Sierras Chicas Estancia Stay

Taste the authentic estancia lifestyle of Argentina with horseback riding in wide open spaces, the gaucho culture, delicious local cuisine and some of the world's best wine. A stay at this award-winning estancia can showcase the essence of Argentine culture.

Best period

Year-round (excl. May – June)

Price

From € 510 per night

Ideal length

3 - 7 nights

Interested?

Get in touch

Highlights

Experience beautiful trail riding or have a go at cattle herding and a game of polo.
Immerse yourself in the rich gaucho culture.
Stay at an authentic, charming estancia steeped in family history.
Enjoy excellent local cuisine and charming mealtime ambience, including sundowners on the veranda, cooking lessons and asados.

Quick facts

At a glance

This ride is set on an award-winning, authentic estancia, located in the hills of the Sierras Chicas in the centre of Argentina. Nestled between the Pampas and the Andes, the area is designated provincial reserve, renowned for its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife and rural traditions. Easy accessible yet located off the beaten track, the 6,500 acre working cattle and horse farm has been owned by the same Anglo Argentine family for four generations that takes pride on the high standard of hospitality.

The estancia has over 130 exceptional horses to cater for all levels of riding ability with total confidence in the safety (and thrill) of each one. You’ll find Criollo, Paso Peruano, crossbreeds and polo ponies, predominantly bred and raised on the estancia. All are kind, responsive, forward going and sure-footed. Here you’ll have the opportunity to “ride gaucho-style”: one-handed with loose reins. There is no fixed riding and activity programme. The hosts offer an attractive, personalised programme for every guest upon their arrival, that suits his or her desires.

Possible activities include morning trail rides (3 – 4 hours), afternoon trail rides (1 – 2 hours), helping the gauchos with the cattle or herding the horses, informal polo, gaucho games and lassoing. The trail rides are very varied, visiting high points, waterfalls and rock pools, local villages and churches and plenty of opportunities to canter. Guests are encouraged to get involved with every aspect of horse and estancia life.

More information

You’re in for a treat during your stay here. Meal times are one of the highlights of a stay at the estancia as they are highly sociable and the hosts are always keen to share their insights into Argentine life. The meals comprises the best of Argentine cuisine, with asados and delicious traditional dishes. The hosts and cooks love to invite the guests for a wine tasting or chefs night to learn how to make traditional favourites such as empanadas. Guests stay in comfortable rooms, traditionally furnished with plenty of antiques, all individual and with private bathrooms. Rooms are heated with distinctive wood-burning stoves or fireplaces.

Both riders and non-riders will find plenty to do out of the saddle. The cattle and horse trails make for wonderful walking, taking guests to awe-inspiring viewpoints and hidden waterfalls whilst experiencing the plentiful birdlife and colourful wildflowers, or watching the gauchos at work. The serenity and landscape lend themselves to those who enjoy painting, photography or writing, or simply curling up with a book, whilst good conversation and a gin and tonic are never far away. The estancia owners also love to take guests on farm drives in a 4x4 to learn some of the history of the estancia or visit the cattle station to learn more about the life of the gaucho.

The estancia is 100% committed to responsible tourism. It generates its’ own electricity through wind and solar power. It also provides much of its’ own produce, practices sustainable farming and invests in the local community.

What do others say?

I would have probably visited Argentina, but the unforgettable experience and memory for me lies in the place where OTC, Laure-Anne, took me. An intimate and family farm hidden in the vast Argentine pampas, which exudes grandeur through its unique hospitality, combined with a gastronomic exploration of the local cuisine. The warm and homely feeling experienced over days is reflected in the care for the horses. This makes the trip more than just a trip, it creates a memory imbued with countless wonderful stories. I highly recommend this location and Laure-Anne's guidance.

Ready to discover the horse riding holiday of your dreams?