BELLSTONE RIDE - ARGENTINA

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This horseback trail takes you to estancias and rural dwellings over the constantly changing geography and through areas impossible to reach by car. You are exposed to life of a cross section of local people, from polo playing estancia owners to gauchos and farmers. This expedition is rich in local history and offers some exceptional horseback riding. We start and finish at Estancia Los Potreros, an exclusive 6,000-acre working cattle farm that has remained in the same Anglo-Argentine family for four generations. The estancia is in a very secluded location at an altitude of 3,000 feet nestled between Pampas and the Andes in the heart of the beautiful region of Cordoba, Argentina. Polo is part of the tradition here, and this extends to Gauchos and Guests.

Trip length 8 days /7 nights Ride only price 2009: £1,875 per person Departure dates 2009: 21 Feb; 14 Mar; 3 Oct; 24 Oct Approximate riding time per day 4-6 hours. Riding ability required You should be comfortable at a walk, trot and canter and fit enough to ride 6 hrs in a day. Group size Max 12 Meeting point (getting there) Cordoba Airport, Argentina. Transfer included from meeting point Flight guide London - Cordoba return £450 - £850. See below for flight info. Single supplement Not available on the trail.

SAMPLE ITINERARY - BELLSTONE RIDE

Day 1
Meet your host at Cordoba Pajas Blancas airport (COR). Transfer to accommodation (approx 1 hours drive). Afternoon horseback ride if time allows to Estancia Chiviquin, an old 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) and an opportunity to discuss the plan for the rest of the expedition.

Day 2
A morning horseback ride to feel comfortable with your horse and the gauchos. Ride 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 while enjoying a drink on the “Patio Verde”. Dinner and night is 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 bell-shaped cattle brand of this farm.

Day 3
Ride horseback "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 at Estancia Potrero de Niz or camp out.

Day 4
Set out towards Candonga going north along the top of the Sierras Chicas towards Menta's 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 road work. Swim in cool fast flowing crystal clear streams. Stay in Mentas cabin or camp out. Visit Candoga church (C1650).

Day 5
Long horseback 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 horseback 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 indoors if the weather is inclement. Don't miss the night stars, one feels one could reach and touch them.

Day 6
Descend on horseback 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 depending on availability.

Day 7
Early morning horseback ride 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 a the ruin at “El Vergel” (C1700) to the starting point. Dinner and overnight here.

Day 8
Farewell horseback ride on the estancia before returning to the airport.

NOTES - BELLSTONE RIDE

Horses
Type: Most are either "Criollos" or "Paso Peruanos" with some crossbreeds. Total Number: 510+, all home bred. Riding Horses: 30+ Height: 14.3 – 15.3hh Nature: These horses have exceptionally soft mouths, are well mannered and in excellent condition, they are responsive and sure-footed.

Non riding companions
There are plenty of other activities to do and those not as proficient at riding or non riding companions can extend their stay at Estancia Los Potreros.

The weight limit for this ride is 15st /210 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation, meals, drinks (including wine, beer and spirits), all activities including riding as described, transfer from Cordoba and English speaking guide.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Gratuities and items of a personal nature. A single supplement may be payable if a single rooms is requested but this is not charged if the Estancia is not full.

FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.

Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.

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