The Bellstone Ride

This family run estancia is an exclusive 6,500-acre working organic cattle and stud farm, delightfully secluded at the top of the ‘Sierras Chicas’ in the heart of the beautiful region of Cordoba. Guests are welcomed to share the home and lifestyle, providing a unique and unforgettable vacation in first hand contact with the rural traditions of Argentina. Hospitality here is second to none; where no request is too much trouble and is a refined, sophistictaed and genteel place to spend your holiday.

Beginning and ending at our South American Estancia this trail set in the beautiful Sierras Chicas, lends itself to some fabulous trail rides through rural Argentina. This ride takes you over the constantly changing geography of the region, through areas impossible to reach by car. Enjoy a traditional Argentine “asado” (barbeque) by the pool and swim in cool fast flowing crystal clear streams, watch the sun go down, & enjoy a drink on the “Patio Verde”. And if the moonlight allows you may go to a high point to see the wonderful views of the lights of the city of Cordoba in the distance. You stay at a variety of locations from local estancias to very simple dwellings exposing you to the life of the local people. This expedition is rich in local history and offers some exceptional riding. Extra days can be arranged at the ranch if desired.

Day one: Meet your host at Cordoba Pajas Blancas airport (COR). Transfer to Los Potreros (approx 1 hours drive). Afternoon ride if time allows to Estancia Chiviquin. This is a very old and simple traditional dwelling and offers an insight to cattle farming in these remote areas. Enjoy a candle-lit dinner - this is a tradition on every evening when staying at Los Potreros, and provides an opportunity to discuss the plan for the rest of the expedition.

Day two: A morning ride to feel comfortable with your horse and the gauchos. Climb to some of the high points and get your bearings. Explore the cattle ranch, and on the way back hear the sound of the “church bell stone” that inspired the original bell-shaped cattle brand of this farm.

Lunch is a traditional Argentine “asado” (barbecue) by the pool with several cuts of meat to try. The afternoon may be spent swimming or walking. Watch the sun go down, enjoying a drink on the “Patio Verde”. Dinner and night spent at Potrero de Los Melados and if the moonlight allows you may go to a high point to see the lights of the city of Cordoba in the distance.

Day three: Start the trail "across country” past the “Canada de los Condores” Canyon of the Condors, where condors may sometimes be seen, to “La Estancita” for a picnic lunch at the local school, visiting a Dominican church and riding through local dwellings and small farms. Night spent camping out or in Canada del Molle farm house.

Day four: Set out towards Candonga, going north along the top of the Sierras Chicas towards Mentas farm (cabin). Menta is a wonderful host and an excellent 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. Stay in Mentas cabin or camp out. Take a late afternoon ride to Candonga church (C1650), riding back through the sunset along the river.

Day five: Long ride, some on earth roads. Climb above La Cumbre to the “Loma Grande”. Dinner and night spent at a charming and secluded stone lodge, which cannot be reached by any other means than walking or riding. The stone-constructed house has no road or electricity but hot showers, excellent food and spectacular views. One can spend the night camping or indoors if the weather is inclement. Don’t miss the night stars - one feels one could reach and touch them.

Day six: Descend to explore the town of La Cumbre (town of English origin) at the top of the Punilla valley. Chance to replenish stocks and batteries. Lunch in a typical Cruz Chica home and spend the night at the lovely Reydon Hotel, an old girl’s boarding school, tastefully restored into a charming and comfortable guest house.

Day seven: Set out early for a long ride home, winding down towards La Falda along the “Camino de Los Artesanos”. Pass by La Falda a town of German origin, with a picnic lunch at the famous Eden Hotel (funded by Hitler during the war and now a museum). Climb the ridge to vermiculite mines (Cerro Sapo), make your way along the top with views across the Valle de Punilla. Return past the restored farm house at “El Vergel” (C1700). Farewell dinner and overnight at Los Potreros.

Day eight: Farewell ride on the estancia or even a game of polo before returning to the airport.

On a trail ride you should expect to be in the saddle between four to six hours a day with the occasional days requiring an extra push to reach the objective.

Accommodation on the farm is simple and very comfortable, with all rooms having their own private bathroom. Whilst on the trail ride, accommodation ranges from shared ‘bunk’ rooms to very comfortable guest houses. Camping can be arranged if required.

2012 prices:

8 days, 7 nights, full board £1,940pp - 18th - 25th February 2012

8 days, 7 nights, full board £2,010pp - 3rd - 10th November & 10th - 17th November 2012 

2012 dates: 18th-25th Feb, 3rd - 10th Nov, 10th-17th Nov. Other group dates can be arranged

Single Supplement: 30% if unwilling to share

Includes: varied accommodation, all meals and drinks

Not Included: Flights and Travel Insurance

Meeting Point: Cordoba

Indicative flight price: London to Cordoba £700 - £1100pp return depending on time of year

Transfer: Included from Cordoba

Hours In Saddle: 4/5 per day

Max Weight: 90kg

Group Size: 4-6

Suitable for non-riders: No, but non-riders can stay at the Ranch.

Call us on +44 (0)1225 424413 or email contact@redlandsequestrian.com to check the ride availability and dates, once we have confirmed availability you can download and fill in a booking form:

• UK Rides Booking Form
• Worldwide Rides Booking Form

Each rider in the party must also complete a riding ability questionnaire before we can complete the final confirmation of your holiday booking.