Estancia Los Poteros, Cordoba
Estancia Los Potreros is a 6,000-acre working cattle farm in the Cordoba province of Argentina and has remained in the same Anglo-Argentine family for four generations. The Estancia is very secluded on the top of the “Sierras Chicas” at an altitude of 3,000 feet, nestled between the pampas and the Andes in the heart of the beautiful region of Cordoba. The main house is steeped in family history with many references to the days of the Jesuits who first organized farming in the area before they were forced to leave quite suddenly in 1769. The family provide short and long breaks for those who want to experience first hand the majesty and rural tradition of Argentina. Visitors range from swimming pool loungers to seasoned outbackers who wish to take full advantage of the riding, hiking and outdoors life. Other leisure activities include walking and bird watching. The estancia is centrally located to visit Jesuit churches and three excellent golf courses in the vicinity. Cordoba city is only 50 kilometres away.
Accommodation: Accommodation on the farm is simple and very comfortable providing you with all creature comforts. On the distance rides there will be a combination of camping and estancia shelter.
Flora and fauna: The Cordoba hills are in the centre of Argentina and are famous for their healthy climate and wonderful scenery. The higher land is bare of trees and covered in long straw like grass called ‘paja brava’ which the animals eat in the winter months. There are a number of tree varieties, acacias, cocos and molles are the most common, and wild flowers cover the hills from early spring to autumn. There is an interesting variety of bird species from vultures and eagles down to the most brightly coloured humming birds. Condors today have returned to the hills. Partridges and doves are plentiful. Foxes and hares can often be seen, though the pumas, wild boar and small deer are more elusive The locals are steady, respectful and gentle people. The culture of the gaucho and reverence of the horse is strong and bring with them the best traditions of Argentina.
Getting there: There are flights to Pajas Blancas international airport (COR) from Buenos Aires (AEP) almost every hour (duration one hour). There is also a direct flight to Cordoba from Santiago in Chile and Sao Paulo Brazil. The estancia is one hour away from the Pajas Blancas Cordoba airport by car.
Meals: European, varied and delicious with plenty of excursions into local dishes, some of the food is produced on the property. All meals are included with drinks and good Argentine wines. Various grape varieties make for interesting wine tasting.
Rates: Prices: per person £150 (p/night) all-inclusive. Rates include: Full board accommodation, drinks including wine, beer and spirits. All activities, guides, porters, equipment, support vehicle, horses and saddlery and transfers from Cordoba airport (COR) to the estancia at the start and at the end of the ride. Not included are: personal calls, insurance and gratuities. A single supplement of 20% may be payable for a single room if you are not prepared to share.
Riding: Riding is usually centred round the estancia life with occasional overnight excursions: longer expeditions are arranged. If on a trail ride you should expect to be in the saddle between four to five hours a day with the occasional days requiring an extra push to reach the objective. Nights away from Los Potreros are spent camping or in local dwellings allowing the visitors to experience another way of life. The horses, all bred on the estancia, have exceptionally soft mouths, are well mannered and in excellent condition, they are responsive and sure-footed, and most are ether Criollos or Paso Peruanos with some crossbreeds. The tack is English with sheepskins over the saddles. The horses are chosen to suit the ability of the rider. The riding is “Western” and very relaxed. There is a vast area to explore across the Sierras and we tend to arrange the itinerary according to the visitors wishes. Beginners are welcomed.
Weather: Cordoba is known for its good weather and healthy climate; “siempre de temporada” always in season, is the old slogan. The estancia is open all year round. The climate can vary but is generally sunny and dry; the rainy season is in the summer months. The winter is short but can be cold at night; it is usually warm and sunny in the middle of the day. The sun can be very strong so hats and good protection are recommended year round.
Bellstone Ride
This 8 day 7 night ride takes you over the constantly changing geography of the region, through areas impossible to reach by car. You stay at a variety of locations from cattle estancias to very simple dwellings exposing you to the life of the local people. This expedition is rich in local history and offers some exceptional riding.
