Gaucho Trail

A fast paced ride that takes you along a traditional cattle drover's route through Southern Corrientes province, riding from one working estancia to the next. The pace is approximately 50% canter throughout, much faster than at most other locations. A troop of horses are taken along with the riders, running loose alongside and you are free to help the Gauchos herd them along the route. Unique for any ride you are thus able to change horse while out on the ride itself and at any time during the lunch breaks.

You ride in the traditional way of the part indian Correntino Gaucho, on their renowned Criollo horses, and using the local tack that has been developed as the best suited for this type of extended slow canter.

Corrientes province in the North of Argentina is the place to step back in time, where the Gaucho Correntino still drives cattle and horses from one place to another along drover trails that cross through the estancias like cattle highways.

This is still a place where the gaucho lives on horseback and is wedded to his saddle, his horses and to his customs like nowhere else; as they say "one Gaucho Correntino is equal to ten from the rest of the country".

The horses on this ride are excellent; mostly criollo/polo crosses with some pure criollo available as well. They are accustomed to working cattle and to slowly cantering for kilometres on end without tiring. The backup service is exemplary, with minute attention to all details, such as water and sweets available from the guides at all times, spare raincoats carried for the clients by the Gauchos; and you will find the suitcase you packed in the morning waiting for you at the next estancia in the evening, plus a hot shower, a good dinner and ample family hospitality.

This is cattle country with vast vistas to the horizon where the land is unspoilt by cultivation nor marred by machinery and modernity. The extensive areas of water meadows make the riding a lot of fun and the terrain is well suited to people who like to canter and gallop, being almost entirely composed of sandy ground with no holes or stones to trip up your steed.

At night we stay in four different estancias, each one unique and with comfortable guest accommodation. The catering is very, very good as are the selection of Argentine wines provided.

We arrive at the first estancia the day before the ride starts to try out the horses, choose a saddle that is comfortable, and to go out on a trial ride.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1
Early morning arrival in Esquina town in Corrientes province. Reception at the first estancia. Breakfast. Try out and choose your horse. A short ride out into the "campo" to get acquainted with the horses. Introduction to the training of criollo horses. Candlelit dinner in the atmospheric dining room with our host family. Overnight in the guest accommodation.

Day 2
Breakfast at 08:30, ride out 09:00 for a long day in the saddle. Ride to a neighbouring estancia stopping for a picnic lunch under shade trees near a large lagoon. Lunch features homegrown lamb asado and salads. Hammock siesta. Our extended canter continues during the afternoon before arriving after a total of 6.5 hours in the saddle at our second estancia. Overnight at second estancia.

Day 3
Breakfast again at 08:30am, and then we mount up on our already saddled horses - ones that were rested the previous day by letting them run loose. Ride to a third estancia. Three hours riding in the morning and two hours in the afternoon with a German style picnic lunch of pates and sausages served under trees at the entrance to the property. Afternoon tea. Dinner and overnight at the estancia. A swimming pool is available for your use during hot weather.

Day 4
Ride to a fourth estancia stopping for lunch at a classic farm store or "boliche de campo". Dinner and overnight at the estancia. If the moon is full we can try night riding in the surrounding water meadows.

Day 5
Ride to the Corrientes river through pastures and native forest. Riverside picnic. Ride back to our fourth estancia, and say goodbye to the troop of horses. Return drive to the first estancia where we started the ride. Dinner with musical entertainment by a folklore musical troupe. Night return journey to Buenos Aires by luxury coach. End of the itinerary. Arrival in Buenos Aires at 07:00am, day 6.

Feedback

"Dear Jan,
Our holiday was spectacular! Fernando and his entire team from La Rosita are treasures! All of the thoughtful little "extras" and their superb attention to detail made our holiday truly perfect. The horses were magnificent, the views spectacular and the warmth and hospitality at each Estancia was unparalleled. We have travelled extensively and can honestly say that this vacation surpassed all others by leaps and bounds! We cannot wait to return!
Warm regards,"
Julianne Warriner & Dave Farrell, Gaucho Trail October 3 - 8, 2008.

Hello Jan
"I have just returned to the office from Argentina. Thank you for all your arrangements, the trek went very well indeed. Fernando and his mother were the most wonderful hosts and I have no doubt that Robert and I chose the right trip - very memorable! It was a wonderful experience and I look forward to spending more time in South America, perhaps next time a little further South?..."
Best wishes,
Zoe Laird - Gaucho Trail, 15 - 20 November, 2009.

Summary

Price guide per person for 4-10 riders

Quality horses
Fast riding pace
Accommodation

Dramatic scenery
Good weather
Cultural interest