El Dorado Estancias

Introduction
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.

Accomodation


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 & 2: Estancia La Rosita
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 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.

Riding


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.

Itinerary


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: Polo Lesson
You ride your horse in the morning and then get to enjoy a delicious lunch. After lunch, you are given a mini-Polo lesson and will play an informal Polo match at the Polo Club.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Estancia La Rosita

Day 3: La Rosita to La Amistad
Today you start your horseback adventure. At lunch time you are treated to a fabulous lamb barbecue picnic. In the evening the hosts will spoil you at the ranch with a relaxing massage session (included).
Riding approx. 5.5 hours (approx. 22 miles)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Estancia La Amistad

Day 4: La Amistad to Buena Vista
It’s again a long day in the saddle with lunch on the way consisting of delicacies like pate and sausages. You can rest under the trees at the entrance to the property, and later, at the swimming pool; have tea under the Magnolia tree and visit the owner’s pheasant and wild duck raising operation.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Estancia Buena Vista

Day 5: Buena Vista to La Pelada
Leaving ‘Buena Vista’ Farm very early in the morning, you ride towards Estancia La Pelada. You can take a boat excursion through the Corrientes River.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Estancia La Pelada

Day 6: Ride back to La Rosita
During the ride, there is a possibility of watching capybara, alligators (yacares), rheas, and a remarkable variety of birds.
Riding approx. 8 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Estancia La Rosita

Day 7: Last Ride
Today you start with a leisurely morning to relax from the long riding days of the week. Laze around, go for a swim in the pool or on your horse and enjoy a last canter in the now well-known countryside. Depending on your preferences, today’s ride takes you to marshes or lagoons, through large native and planted forests. If you prefer you can spend the day with Oscar (the chief of the gauchos, "Capataz" in Spanish), who probably has already become your friend over the last days. Take Tango lessons, round up cattle, ride fence, or ride the range for strays. relax and get ready for our farewell dinner at the Estancia. We then take you to your overnight luxury sleeper bus at 10:50 PM. Snacks are provided on the bus.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
No overnight included

Day 8: Departure
Arrival in Buenos Aires at 6:30 AM and transfer to your city hotel - end of services.

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

Rates and Dates for El Dorado Estancias

Dates Note:
* additional tour date -- by request

Other Info
Meeting: Esquina
Airport: Buenos Aires
Transfer: Buenos Aires by luxury sleeper bus

Climate:
                                                Santa Fe area