Day 1: Meet your host at Cordoba Pajas Blancas airport (COR). Transfer to Los Potreros (approx 1 hours drive). Afternoon ride if time allows to Estancia Chiviquin, an outpost. This is a very old and simple traditional dwelling and offers an insight to cattle farming in these remote areas. Enjoy a candle-lit dinner, this is a tradition on every evening when staying at Los Potreros, an opportunity to discuss the plan for the rest of the expedition.
Day 2: A morning ride to feel comfortable with your horse and the gauchos. Climb to some of the high points and get your bearings. Explore the cattle ranch. Lunch is a traditional Argentine “asado” (barbecue) by the pool with several cuts of meat to try. The afternoon may be spent swimming or walking. Watch the sun go down, enjoying a drink on the “Patio Verde”. Dinner and night spent at Estancia Potrero de Loza and if the moonlight allows: go to a high point to see the lights of the city of Cordoba in the distance. On the way hear the sound of the “church bell stone” that inspired the original bell-shaped cattle brand of this farm.
Day 3: "Across country” past “Canada de los Condores” Canyon of the Condors, where condors may sometimes be seen, to “La Estancita” for a picnic lunch at the local school, visit Dominican church go past local dwellings and small farms. Night spent camping out or in Canada del Molle farmhouse.
Day 4: Set out towards Candonga going north along the top of the Sierras Chicas towards Mentas farm (cabin). Menta is a wonderful host and a good cook. Together with her brother she ekes a meagre existence from her smallholding. The visit is worth the experience! Some earth roadwork. Swim in cool fast flowing crystal clear streams. Stay in Mentas cabin or camp out. Visit Candoga church (C1650).
Day 5: Long ride, some on earth roads. Climb above La Cumbre to the “Loma Grande”. Dinner and night spent at a charming and secluded stone lodge. The house is not reached by any other means than walking or riding. The stone constructed house has no road or electricity but hot showers, excellent food and spectacular views. One can spend the night camping or inside if the weather is inclement. Don’t miss the night stars, one feels one could reach and touch them.
Day 6: Descend to explore the town of La Cumbre (town of English origin) at the top of the Punilla valley. Chance to replenish stocks and batteries. Lunch in a typical Cruz Chica home. We wind down towards La Falda along the “Camino de Los Artesanos” towards Estancia Alto San Pedro. Night spent at local inn or estancia.
Day 7: Early morning start towards “El Cuadrado” road. Passing La Falda a town of German origin, via the remains of the famous Eden Hotel (funded by Hitler during the war and now a museum). Climb ridge to vermiculite mines (Cerro Sapo), we make our way along the top of a ridge seeing the views across the Valle de Punilla. Return past the ruin at “El Vergel” (C1700) dinner and overnight at Los Potreros.
Day 8: Farewell ride on the estancia before returning to the airport.
Wild and Exotic Bellstone Ride - 2007 - 2008 dates and prices
Single overnight expeditions are spontaneously arranged at any time of the year for guests staying at estancia Los Poteros, however longer rides with itineraries and goals are operating with fixed dates for 2008 during the following timeframes:
2008 dates:
23rd Feb – 1st Mar
15th Mar – 22nd Mar
27th Sept – 4th Oct
25th Oct – 1st Nov
Polo weeks:
29th Mar – 5th April
16th Aug – 23rd Aug
15th Nov – 22nd Nov
2008 Prices:
Prices for Estancia stay in 2008 start from £200 per person per night
Prices for Bellstone ride start from £225 per person per night
Prices for Polo weeks start from £225 per person per night
Other dates can be arranged please enquire for availability. On these ride you should expect to be in the saddle between four
to six hours a day with the occasional days requiring an extra push to reach the objective. Nights away from Los Poteros are
spent camping or in local dwellings allowing the visitors to experience another way of life.
