Posted on April 30, 2025
In The Saddle invites you to visit Los Potreros in Argentina for a very special event – the Festival of the Candelaria. The dates are from Wednesday 28 January through to Wednesday 4 February 2026.
“La Estancita” the local church to Los Potreros hosts the Festival of the Candelaria every year on 2 February as a homage to the Virgin Mary. Mass is followed by a procession around the stations of the cross. A statue of the Virgin Mary is carried by worshippers, and those on foot are followed by gauchos on horseback, with both the riders and horses dressed in their finest.
Los Potreros always attend and you too can feel privileged to witness an authentic local event. Enjoy the spectacle of horses, gaucho tack and the family nature of the event, with “mini-gauchos” riding their own horses on the front of the saddles with their fathers, brothers and sisters.
As well as visiting and perhaps participating in the Parade, on this special week we are also including a visit to explore a little of the beautiful city of Córdoba which was founded in 1573.
The driver will meet you on your arrival at the international airport of Córdoba and in just under an hour you arrive at Estancia Los Potreros in time for lunch.
The comfortable Argentinian saddle
This afternoon you meet the team of gauchos and guides who will look after you throughout the week. You have an introductory ride to get used to the gaucho style of riding – long legs, deep seats and neck reining – and the very comfortable sheepskin covered saddle. Later enjoy a delicious dinner. Perhaps the chefs will light up the parrilla (a type of BBQ) and you will have your first taste of delicious Argentinian beef.
The following outlines the likely itinerary. Please note that the precise day to day itinerary may change due to local conditions but you should experience all the activities mentioned.
This morning ride to the “Top of the World”, the highest point on the estancia, to appreciate the spectacular views out over the Sierras Chicas. The trail along the ridge is perfect for condor and eagle spotting.
Here you begin moving the cows and their calves towards “Chiviquin” (the cattle station and the home of the gauchos). The gauchos will check the cows and perhaps give them salt, essential for the overall health of the animal. When you arrive at Chiviquin you find the chefs have cooked up a picnic. After a siesta it is time to jump back on and ride back to the main house in time for afternoon tea.
The rest of the day is yours to relax by the pool, sip a gin & tonic on the veranda or stroll around the garden.
Argentinian wine is very special
This evening, perhaps Kevin will host one of his infamous Wine Tastings inside the beautiful 200 year old farmhouse.
This morning you may be challenged to a game of Los Potreros polo.
The instructor will explain the basics and then it’s an opportunity for everyone to do some gentle stick-and-balling and a friendly chukka or two.
Please note that the ground conditions have to be just right for polo to be played. If it’s too dry the ground is too hard and if it’s too wet, then it’s too slippery. But if polo isn’t possible there are ample rides over the estancia to keep you entertained.
In the afternoon there is a demonstration and introduction to the very special Peruvian Paso horse before you ride out and experience for yourself this amazing 5-gaited horse.
Later a delicious dinner.
Today you have a break from riding and after breakfast head off to explore Córdoba City. Córdoba is known for its rich colonial heritage, with historic buildings and UNESCO-listed monuments, along with being home to one of Argentina’s oldest universities. It proves to be a wonderful day out. After seeing some of the city sights you make a shopping trip to Arandu which is the home to all things gaucho and the perfect place if you wish to pick up a few items to wear in the coming days.
Perhaps the gaucho loose fitting trousers (bombachas), a poncho, a boinas (beret) or one of the traditional scarves?
You have a delicious lunch on the rooftop of the Azur Real and then the afternoon relaxing in their award winning spa. Your visit includes two hours in the roman baths and a half body massage.
Return to Los Potreros for dinner.
The ride today first takes you to the Bell Stone before dropping down to a hidden waterfall where you can take a dip or just take a few minutes to relax in the cool shade.
View across the Sierras Chicas.
From there a wonderful long canter takes you up to “Potrero de Niz”, the original family home of the Beggs, and a delicious lunch on the porch. Perched on the top of a hill, the house has stunning views over the valleys.
Today is Sunday so after a long asado (the traditional Argentine BBQ) sit back and relax and enjoy a lazy afternoon in the hammock or by the pool. For those wanting an activity you could head out for a birdwatching walk over the rolling hills.
Another delicious dinner at the estancia.
Breakfast a little earlier than usual and there is a hum of activity around the estancia. Today everyone should ride in their best gaucho gear – the horses are tacked up and ready to go and the moment has come to head down to the edge of the farm and the local church ‘Estancita’.
Arriving at the church you will find it filled with gauchos wearing traditional attire. Normally, over a 100 riders take part in the procession round the stations of the cross following a mass in the church.
The Festival of the Candelaria is an event that honours the Purification of Mary and the Presentation of Jesus in the temple, blending Catholic traditions with local customs.
Aside from the immaculately turned out gauchos, the horses are also sporting wonderful attire, homemade, but made with so much care and attention to detail. Hearts and stars feature heavily, along with beautiful ‘crudo’ or rawhide leather.
After the parade is over, you join the gauchos for lunch under the trees and a glass of sangria, before heading back to the estancia for afternoon tea and a dip in the pool.
On your final day, ride over soaring mountain tops to reach “Las Tasas” – a gorgeous natural swimming hole where you can dive, swim or just snooze in the sun.
After watching (or even helping) the chefs prepare and cook pizzas on the BBQ for lunch you head out for your final ride on your favourite horse before enjoying sundowners and a final dinner.
Today we say our goodbyes and you return to the Cordoba airport for your homeward flight.
The above itinerary is an example of the activities which are normally available over a 7 night stay at Estancia Los Potreros. The extras on this special week are joining the Festival of the Candelaria and the day trip to explore Cordoba and enjoy the spa. Airport transfers are also included in the price.
Please note that all riding activities are weather dependent. In extreme weather (which is hopefully very unlikely) then even the Festival of the Candelaria might be cancelled.
For more information on this special week please email ride@inthesaddle.com or call us on (+44) 1299 272997.
With just seven rooms at the Estancia places are limited.
Looks amazing. We are really interested but may not be riding fit enough. Getting old! We love gaucho riding style.
Hi Anne and Donald
I will email you. There are normally two riding groups going out and so I’m sure you would be fine.
Olwen