
Riding in Argentina 
from multi-day rides along Andean trails, to joining a polo game near the capital or riding with the gauchos
Argentina offers some of the best and most varied riding in Latin America - you can play polo, ride with the gauchos, sleep under the stars on a camping ride, ford rivers, or gallop across the pampas plains. The riding is suited to both experienced and beginner riders.
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Itinerary summary
The Pampas
Almost all estancias in the flat and fertile plains around Buenos Aires have horses, many have their own polo fields, and day rides are always possible.
Foothills of the Andes
For truly varied pace and terrain the Andean foothills have it all. From the steppe around Calafate, where a far-off glacier is not an unusual sight, to the beech forests of the Lake District or the rushing rivers and high mountain passes around Mendoza, sure-footed horses will take you deep into the valleys and hills in a way that no other form of transport can, while still allowing you the freedom to appreciate spectacular scenery. Mildest from December to April.
Northern Argentina
Several estancias and country hotels offer very good riding near Córdoba, which is a short flight from Buenos Aires yet with a gentler climate. Further north, whether riding through multicoloured rocks around Salta or Humahuaca or in the steamier sub-tropical forests of Misiones, the horse is a valued partner.
Accommodation options
In the following section you will see our suggested options for possible accommodation.
The Pampas - $250-450 per day
El Ombú de Areco - A family owned estancia about 1.5 hours from Buenos Aires, near the historic town of San Antonio de Areco. Riding and carriage rides around the farm are available to all guests and more experienced riders are welcome to ride with the gauchos.
Estancia El Rosario de Areco - A family owned and run estancia in the historic town of San Antonio de Areco, about 1.5 hours from Buenos Aires, and one of the best places to learn to play polo.
Estancia Las Viboras - A working estancia close to the historic town of Dolores, about 3 hours from Buenos Aires. Being one of the largest estates in southern Buenos Aires province there are excellent opportunities to go on long rides and to help the gauchos with farm activities.
Foothills of the Andes - $375-450 per day
Estancia Huechahue - a 15,000 acre ranch, 45 miles from San Martín de los Andes, offering wonderful riding with the gauchos across wide open plains, through rivers and to ancient Maipuche Indian burial sites, all in the shadow of Lanín volcano.
Peuma Hue - a family-run lodge about 30 minutes from Bariloche, set in 500 acres, with 2 miles of lake shore, and surrounded by pristine forests, mountains, creeks and waterfalls. Riding is one of the many activities and you are welcome to visit the stables.
Northern Argentina - $350-550 per day
Dos Lunas - an intimate and very comfortable 3,000 hectare estancia about 1.5 hours from Córdoba. Riding with the gauchos in the grassy hills is one of the main activities and the far-reaching views are spectacular.
Estancia Los Potreros - a 6,000 acre working estancia about an hour from Córdoba that has remained in the same Anglo-Argentine family for 4 generations. Riding is the main activity and is suited to all levels. You can help the gauchos, go on a trail ride, or play polo - always a highlight.
Rincon del Socorro - this former cattle ranch is set in 12,000 hectares. It is about 3½ hours south of Posadas on the edge of the Iberá wetlands. Ride across wide open plains and swim through rivers in search of wildlife and the many bird species.
Andes Grande Traversée - $6,990 for 13 nights
A fascinating 14 day escorted ride from the virgin steppes in Argentina up to the Valdivian forests in Chile, operated by Open Travel. This unique ride on Creole and Chilean horses crosses endless pampas, allows you to experience magnificent mountain landscapes and takes you through native lenga forests and across clear rivers. Ride with the gauchos and experience the local culture of both Argentina and Chile, stay in family homes and camp under the stars. The price is based on a minimum of 4 riders but can also be organised for two. Open Travel also operate shorter rides in reverse, through the beautiful Puelo Valley.
Bandurrias Island - a haven of tranquility on a private island in the middle of Las Rocas lake (south-east of Puerto Montt), a special and isolated place only reached on foot or horseback.