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ESTANCIA LOS POTREROS
LOCATION
Estancia Los Potreros is located in the Sierras Chicas north-west of Cordoba city.
There are flights to Pajas Blancas Cordoba international airport (COR) from Buenos Aires (AEP) almost every hour (duration one hour), along with direct flights to Cordoba from Santiago in Chile and Sao Paolo in Brazil. Guests can also travel by comfortable and economic coaches from Buenos Aires to Rio Ceballos or Cordoba (about 10 hours). The estancia is under one hour away from Cordoba airport by car.
Estancia Los Potreros is an exclusive 6,000-acre working cattle farm that has remained in the same Anglo-Argentine family for four generations.
The estancia is 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 Còrdoba in the centre of Argentina.
It is steeped in family history and locally there is much evidence of the pioneering work of the Jesuits who first organized farming in the area before they were forced to leave in 1796.
The Begg family now invites guests to share their home and lifestyle, providing a unique and unforgettable vacation with first hand contact of the rural traditions of Argentina.
The estancia prides itself on setting a high standard of professionalism in accommodation and hospitality, taking care of guests with unrivalled personal attention to detail. It provides a unique experience for those who would like to combine the pleasures of estancia life with fabulous horse-riding.
Whether your passion be outstanding horses, beautiful scenery, walking, photography, birdwatching, wild flowers, soaking up the local culture or simply enjoying good company in a truly unique setting, Estancia Los Potreros has something for everyone.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation on the farm is simple and very comfortable providing you with all creature comforts. All rooms are individual and tastefully furnished, and all have their own private bathroom. Antiques abound and cooler winter nights are warmed by log fires and wood-burning stoves.
MEALS
Meals are European in style, varied and delicious with plenty of excursions into local dishes, with the dishes supplemented by our own organically grown vegetables, fruit and free-range eggs. Our excellent chef can cater for a range of special dietary requirements. We have our 'own label' Argentine wines to accompany the meals, and various grape varieties make for interesting wine tasting.
FLORA AND FAUNA
The Cordoba hills in the centre of Argentina 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 the end of autumn. There is an interesting variety of bird species from vultures and eagles down to the most brightly coloured humming birds, whilst condors have also returned to the hills. Partridges and doves are plentiful and foxes and hares can often be seen, though the puma, wild boar and small deer are more elusive.
AROUND THE ESTANCIA
As a working estancia and horse breeding farm, there is always something happening. Guests are welcome to spend the morning in the corrals watching our horse-breaker working with the young horses, try their hand at lassoing or a gentle game of 'bochas' on the lawn.
For the less energetic, a 'pool with a view' provides a perfect place to relax, along with hammocks on the verandahs. The estancia has an eclectic range of books in virtually every room for guests to enjoy, and an artists box is provided for the creatively minded. The sierras are a photographer´s delight.
For those interested in Argentine cuisine, our chef is delighted to share and demonstrate knowledge of traditional Argentine dishes from our beautiful farm kitchen, using only fresh ingredients, much of which is provided from the estancia.
For those accompanying riding partners or friends, there is often the opportunity to join for picnic lunches, and to watch polo being played on the estancia. Or perhaps enjoy a ride in one of the antique cars or more traditional horse-drawn carriage.
PACKING LIST
The estancia is situated at 1100 metres and therefore weather can sometimes be unpredictable - there is always the possibility of a wet, windy or cold day, and so you should pack accordingly! In addition, the sun is very strong, and so hats and good sun protection are recommended all year round.
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- Hard hat (a limited supply of hard hats are available on the estancia but for comfort, fit and to ensure compliance with safety regulations in your own country we recommend you bring your own)
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- Comfortable trousers or jodhpurs
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- Layers on top, including a warm fleece
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- A good windproof/waterproof
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- Long riding boots or short boots and half chaps (a limited supply of half-chaps are available from the estancia)
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- Riding gloves
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- Casual clothes for the evening
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- Swimsuit
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- High factor sun cream and sun hat
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- Insect repellent
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- Small torch
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- Personal medication and toiletries
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- Closed toe walking boots/shoes if you wish to explore the estancia on foot
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- Personal insurance details
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- Camera + batteries or charger + film or card
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- Binoculars
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- Towels for the room and swimming pool are provided
The estancia generates its' own electricity and supports responsible tourism. Therefore, the use of electrical items such as hairdryers and irons may be limited, and are not provided by the estancia.
ACTIVITIES
Polo
Country Polo
No visit to Argentina would be complete without the chance to try your hand at a game of polo. Informal polo is played once a week on the estancia (weather permitting) and is open for all guests to participate. The estancia specialises in introducing this extremely fun and highly addictive sport to guests who have not had the chance to try it before. A short lesson on the ground and some practice 'stick and ball' is followed by a game, set at a pace to suit riding abilities. We must warn you though
- this could be the start of an extremely expensive habit!
Polo Weeks
Throughout the year we run a number of fixed date polo weeks. These are aimed at the beginner, novice or occasional polo player who wish to combine this exciting game with some fabulous riding on the estancia.
During the polo weeks, polo sessions are held every day (either morning or afternoon) and consist of tuition and 'stick and ball' practice, followed by some chukkas, each day focusing on particular skills, tactics and rules of the game. The week culminates in an in-house tournament, often joined by regular players from the local area.
The other half of the day may be spent riding out in our fabulous countryside, perhaps trying out the unique 'Paso Peruano' horse, or simply relaxing by the pool.
Additional weeks or tuition can often be arranged throughout the year, and so please ask for availability.
