Argentina - Estancia Los Potreros
Los Potreros is a 6,500 acre working cattle estancia dating back to 1573. It lies at the top of the Sierras Chicas, in the Córdoba region of Argentina.
During a stay at Los Potreros you are welcomed by the Anglo-Argentine owners whose family have lived on the estancia for four generations. Having taken guests since the 1940’s, Los Potreros has since fostered a reputation for personalised service and friendly atmosphere. It’s perfect for an authentic estancia holiday.
Explore the varied terrain and landscapes on horseback; from rocky outcrops, hills, valleys and woodland. You might visit local churches during an out-ride; stop for a dip in a natural rock pool or ride out with the gauchos to bring in the young horses to protect them from puma. On another day you could help move and count cattle, try your hand at lassoing or polo.
The hills, lowland meadows and woodlands surrounding the estancia make for beautiful riding country. They are also home to wild boar, deer and diverse bird life from diminutive hummingbirds to impressive condors.
Riding on the estancia is suitable for all abilities. There are some 120 horses and a pool of around 80 are available to the guests. The horses all have exceptionally soft mouths, are well-mannered and in excellent condition; they are responsive and sure-footed. Most are either Criollos or Peruvian Pasos with some crossbreeds.
The horses are chosen to suit the ability of the rider and each rider normally tries several different horses during their stay. There are horses gentle enough for beginners but also ones suited to experienced riders.
Unless requested, riding abilities are not mixed and up to three different groups can go out at a pace to suit everyone.
The pace of the rides is varied. Sometimes you are on tricky, steep, rocky paths, sometimes on tracks, sometimes on grassy open hill tops or on dirt roads. For experienced riders there are opportunities to canter most days; either on the top of the ridges, on the tracks or dirt roads, but most of the riding is at a moderate pace.
The riding is gaucho-style; relaxed with a loose rein contact. The horses respond to neck-reining. The saddles are a comfortable type of South American saddle called a cordillerana which incorporates a sheepskin cover.
Polo is sometimes played on the estancia (minimum age of 12) but is subject to the ground conditions being suitable. These sessions are ideal for those who want to "have a go" and involve informal tuition and a practice game.
Accommodation is in the beautifully restored estancia house. There are seven individually and traditionally decorated bedrooms; each with a private bathroom and wood burning stove for winter nights. For two of the bedrooms (in the Dolls' House) the bathroom is private to the room but not en suite.
There is a swimming pool (usually open mid-October to mid-April) to dip into at the end of a hot day in summer. Between riding sessions you are welcome to relax on the veranda and enjoy afternoon tea or a gin & tonic.
Food and wine is a key part of the Los Potreros experience; meals are taken as a group and are very sociable affairs. Dishes are European and Argentinean in style and include home reared organic beef, local chicken and pork, pasta and free range eggs. Locally grown vegetables and fruits are served, often from the estancia's garden, along with local cheese, freshly baked bread and cakes. Every meal is accompanied by one or two salad or vegetable dishes and fresh fruit is available at all times. A traditional Argentine 'asado' (barbeque) is a real highlight for many.
The estancia is open from September to the end of April. There are no set arrival days so you can stay for as long as you wish. The minimum stay is three nights (minimum five night stay between 15 December and 8 January). We recommend a stay of at least seven nights.
Sample Itinerary for Estancia Los Potreros 
No riding takes place on Sunday afternoons as it is the horses' time off.
The estancia can be booked on an exclusive basis for groups of 6 adults or more (minimum five night stay). Please ask for details.
Select your preferred arrival date:
Prices below are on the basis of a seven night stay and reflect the discounted rate for stays of more than seven nights and also the Argentinian sales tax refund for non-residents. Shorter or longer stays are possible and please ask for a quote.
| Adult | Child (10-16) |
| 1 Jan - 30 Apr 2025 | £2,897.02 | £2,317.62 |
| 1 May 2025 - 30 Apr 2026 | £3,116.98 | £2,493.58 |
INCLUDES Accommodation; full board; drinks; riding.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT There is no single supplement for solo travellers (subject to availability).
PAYABLE LOCALLY Off ranch excursions; polo (US$150 per session); tips.
NEAREST AIRPORT Córdoba.
TRANSFERS Transfers from Córdoba airport and city cost £45.98 per vehicle (1 - 3 people) each way (up to 30 April 2025). From May 2025 the charge is £61.31 per vehicle (1 - 3 people) each way. Transfers are also possible from other locations at Córdoba - price on request.
Los Potreros is an hour's drive north of Cordoba airport. We can arrange transfers from Cordoba airport or Cordoba city for you at additional cost.
You are welcome to arrive at Los Potreros in time for lunch, which is served at around 13:00. Check-in is from 14:00. If you arrive by 16:00 then you should be in time for the afternoon ride at about 16:30.
If you would like to have a morning ride on the day of your departure plus lunch, your flight will need to depart after 17:00. The latest transfer will be at 19:00. If there are arriving guests, you will need to vacate your room after breakfast.
If you have an evening flight on departure day and have time to ride in the afternoon, then this is subject to availability and carries an additional fee.
Between the pampas and the Andes in the beautiful Córdoba region of Argentina.
Córdoba is known for its good weather. 'Siempre de temporada' - always in season is the old slogan. Winter nights (June to August) can be chilly.
The riding far exceed my expectations! Sure footed horses that could be quiet with a novice rider and still fun for those with more experience. The Pasos must be the most comfortable horses out there! We played polo and my horses was very responsive and really adjusted (down!) to my level of playing.
Sarah ,Tyne and Wear
Overall rating: 5/5
