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Estancia Don Joaquin

Overview

Estancia Don Joaquin is located near the city of Esquina in the Corrientes province of Argentina, to the north of Buenos Aires. The area is renowned for its wetlands and lagoons and is home to capybara, caiman alligators and abundant birdlife. The horses roam and graze freely in this subtropical la…

Highlights

  • Ride through spectacular wetlands and lagoons
  • Spot incredible wildlife - the birding is sensational!
  • Help the gauchos work the cattle & learn their culture
  • Feel like part of the family
  • Enjoy traditional meals including amazing steaks

Essential Facts

  • 2 itineraries available
  • Max 12 riders per group (22 in camp)
  • Average of 5 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 100 kgs / 220 lbs / 15st 10lbs

Description

Estancia Don Joaquin is located near the city of Esquina in the Corrientes province of Argentina, to the north of Buenos Aires. The area is renowned for its wetlands and lagoons and is home to capybara, caiman alligators and abundant birdlife. The horses roam and graze freely in this subtropical land, living in harmony with the beef cattle and wildlife.

This welcoming estancia is the ideal base for a horse riding holiday in Argentina. Your hosts are passionate about both their country and their horses and the overwhelming feeling from guests is that they are made to feel like part of the family. The Argentine countryside gives way to wonderful riding opportunities and you are welcome to explore the scenery on horseback, work the cattle and to live the life of these true countrymen.

The estancia has horses and trails suitable for everyone, including the complete beginner, and the horses are always ready and available for guests to use. Groups are split according to ability or private family groups can also be arranged. The horses here are considered the estancia's most important working tool and you can accompany the gauchos whilst they herd cows and horses or during their work in the corral. Rides can be from thirty minutes to a whole day or you can try riding between haciendas over several days for a real adventure. Stays here are custom made to suit your needs and you will not feel like a tourist… you will live the true experiences of this Argentinian family where there is a strong sense of tradition and an appreciation of the way of life.

Horses & Riding

Tack

Argentinian (Correntina) tack for trail rides and cattle work, which are basic wooden frames with sheepskins over the top for comfort. The horses are ridden in local Argentina bits which have long shanks and a curb chain - you ride one-handed and use neck-reining to steer but a demonstration is given on your first morning.

Horses

Criollo and Criollo mix.

Riding

There are 2 itineraries:

  • Estancia Based Stay is a based ride
  • Gaucho Trail Ride is a trail ride

Ages

5 year olds and upwards for riding

Health

General good health

Weight

100 kgs / 220 lbs / 15st 10lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

All meals and drinks are included. Meals are generally served quite late - breakfast is usually around 09:00, lunch around 13:30 and dinner at 20:30 - 21:00. This depends a bit on the day's activities, time of year and group preferences but guests should be ready for late dinners in keeping with the local culture.

Every morning for breakfast you'll enjoy fabulous homemade breads, croissants, tortas fritas (gaucho fried bread), cakes, eggs, fruit, fresh orange juice, butter, jams and dulce de leche.

Lunches and dinners are three course affairs using locally sourced meats and vegetables. Everything is home-made and local Argentine wines are also on offer. For meat-eaters, there is a lot of high quality beef served - if you prefer not to eat too much meat then it's a good idea to let us know ahead of time. Vegetarians and other special diets can be accommodated with advance notice (gluten-free for example).

Argentina's national dish - the asado or barbecue - is a cherished meal where you can sample the best local grilled beef. Empanadas are another Argentine favourite - pasties filled with either chicken or beef and then baked or fried. These are usually served as a starter and you can also learn how they are made with a cooking lesson.

Accommodation

The estancia has twelve rooms with private bathrooms and air conditioning. Each room contains sumptuous bedding and luxury linen with Argentine antique furniture and overlooks either the gardens, fields or wetlands. There are five standard rooms which have a queen bed, six deluxe rooms with king beds, and one estanciero room with two king beds. Towels and soap are provided and rooms are cleaned everyday and fresh towels given (they remake the bed for you as well).

