The World's Top Guest, Working, Resort, Luxury and Ultra Ranch Vacations
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Lowdown

  • Established

    1900. Guest ranch since 1940
  • Owner / Manager

    Kevin and Louisa Begg
  • Tel

    +54(0)1160912692
  • Open

    Jan-Apr, Jul-Dec
  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $438 - $486
  • Nightly Rates (per child)*

    $350 - $389
  • Minimum Stay

    4 days
  • Maximum Guests

    12
  • Works with travel agents?

    Yes
  • Great For

    Romance, Action & adventure, Peace & quiet, Pampering, Solitude, Diverse scenery
  • Memberships

    LATA Achievement Awards, Riding Safari Association, Pack For a Purpose, national Geographic
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Today the estancia is considered one of the ´must visit´destinations in Argentina. People come to us from all over the world for a genuine estancia experience, or for the ultimate riding holiday.

No matter their ages and backgrounds, whether they're a couple, a solo traveller, or a family, guests arrive as strangers to Estancia Los Potreros and usually leave as friends. We ensure our visitors enjoy the highest standards in personalised hospitality by hosting no more than 12 people at any one time. This means we all eat, drink, laugh and ride together in a warm and friendly environment - just the way the estancia has always been.

What's more, our estancia has been recommended as one of the top guest experiences in Argentina by the BBC, the Sunday Times, National Geographic Traveller, Tatler and Footprint guides, to name but a few.

Every day at the estancia is different. The would-be gauchos amongst you can canter along grassy hilltops, take a dip in natural rock pools, visit local churches on horseback, help round-up the young horses (to protect them from the elusive puma), learn how to lasso, or have a go at polo.

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. Enjoy the best of Argentine food and wine with home-reared beef washed down with Malbec. 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.

Children at the Ranch

Great for children aged 10 and over

We welcome children from 10 years and above (or younger if the estancia is booked on a private basis) for more information or to discuss family options further please contact us on bookings@estancialospotreros.

Parents are expected to supervise their children.

Environmental & Social Practices

Environment

Responsible tourism and sustainable farming have always been a way of life for us.

We operate with a strong ‘farm-to-table’ ethos when it comes to our food, too, providing home-reared beef, free-range eggs, and wherever possible, vegetables and fruit from the estancia gardens. We're often told how fresh and different it.

Located on a provincial reserve, our style of farming encourages local wildlife, including pumas, foxes and the majestic Andean Condor. We're currently working in conjunction with local authorities to re-introduce endangered wildlife to the hills, and access is provided to a local university research group who are studying the effects and control of non-indigenous plant species.

Community

Estancia Los Potreros has long-supported the local rural school, and our guests help too. We send recycled clothing to a remote community in the north of Argentina. We're proud to be part of the ‘Pack for a Purpose’ initiative, which encourages travellers to think about ways they can positively impact local communities when they travel, and the estancia was one of the first places in South America to be awarded the TripAdvisor GreenLeader Platinum status.

Conservation

The majority of energy we use at the estancia is generated from renewable resources (wind and solar power) and all farming is undertaken with organic principles.

We have also recently installed new water filtration system so that we no longer use single use plastic water bottles.

We're also proud of our active tree-planting programme and zero food waste policy. Even the wine bottles are transported back to the winery, where they're filled again with our Los Potreros' own label wine!

Ranch History

It was in fact the Jesuits who first organised farming in the area. Estancia Los Potreros takes its name from the ‘potreros’, or enclosures that were used during the three centuries of Spanish colonization, back when the area was mule-breeding country. From here the mules were driven all the way to Bolivia to work in the silver mines.

The Begg family (Scottish in origin) first came to the area in the early part of the 20th century. Robin Begg (Kevin’s grandfather) built his own beautiful home on the top of a hill on the north of the farm, but shortly after the house was completed, he died. Robin was survived by his widow, Louie Begg who started accommodating paying guests in the 40s.

The guest book, started in 1945 is worth a read. It contains lyrical descriptions of the estancia – “heaven among the hill tops” is still one of our favourites. Louie lived to see three centuries, passing away at the impressive age of 104.

