Compare Journey from Estancia Los Potreros by Equitours vs Antarctic Explorer by Exodus Travels
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 2,695 | $ 7,976 |
| Price Per Day | $ 337 | $ 725 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A | All meals while on the ship included. Typical Meals The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale. Breakfast: Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal. Lunch: Three course set meal or buffet, or the occasional BBQ. Dinner: Three or four courses with a starter of soup and/or salad, a choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a dessert, with tea and coffee. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so that our local team can be well prepared. |
| Description |
This is an opportunity to experience the best of the country with a riding vacation in Argentina. This riding tour is based out of Estancia Los Potreros, a secluded working cattle ranch situated on top of the Sierra Chicas at an altitude of 1,000 metres, between the pampas and the Andes, in the heart of the Cordoba region. Known for its breathtaking views and healthy climate, the higher lands of the Cordoba Hills are bare of trees and covered in long straw-like grass called ‘paja brava’. From early spring to autumn the hills are covered with a mosaic of wildflowers with a large number of tree species at lower altitudes. Many bird species and occasional wildlife may be seen from your saddle. |
Towering blue icebergs, vast penguin colonies, whales, seals and glaciers, right in the heart of the Western Peninsula |
Day 1
On arrival in Cordoba, you will be met and transferred to the beautiful 2,500 hectare Estancia Los Potreros. A beautiful sunset ride to get your bearings is followed by a traditional candle-lit dinner and the chance to discuss the plan for the rest of the week.
Day 2
Ride out this morning to the "Top of the World" for a spectacular 360 degree view of the estancia, and a chance to see the route of the trail ride. After passing the cattle ranch, hear the sound of the `bellstone` that inspired the original bell-shaped cattle brand of the estancia. Lunch is a traditional Argentine “asado” (barbecue) and the afternoon may be spent swimming or walking, or preparing for the trip ahead. Watch the sun go down and enjoy a drink on the “Patio Verde”. Dinner and night spent at Potrero de Los Melados.
Day 3
Start the trail "across country” past the “Cañada de los Condores” (Canyon of the Condors)and perhaps a dip in the waterfall. Arrive at “La Estancita” for a picnic lunch at the local rural school which is supported through the kind donations of guests, and visit the local Dominican church dating back to the 1870’s. The night is spent at ‘Cañada del Molle’, the childhood home of Kevin and Robin Begg, and perhaps enjoy some folklore music under the stars.
Day 4
Set out towards Candonga, going north along the top of the Sierras Chicas, through some truly dramatic scenery. Pine forests give way to rocky descents, and you will marvel at the sure-footedness of the horses. Arrive for a late lunch at Mentas farm. Menta is a wonderful host and an excellent cook, who together with her brother ekes a meagre existence from their smallholding. A dip in the natural rock pools is followed by a late afternoon ride to Candonga church (circa 1650), riding back at sunset along the river to our hilltop accommodation.
Day 5
This long days ride sets out west across the sierras, climbing above La Cumbre to the “Loma Grande”. A picnic lunch is taken on the way, and after crossing a wide variety of landscapes and scenery, dinner and the night are 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.
Day 6
The morning ride descends from our beautiful retreat to the town of La Cumbre at the top of the Punilla valley, which was originally an English settlement. Lunch is in a typical Cruz Chica home, and the afternoon is spent at leisure exploring the local town. The night is spent at the lovely Reydon Hotel, an old girl’s boarding school, tastefully restored into a charming and comfortable guest house. Your hosts are well-known for their impromptu tango lessons!
Day 7
Set out early for the 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. You will feel the horses pulling towards home as you pass the restored farm house at “El Vergel” (circa 1700). Farewell dinner and overnight at Los Potreros.
Day 8
After a morning at leisure or a farewell ride, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
Itinerary Addendum
THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.
Day 1 Start Ushuaia, Argentina
Begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.
Day 2 Board ship and sail along the Beagle Channel
The morning is free to explore Ushuaia and the surrounding area, to do some last minute shopping, stroll around Ushuaia and down to the port or maybe go for a walk in the nearby National Park. The transfer to the ship takes place in the afternoon. Once on board there is a get together for introductions to the expedition team, to learn about the ship and its layout, talk about the itinerary for the next 10 days and participate in the obligatory lifeboat drill. Departure from Ushuaia is normally around 6:00 p.m, and we set sail through the Beagle Channel in the early evening. The long days mean plenty of evening light in which to experience the beauty of the channel, and to perhaps enjoy your first wildlife sightings.
Day 3 - 4 Cross the Drake Passage
Sea conditions in the Drake Passage can vary from dead calm (known as 'Drake Lake'), to rough and stormy (known as 'Drake Shake'). As you cross the Drake Passage our team of experts is out on deck to help you spot whales and identify seabirds. There is also a programme of talks, covering the wildlife, the ice, and polar history to prepare you for your adventure to the 'White Continent'. The excitement intensifies as you cross the Antarctic Convergence, where the cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean meet the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. You feel the change as the air gets cooler. Huge icebergs loom up against the horizon in increasing numbers, and Wandering albatrosses, petrels and other birds which thrive in this cold, remote ocean are frequently seen.
Day 5 - 8 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travellers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other - creating a unique, personal experience. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or consorting with Chinstrap, Adélie and Gentoo penguins, all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, Fur, Crabeater and Leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as Humpbacks, Fins, or perhaps Orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy. Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.
Day 9 - 10 Sail back through the Drake Passage
Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula behind, our ship heads back across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. The crossing is completed with the rounding of Cape Horn, weather permitting.
Day 11 Disembark and end in Ushuaia
In the early morning we arrive back in Ushuaia where your voyage ends. You will be transferred either to town on to the airport for your onward flight to Buenos Aires.
