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GAUCHO SOUL IN ARGENTINA
Ride centuries-old gaucho trails and explore remote Patagonia on horseback
RIDE THROUGH PATAGONIA’S TULIP FIELDS
See into Argentina’s equestrian soul like never before on a 7-day journey through Patagonia. Ride out through beautiful, rarely visited vistas and gain understanding of the South American country's rich gaucho heritage and equine traditions.
Discover the secrets of horse-whispering first-hand, partake in thrilling equestrian games and explore the enchanting valleys and vibrant tulip fields of Trevelin's remote Patagonian landscapes on this luxury retreat, staying at one of the country’s oldest ranches.
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL
Arrive at Alvear Palace Hotel, a grand beacon of luxury in Buenos Aires’ historic Recoleta district that is located close to landmark sites such as Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and Teatro Colon.
Buenos Aires is renowned for its equestrian sports prowess and the city is home to three of the world's most important polo tournaments. If requested, The Luminaire can arrange an exclusive polo experience for travellers.
DAY 2 - PILAR
Leave the bustling city of Buenos Aires behind as you journey to Pilar, the epicenter of the polo world. Here, you will learn the intricacies of polo and observe first-class polo professionals in action.
Drive further into the countryside to San Antonio de Areco to experience traditional gaucho culture. Spend the rest of the day at Estancia La Bamba. One of the oldest ranches in Argentina, this historic property has been transformed into a luxury retreat infused with gaucho spirit. Fittingly, all rooms are named after famous horses.
DAY 3 - SAN ANTONIO DE ARECO
After breakfast, enjoy a full day of activities Estancia La Bamba.
Guests can ride on centuries-old trails that have been used by gauchos, horse-drawn carriages and ox wagons over hundreds of years, carrying people and goods to and from Buenos Aires and the rest of the country. Experience an Indian horse-whispering demonstration, games of question skill such as patos, boleadors and sortija, and musical entertainment with folk dances.
Later, explore one of Argentina’s oldest settlements, San Antonio de Areco. Located just 13km from Estancia La Bamba, the historic town’s narrow, colonial-style streets, beautiful churches and bustling local life provide a back-in-time insight into the region’s eighteenth century history.
Image: Estancia La Bamba
DAY 4 - INTO PATAGONIA'S WILDS
Meet your driver and journey onwards to Patagonia’s Esquel airport. Settle into a rustic cabin at Casa Yague, one of the world's most southern wineries. The vineyard, which will be your home for three nights, is situated on the banks of the dramatic Futaleufu River, near to the mountains of Los Alerces National Park.
Dine at the vineyard restaurant on a hyper-local, seasonal menu of contemporary dishes crafted using fresh produce grown onsite.
DAY 5 & 6 - ADVENTURES ON HORSEBACK THROUGH THE TREVELIN VALLEY
For the next two days, lose yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of Patagonia, exploring the landscape on horseback. Guided by an expert, traverse the breathtaking valleys and vibrant tulip fields of Trevelin, reaching secluded mountain vistas seldom seen by others.
The Luminaire can arrange to extend your journey with additional horseback explorations in Argentina's renowned wine country, Mendoza, or the Andean mountain region of Salta.
DAY 7 - DEPARTURE
Conclude your journey and fly back to Buenos Aires or choose to extend your adventure, with overnight stay at the elegant Estancia Villa Maria, close to the capital's Ezeiza airport.
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“I don't like being told how things are: I have to see them and feel them.” – Marcos Villamil, local host and expert guide
THE STAYS
FROM £9,075 PER PERSON
Based on 2 people travelling
INCLUSIONS
Ride out for two days into the Argentinian wilds on centuries-old gaucho trails and through Patagonia’s tulip fields, lead by expert guide Marcos Villamil
Witness Indian horse-whispering, traditional music and equestrian games such as patos, boleadors and sortija at a traditional Patagonian ranch
Visit one of the world’s most southern wineries, taste their hyper-local seasonal menu on the banks of the Futaleufu
1 night at Alvear Palace Hotel with breakfast
2 nights at Estancia La Bamba with breakfast
3 nights at Casa Yague vineyard lodges with breakfast
All private guided gaucho and horseback experiences
All private transfers
EXCLUSIONS
Meals and drinks other than those specified
International and domestic flights
TRAVEL DATES
Magnificent from October to March
For Trevelin tulip season, travel in October
Experiences are subject to availability
EXPERT
MARCOS VILLAMIL
Marcos Villamil will be your local host and expert guide during the trip. An experienced rider, Villamil once travelled 6,000 miles across Argentina in 440 days, with three of his horses. He’s excited to share his extensive knowledge and skills with the guests and tell stories of his horse-riding adventures.
ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE
In Buenos Aires, sports enthusiasts can choose to include a one-of-a-kind, VIP polo experience during their city stay.
If you would like to extend your journey, The Luminaire can also make arrangements for you to continue exploring on private horseback adventures through Argentina's famed wine country, Mendoza, or the mountainous Andean region of Salta.
An additional stay at the elegant Estancia Villa Maria, a country estate located just outside Buenos Aires, can also be added to the end of your trip.
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