The estancia has several living rooms and dining rooms so there is plenty of space to relax. There is also a beautiful verandah which faces the lagoons and open plains, a large garden and a swimming pool.

Guests often dine communally in the dining room or out on the verandah but it is possible to arrange private tables in the smaller dining rooms for those who prefer.

Itineraries

Estancia Based Stay Standard accommodation.

Gaucho Trail Ride Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

There are many activities on offer for when you aren't riding or prefer to have a more restful day. These activities are included:

Bird watching: novice and expert bird watchers will be delighted with the extensive variety of birds found in the area with more than 200 species recorded. Your hosts can help you ID the local birds and have a book to help you.

Cookery lesson: perhaps you'd enjoy learning how to make the delicious empanadas you've tasted from the estancia kitchen?

Wine tasting: a fun and exciting way to try new wines - without seeing the label or knowing the grape, try different Argentine wines and discover more about your preferences.

Sundowners at the river lodge: close to the estancia, on the shores of the Corrientes river, this beautiful lodge is the perfect place to sit on the verandah and watch the sunset with a refreshing drink.

The following activities are also available at extra cost:

Fly fishing
Spa treatments (massages, facials, manicures etc)
4x4 wildlife safaris
Cultural excursion to Estancia La Teresita
Speedboat trips on the Corriente River

Travel

There are plenty of flights to Buenos Aires including Air France; Air Canada; United Airlines; American Airlines; Al Italia; SwissAirlines; Lufthansa; British Airways; Iberia; Lan Chile; Aerolíneas Argentinas;

From Buenos Aires to the estancia, we advise the best way to travel is by the luxury night bus to Esquina - it is quite a long journey (around 8 hours) but you travel during the night and your seats go completely flat and have a section for your feet, so you can sleep surprisingly easily. There is a toilet on board. You will be met by estancia staff at the bus station in Esquina and from there it's around a 15 minute drive to the estancia - you will have a few hours to shower and sleep before breakfast.

The bus departure times vary a little depending on date and the bus company used - we will book your tickets for you, via the estancia, and send you a photo of your ticket which you show to the driver. Usually your bus will depart from Buenos Aires at approximately 20:30 - 21:00 and you will arrive in Esquina around 04:30 - 05:00 the next day. On departure you will have dinner at the estancia and will be dropped at the bus station afterwards for a bus leaving around 23:00 (which gets into Buenos Aires around 07:00 the next day).

The Retiro bus station in Buenos Aires is located approximately 50 minutes from Ezeiza (international) Airport and around 30 minutes from Aeroparque (domestic) airport. We can advise you on travel from and to the bus station and also on internal flights to Santa Fe or Corrientes Capital. We can also organise a private driver on request - if you prefer then it is possible to find a driver to take you to the estancia (6+ hours drive) but this is much more expensive than the bus of course.

Testimonials

Martin and Suzanne, May 21, 2024

A fantastic holiday. Wonderful authentic Argentinian ranch experience - great riding, luxury accommodation , unbelievable hosts and a fantastic group of people to enjoy it with!


Judith B., May 21, 2024

A privilege to be part of a family’s working estancia for the week, wonderful horses and incredible variety of wildlife. All staff very helpful and cheerful. Also very good value for money.


Catherine P., May 21, 2024

One of the best holidays I have ever been on. Loved every minute of it.


Hennie and Danno, May 21, 2024

Fantastic fast riding, wonderful hosts with a can-do attitude, beautiful estancia and great responsive horses.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: 2 hours

After arriving at Esquina bus station you'll be transferred to the estancia in time for breakfast. Then you can join the Grasslands Ride, which takes you through the plains of the estancia. Meander through the vast and beautiful grasslands where the cattle and horses graze and enjoy the peacefulness of the landscape. Return to the estancia for lunch.

In the afternoon, take a nature walk to stretch your muscles after all your travelling and then enjoy a cheese and wine tasting before dinner.