RIDING
The estancia is exceptionally proud of its reputation of having outstanding horses for our guests to enjoy, and with a riding herd of over 80, there is something for everyone. The horses, mainly bred on the estancia, are responsive, sure-footed and willing. The varied work that they take part in including rounding up cattle, taking out guests or playing polo, combined with the natural lifestyle they lead in an un-stabled herd environment means the horses are always fresh, interested and keen to do their jobs.
The herd is a mixture of Criollos, Paso Peruanos, polo ponies and some crossbreeds. The estancia is currently actively breeding Paso Peruanos, a unique horse that has 5 gaits or paces (instead of 4) which provides an extremely comfortable riding experience that is not quickly forgotten. Guests are encouraged to get involved with all of the horse activities on the farm, whether that is watching the horse-breaker at work or rounding up the mares and foals to protect them from pumas.
"Los Potreros is a place for people who appreciate fine horses and know how to ride horseback. However, there are horses for every ability, and beginners are welcome. The ranch's forte for horse lovers is its Peruvian paso horses, which here are used to round up cattle on the rocky hillsides like any criollo equine, giving lie to the popular notion that they can only amble and are incapable of galloping sure-footedly. The one assigned to me gave me one of the smoothest canters I have ever enjoyed, in addition to the superb swift ambling walk that is innate in the breed."
GOLF
There are three excellent 18 hole golf courses within 35 kms of Los Potreros. Caddies and club rentals are available on all courses and we are happy to help with transfer arrangements to and from the courses.
Cordoba (Villa Allende) has a magnificent 6824 yd. par 72 parkland course founded in 1922 only minutes away from Córdoba City, which hosts the Open Championship of the central region of Argentina.
La Cumbre has a 5991 yd. par 70 parkland course built in 1924 which has hosted several international tournaments
Ascochinga has a 6350 yd. par 72 course less than an hour away from the estancia
TREKKING
With over 6,500 acres of private land to explore, the estancia offers plenty for even the most dedicated trekking enthusiast. Many use the estancia as a base and return every night to the comfort of the family home.
A range of self-guided walks take visitors to high spots on the farm, or to hidden rock pools for a refreshing dip. Take a walk down to the cattle farm to see the gauchos in action, or make your way to 'The Top of the World' to see the tremendous views over the Punilla valley, Don't forget to take your camera, and there is always a bundle of labradors to accompany you!
Longer guided walks can be arranged in advance.
BIRD WATCHING
Year-round the bird life is interesting. The location of the farm on the edge of various microclimates...on the boundary of the pampas and the start of the high country leading to the Andes, between the arid north and the lush south, as well as being on the tree line, make Estancia Los Potreros a top location for bird watching. From a letter to his family by Paul MacDermot.
"One of my jobs was to help in compiling a bird list and, one by one, more species were added to it. A couple of condors were briefly seen, and roosting in the bushes near the house one day were a pair of absurdly tame horned owls about 6 inches long. Other wildlife spotted were some Cuis (guinea pig) and a wild pig with a baby, which is a rare sight."
Maurice Rumboll, an ornithologist who has co-authored the Collins Illustrated Checklist of the birds of Southern South America, visited with his family one day. Robin decided to pull his leg by claiming an ability to call down the local Black Vultures. He whistled a bit then took us round the corner of the house to show us two of them sitting in a tree just above the kitchen (where, of course, they'd been sitting all the time). Maurice called his bluff in a remarkable display. He went off whistling tu.tu.tu.tu.tu.tu. tu. on the note of C. Soon there came an identical reply getting closer and closer, and in came a Ferruginous Pygmy Owl looking to see off his rival. Robin's later attempts to emulate this feat were all unsuccessful.
WINE TASTING
Argentina is the fifth largest producer of wine in the world and so throughout your stay in Argentina you are likely to try a number of different wines. Vast stretches of fertile vineyards stretch along the foothills of the Andes dotted with more than 2,000 wineries, and the vineyards are based almost entirely on European grape varieties.The region is blessed with a combination of plentiful water, sandy soil, a dry climate and year-round sunshine, which makes for enormous yields.
Cordoba has a wine growing tradition that goes back some time. Records show that 10,000 vines were planted the year after the foundation of Cordoba in 1574. The wine cellar of the Jesus Maria Jesuit farm was the largest in the Spanish colony of the River Plate. From this cellar, the very first bottle of wine from the Spanish Americas was sent to the king in Spain. This wine was christened "Lagrimilla", which we still drink as a dessert wine at Los Potreros today!
Wine production in Cordoba had a second wind when the immigrants arrived from the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia in northern Italy. They founded "Colonia Caroya" in 1878 only 50 kilometers from Cordoba city in the heart of the old Jesuit country. The spirit of those pioneers still continues, as do some of their traditions and dialects.
Today riders, drivers, walkers and birdwatchers alike all enjoy the Cordoba wine produced by the Bodega Caroyense. Trying the different wines is great fun and La Caroyense selects grapes from other provinces as well as the homegrown. Some of the better wines are from these selected grapes.
Half a century ago, Estancia Los Potreros had a small home production of wine. Today using modern methods, La Caroyense produce and bottle the only private wine in their cellars on behalf of the estancia. The popularity of the Malbec and Torrontes is now spreading beyond visitors to the farm, and the Beggs are always keen to share informal wine-tastings with their guests.
VISIT LOCAL CHURCHES
The Cordoba region is steeped in history, with a thriving rural community, thanks in part to the Jesuits. As with many communities, the area has been bound together by religion over the centuries, and now there are many examples of churches and places of worship scattered throughout the countryside.
The estancia is an ideal place to set out and explore some of these national treasures, including the Jesuit estancia Santa Catalina, and the emblematic Candonga church. Amongst the more traditional are also the unusual, and some can be reached by horseback, whilst transport can be arranged for those slightly further afield.
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