Gauchos, Polo & Pampas

Buenos Aires Argentina: (IT-ARRT19)
URL: https://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/argentina_estancia_gauchos_polo_pampas.aspx

Introduction
Buenos Aires Argentina
Discover the legendary Pampas, cradle of “gauchos” and great polo players. 

There is no better way to understand the real Argentine spirit than to experience its world renowned Pampas. 

You will share time outdoors with local gauchos: horse loving people and very proud of their way of life and cattle raising skills. Argentine history has elevated them to the level of myth. 

Enjoy the excellent local cuisine, comfortable accommodations and amazing horses!

Accomodation


Accommodations

This program includes overnights at different locations.

Description
Most overnights are spent at a lodge in Capilla del Señor. One night is spent in a working estancia and the last night is at a hotel in Buenos Aires. 

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1, 2, 3 & 4: Lodge in Capilla del Señor
Night 5: Estancia near San Antonio de Areco
Night 6: Hotel Tribeca in Buenos Aires



Lodge in Capilla del Señor
The lodge is housed in a historic mansion dating from 1860. Each of the 8 spacious rooms overlook the park with old groves. The rooms all come equipped with air conditioning and central heating, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi access and ensuite facilities with hair dryer.
The property is set on a big estate comprising a lake, an old dovecote, a swimming pool, an organic garden, and a small orchard.



Estancia near San Antonio de Areco
This charming estancia offers comfortable bedrooms with private bathroom and free Wi-Fi access.

Hotel Tribeca in Buenos Aires
This beautiful hotel offers modern and comfortable accommodations in the heart of Buenos Aires. The rooms are simply decorated and all feature a private bathroom, a TV, free Wi-Fi, A/C and heating. There is also a fitness center, a sauna and a sun terrace on the rooftop.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you.



Meals
All meals with soft drinks are included in your package (except for dinner on Day 6).

Each night during your stay you will be enjoying a different wines from various terroirs (included in your package). We have prepared a special selection which includes some of the world renowned Argentine Malbecs.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner.

Riding


Riding Level
This program is suitable for riders who are fit and capable at walk, trot and canter. We will ride our horses at all gaits while we embed in nature for a few days. 

Horses
We consider the horse as a work tool in the Estancia, but it is also considered as a means of recreation and amusement for our guests, who, through this breed (Argentine Criollo), can learn a little more about Argentine history.
Our horses are tamed and trained in the Estancia and guests may observe this activity, and, according to the time of the year see how we prepare the animals, which will participate in the different annual Agricultural Shows in which we compete.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Note: Whilst we always endeavor to avoid changes before and during the program and cancellations, we must reserve the right to do so due to unusual or unforeseeable circumstances, including acts of man or nature which so require.

Day 1: Arrival 
Pick up in the morning at Buenos Aires International Airport and transfer to Capilla del Señor in the Pampas (1.5-2 h drive).
Lunch on arrival at the estancia. In the afternoon, you go on your first ride. Your guide will introduce you to the Argentine horse tack and riding style. We will ride the surroundings farmlands. 
In the evening, a hearty Argentine dinner awaits.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Lodge

Day 2: Polo
Your visit to Argentina would not be complete without experiencing Polo. Polo is a sport intimately linked to Argentina, its countryside and its people.
Today we will focus on the sport in a fun, easy going way and at your own pace. If you have the riding skills and enthusiasm, this is the perfect opportunity to embed in a sport from which there is no way out. For introduction to the sport or improvement of your skills, you will have lessons of its well kept secrets.
You will also have the chance to interact with local players.
Lunch at the polo fields and dinner at the lodge. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Lodge


Day 3: Paraná River Ride
We will ride in a privately owned wildlife reserve that sits by the huge Paraná river. This river is 2500 miles long and its name means “as big as the sea” in the local Indian language. This is the second largest river in South America (second to the Amazon river) and the water flowing into the Atlantic Ocean roughly equals the Mississippi river. Picnic on the river banks. Dinner at the lodge.  
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Lodge

