Trekking
Estancia los Potreros is the starting point for unique adventurous treks. Trips are independent and tailor-made.
Many use the estancia as a base and return every night to the comfort of the estancia, this popular option is open year round.
Argentina Horseback Riding Vacations - Trekking
The "distance walks" are more testing, involve camping and have fixed departures. You should be relatively fit, at times remote and challenging you will go beyond the normal holiday routes. They span the sierras from valley to valley and soak up the warm hospitality offered by small farms.
Departures: 28 th March -2 nd April and 10 th -15 th October
"A distance walk"
Six-day trek
The challenge of this trek is to cross the sierras from east to west and to climb the highest peak in the sierras (Cerro Uritorco 1970m 6938 ft, is known as the place with most frequent UFO sightings in Argentina). The walk is mainly along the water divide of the Sierra Chicas with wonderful views over the pampas to the east and the "valle de Punilla" to the West.
The first option is five days and four nights. We recommend an extra night at Potrero de Loza to make it six days and five nights the cost is the same.
Day one:Meet your hosts at Cordoba Pajas Blancas airport (COR) preferably arriving in the morning to make the most of the day. Transfer to the edge of the sierras near the village of Unquillo. Commence ascent to the plateau. Night spent on the top of the sierra at Estancia Potrero de Loza, this is an old cattle ranch that breads horses and Aberdeen Angus, and it once dominated the whole area. The walk will be assisted by one or two horses that will take the equipment on panniers so making the first day lighter and the ascent easier. First night a typical Argentine outdoor open fire barbecue prepared by the gauchos.
Day two:* Leave Estancia Potrero de Loza and walk through rolling grassland and along earth roads past the Canada de los Condores, with a mid morning stop at Estancia Potrero de Niz. Picnic lunch near the top of the sierras before arriving at Mentas farm (cabin). Menta is a wonderful host and a good cook. Together with her brother she ekes a meagre existence from her smallholding. The visit is worth the experience! Swim in cool fast flowing crystal clear streams. We can spend the night camping or indoors if the weather is inclement.
Day three:From Candonga we wind north towards La Cumbre partly along an earth road. We aim to reach Loma Grande for the night. The stone cabin is not reached by any other means than walking or riding. The small stone house has no road or electricity but does have hot showers, excellent food and spectacular views.
Day Four:Early morning ascent from Loma Grande along old paths and then out on to the open grasslands with beautiful views east and west. Picnic lunch along the way as on all days. We then walk north along the water shed to the base of the Cerro Uritorco (at 6,398 feet, the highest point in the sierras Chicas). We camp for the night at the foot of the peak.
Day five:Early morning ascent of the peak. After reaching the top we return walking down the West side of the mountain into the town of Capilla del Monte for a restaurant lunch. Return to Estancia Los Potreros or Cordoba airport to continue journey.
All itineraries are subject to change.
* There is a chance to spend an extra night and Potrero de Loza. We recommend a day riding on the fabulous "Paso Peruano" horses as well as "wine tasting" savouring some of the local wines. All activities are included.
General information
The itinerary is complex and subject to change.