INTRODUCTION
After a series of rides in Tierra del Fuego, north and southern Patagonia, Cordoba and most recently the 2007 ride in the North West (Salta province & Atacama Desert in Chile) I thought it was time to explore another fascinating, less known part of Argentina: Mesopotamia, with a special focus on the provinces of Entre Rios and Corrientes where the authentic gaucho culture still thrives. This area, due to its tropical and sub-tropical climate and abundant water is very rich in vegetation and wildlife. It is also one of the only regions of Argentina where one can ride from one estancia to another in a day.
End with a couple days in Buenos Aires and watch some of the best Polo players in the world compete in a qualification match of the Argentine Open at the Palermo polo field (weather conditions permitting).
LOGISTICS
Day 1
19
November - Buenos Aires (L, D)
Arrival Buenos Aires. Most flights from the USA and Europe arrive in the morning. Reception at the airport and transfer to Country Club Villa Maria to refresh and regroup. Lunch at Villa Maria or, depending on everyone’s arrival time, on the way to Estancia Santa Maria in “Entre Rios” province where we arrive late afternoon. If still time, we can take a short ride to meet the horses. O/N Estancia Santa Maria.
Day 2
20 November - Estancia Santa Maria (B,L,D)
Full day of riding at the estancia with the gauchos and possibility to partake in their daily duties. O/N Estancia Santa Maria
Day 3
21 November - Drive to Estancia La Rosita (B,L,D)
After breakfast drive to the town of Esquina ( approx. 3 ½ to 4 hour-drive) and on to Estancia La Rosita for a late lunch. Rest of the day at leisure to relax and enjoy the pool. O/N Estancia La Rosita
Day 4
22 November – Estancia La Rosita (B,L,D)
Day at leisure at the estancia to relax, meet the horses, choose at least one of the horses you will take on the ride (we take a troop of horses on the ride) and go on a first short ride.
At an extra cost, those who are interested can take polo lessons. O/N Estancia La Rosita
Day 5
23 November – Ride to Estancia La Amistad (B,L,D)
Today after breakfast we leave estancia La Rosita and ride with our small herd of horses towards Estancia La Amistad. Approximately 3 hours of riding in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon. At noon we take a short rest in Paraguayan hammocks as our asado (barbecue) lunch consisting of delicious Corrientes lamb is prepared. We then resume our ride to La Amistad where we spend the night. (Massages are available). O/N and dinner Estancia La Amistad
Day 6
24 November – Ride to Estancia Buena Vista. (B, L, D)
After breakfast we leave Estancia Buena Vista and head northwest through a different landscape (this is mainly tobacco land), visiting several estancias bordering the Pucu marsh. After our picnic lunch followed by a nap and a shorter ride we reach estancia Buena Vista in time for tea in the garden, enjoy the swimming pool and the spectacular view as in buena vista. O/N and dinner Estancia Buena Vista
Day 7
25 November – Ride to Estancia La Teresita (B,L,D)
Our ride today runs parallel to the Corrientes River, over a path used during the Triple Alliance war in an area known as “Malvina”; a place of history and legends, where most inhabitants still only speak Guarani. Lunch today will be in a real Pulperia (typical gaucho hang-out). The afternoon ride will be through some picturesque ranches typical of the region, until we reach Estancia La Teresita, a very beautiful traditional and historical estancia that has recently been elaborately refurbished. Overnight and dinner Estancia La Teresita.
Day 8
26 November - Corrientes River & estancia La Rosita (B,L,D)
This morning we ride to the Corrientes River through a variety of landscapes: pine forests, pampa, lagoons, native forests and dunes. Expect some fun and games on horseback! Back to La Teresita for lunch where we say goodbye to our horses. Return to Estancia La Rosita by car/van to spend our last night and celebrate over dinner, “chamame” music and dance.
O/N and dinner Estancia La Rosita
Day 9
27 November – Return to Buenos Aires (B,L,)
Today we drive back to Buenos Aires stopping for lunch en route. Arrival late afternoon in Buenos Aires where we settle into our Hotel Casa Sur in la Recoletta. Dinner on own. O/N Hotel Casa Sur
Day 10 -
28 November – Buenos Aires & Polo (B,D)
In the morning private city tour with English speaking guide, to see the main sights of Buenos Aires. The tour will last approx. 4 hours. Lunch is on own to allow flexibility for shopping etc…
Mid afternoon, depending on weather conditions, attend a Polo Open Qualification match at Palermo polo ground*. Dinner in a fun restaurant and O/N Hotel Casa Sur.
Day 11 -
29 November – Buenos Aires (B)
Day at leisure in Buenos Aires. Since this is Sunday, a visit to San Telmo (flea market) is recommended.
For those who have late night departures, it might be possible to attend another polo match at Palermo (upon request, and again depending on weather conditions).
Transfer to Ezeiza airport in time for departing flights.
