No trip to Argentina would be complete without an estancia visit. After all, an estancia is the icon of Argentina - those generally huge, often remote outposts of life where gauchos ride the range herding cattle or sheep, sipping mate, strumming guitars around campfires, all across the rolling Pampas, the Patagonian steppes or the Sierra Chicas.
Sierra Chicas? That's a mountain range between the pampas and the Andes, right in the heart of the region of Cordoba, smack dab in the middle of Argentina.
Estancia Los Potreros is a true working estancia on a sprawling 6,000 acres at an altitude of around 3,000 feet. It is steeped in family history, having been in the same family for four generations.
And the fact that it is a working estancia that accepts visitors, and not an estancia that works ONLY for visitors, makes it unique and an authentic experience.
There are only seven rooms, each simple but comfortable, providing all the basic creature comforts. All have private bathrooms and wood burning stoves or fireplaces for those cool nights.
There are covered verandahs with hammocks, a living room, dining room and a pool.
To experience life on the estancia, spend time at the corrals watching the gauchos work or visit the kitchen where the chef will show you the secrets of traditional Argentine cuisine.
And when you have soaked up the ambience and the essence of life on a true working estancia, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.
Horseback riding tops the list. Los Potreros is exceptionally proud of their horses, a herd of over 80 that include Paso Peruanos, polo horses, Criollos and crossbreeds, all who live a natural lifestyle in an unstabled herd environment.
Other activities include mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching, wine tasting and polo: learn about polo, take polo lessons and participate in matches at the estancia.
And for the less energetic,
there's a pool with a view and verandahs with hammocks and cozy chairs.
Who goes here? Those who want to experience a real working estancia but have comfort, good food & wine and lots of things to do.
How to get here? A short flight from Buenos Aires to Cordoba and then one hour overland.
Why go? Because it's still an authentic experience.
