind in a lake by the crest of some flood. The ride is an introduction to the spice and adventure of Corrientes' rural life, with comfortable overnight stays at four different and charming estancias. The flat terrain make this ride an ideal experience for people who like to  do plenty of cantering and galloping during their riding vacations - more than 20 miles are covered each day - mostly at a trot or canter. The trip starts with a city tour of Buenos Aires followed by a luxury overnight sleeper bus trip into the Corrientes - featuring special fully reclining seats to offers a good night sleep. After resting up upon your arrival to the estancia and a having a good, tasty breakfast, choose your steed, saddle up and go on a short introductory ride to get the hang of things and loosen up, because the next day your riding adventure begins with a ride from ‘La Rosita’ to ‘La Amistad’ covering approximately 22 miles. At lunch time you are treated to a fabulous lamb barbecue picnic. In the evening the hosts will spoil your at the ranch with a relaxing massage session. We then venture further into the hinterland on a long day ride to ‘Buena Vista’ Farm. Rest at the swimming pool, have tea under the Magnolia tree and visit the owner’s pheasant and wild duck raising operation. Leaving ‘Buena Vista’ very early in the morning, we will ride towards ‘La Pelada' Farm, where you can choose between a special moonlight ride on horseback or try a ride in a sulky or to have a drink in a general store with some of the gauchos. The next day we continue through pastures, pampas grasslands and native forests to the Corrientes River. We enjoy a siesta at the river's bank overlooking this beautiful stretch of water - “Carrera de sortijas”. Dinner  is back at 'La Rosita' and is accompanied by a regional folkloric group. The last full day, you can ride to the nearby marshes, lagoons and through large native forests or if you prefer you can round up some cattle, ride fence, or ride the range for strays instead. Before you depart back for Buenos Aires on the bus, we have a special treat for you! We will take to the polo field and teach you the basic rules and hits of polo, our national sport! We  will practice together and maybe you can attempt your first polo match! Or if you are interested we can also arrange an extension trip to the Iguacu Falls with stopovers at different Pantanal estancias and the ancient Jesuit cloister. Progressive Ride (no camping) Polo Clinic Meeting: Esquina Airport: Buenos Aires Transfer: Buenos Aires by luxury sleeper bus Riders: Min 3 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

Single supplement waived if willing to share
Passport information needed to arrange bus transfers!

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is available from Buenos Aires and Goya Airport or Santa Fe Airport. We recommend to reach the Estancia via luxury overnight bus from Buenos Aires. Departs at 8:30pm the night before your trip starts. On last day, bus leaves Esquina at 10:52pm.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 0: Transfer to Estancia
Depart from the bus depot in Buenos Aires for the 8:30 PM luxury sleeper bus transfer to Esquina, arriving the next day at 4:30am.
(The bus can be booked directly by you or by us. Please let us know your preference at the time of booking)
Dinner is included in the overnight bus service.
No overnight included

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival in Esquina and transfer to the Estancia. After resting up and a good breakfast, choose your steed, saddle up, and go on a short introductory trail ride. Lunch and siesta. You then get to do cattle work on horseback. The Estancia is an isolated ranch house where you will forget city problems. The tall, opulent forest of native trees surround the main houses and barbecue area, creating a cozy, protected atmosphere. Later, enjoy a luxurious candlelight dinner in the dining room of the 19th century wing of the ranch house.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Estancia La Rosita

Day 2: Mini Polo and Estancia Laguna Limpia
The day starts with a fun mini polo lesson and an informal match suitable for all riding levels. After lunch and a siesta, we embark on a 2-hour and 45-minute ride to Estancia Laguna Limpia, a high-quality pedigree cattle-breeding ranch. Arrival is greeted with tea and snacks, followed by free time, dinner, and lodging.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Estancia Laguna Limpia

Day 3: Estancia Laguna Limpia to Estancia La Amistad
A 2-hour and 45-minute morning ride through the natural Argentine countryside, crossing pampas and lagoons with excellent canters along the way. Enjoy lunch at a cattle corral in the middle of nowhere. In the afternoon, a 2-hour and 40-minute ride brings us to Estancia La Amistad, a charming family ranch that breeds cattle and features a small-scale, boutique production of polo ponies. Enjoy tea, snacks, a complimentary massage session for all riders, dinner, and lodging.
Riding approx. 5.5 hours (approx. 22 miles)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Estancia La Amistad

Day 4: Estancia Laguna Limpia to Estancia Buena Vista
A 2-hour and 30-minute morning ride takes us to “El Puesto,” a charming cottage on the edge of the Esteros del Pucú marshlands. Local gauchos will have lunch ready for our arrival. After a siesta, enjoy a 2-hour and 30-minute ride along the edges of the marshlands, offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing. Arrival at Buena Vista for tea, relaxation, dinner, and lodging.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Estancia Buena Vista

Day 5: Estancia Buena Vista to Estancia La Pelada
A relaxed 2-hour morning ride takes us past a local country store before arriving at the banks of the Corriente River. Enjoy lunch and a siesta with beautiful river views, followed by a 1-hour and 30-minute ride along the riverbank. Arrive at Estancia La Pelada for tea on the veranda, followed by a scenic boat excursion on the river, dinner, and lodging.
Riding approx. 3.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Estancia La Pelada

Day 6: Wildlife Ride & Farewell
A morning wildlife ride looking for capybaras, marsh deer, caimans, and diverse bird species. Lunch is served at La Pelada’s corral, located out in the fields and away from the main ranch house. After a siesta, enjoy a final 1-hour and 30-minute ride to the cattle loading ramp, where the horses are loaded onto a truck.
Farewell dinner, then transfer to the bus terminal for the overnight bus transfer to Buenos Aires (arrives at 6:30 AM).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

** possible to add extra days at the Estancia La Rosita -- please ask for availability and rates.

Special Dates with an extra cost are available to be organized – please inquire. 

