Long journeys on horseback were the norm of yesteryear’s gauchos and even today it is still the best way to explore the vast expanses of the Argentine Pampas.
On this trip, we offer you a unique and unforgettable horseback riding adventure that will bring the gaucho’s journeys from village to village and Estancia to Estancia to life. This is how the poet and novelist Ricardo Güiraldes describes it in his book Don Segundo Sombra: “I would have thought it possible to go on thus indefinitely, without thought, without effort, rocked by the rhythmic movements of my horse… feeling the heat of the sun on my back and shoulders”.
Program
Day 1
9:30 am | When you arrive early in the morning at the stud farm called Soy Lider, located on the edge of Carlos Keen town, you will be warmly welcomed by Marcelo and Pablo. After sharing some mate (pronounced /mah-tay/) with your hosts, they will introduce you to the Criollo horses that will be your companions for the duration of the trip and they will also show you the gaucho equestrian equipment.
You will then start your two-day ride through paths covered by the shade of large acacia trees, until you reach the small town of Villa Ruiz.
12 noon | After a light lunch (beef or chicken sandwiches and fruit) in an old pulperia (grocery store/bar), we will ride to the village of Azcuénaga, located about fifteen kilometers away.
5 pm | After about 5 hours on horseback, we will arrive at La Magnolia, a guest house located in the heart of Azcuenaga, where you will spend the night.
After having unsaddled your horse and ensured its comfort for the night, the only thing left on the agenda is rest and the long-awaited dinner: the famous asado that you are going to share with the gauchos! The meal consists of grilled beef accompanied by salad, with drinks included.
Overnight stay.
Day 2
10 am | After a hearty breakfast with homemade jams, we will saddle up for the second part of the journey! You will note that the landscapes begin to change. You will enjoy the wetlands where the vegetation is taller and the landscape is hillier.
We will then cross immense expanses of land where grain cultivation and cow breeding are omnipresent.
1 pm | 10 km further, we will arrive at the small hamlet of Vagues. You’ll discover the old railway station that has been transformed into a museum, and you will have a picnic lunch.
3 pm | Then it’s time to say goodbye to your horse and friendly gaucho companions! Our driver will take over and drive you to San Antonio de Areco, a 10-minute drive away.
Free Walking tour of San Antonio de Areco, the capital of Gaucho traditions. Your driver will give you great tips on what to look out for.
4 pm | End of the program in San Antonio de Areco.
Details
- - Small groups of between 2 to 8 people
- - Duration: 2 days and 1 night
- - Availability: All year round
- - Difficulty: average
- - You will be accompanied by one or two gauchos depending on the number of participants
- - Spoken languages: Spanish and English
- - Price per person: USD 230
- - Includes 8 hours on horseback, lodging in a double room and all meals
- - Vegetarian, vegan, celiac options are available upon request
- - Does not include transportation to and from Buenos Aires
In case you don’t have transportation:
- Contact us for private transport to and from your place of residence in Buenos Aires. Round-trip price: USD 150 per car.
