Price
2026
6 Nights / 7 Days
$3,200 per person sharing
Single room - $3,900 per person
2027
6 Nights / 7 Days
$3,600 per person sharing
Single room - $4,500 per person
Dates & Prices
ARGENTINA
Gaucho Trail with Estancia Don Joaquin
Overview
This is an alternative programme to the Don Joaquin estancia stays including a three days and two nights' trail ride across the Corrientes wetlands – an immense area of lagoons and swamps harboring yacarés (local alligators), anacondas, capybaras, otters and more than 350 bird species. The Corrientes region is all about water and we will ride through and between the beautiful lagoons and get a chance to spot all the species they give life to. On this progressive trail, you'll see more of the extraordinary natural beauty of this region and get to stay in two unique estancias along the way adding to the magic of the experience. It's a wonderful combination offering the best of Estancia Don Joaquin's hospitality and an adventure to explore more of the region for a couple of days. We highly recommend.
The remaining five nights you will stay at the Solanet’s family-run estancia, Don Joaquin. It is a working cattle ranch set in 800 hectares of pampas, where over 100 horses and cattle graze together. During these days at the estancia, you will channel your ‘inner gaucho’ and be fully immersed into the gaucho lifestyle. The gauchos are skilled horsemen and together with them on horseback, you will help and work with the cattle in the fields, watch and learn lassoing, participate in exhilarating cattle drives and assist with the branding and tagging of young cattle. When there isn't work to be done, you'll enjoy scenic rides around the estancia's own trails, have more splashy canters, swim with the horses in the lagoons, play gaucho games on the lawn, relax by the pool and learn to cook empanadas with Angie.
Your hosts Angie, Diego and their daughter Josefina opened the doors of their stunning and unique estancia to guests over a decade ago and it is truly a privilege to experience traditional country life on this estancia… the riding, wildlife, the food and gaucho culture. What we find unique about this holiday is your hosts Angie and Diego who truly welcome you and you’ll leave feeling like old friends.
Location
Corrientes, Argentina
Airport
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Duration
6 nights
When to go
Open all year
Riding level
Intermediate to Advanced
Weight
100 kg / 15.7 stone / 220 lbs
Group size
Varies but rides normally split in groups of 6-8
Accommodation
Estancia
Included
Full board accommodation, all the riding which can be trails or participating in gauchos' daily work (ie. moving and rounding up cattle or horses, branding, counting, health checks), and return Esquina transfers. Trail riding with spare horses, all activities as per itinerary.
Extras
Single supplement applies, see details in the pricing section.
Additional activities
Massages at the estancia at $80
Day Dorado Fly Fishing Corrientes River – $600 per day
Wildlife 4x4 Safari - $250 - maximum 4 guests
Motorboat Safari (2 hours) - $350 -maximum 4 guests
Excluded
Flights, transfers from Buenos Aires to Esquina, tips and additional activities.
Price guarantee
All our riding holidays hold a price guarantee. We believe in your piece of mind on price when you book with us and will refund the difference should you find the same riding holiday elsewhere at a lower price.
Exchange rate
Rates are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations, please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full details.
Transfers
After your international flight to Buenos Aires, you have an option of private car transfer to Esquina or an overnight coach, which we recommend.
From Buenos Aires, it takes 8 hours on a luxury coach with a seat that reclines fully flat. The bus costs $240 for a return trip.
This is a comfortable way of traveling overnight. It takes you right into Esquina, the nearest town from where you’ll receive a complimentary transfer to the ranch.
We can also organise a private transfer if you prefer, just ask.
Departure dates
Open all year. Flexible dates. Guaranteed departure from a minimum of two riders. Please enquire for availability.
2026 Confirmed Dates
24 - 30 August
6 - 12 September
19 - 26 September
19 - 26 October
1 - 7 November (Fully Booked)
14 - 22 November (Fully Booked)
15 - 21 November (Fully Booked)
1 - 7 December (Fully Booked)
2027 Confirmed Dates
January: 4 - 10,15 - 20 & 25 - 31
February: 1 - 7 , 9 - 14 & 22 - 27
March: 8 - 14 & 26 - 31
April: 12 - 28 & 24 - 29
May: 1 - 7, 15 - 21 & 26 May - 1 June
June: 3 - 9
August: 21 - 26
September: 1 - 7, 12 - 18 & 26 September - 1 October
October: 3 - 9, 17 - 23 & 25 - 31
November: 3 - 9, 14 - 20 & 23 - 29
December: 5 - 11 & 14 - 20
2028 Confirmed Dates
January: 4 - 10, 15 - 20 & 25 - 31
Riding & Itinerary
Day 1
If you take the overnight coach from Buenos Aires, you'll be arriving in Esquina around 4am. The gauchos will be already expecting you at the bus station and drive you to the estancia. They will show you to your room where you can have few more hours sleep and refresh before breakfast. After breakfast, you will try a number of horses who you will ride on the trail: we can guarantee to find your perfect partner based on your riding ability blended with the horse’s personality and spirit. After an introduction to Argentine riding style, we will set off for a two-hour ride.
Lunch will be served at the estancia after your ride. In the afternoon you will enjoy a second ride and we will make sure you find your perfect match and encourage you to try as many horses as you like until you find the two horses which you will ride during the gaucho trail ride experience.
Dinner and overnight at Estancia Don Joaquin. Riding time: 5 hours.
