Estancia Los Potreros - Why It Needs to Be On Your Argentina Bucket List
Updated: 5 days ago
Written by Kati
Last year, to relax after my intense adventure in Peru, I had the most wonderful week at Estancia Los Potreros in Argentina. Writing this blog brought me right back to the estancia, and I’m overflowing with incredible memories and holiday joy!
Why did I love it here so much? And why do I think you should add this luxurious, authentic Argentinian experience to your travel list?
1. Historic Elegance and Unmatched Hospitality
Forget standard hotel rooms—accommodation here consists of uniquely restored farmhouses and historic cottages scattered across the sprawling estancia grounds. Inside, the rooms are steeped in character with antique furniture, while the dining rooms are decorated with exquisite taste.
The hospitality matches the setting. Food is overflowing from dawn until dusk: breakfast features eggs made precisely to your liking, lunches highlight the best Argentine Angus beef prepared by in-house chefs who are absolute magicians, and afternoons bring coffee or tea with freshly baked cakes. By evening, you transition to aperitifs and dinners to die for, all paired with an extensive wine list featuring the best of Argentina. It’s a seamless blend of rustic heritage and high-end comfort.
2. The Scenery is Simply Mesmerizing
I had seen photos and videos of the rolling grassy hills before, but nothing prepared me for seeing them in person. Riding out on these hills and admiring the beautiful landscape was instantly relaxing and truly lifted my spirit. The way the tall grass sways rhythmically in the wind is an absolutely mesmerizing sight. The land is also dotted with beautiful streams and waterfalls, adding to a tranquil atmosphere that sticks with you long after you've left.
3. World-Class Horses and Premium Tack
Los Potreros is home to a magnificent herd of 120 horses, and honestly, they are some of the finest horses I’ve ridden anywhere in Latin America. Horses are truly the kings here, treated with an extraordinary level of care and devotion. Over my week, I rode more than ten different horses to get a good feel for the range, and it’s immediately evident that every single animal is loved and well taken care of.
Even the equipment is elevated: all the tack comes from Arandu, a well-known, premium Argentine shop. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a more advanced rider looking for some serious horsepower, the team here will match you perfectly.
4. A New Crush: The Peruvian Pasos
While you’ll spend your mornings on the typical Criollo horses (often using them for cattle work), the afternoons offer a special treat for advanced riders: the Peruvian Pasos.
Los Potreros loves and stables this beautiful breed, and I've developed a brand-new crush! Riding these Pasos—known for their incredibly smooth, four-beat gait—is an experience every equestrian should try. It's riding comfort and energy on a whole new level. To make their exceptional string stand out even further from the competition, they have recently added two new Peruvian Paso breeding stallions to the herd.
5. It Truly Feels Like a Home Away From Home
The estancia itself is a haven of tranquillity and beauty. Imagine waking up to horses quietly grazing right in the garden, with stunning light filtering in at all times of the day.
The atmosphere is what makes it so special. You'll find family photos and history wherever you look. The owner, Kevin, loves to share stories and his deep connection to the land and culture with guests. This personal touch makes you feel like a cherished member of the family, not just a guest. Have you heard of Argentine asados (barbecues that last all afternoon) and their wine? Enough said.
6. Dive Into Authentic Gaucho Life
One of the biggest draws is the chance to watch the traditional gauchos (cowboys) at work. But it’s even more fun to try and be helpful yourself! The cattle days and horse drives were, without a doubt, the most exhilarating experiences of the week. Getting a glimpse into the rhythms of working life on an estancia is something you just can't get anywhere else.
7. No Day Is Ever The Same
The surprises just kept coming! If we weren't working with the gauchos, we were treated to a surprise picnic, taking part in fun gaucho games on horseback, or riding to a beautiful, secret waterfall. In the evenings, we had musicians come to play or even took cooking lessons with the chef. The variety and thoughtfulness of the activities were a solid 10/10 from me.
Bonus Experiences & Timing Your Visit
Los Potreros is always full of surprises, and there are a few special events and activities to keep in mind when planning your trip:
While not a standard weekly activity, when the ground is dry, you can learn and try to play polo. They even organize polo-themed weeks!
If you time your visit in September or October, you may have a special chance to meet new life; an incredible surprise during my stay was the birth of a foal! That little one was moved into the safety of the estancia’s garden where it grows strong and entertains guests under the watchful eye of its mother.
November offers particularly beautiful scenery as spring flowers are in full bloom on the hills.
If you're keen on cultural immersion, the Gaucho Festival takes place in early February, offering a truly authentic cultural experience.
Alternatively, coming in late February or early March will allow you to witness the most active time for the gauchos as they brand new herds, a very special part of life at the estancia.
If you're looking for an immersive, authentic, and utterly joyful riding holiday, I can't recommend Estancia Los Potreros enough. It’s an experience for the soul. Read more about the destination on our website and get in touch if you'd like to enquire availability or have any questions.
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