Argentina - Polo
Argentina has the best polo players in the world, so what better place to start? The game is played all over the country, from the smartest polo estancias with their immaculate polo fields, to the villages of the Sierras Chicas. Fun, fast and exciting, polo is a competitive team sport that combines good horsemanship with team tactics and coordination. Often too expensive or inaccessible to try at home, the different options at Los Potreros allow you to try this game in a truly unique environment.
Informal polo with tuition is normally available once a week at Los Potreros (weather permitting) at no extra charge. All guests are invited to participate provided they are aged 12 and over. There is usually the opportunity to ‘Stick and Ball’ with the gauchos and to play informal chukkas.
Polo Taster Sessions are for guests on a week-long Estancia Stay. They consist of three consecutive half-days on the polo field, where you receive an introduction to the game, practice basic shots and learn about the rules. Offered as an addition to a stay at the estancia, this is an ideal way to gain an introduction to the sport without committing to a full Polo holiday. Polo Taster Sessions cost USD 150 (payable locally) for three half-day polo sessions including tuition. This option is suitable for all levels of rider and is aimed at those without much polo experience.
Learn to Play Polo Weeks aimed at the beginner, novice or occasional player who wishes to learn how to play or brush up their skills. Half-day polo sessions are combined with trail rides out onto the estancia. There are usually two to three dates scheduled for March, October and December, although additional dates may be possible for groups of two or more.
For the Learn to Play Polo Weeks you should be a confident rider secure in the saddle at all paces.
These weeks are best suited to intermediate and advanced riders.
Tuition will be conducted by Los Potreros staff members, who are experienced polo players.
Please note that the weight limit for polo is 83 kg in riding gear (this is lower than the estancia's general weight limit of 96 kg).
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.
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 and 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.
Informal polo is played weekly at Estancia Los Potreros and most guests get the chance to have a go during their stay. Learn to Play Polo weeks are scheduled (see below). It may be possible to arrange additional weeks for groups of two or more so please contact us.
| Holiday | Experience LevelExp Lvl | Arrive - DepartArr - Dep | Price | Itinerary | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learn to Play Polo | 4 Mar 2024 - 11 Mar 2024 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $4,000.00 |
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Book | |
| Learn to Play Polo | 7 Oct 2024 - 14 Oct 2024 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $4,000.00 |
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Book | |
| Learn to Play Polo | 4 Nov 2024 - 11 Nov 2024 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $4,000.00 |
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Book |
INCLUDES Accommodation; full board; drinks; riding (half-day stick and ball and practice chukkas with tuition from polo players on the estancia staff; all Polo equipment; in house tournament on final day; daily trail ride); return transfers from Cordoba airport (at set times).
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT No charge for single rooms, subject to availability.
PAYABLE LOCALLY Off ranch excursions; tips; laundry; out of hours transfers.
NEAREST AIRPORT Cordoba.
TRANSFERS Included from Cordoba airport or Rio Ceballos bus station between the hours 08:00 and 20:00 (US$50 each way out of hours). Transfers are possible at additional cost from Cordoba hotels and Cordoba central bus station (US$50 each way).
Los Potreros is an hour's drive north of Cordoba airport and transfers from or to the airport are included between the hours of 08:00 and 20:00. Outside these hours there is a charge for the airport transfer.
You are welcome to arrive at Los Potreros in time for lunch, which is served at around 13:00. 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 full morning ride on the day of your departure plus lunch, your flight will need to depart after 17:00. You may need to vacate your room after breakfast so it can be made ready for arriving guests.
Additional transfer fees will apply if you wish to be collected and/or dropped off at Córdoba Bus Station or hotels in Cordoba.
The Sierras Chicas lie in the centre of Argentina just west of the city of Cordoba an hour long flight from the capital Buenos Aires.
Cordoba is known for its good weather. 'Siempre de temporada' - always in season is the old slogan however winter nights (June to August) can be chilly.
My second visit to Los Potreros, this time for the dedicated polo week.
Only the second time I have played polo, the first being a brief taster on my previous visit to the Estancia. I was partnered with some fantastic horses, the coaching was phenomenal, the variety of activity was well planned and we enjoyed a fun day out at Lou's polo club.
Lorna ,Gloucestershire