 
Day 4: El Tatú Ride
Today, we ride the farmlands following the old road to San Antonio de Areco. In the old days, this was the road gauchos used, to ride their horses to town.
Now, a new road gets the car traffic and ours is very much forgotten. On the way, we will stop at a small rural school and an old church called El Tatú (The Armadillo) where we stop for our picnic. We will be back to the lodge for dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Lodge

Day 5: Estancia
After breakfast we transfer you to a beautiful 19th Century Estancia for riding and cattle work. There are a few activities, typical of an Argentine Estancia to enjoy, in case you prefer not to engage in full day riding: folk music, “Doma India” (Argentinian horse whispering), hiking, cycling and bird watching.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Estancia


Day 6: San Antonio de Areco
After breakfast, we will visit San Antonio de Areco. This town is very proud of its gaucho spirit, in the heart of the Pampas. We will visit a couple of silversmiths who keep alive this skill dating back from the old days. The gaucho museum in town is also worth paying a visit.
We will stop for lunch at one of the old time gaucho restaurants. Then, we leave Areco and head to Buenos Aires. Hotel check in and free time to wander around the city, go shopping or visit museums. Optional: Tango Show with dinner and a tango lesson.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at Hotel


Day 7: Departure
This morning, we go on a city tour. We take some time to visit the city and learn about its icons in a very special way: Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada’s balcony, Eva Peron, etc. 
At the end of the day, transfer to Ezeiza International Airport for your flight back home in the evening.
Meals included: Breakfast



Non-Riders
Non-riders are welcome to join this trip. Please inquire for pricing and activities.


Rates and Dates for Gauchos, Polo & Pampas

Rates include:

Accommodations, Most meals including wine with dinner & 5 riding days

Packages and Options



  • SeasonYearDescription US$
    A
    20247 day ride$1950

* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy

Transfer and Other Charges:



 DescriptionUS$
2024 Pick-up/ drop-off is included from Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) for stays of 6+ nights $0
2024 Small group supplement (4-5 pax), pp $100
2024 Small group supplement (2-3 pax), pp $250
2024 Single supplement $290
2024 Optional Tango show with dinner in Buenos Aires on Day 6 - Approx. rate pp $120

Season Seasons  MinReserve
A 2024 01/01 - 12/31 7d / 6n 7 day ride 6 Reserve

Dates Note: A shorter program might be possible (min. 3-night stay) - please inquire.

Rates do not include:

Dinner on Day 6, International and domestic flights, travel and medical insurance (mandatory), gratuities, all others not indicated

Other Info
Meeting: Capilla del SeƱor
Airport: Buenos Aires (EZE)
Transfer: Buenos Aires

Climate:
                                                Buenos Aires area

Month

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average High Temperature (°F)

84

82

78

72

65

60

59

62

65

71

76

82

Average Low Temperature (°F)

69

68

65

59

53

48

47

49

52

57

62

67

Average High Temperature (°C)

29

28

26

22

19

16

15

17

18

22

25

28

Average Low Temperature (°C)

21

20

19

15

12

9

8

10

11

14

17

19

Average Precipitation (days of rain)

8

7

8

7

5

5

6

6

6

8

8

8

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Buenos Aires has a humid subtropical climate without extreme temperatures, so it is a year-round holiday destination.
The program is subject to the natural weather contingencies involved in an environment like this.

Spring (September to November)
It is a great time to visit with temperatures hovering around 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F). The jacaranda trees are blooming.

Summer (December to February)
It tends to be hot and humid, but the heat never becomes unbearable.

Autumn (March to May)
This is one of the best times to visit as is it usually dry and sunny with pleasant temperatures.

Winter (June to August)
Wintertime is generally mild with little chance of snow, but the days can be overcast and the nights chilly.

What To Bring:

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