Day 2

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

After breakfast, mount up for the Marshlands ride to venture further afield and discover the famous wetlands of the Corrientes. Return to the estancia for lunch and a siesta. In the afternoon, ride out to the point where the Corrientes and Parana rivers meet. Here there are islands which centuries ago were inhabited by aboriginal colonies who survived through hunting and fishing - sometimes ceramic artefacts can still be found. The flora and fauna here is spectacular too. Finish the ride with a sundowner at Joaquin River Lodge to watch the sunset before returning to the estancia for dinner.

Day 3

Riding: 4 hours

Today sees you heading out for a full day ride through the immense lagoons, where its possible to spot nutria, tortoises, caiman alligators and dozens of species of birds. Stop for an asado lunch in the open country and relax in this paradise for a few hours, before returning to the estancia at dusk.

Day 4

Riding: 4 hours

A day of culture beckons as you join the gauchos to watch, and if you wish, participate in their work. Perhaps you can help to drive the cattle towards the corral, or ride out into the fields searching for newborn calves to tag.

Day 5

Riding: 2 - 3 hours

An easier day today, with a morning ride to continue exploring the networks of lagoons and grasslands, whilst watching for the local wildlife. Then after lunch you can relax with a book, or perhaps opt for a massage or a polo lesson (payable locally).

Day 6

Riding: 4 hours

Head off in a different direction today to explore the scrubland areas where you weave through numerous bush and tree species. Surrounded by lagoons the scrublands are dense with vegetation - many areas choose to cut and burn the scrubland to make space for cultivation, but here on the estancia, the scrubland is left wild and untouched.

Day 7

Riding: 6 hours

A full day of riding today as you set off to find the capybaras. These native South American mammals are semiaquatic and live in groups of 10-20 on the edges on the lagoons. You may be able to hear them barking or spot them swimming. An asado lunch will be taken out in the wilds before returning to the estancia late afternoon.

Day 8

Riding: 4 hours

Your final morning of riding takes you through the thriving wetlands and scrublands which are home to countless species of birds. You will feel as though you are riding through a bird sanctuary. After lunch back at the estancia you can practice your gaucho skills and perhaps learn to through the lasso.

After a farewell dinner you are transferred back to the bus station for your overnight coach back to Buenos Aires.

Experience Beginner / Intermediate / Experienced

All abilities can be accommodated.
Minimum group size 1
Maximum group size 12
Accommodation for up to 22.
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024  (Dates to suit with flexible arrival and departure.)

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2025 - Dec. 31, 2025  (Dates to suit with flexible arrival and departure.)

Pricing

2024/2025
Master Suite; single occupancy, per person per DAY		 £250 $320 €300
2024/2025
Luxury Suite (Estanciero Room); double occupancy, per person per DAY		 £275 $350 €330
2024/2025
Luxury Suite (Estanciero Room); single occupancy, per person per DAY		 £315 $400 €375
2024/2025
Standard Room; double occupancy, per person per DAY		 £166 $210 €199
2024/2025
Master Suite; double occupancy, per person per DAY		 £220 $280 €265
2024/2025
Junior Suite; double occupancy, per person per DAY		 £197 $250 €235
2024/2025
Junior Suite; single occupancy, per person per DAY		 £235 $300 €280
2024/2025
Standard Room; single occupancy per DAY		 £197 $250 €235
Included Accommodation, all meals and drinks, riding, nature walks and bird watching, transfers from/to Esquina bus station
Not included Flights, bus tickets, insurance, tips, additional activities

Extras

2024 - Child Discount Children 2-9 years of age receive 50% discount. Children under 2 years are free of charge.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1

Riding: 5 hours

After arriving early at Esquina bus station you'll be transferred to the estancia in time for breakfast. Today you will have the chance to try a number of different horses so that you find the perfect partner for the trail. After an introduction to the Argentine riding style you set off on a two hour ride, returning to the estancia for lunch. In the afternoon you have a second ride and you are encouraged to try as many horses as you like until you find the ones best suited to you, you will ride two different horses during the trail.

Dinner and overnight at Don Joaquin.