Day 2
Today we will start the gaucho trail going northeast across the open countryside plains and enjoy nice long canters in sandy tracks. We will have a herd of spare horses running with us and we can enjoy the ringing bell 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, we will siesta under the shade of the trees resting on the sheepskin cover from your saddle for an hour or so before we continue riding and enjoy a change in scenery with a 360° view of the surrounding wetlands. In this area, we will see capybaras, antelope, 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. This is our overnight accommodation. Riding time: 7 hours.
Day 3
After a delicious breakfast, the morning ride will take you along lagoons and scrublands until you reach the Corriente riverbanks. It is on these riverbanks where we will 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 on the sheep skins or chill out watching the river view whilst the horses will be relaxing and grazing next to you.
After siesta we will continue our ride by cantering along the sandy beaches that border the river and will lead us to the Mediterranean style estancia nestled on the riverbank. You will be welcomed with afternoon tea and sundowners on the terrace overlooking the river and followed by dinner. Riding time: 5 hours.
Day 4
Today after breakfast, you will enjoy another full day ride herding the horses back towards our estancia. We will enjoy landscapes of big pine forests and at lunchtime we stop for lunch at a remote cattle corral. Siesta under the shade of the trees and in the afternoon, we will follow the chime of the cow bell as the lead mare leads the horses back home. Dinner and overnight at Estancia Don Joaquin. Riding time: 7 hours.
Day 5
A change of pace this morning: we 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! We will also work at the corral and help the gauchos with the cows. Lunch back at the estancia and then some relaxation time around the swimming pool. In the evening, we will conduct a blind tasting of some outstanding Argentinian wine before dinner. Riding time: 3 hours.
Day 6
After breakfast, you will ride with the gauchos and explore a new part of the estancia. The grassland in this area is hedged with acacia trees and native forests that are the perfect ecosystem for a great variety of birds and wildlife. Lunch will be served back at the estancia. In the afternoon, we will walk or drive to a second lodge on the Solanet family's estancia known as the River Lodge. At the River Lodge, we will relax and watch the sunset whilst enjoying sundowners. Overnight at the River Lodge or return to Estancia Don Joaquin for the night. Riding time: 3.5 hours.
Day 7
After breakfast we will join up with the gauchos for the rest of the morning herding cattle to the corral and lassoing calves for tagging, and whatever else needs to be done. After lunch you can visit the town of Esquina and check-out a local tack shop, have a coffee and some delicious ice cream. Dinner and overnight at Estancia Don Joaquin.
Day 8
After breakfast, you can savour your last gallops over the grasslands and along the sandy tracks, plus the chance to swim with your horse across the lagoons. Farewell dinner and transfer back to the Esquina bus station ready for your 11pm overnight bus back to Buenos Aires.
Horses
Over 100 horses, Criollos, Mestizos and Quarter Horses, plus a Criollo breeding programme
Riding level
Intermediate to Advanced
Type of riding
Prepare for long hours in the saddle on the trail. Back at the home estancia the riding varies every day from 2-3 hour trail rides to swimming with horses and cattle work.
Tack
Traditional recado or montura correntina saddles, which are very comfortable and leather covered in sheep skin
Weight limit
100 kg / 15.7 stone / 220 lbs
Group size
Varies but rides normally split in groups of 6-8
Accommodation & Meals
This original horseshoe estancia, has been beautifully renovated and stylishly designed by Angie and Diego to include modern comforts in keeping with the traditional elegance can take up to about 24 guests at one time. They have a mix of 15 rooms, Standard, Junior, Master and Luxury, all with ensuite. Each room is individually decorated and each named after an Argentine bird. The rooms also feature large windows that take in the beautiful views out to the garden, fields and wetlands.
In addition, there is lots of communal space, two living rooms, three dining rooms, a playroom for children, a pool house for barbeques, a bar and a swimming pool.
The two other estancias you'll visit during the trail belong to Angie’s friends and are unique and a privilege to visit.
The food is delicious, all homemade using organic produce from local farmers.
A typical breakfast includes freshly baked bread, cereals and toasts, homemade jams and butter, scrambled eggs, cakes, coffee, tea, orange juice and fresh fruit.
Mid-morning after riding, there are appetizers such as olives, cheese, salami washed down with the offer of a beer or a glass of Malbec wine.
At lunch time, the BBQ is often fired up and there is lots of different meat cooked along with grilled vegetables and salads.
Late afternoon, there’s time for a sundowner of local wines, gaucho bread (a grilled bread) and chipá (small bread with cheese) and variety of tea or coffee and cakes.
And if you can make it to dinner, expect something of a European dish with and Argentinean twist. All dinners are 3-course and accompanied with delicious wine.
What’s lovely here is that the kitchen is open to guests all the time and you are invited to watch and learn about the local cuisine, enjoying tastings as the cook prepares dishes! Your hosts also regularly provide spontaneous empanada cooking classes.
Accommodation
Estancia
Single Supplement
Possible to have a single room for an additional fee
Meals
Inform us about food allergies and intolerances
Drinks
All drinks included
The Destination
Corrientes is a province in subtropical northeastern Argentina, bounded by the Paraná and Uruguay rivers. Its wetlands – an immense area of lakes and swamps harboring alligators, anacondas, capybaras and more than 350 bird species – is a popular tourism destination. The region is known for its extraordinary natural beauty, ecotourism, golden dorado fly fishing, the unique carnival joy and history steeped with religion.
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