Today the farm is the home of Robert Begg, (Louie's son), his children Robin, Merina and Kevin, and their families. The farm now breeds Aberdeen Angus and horses instead of mules, but rural values and traditions are maintained, and we're every bit as in love with the place as our ancestors were.

The area has had many famous visitors over the years. As a child, Che Guevara lived nearby with his family, while Albert Einstein once visited a hotel managed by a German family in the nearby town of La Falda. Arguably the most famous guest of all was Jackie Kennedy, who regularly visited a neighbouring estancia. Here, hidden from the public eye, she engaged in her true passion away from politics - horseback riding.

Lowdown

  • Enjoy

    Ranch-style
  • Meals served

    family style, everyone eats together, scheduled meals
  • Alcohol

    wine provided with dinner, wine cellar
  • Enjoy dining in

    nature settings, patio, dining room (casual attire)
  • You'll definitely love

    ranch-raised beef, ranch-raised pork, farm fresh eggs, ranch garden, organic produce, locally grown produce, fresh daily bread, fresh daily desserts
  • Dietary restrictions catered for

    lactose intolerant, vegans, vegetarians, Gluten free

Mealtimes are one of the highlights of a stay with us.

They are always sociable affairs. Lunches and dinners are taken together at a ‘family’ table and hosted by one, or both of us, and dishes are European in style, varied and delicious, with plenty of excursions into local favourites. You'll get to experience freshly-baked bread and homemade dishes, all supplemented by the estancia's and organically grown vegetables, fruit and free-range eggs. We also can't wait for you to try Estancia Los Potreros's ‘own label’ wines, which often accompany some great conversations, well into the night.

Guest Favourites

  • Traditional Argentine ‘asado’ or barbecue, featuring our home-reared beef.
  • Picnic lunches at our cattle station.

Lowdown

  • Address

    Camino al Cuadrado
    Rio Ceballos
    Cordoba
    Argentina
  • Remote Location

    Yes
  • Private Land

    1000-5000 hectares

Nearest Town - Rio Ceballos

Rio Ceballos is situated 20 miles / 30 mins from the Ranch.

Nearest Airports

Córdoba “Pajas Blancas” international airport, Rio Ceballos

Distance

40 miles / 1 hour

Lowdown

  • Type of Riding

    Western Riding
  • Riding opportunities for

    Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced
  • Rides are grouped by

    Ability, Rides dictated by ranch work, Families ride together
  • Wranglers per ride

    2
  • Guest Horses

    130

The Setting

Private Land (1000-5000 hectares)

The estancia hills provide a surprising variety of landscapes and terrain. Rocky outcrops give way to open hillsides. Hidden valleys lead to tumbling waterfalls and wooded paths. Trails take you to swimming holes and spectacular viewpoints, or further afield to neighbouring lands that offer a glimpse of rural life, past homesteads, churches and remote schools.


Our Riding

Weight limit for riding

Up to 210 lbs

Hours in the saddle

Guests usually ride for 4 - 6 hours a day. Rides might include morning and afternoon rides, day rides, informal polo with instruction, cattle days or gaucho games. On Sunday there is a morning ride but no afternoon ride. All outdoor activities are weather dependent and we do not ride in extreme weather conditions such as storms or high winds. Riding does not need to be arranged or booked in advance.


Why our riding stands out

  • Our horses are ridden ‘gaucho style’, in a relaxed manner with loose reins, which is very intuitive and easy to pick up.
  • As a working cattle estancia, there is often the chance for our guests to ride out alongside the gauchos and help them with their daily tasks. Bringing in the young horses to protect them from the elusive puma, rounding up stray cattle, moving the herd into the corrals for counting or vaccinating, or taking salt out to the herd are just some of the day-to-day estancia activities in which guests can be involved.
  • No visit to Argentina would be complete without the chance to try one of the local passions - polo. We love introducing this extremely fun and highly addictive sport to guests, who wouldn't normally have a chance to try it. Take part in one of the informal weekly sessions, which include tuition and a practice game.

Lowdown

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    $438 - $486
  • Nightly Rates (per child)*

    $350 - $389
  • Minimum Stay

    4 days
  • Preferred Arrival Day

    Any day is fine
  • Preferred Departure Day

    Any day is fine
  • Style of accommodation

    Western rustic chic
  • Packages available

    1 week
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Estancia Los Potreros can cater for up to 12 guests. See below for details and indicative rates.

