Gaucho Games in Argentina

September 19, 2024

Caitlin Hoskins

Argentina. Land of the gaucho, wide open spaces, the finest beef and some of the world’s best wine. Where horses are used for work and transport, and where cattle roam free. Where your hosts, The Begg Family wait to welcome you for a taste of authentic estancia life.

Easy to reach from Córdoba but away from the tourist trail. Whether your passion is horseback riding, bird-watching, exploring scenic walking trails or simply relaxing amongst local tradition and culture, we’re proud to offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. Come and fall in love with Argentina as you eat, drink and breathe it.

Horses are ridden ‘gaucho style’, in a relaxed manner with loose reins, which is very intuitive and easy to pick up. Trail riding is tailored to suit ability and the hills provide a surprising variety of landscapes and terrain. Rocky outcrops give way to open hillsides. Hidden valleys lead to tumbling waterfalls and wooded paths. Trails take you to swimming holes and spectacular viewpoints, or further afield to neighbouring lands that offer a glimpse of rural life.

As a working cattle estancia, there is often the chance for our guests to ride out alongside the gauchos and help them with their daily tasks. Bringing in the young horses to protect them from the elusive puma, rounding up stray cattle, moving the herd into the corrals for counting or taking salt out to the herd are just some of the day-to-day estancia activities in which guests can be involved.

No visit to Argentina would be complete without the chance to try one of the local passions – polo. This extremely fun and highly addictive sport is open to all guests. Take part in one of the informal weekly sessions, which include tuition and a practice game.

The estancia has six simple, yet very comfortable rooms. You’ll find exposed wooden beams, local textiles, and log fireplaces. There is WiFi available in the main house but not the individual rooms.

The chefs at Los Potreros love to invite guests into the farm kitchen to learn how to make traditional favourites such as empanadas and homemade breads and pastas. As with everything in Argentina food has its traditions, recipes have been handed down from generation to generation, nothing is written and no secrets are shared. Although we are known for our beef; empanadas, pasta and pizza play a big role in the country’s food and are a large part of the menu at Los Potreros. Stays at the estancia are full board so all drinks icnluding wine, beer and spirits are included.

Los Potreros

Open all year round (excl. May and June)

Fly to: Cordoba, Argentina

Riding level: Beginner to Advanced

Spend between 4 – 6 hours per day or less if you prefer. The riding programme is bespoke.