“One in a kind experience”

We visited the estancia for 4 days with our children. It is a unique place with a lot of history. The church is magical and gives this estancia a special flair. Our kids love horses and they provided two horses for them to use all day around the hotel. The staff is very professional and they cater … more

We visited the estancia for 4 days with our children. It is a unique place with a lot of history. The church is magical and gives this estancia a special flair. Our kids love horses and they provided two horses for them to use all day around the hotel. The staff is very professional and they cater to all your needs. We took several tours with the peruvian horses and we enjoyed it all a lot. One of the tours was to San Carlos, crossing mountains and cattle fields. One the way back as the sun was setting the cattle fields turned into an ocean of fireflies. We will never forget this experience. We definitely recommend this place for families or couples who want to experience the history of Argentina with the modern world comfort. We will come back for sure!!

less

“Authentic Argentine working ranch, run with joyful gaucho spontaneity, along the old Camino Real that once linked Alto P”

This is an unusual place-- it is not the typical Argentine luxury resort in a ranch setting for tourists, of which there are many cookiecutter replicas. Our stay here was like spending time as the guests of a relaxed and talented family that loves horses and the outdoors. After arriving from th… more

This is an unusual place-- it is not the typical Argentine luxury resort in a ranch setting for tourists, of which there are many cookiecutter replicas. Our stay here was like spending time as the guests of a relaxed and talented family that loves horses and the outdoors. After arriving from the long taxi ride from the Cordoba airport (organized for us by the ranch), we were served a wonderful parillada of grilled meats in a rustic, open-air verandah that overlooks the lawn, pool, and bluish palm trees that mark the landscape of this area. Then, after our short siesta, the owner gave us a tour of the historic buildings, including the original post inn room where General Belgrano, Lavalle and Facundo Quirogo all slept. She also opened the doors of the San Pedro chapel built here in 1620, which was itself visited by many Argentine heros including San Martin. The picturesque chapel was cleverly constructed to allow the morning sun to enter thru translucent marble to backlight and bathe the saint in a golden glow, and it has old wooden doors brought from Cuzco, Alto Peru, centuries ago. The chapel has been restored with loving care after falling into disuse, and today the ranch staff and owners worship there on Sundays. The ranch manager, Diego, (one of the owners sons) was recently married in this chapel; for the ceremony, his bride rode up to the chapel door on horseback. Off the nave, there is an exhibit of beautiful paintings by Mario Sanzonao (a wellknown local painter). The other buildings have also been restored and upgraded to provide aesthetically-pleasing and comfortable lodging. The old algorobo wooden floors reflect the deep beauty at the foundation of this place. There is a small library of travel books and novels for guests in one of the sitting rooms. The website fotos cannot capture the vast landscape and sense of far distant horizons. You can even see the white briliance of the distant salt flats from the higher hills when you ride west from the main buildings. A key feature of this place is the charmingly whimsical quality to the days - one never knew in advance where or when a wonderful dinner might be served - on the lawn, in the formal dining room, in the informal dining room, on the verandah, or under the massive old oak tree -- always with nice table setting with rustic grace and always excellent food, including special dishes and deserts prepared by the owner herself. This spontaneity gave the pleasure of having another surprise for the day. And then there are the horses !!! Magnificent Peruvian Pasos created for smooth long distance riding - a joy to ride. Carlos, the gaucho who manages the horses with quiet style, takes care to make sure all riders are matched with horses that fit their abilities.. These are not tired horses trained to walk head to tail in a line behind a leader as are too often offered for tourists! Our rides were purposeful, organized around whatever work was being done on the ranch on any given day, including herding cattle and horses from one pasture to another on this 10,000 acre ranch. I rode "Roberto DeNiro", an unflappable gelding who enjoyed stepping out with indefatigable style, particularly when we herded the mares and foals into the corral in the evening. Roberto carefully picked his way through the thorny bushes and rocks while moving along at a good pace. He responded quickly to commands, unlike many horses offered to tourists elsewhere. The San Pedro Viejo horses are happy, well-trained horses. You often have the place to yourself while the staff tend to their daily chores on the ranch. There was no set schedule of activities or meals, aside from the simple breakfast that was set out for us every morning when we awoke, except for one day after a major storm when electrity was out and we rustled up some tea and coffee for ourselves in the kitchen. There was no internet or cell phone coverage at the ranch; there was spotty availability of slow internet and telephone service in the municipal center of the nearby small town of San Pedro. No TV either. So you really can unplug and absorb the peace of nature here! If you want to enjoy a remote getaway of spontaneous days with interesting people and great Paso horses, getting to know the nitty gritty of Argentine ranching with gracious hosts, great food and comfy beds (with the option to enjoy the breeze or turn on the AC), then this place is the best for you!! Not for those who are worried about bugs and toads (who join you on the porch), who are bothered by roof leaks during rain storms, who dont like the sounds and smells of ranches, or who want tightly scheduled/predictable days. Best if you speak Spanish and like maté, but Diego speaks excellent English and they have many visitors from New Zealand. Note: This is a joint family operation, and the daughter who responds to internet inquiries (Lucia) lives and works in Buenos Aires.

less

“Unique Combination of Working Estancia and Comfortable Lodge”

I went with three friends and stayed five nights. We had a great stay. It is very much a working estancia, with lots of cattle as well as 50 or so paso horses. We had the chance to participate in the work of the estancia. Our first ride was to round up the mares and foals from the fields and brin… more

I went with three friends and stayed five nights. We had a great stay. It is very much a working estancia, with lots of cattle as well as 50 or so paso horses. We had the chance to participate in the work of the estancia. Our first ride was to round up the mares and foals from the fields and bring them into the corral for the night. The next day we accompanied the gauchos on their ride to check on the condition of the herd. Another day we helped separate and vaccinate 250 calves, and then herded them to a new pasture through some challenging terrain. We also took an evening ride and rode back by moonlight. On the last day we helped drive the newlyacquired cattle to pasture. It was quite varied riding, and all directly from the estancia, which is in a remote and sparcely populated part of Cordoba. Their regular chef was away, so they brought in a cook from one of their other estancias who prepared excellent local cuisine, including cabrito and a wonderful asado. The rooms are comfortable, with architecture and docoration very much in keeping with the history of the post-house along the ancient Camino Real, which goes right past the estancia. On Sunday we all went to Mass in the private chapel, attended by the staff of the estancia as well. The chapel is one of the oldest in Argentina, and a gem from the colonial period. The owner met us upon arrival and the staff looked after us with great warmth and attentiveness. It really felt like staying with friends. Our riding skills ranged from expert to beginner. We rode paso horses, which were very well trained and chosen to match each person's riding level. Horses were responsive and steady and fast when asked to be. This place is well off the beaten track and as one of my friends said, 'it's the real thing'.

less