Room | Cosy rooms

Minimum Stay

1 night

Description

Each cosy room is individual and tastefully furnished in keeping with the history and style of the estancia, and quality antiques and bookcases invoke the grandeur of days gone by.

Crisp winter nights are warmed by wood-burning stoves and open log fires, while the adobe construction keeps the rooms delightfully cool in the summer. The beds and linen are of the highest quality, and we offer plenty of little touches that make sure our guests are more than comfortable. 

Rooms

6

Amenities

plush bathrobes, wood fireplace


Booking Policy

Please contact us on bookings@estancialospotreros.com for rates, availability and general queries.

Our minumum stay is 3 nights throughout the year, with the exception of between 22 Decemer - 2 January when there is a 5 night minimum stay.

Child rates apply to children between 10 and 16 years old.

Deposits are required in order to confirm a booking, with the balance payable 30 days prior to arrival. A cancellation policy is in operation.

Please contact us on bookings@estancialospotreros.com for rates, availability and general queries.

Included in your stay

meals, activities, ranch shuttle, lodging, tax, Riding, Transfers to and from Córdoba airport, between 08.00 and 20.00 are included in the price of a stay.

Extras

Tax

Travel and medical insurance. All clients must provide insurance cover for all of the activities that they may take part in on the estancia. Transfers outside of 08.00 and 20.00 and transfers to/from central Córdoba or other destinations other than the airport. These will be quoted on an individual basis and are payable locally in cash.

Gratuity

Gratuities are at guests' discretion and should be paid in cash.

Other

There is a small shop selling a few items to remind guests of their visit to Argentina and the estancia. The profits from the shop are donated to a local rural school. The shop only accepts payment in cash.

Lowdown

  • You can borrow

    Riding helmets, Saddle bags

Onsite

Shopping

There is a small shop selling a few items to remind guests of their visit to Argentina and the estancia. The profits from the shop are donated to a local rural school. The shop only accepts payment in cash.

Outdoor Activities

bird watching, Polo, horse riding, walking, gaucho skills, horse demos

Water based Activities

outdoor pool


Fishing & Wildlife

Wildlife

The estancia is blessed with plentiful and varied birdlife all year; we also get American Kestrels, Peregrine Falcons and Black Vultures paying us a visit. The wonderful ‘burrowing owl' is a regular sight, eyeing passing visitors from fence posts, while other smaller birds include herons, hummingbirds, nightjars, plovers and mocking-birds.

Guests may also spot iguanas, hares, foxes and even small deer while out on our trails.


Local Attractions

A day trip to Santa Catalina and Candonga church

The Jesuit Block and the Jesuit estancias of Córdoba were given UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000, while Santa Catalina is the largest of the Jesuit estancias and remains in private hands. Candonga chapel was built by the Jesuits in 1730 and is located at what was one of the main mule posts of the ‘Camino Real’ - or Royal Road to Lima. The fact is reflected in the name: Candonga is an old Castilian word for "loaded mule".

Distance

105 miles / 3 hours

Highs

  • Easy to reach from Córdoba, but away from the tourist trail, Estancia Los Potreros offers guests a unique insight into Argentinian rural culture and traditions, and they invite you to share their home and lifestyle
  • If you enjoy good food and wine, this is the place to head; Argentine Malbec is legendary and best enjoyed with the traditional ‘asado’ – a beef-based barbeque, often comprising many courses and often lasting many hours. Owner Kevin doesn’t need much prompting to share his appreciation of Argentine wines – he often hosts informal and interactive wine-tastings
  • Why not have a go at polo?
  • Capacity is just 12 so you have an intimate family feel

Lows

  • As capacity is just 12, bigger groups sadly can't be catered for

Visitor Reviews

Dont just take our word for it, see what visitors like you say...

A little piece of Argentine heaven!

It is rare to find a place that exceeds expectations, but here you have it! Wonderful horses, breathtaking surroundings and the warmest welcome you could wish for. We felt more like friends than guests. If you love horses, dogs, fine wine, exotic birds and big skies this is the place for you! We loved every moment of our stay and hope to return soon.

5 stars

You can find more reviews for Estancia Los Potreros on TripAdvisor