Gauchos, Polo & Pampas

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

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

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

Climate:
                                                Buenos Aires area