We offer multiple departure dates - send us a message with your preferred travel period and we’ll find the best option for you.

Nestled near the town of Esquina in the Corrientes Province of Argentina, just north of Buenos Aires, you will stay in the magnificent Estancia Don Joaquin. The estancia is a working ranch specializing in cattle farming for beef. Home to a substantial herd of Criollo and Criollo crossbreed horses, which roam freely amidst the grasslands, the estate fosters a harmonious coexistence with the cattle and local wildlife.

Estancia Don Joaquin provides a tranquil retreat with twelve thoughtfully decorated rooms. Each room features a private bathroom and an air conditioning system, ensuring a comfortable stay. Large windows frame views of the expansive fields and wetlands, creating an immersive connection with nature.

Surrounded by picturesque lagoons, wetlands, and rivers, the property offers a plethora of activities to immerse visitors in the breathtaking subtropical landscape.

Note: You'll get to experience everything from the program, but not always in the order listed below.

Day 1

A member of the Estancia Don Joaquin team will greet you at the bus station in Esquina and arrange your transfer to the Estancia. Following breakfast, we'll introduce you to your horse and provide insights into the Argentine style of riding. Once prepared, we'll embark on a two-hour horseback ride to explore the scenic flat plains of the estancia, meandering through vast and beautiful grasslands where horses and cattle graze. In the afternoon, you'll ride again, continuing to try horses until you’ve chosen two for The Gaucho Trail Ride Experience. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay at the Estancia.

Riding time: 5 hours.

Day 2

Breakfast. In the morning, we’ll begin our ride northeast across the open plains, enjoying long canters along sandy tracks. As the herd moves through the grasslands, you’ll hear the gentle ring of the bell. Lunch will be a traditional Asado (BBQ) in the countryside, where Gauchos will prepare empanadas and meats (with vegetarian options) over an open fire. Afterward, relax with a siesta beneath the trees on your sheepskin saddle cover.

In the afternoon, the scenery shifts to wetlands, offering 360° views and opportunities to spot capybaras, antelopes, caimans, and rheas. We’ll then ride across the vast pampa until, out of nowhere, a stunning colonial estancia surrounded by lush gardens appears—our home for the night.

Riding time: 8 hours.

Day 3

After a hearty breakfast, the morning ride will take you through lagoons and scrublands to the scenic Corrientes riverbanks, where we’ll stop for lunch. This breathtaking spot, paired with a delicious asado and stunning river views, will feel like paradise.

Relax with a siesta in hammocks or unwind by the river while the horses graze nearby. Afterward, we’ll continue with a canter along the sandy river beaches, arriving at a Mediterranean-style estancia nestled on the banks. You’ll be welcomed with afternoon tea, sundowners on the terrace, and a lovely dinner.

Riding time: 5 hours.

Day 4

After breakfast, embark on a full-day ride as we herd the horses back to Estancia Don Joaquin, passing through vast pine forests.

We’ll pause for lunch at a secluded cattle corral, followed by a relaxing siesta under the trees. In the afternoon, the gentle chime of the cowbell will guide us as the "godmother mare" leads the herd home. The day ends with a hearty dinner and an overnight stay at the Estancia.

Riding time: 8 hours.

Day 5

This morning, we’ll slow down the pace and join the Gauchos in their daily cattle ranching tasks, lending a hand where possible. Fancy trying your skill with a lasso? Now’s your chance!

Afterward, we’ll return to the Estancia for lunch, followed by some well-deserved relaxation by the pool. In the evening, enjoy a blind tasting of exceptional Argentinian wines before dinner.

Riding time: 5 hours.

Day 6

After breakfast, ride alongside the Gauchos as we explore a new area of the estancia. This region’s grasslands, bordered by acacia trees and native forests, provide an ideal habitat for diverse birdlife and wildlife. Lunch will be back at the estancia, followed by an afternoon ride to the River Lodge, a second lodge on the property. Here, we’ll unwind, watching the sunset with sundowners in hand.

Overnight stay at the River Lodge.

Riding time: 3½ hours.

Day 7

After breakfast, we’ll head back to the home farm and spend the morning working alongside the Gauchos, herding cattle to the corral and lassoing calves for tagging, among other ranch tasks.

After lunch, you can choose between a final ride around the estancia or a visit to the nearby town of Esquina to explore a local tack shop. The day concludes with a farewell dinner at the estancia, followed by your evening departure.

Riding time: 3 or 5 hours.

Transfer to the Esquina bus station for your onward travel.

Price - 3200 USD per person in double room accommodation

*single supplement - 3900 USD

Deposit: 1600 USD

*Your passport expiry date should be no less than 6 months from the return date

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• Accommodation:

- 7 nights in 4 different estancias including Estancia Don Joaquin

• Full board - all meals and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)

• Water, tea and coffee for the entire stay

• Two horses per rider

• Activities - wine tasting, cooking lessons, bird watching, nature walks, swimming pool

• Private Transportation and Transfers to and from the bus station in Esquina

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• International Flights

• Bus from Buenos Aires to Esquina

overnight bus:

- budget option - 30/40 USD;

- premium option with beds available - 100 USD

• Additional activities

• Medical Insurance – obligatory

• Visa - if required

• Personal expenses

• Tips

Level: Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced / suitable for all levels

The Rider & the Horses

At Estancia Don Joaquin, our hosts offer a diverse range of horses suitable for riders of all ages and experience levels. Whether you're a novice or an experienced rider, their Criollo and Criollo mix breed horses are well-trained and responsive, ensuring a safe and enjoyable riding experience. The horses, accustomed to the daily tasks of gauchos at the ranch, are healthy, robust, athletic, and agile. We use recado saddles and montura correntina saddles, both of which provide exceptional comfort.

Route: The average daily riding is between 4 and 8 hours, depending on the different trails. This program offers great flexibility, allowing you to tailor your experience based on your preferences. If you lean towards participating more in cattle drives and assisting the gauchos, you have the freedom to do so while others explore the surroundings. You will be welcomed as a dear member of this incredible family so activities and pace of ride is entirely up to your taste and interests. You will feel right at home!