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Argentina, Corrientes

Fernando will welcome you to the Province of Corrientes, which sits on the border with Uruguay and is known for its wide-open plains, the Pampas. Ranchers here live in beautiful Estancias, or ranch houses. Argentina’s cowboys, known as Gauchos, herd cattle on horseback and distances are still counted in how long it takes to ride between different places rather than in kilometers. You can choose between staying in the beautiful Estancia or heading off on a point-to-point ride and stay at several different Estancias.

You can choose from:
A ‘ranch stay’ where you stay at the same Estancia for the whole week
- A trail ride



 

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Argentina, Corrientes - El Dorado Trail Ride from Estancia to Estancia

Argentina, Corrientes - El Dorado Trail Ride from Estancia to Estancia

This point-to-point ride is exciting, fast-paced and gives you a glimpse into the lives of wealthy cattle ranchers. You will stay at four different Estancias (= ranches) each with its own distinctive character. The vast plains are perfect for those people who like long gallops, with more than thirty kilometers (18 miles) of high-tempo riding each day.

From Buenos Aires you will take the luxurious night bus to Esquina where you will be met by your hosts. Following a tour of the Estancia, the horses are saddled ready for a test ride. Out in the wide-open spaces, you can forget your big-city problems and enjoy the riding and the natural setting. Back at the ranch, a candle-lit dinner awaits. The following days offer high-tempo riding with picnic stops along the way, and it is always exciting to arrive at each new ranch. One evening you can have a massage and on another cool down in the pool. Those who wish to can also go on a moonlight ride. Back ‘home’ again, you can choose between helping out on a cattle drive, or why not try polo? One thing is certain, this will be an unforgettable week.

Preliminary day-by-day program

This trail ride is exciting, fast-paced and gives you a glimpse into the lives of wealthy cattle ranchers. The vast plains are perfect for those people who like long gallops, with more than thirty kilometers  (18 miles) of high-tempo riding each day.

Day 1
At approximately 9.00 pm you will take the luxurious sleeper bus from Buenos Aires. You arrive in Esquina around 4.30am.

Day 2
You will be met in Esquina and driven to the Estancia. Once you have had a chance to rest, you will be served a hearty breakfast. Following breakfast, you will meet the horses and take them out on an introductory ride in the surrounding area. After lunch, there is more riding and you can even choose some cattle work on horseback.

Day 3.
You ride out in the surrounding area and will be back for lunch. After that you can try playing polo at the nearby polo club followed by an informal polo match. Later, you will enjoy a candle-lit dinner and beautiful Argentinian wine.

Day 4
After breakfast, you will leave the Estancia, which is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of Esquina, and ride to Estancia La Amistad. You will stop for a lunch of barbequed lamb and then continue on to the Estancia. Total riding time is about five hours. In the evening, your hosts will spoil you with a massage, good food and some much needed rest. 

Day 5
Today you will experience a changing landscape compared to what you experienced the previous day. You will pass several Estancias and ride around the edge of Pucu Marsh. It is another long day in the saddle with a stop for picnic lunch. In the afternoon, you will arrive at Estancia Buena Vista where you will be welcomed with afternoon tea in the garden. You will see that the name of the Estancia suits it perfectly – Buena Vista (good view).
Riding time approx. 5 hours.

Day 6
You will leave Buena Vista early in the morning and ride to the Corrientes River. Lunch and some rest on the Corrientes River’s sandbanks. After lunch, you will ride along the Corrientes River. Subject to the water level, you will get the chance to cross the river. Arrival at Estancia La Pelada, where you will play the ring game ‘Carrera de Sortijas’ before taking time to have some tea and enjoy the fantastic views over the river. Free time. Dinner and overnight stay at La Pelada.
Riding time approx. 4 hours

Day 7
Today’s ride takes you back to the estancia where the trail stared. This is an intensive day with lots of galloping! It is the longest day of the program. 4 hours riding in the morning and after lunch with a siesta on a small Estancia in the peaceful surroundings, 4 more hours riding. There are great possibilities of watching capybara, alligators (yacares), rheas and a remarkable variety of birds.

Day 8
You will have a relaxed morning to rest after the week’s ride. You might like to take a walk, swim in the pool or maybe enjoy a last gallop in the now familiar landscape. Subject to your preferences for the day, you can ride to the wetlands and lagoons through forests and meadows. Swim with your horse. Get a tango lesson or if you would prefer, you can herd cattle, check fences etc… with your Gaucho, with whom you have probably become good friends. Later, it is time to get ready for the farewell dinner at the Estancia. Transfer to Esquina for your departure on the comfortable sleeper bus to Buenos Aires at 10.40 p.m. Arrive Bueonos Aires approx. 6.30 a.m.

Minimum 1 and maximum 10 riders. Your luggage will be transported by car to the different Estancias.

Note that the itinerary may change due to local circumstances beyond our control.

Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working Estancia

Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working Estancia

You will be welcomed with open arms by this warm-hearted family that loves horses and riding as well as the good things in life, like a beautiful dinner and fine wine. You decide what you will do during the week. You will have the opportunity to ride as much as you like and you will be encouraged to work with the livestock. If you want to give polo a go, you can do that, too. There are small cozy villages to visit, a lovely swimming pool to relax by and beautiful lagoons for fishing. You can also have cooking lessons and order a massage. The week will pass much too quickly.

Here is an example of a daily itinerary:

Day 1
You will be met at Esquina and be driven to the Estancia where you can rest a little, eat some breakfast and then get to know the horses and gauchos with a first ride in the surrounding area. After lunch, you can have another ride and try out your first gallop.