                                                Santa Fe area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	90	86	83	77	70	65	64	69	72	78	83	87
Average Low Temperature (°F)	69	66	64	57	51	45	44	47	50	57	62	66
Average High Temperature (°C)	32	30	28	25	21	18	18	20	22	26	28	31
Average Low Temperature (°C)	20	19	18	14	11	7	7	8	10	14	16	19
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	8	8	8	7	5	3	3	4	4	8	7	8

Source: NOAA


Seasons
As part of the subtropical area of Mesopotamia, the province of Corrientes has heavy rains and high temperatures with little daily and seasonal variation especially in the North. Moreover, the province does not have a dry season, which means that rainfall can be expected at any time of the year.

On average, the warmest month is January and the coolest month is July.
The maximum average precipitation usually occurs in April.

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)

Riding boots (waterproof) + Minichaps

Riding helmet  (recommended for all trips)

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

Lightweight Rain coat

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pajama

Bag for dirty clothes

Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes

Swimsuit

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for the emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances (optional)

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

Binoculars

Average ratings from 9 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date christina rasmussen 11/10/2011 lise ravnkilde 11/7/2011 teresa bonfiglio 11/3/2009 ellen wright 11/10/2007 frank mastrocola 7/5/2007 kevin nunn 5/2/2007 lyn fletcher-jones 3/16/2007 lisa krzyzaniak 4/12/2006 paula frederick 10/25/2005

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so accommodations will be in different locations.

Descriptions
You will stay in 4 different estancias. All rooms contain private bathrooms with toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner, and towels). All Estancias have a pool, and laundry is available at no additional cost. WIFI is available at all accommodations except for Amistad.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Estancia La Rosita
Night 2: Estancia Laguna Limpia
Night 3: Estancia La Amistad
Night 4: Estancia Buena Vista
Night 5: Estancia La Pelada
Night  6: Estancia La Rosita

Estancia La Rosita
Located 620km Northeast from the Federal Capital, Esquina, Province of Corrientes “Argentine Mesopotamia”, our family, for several generations, has been breeding cattle and enjoying life. Our authentic estancia first opened its doors 14 years ago to visitors, and has since showed them the Corrientes province and its enchantments. Well-known for offering comfort, the ranch is an old estancia of typical Correntino style, low ceilings and ample galleries. We have 8 rooms total: 4 with private bathrooms and 4 rooms with adjoining bathrooms (1 bathroom to 2 rooms). All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning units, individual heating and maid service on a daily basis. Supplied with all grooming amenities. Onsite you'll find a swimming pool, solarium, 2 living-rooms (one of them with Satellite TV), dinner room + Thatched asado (barbecue) area: (“Quincho”), very spacious verandas, and our own polo field.

Estancia Laguna Limpia
Estancia Laguna Limpia is a ranch complex spanning 15,000 hectares, named after its main estate. This is where some of Argentina's finest pedigree Braford and Brangus livestock are bred. It is one of the oldest ranches in the region, and its vast size encompasses a diverse landscape of pampas, wetlands, and woodlands. The estate owes its name to an immense 700-hectare (1,700-acre) crystal-clear lagoon, which forms part of the outlet for a massive wetlands system that we will be skirting over the following days.

Estancia La Amistad
The Estancia Amistad with its imposing colonial style, is probably the one with the most modern aspect. After this first day of ‘cabalgata’, your hosts await you with massages and an excellent selection of food. There are 6 rooms total (4 double and 2 triple).

Estancia Buena Vista
Located in the highest hills of the area, you will spot Estancia Buena Vista’s woods from a far distance. Featuring the typical colonial style and an enormous park of tropical plants, you will surely enjoy excellent service and very comfortable rooms. There are 8 double rooms.

Estancia La Pelada
The view from the estancia towards the Rio Corriente is simply unequaled. La Pelada is a relaxing and comforting place to rest. There are 8 double rooms total (3 triple with private bath, 3 double twin private bath, and 2 connected rooms with one bath).

Room Occupancy
Triple occupancy is possible.
Single supplement is mandatory if you are traveling as a single rider.


Meals
All meals from breakfast on Day 1 to dinner on Day 7 are included.

You'll enjoy home-style food for lunch as a lovely picnic in nature. Dinners are gourmet-style at the Estancias.

Our meals are served with wines coming from renowned wineries (included).

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions given prior notice.  

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

Tack:		Argentine type saddle with sheepskin
Horses:		Criollo crosses, bred on the Estancia.
Pace:		Trots, canters and gallops | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3 to 5 out of 5)    Intermediate
Age:		Min 16
Riders:		Min 3 riders	Max 10 riders

Horses
We have over 180 horses at our Estancia, so can guarantee we'll find a match for you! Our horses are born, raised, and trained at the Estancia.

Staff
There is one gaucho for every 3 riders.
Your host is bilingual and has been running this tour since 2000.

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.