Day 2

Riding: 8 hours

After breakfast you will start your ride heading northeast across the open countryside plains and enjoy lovely canters along sandy tracks. Listen carefully and you'll be able to hear the bell ringing as the herd crosses across the grasslands.

Lunch will be an Asado (BBQ) in the countryside where the Gauchos will cook traditional empanadas and meat (vegetarian options available) for you over an open fire.

After lunch, enjoy a siesta under the shade of the trees resting on the sheepskin cover from your saddle for an hour or so before continue riding and enjoy a change in scenery with a 360° view of the surrounding wetlands. In this area you’ll see capibaras, antelopes, caiman and the greater rhea (if you’re lucky!).

Ride on towards the broad open plain of the pampa and out of nowhere a stunning colonial estancia will appear, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Overnight accommodation is a colonial estancia.

Day 3

Riding: 5 hours

After a delicious breakfast, the morning ride will take you along lagoons and scrublands until you reach the Corrientes riverbanks.

It is on these riverbanks where you stop for lunch. This will be one of the most spectacular lunch locations you will ever go to… combined with a spectacular view of the river and a delicious asado, you will think you have arrived in paradise.

A well-deserved siesta in the hammocks or chill out while watching the river view whilst the horses relax and graze.

After a siesta, you continue your ride by cantering along the sandy beaches that border the river that will lead you to the Mediterranean style estancia nestled on the riverbank. Here you can relax with an afternoon tea and sundowners on the terrace overlooking the river followed by dinner.

Day 4

Riding: 8 hours

Today, after breakfast, you will enjoy another full day ride herding the horses back towards the Estancia, riding through a landscapes of big pine forests.

Lunch will be taken a remote cattle corral with plenty of shady trees, the perfect spot for your siesta too!

When rested you will follow the chime of the cow bell as the “godmother mare” leads the horses back home.

Dinner and overnight at our Estancia Don Joaquin.

Day 5

Riding: 5 hours

A change of pace this morning! After breakfast, you will follow the Gauchos in their daily cattle ranch routine and assist where we can. Ever tried your hand with a lasso? Now’s your chance!

Lunch back at the estancia and then some relaxation time around the swimming pool.

This is the evening that many riders particularly look forward to.., before dinner you will have a wine tasting session sampling some outstanding Argentinian wine.

Day 6

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

After breakfast, you will ride with the Gauchos and exploring a new part of the estancia. The grasslands in this area are ‘hedged’ with acacia trees and native forests that are the perfect eco system for a great variety of birds and wildlife.

Lunch will be served back at the estancia. In the afternoon, you will ride to a different estancia known as the River Lodge. This is where you will relax and watch the sunset whilst enjoying sundowners before dinner and your overnight stay.

Day 7

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

After breakfast, you will return to the home farm and join up with the Gauchos for the rest of the morning herding cattle to the corral and lassoing calves for tagging or whatever other tasks needs to be done.

After lunch, you have the option of a final ride on the estancia or a visit to the town of Esquina and check-out a local tack shop.

Farewell dinner at the estancia and late departure to the bus station for your journey back to Buenos Aires.

Accommodation

During this trail ride you sleep at four different locations, starting and finishing at Estancia Don Joaquin.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You should be at least an intermediate or experienced rider, capable of riding for long hours in all paces.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 8
Accommodation for up to 10.
Departure windows

At any time during: Aug. 1, 2024 - Nov. 30, 2024  (For groups of 2+ riders on request)

At any time during: March 1, 2025 - June 30, 2025  (For groups of 2+ riders on request)

At any time during: Aug. 1, 2025 - Nov. 30, 2025  (For groups of 2+ riders on request)

Pricing

2024/2025
Single occupancy		 £2605 $3300 €3125
2024/2025
Double occupancy, per person sharing		 £2290 $2900 €2745
Included Accommodation, all meals and drinks, a full body massage, riding, transfers from/to Esquina bus station
Not included Flights, bus to Esquina, insurance, tips, additional activities
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.