Day 2
If you wish, you can join the milking and then ride away over the Pampas. There are large wetlands with a rich bird life. You can visit a local school and learn about the local people and their culture. In the afternoon you can ride (or take a horse and buggy) through the native forest and on to a ‘pulperia’ (a type of grocery store where gauchos buy their food and stop for a drink). Back at the Estancia, your hosts are waiting with a late lunch by the lagoon where you can enjoy the sunset. 

Day 3 and 4
Today you will participate in the daily life of the ranch with your gaucho, herding cattle and horses, branding and vaccinating etc… You will ride and search for cattle to be brought back to the corral. If a calf tries to get away, you will need to ride after it and keep the herd together. Back at the corral, you will separate the cows and calves. After lunch and a short rest, you are back with the animals you rounded up before lunch. You can also choose to have a day’s fishing in the Corrientes or Parana Rivers, which is booked and payed for on location.

Day 5
In the morning you will ride to the nearby village of Esquina, for some sightseeing on horseback. Lunch at a special riverside restaurant and then back to the Estancia.

Day 6
You will start the day with the basics of hitting a polo ball. Lunch and then get ready for a polo match. The day finishes up at the polo club. It is time then for a farewell dinner. You will then be driven to Esquina for the departure to Buenos Aires – the Home of Tango.

Note that the itinerary may change due to local circumstances beyond our control.

Accommodation

Accommodation: for the ‘Gaucho on a Working Estancia’ you will stay at the same Estancia for the whole week in a double/twin room with shower and bathroom. On the ‘El Dorado point-to-point from Estancia to Estancia’ you will stay at different Estancias in double/twin rooms with showers and bathrooms.
Rooms: Single rooms are available for booking (the single supplement fee can be found under Dates & Prices). The single supplement will apply where there is no one with whom to share the room.

Safe deposit box: Not in rooms but in office.
A/C: Yes
Hair Dryer: Not in rooms but to borrow.
Towels and sheets: Yes
Fridge: No

Horses

Most of the horses are a cross between Thoroughbreds, Criollos and Quarterhorses. They are reared on the Estancia and trained by their Gauchos. There are approximately 60 trained horses and a total of more than 110 horses and over 1,100 head of cattle.

Climate

 

Average min and max temperatures in Rosario, Argentina

Average monthly sunhours in Rosario, Argentina

Average rainy days (rain/snow) in  Rosario, Argentina

Travel Information

Ability description: Trail Ride level 2-3 >> 

Included in the price:
- El Dorado from Estancia to Estancia: 6 nights, 7 days riding, full board incl. beverages, comfortable night bus from Buenos Aires to Esquina. Transfer to/from Esquina to ranch.
- Gaucho on a Working Estancia: 5 nights, 6 days riding, full board incl. beverages. Transfer to/from Esquina to ranch.

Not included: Flight, night bus on "Gaucho on a Working Estancia", possible tip.

Travel: Book flight/rental car >>
Flight to Buenos Aires.

Bus: Book in advance with HorseXplore.
From Buenos Aires to the village Esquina, comfortable night bus which departs is evening.
Time: It departs from Buenos Aires, Retiro bus station around 8.30 pm and arrives in Esquina 4.30 am (day 1 in program).
The last day the bus departs at 10.40 pm and arrives at Buenos Aires, Retiro the day after 6.30 am. 
Price: About 135 EUR per person/return (the bus ride is included in 'El Dorado from Estancia to Estancia').

Transfer: Book in advance with HorseXplore.
From Esquina to ranch, included. 

Season: Gaucho on a Working Estancia - all year. El Dorado from Estancia to Estancia - March - November.

Group size: Gaucho on Working Estancia min. 1 max. 12. Esantica to Estanica min. 2 max 12.

Currency: Argentine peso
Credit card: Not accepted at ranch.
Tipping: By choice but appreciated.

Wifi: Yes, sometimes slow.
Electricity jack: 220V, possible to borrow adapter but best to bring your own. 

Age limit: No

Closest village: 18 km where there are restaurants, pubs and a casino. Nice sightseeing like Corrientes and Parana river.
Beach: 18 km away by a river.
Pool: Yes, open November - March.

Misc.:
Riding equipment to borrow: Helmet
Saddle bag available: Yes, also possible to bring your own.
Special diet: Inform when booking.

Feedback from our travellers

 

 

 

Dates and prices

"Book on request" means that we cannot confirm your booking immediately, but we will get back to you as soon as possible with a booking confirmation, normally within 24 hours on weekdays.

DateDaysName of tripPrice from
07/12/20246Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,002Book on request
14/12/20246Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,002Book on request
04/01/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
11/01/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
18/01/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
25/01/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
01/02/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
08/02/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
15/02/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
22/02/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
01/03/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
08/03/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
15/03/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
22/03/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
29/03/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
05/04/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
12/04/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
19/04/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
26/04/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
03/05/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
10/05/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
17/05/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
24/05/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
31/05/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
07/06/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
14/06/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
21/06/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
28/06/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
05/07/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
12/07/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
19/07/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
26/07/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
02/08/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
09/08/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
16/08/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
23/08/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
30/08/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
06/09/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
13/09/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
20/09/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
27/09/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
04/10/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
11/10/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
18/10/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
25/10/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
25/10/20257Argentina, Corrientes - El Dorado Trail Ride from estancia till estanciaEUR 2,470Book on request
01/11/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
08/11/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
15/11/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
22/11/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
29/11/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
06/12/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
13/12/20256Argentina, Corrientes - Gaucho on a Working EstanciaEUR 1,086Book on request
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