South America ~ Argentina ~ with Jakob von Plessen

This is an exclusive trip that offers a uniquely personal view on life in Argentina with Jakob von Plessen, known to many as an excellent guide for Tristan Voorspuy’s Offbeat Riding Safaris in Kenya. Scaling the slopes of the Andes on energetic native Criollo horses, tackling the cross country course on a Thoroughbred and trying your hand at polo are just some of the thrills of this diverse itinerary and there is plenty of time to relax by the pool as well. 5 nights are spent in Patagonia, 1 night on a private island on the Tigre River, and 4 nights on the extremely comfortable estancia that is Jakob’s home.
Dates for set departures are scheduled between the end of November and late March and we can also arrange other departures and itineraries, and tailor-make trips for private groups.

Summary

Horses and Riding

Riding: 6-8 hours a day or tailored to suit at the estancia.  

Horses: Locally bred Criollo and Criollo, TB and TB cross.

  Pace: moderate and varied, with some open going for fast canters.  

Riding ability: all abilities if reasonably fit; the local riding and tack is different from the English style and easy to learn, but hours can be long so a reasonable level of fitness and some previous riding experience are required.

Weight limit: 100kg (15 ½ stone). Please contact us if you are near the limit.

 Accommodation: comfortable homestead / lodge (estancia), 4 & 2 camps

Group size: maximum 8.

The horses for the Patagonian sections are local Criollo and Criollo cross horses, they are good natured and a sensible, responsive and enjoyable ride. Saddles are Argentine style with a comfortable sheepskin on top. The horses are ridden western style and are used to neck reining. At El Golf the horses are Thoroughbred and Thoroughbred cross, and as well as Argentine tack, polo saddles are available.  Hours: There is generally 6 to 8 hours riding a day, with breaks for rests and lunch.

  Pace and experience required: To take part in these rides you should have a reasonable amount of experience and a good level of general fitness. You should be comfortable and in control at a walk, trot and canter, and used to riding in open and varied country. Experienced riders will have fun, well paced riding over interesting terrain. The horses include sensible, steady schoolmasters so less experienced riders who are fit and adventurous can also participate. The pace is varied with some canters most days. Stick and ball polo and cross country jumping is an option at El Golf.

Accommodation on the ride includes 1 or 2 nights camping, 2 or 3 nights at an estancia in Patagonia, one night in a pretty colonial house on a private island, and 4 nights at a comfortable estancia in the Buenos Aires province. Nights camping are in simple 2 man 'dome' tents. Estancia accommodation is very comfortable, most rooms have their own private bathrooms. Single accommodation is not generally possible in Patagonia, but is an option on the island and at El Golf. Meals are either prepared for you around the camp fire or cooked by the estancia staff, often 'asados' - barbecues of delicious Argentine beef, washed down with red wine.

Rates 2012	RATE - USD 6200 per person. This rate INCLUDES all riding, 10 nights twin accommodation, all meals (lunch on the first day to lunch on the last), local drinks, guides, back up team, grooms, equipment and also all road/boat transfers as described. The rate EXCLUDES international flights to Buenos Aires and internal flights (approx USD 650), personal medical / travel insurance (which you must have), any visa fees, optional activities such as fishing, any extra nights accommodation, personal items such as telephone calls and tips. Single supplements are not charged but single rooms cannot be guaranteed throughout Prices are quoted in US dollars. Payments to us can of course be made in pounds sterling if you wish and we can give you a sterling rate at the time of booking.
Dates 2012	4th to 14th January 18th to 28th January 1st to 11th February 15th to 25th February 27th November to 7th December 10th to 20th December 5th to 15th January 2013 19th to 29th January 2013 2nd to 12th February 2013 16th to 26th February 2013 Other private group rides and tailormade itineraries arranged on request
Season	November to March

The meeting point for the rides is Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. For flights from London to Buenos Aires budget for around £850 to £950 economy return (varies with season, carrier and availability). You will also need 4 internal flights which will be arranged for you (additional cost, approx USD 650).

Day 1	Meet in Buenos Aires for flight south to the Argentine Lake District. Transfer on arrival to Estancia Tres Lagos. Afternoon ride and then dinner in a log cabin. Night at Tres Lagos
Day 2	Breakfast and head of on day ride with picnic to explore the national park. Return to Estancia Tres Lagos for dinner and the night.
Days 3	Breakfast and load pack horses for a night’s ‘fly’ camping. A long and exciting day with the night spent in dome tents based at a hunting refuge high in the Andean Cordillera.
Day 4	Strike camp and continue through the mountains towards Lake Traful and the very comfortable Estancia Arroyo Verde. Dinner and the night at the estancia which is home for the next 2 nights.
Day 5	Day ride with a delicious picnic, or perhaps a morning ride followed by a leisurely lunch and the afternoon to relax, or maybe a day of rest with a spot of fishing (extra cost), the choice is yours. Dinner and the night at Estancia Arroyo Verde.
Day 6	Breakfast at the lodge before road transfer to Bariloche and internal flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival road and boat transfer to private Isla Don Felipe on the Tigre River. Dinner and the night on the island in the pretty colonial house.
Day 7	Day on the island with a spot of exploring by boat. Late afternoon transfer to Buenos Aires and a short flight to Mar del Plata. Road transfer to El Golf, Jakob’s home on the Estancia El Boqueron and your base for the next 3 days.
Day 8, 9, 10	Live the estancia life - a range of options including rides out over 10,000 acres, stick and ball polo, cross country and steeple chase courses, tennis court, swimming pool, croquet lawn, asados. Nights spent at El Golf.
Day 11	After a farewell lunch transfer to Mar del Plata airport for short flight back to Buenos Aires. Own arrangements for onward travel.
	Contact us on 01837-82544 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and if you have any questions.