Day 1: Meet your host at Cordoba Pajas Blancas airport (COR). Transfer to Los Potreros (approx 1 hours drive). Afternoon horseback ride if time allows to Estancia Chiviquin, an old cattle outpost. This is a very 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, 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 horseback 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, enjoying a drink on the "Patio Verde". Dinner and night 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 (optional). Day 4: Set out towards Candonga going north along the top of the Sierras Chicas towards Mentas 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 charming town of La Cumbre (town of English origin built around a golf course at 1,150 m ASL) at the top of the Punilla valley. Chance to do some shopping and replenish stocks. Try the excellent local beer! 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" earth road. Passing the outskirts of 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 El Vergel and dinner and overnight at Estancia Los Potreros. Day 8: Farewell horseback ride on the estancia before returning to the airport. Notes:
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Also see tour packages in: South America Argentina Outdoor: Land Rambler Farm Stay & Ranching Ecotourism Email it to a friend: Click here to email this vacation to a friend
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