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Dude Ranch Vacation
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At a Glance
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| HIGHLIGHTS | |
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| Famous For: | Argentine Equestrian tradition and the Sierra Grande Adventure Ride |
| Capacity: | 10 guests |
| Open: | From July to April |
| Altitude: | 800 m over sea level |
| Location: | Traslasierra Valley, Cordoba province, Argentina |
| Reservations: | (54) 3544-496 813 |
| Rates: |
Adults: Sierra Ride or Stationary Program: US$ 120 per day (per person); Prices include meals, accommodations, guides, horses and tack.
Children: US$ 60 per day |
| Minimum Stay: | 4 nights |
| Deposit: | 20 percent to confirm reservations |
| Payment: | Money orders or cash |
| Closest Airports: | : Merlo (Aeropuerto internacional Valle del Conlara) 15 minutes drive. Rio Cuarto and San Luis, 3 hours drive from Estancia |
| Transportation: | From Buenos Aires: Plane or bus to Merlo. We meet you at the bus station or airport. |
| Travel Agents: | YES |
| Guest Reviews: | Read reviews from travelers who have visited this ranch. |
| FEATURED AMENITIES | |||
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 ArcheryBirdingCattle Drivesweek Children's ProgramsBaby Sitting Children's Dining (kids eat together) Extensive Counselor Program - All Day or Camplike Program Children's Trail Riding5 yrs old Cigar FriendlyComputer/Email ServicesCuisineGourmet International Vegetarian Culinary Trained ChefsDude/Guest RanchesEmail AccessEnglish SaddleFishingType of Fish Trout |
Golf Near (within 30 miles) HikingGuided On Your Own Horseback RidingHorsemanshipHorsesArabian Ponies (for kids) Thoroughbred Hot SpringsNearby (within 30 miles) Hunting RanchesWingshooting/Birds Dove International RidingLanguages SpokenEnglish French German Italian Portuguese Spanish Laundry ServiceLiquorAvailable Bring Your Own LlamasNaturalist Guides |
Organic FoodsPack Trips Ranch Activity Pets WelcomePoloGuests Participate Guests Watch Ride on Your OwnUsually Available Room ServiceSaddle Your Own HorseSmoking PermittedSwimming PoolNot Heated TennisNearby (within 10 miles) Wagon Trips | |
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| LODGING |
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| Within the grounds one finds the charming main, Spanish style, house and a school house built in 1870, now converted into a guest house and a swimming pool. There is a small olive oil factory, guests are invited to visit the factory and taste our very special varieties of olive oil . The front lawn is often used for polo practice. All guest rooms have a private bathroom. |
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| RECREATION |
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| Horseback riding on stationary program or Sierra Grande ride (horse pack trip), polo lessons for beginners, guided hikes, llama packing, bird watching, photography, swimming, ping pong table, car drive to visit Sierra de las Quijadas, visit local artisans, dove shooting. The 22 horses at the Estancia are mostly Thoroughbreds and Argentine criollos. "Serrano" horses, which are incredibly hardy and sure-footed, are used for the Sierra portion of the ride. The horses vary in size, type and temperament. Most of them have been raised at the Estancia, and are extremely well natured. A variety tack is used, including the "Gaucho" saddle topped with sheepskin together with an Argentineans bridle and bit - the gaucho saddle is very comfortable. A suitable mount will be selected for you according to your weight, height and ability. English saddles are also used. After dinner tango lessons! |
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| FOR CHILDREN |
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| Children are welcome, and have great fun. Riding: We are used to accept children for the stationary program, age limit for riding 5 years old, on short rides, depending on the child's ability. If the child doesn't ride we have a baby sitter. For the Sierra ride age limit is 12. |
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| FOOD/LIQUOR |
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| Meals on the trail are empanadas, ham, cheese, bread, olives, vegetable pies, cold chicken, fruit, chocolate, red wine and water. At the Estancia meals are always 3 course, consisting in hors-d'oeuvre, main dish, dessert and coffee or tea. We always include delicious Argentine wine and at least one famous Argentine barbecue. All food is fresh, organic, home made and served with our own olive oil. |
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| BUSINESS/MEETINGS |
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| REGION/CUSTOMS |
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| THE TRASLASIERRA REGION Traslasierra literally means "behind the Sierra." This is a remote area cut off from the rest of Argentina by the Sierra de Cordoba to the east and the Sierra de San Luis to the west. In early times it was inhabited by Indians who were vassals of the Incas. It was also where the first Spaniards arrived from Peru and established the Criollo race in approximately 1650. After independence in 1816 there followed a turbulent period of strife between Centralists and Federalists. The area of Traslasierra played an important role and was controlled by Federalist "casuals" (War Lords) for a long period of time. This civil war ended in 1857 with the establishment of a Federal form of government, leaving free autonomy to the provinces and allowing the central government to reserve for itself the management of foreign affairs. Early in this century, with the buildings of railways, this area was 'discovered' by the English, many of whom built houses for themselves and settled here. Now this is a dreamy area where time seems to have stopped. Here people still live in a horse culture and children ride to school on horseback. Shopping is done by the family 'sulqui' (Irish gig). The area is the habitat of over 100 different bird species which will I be a delight for the senses of sight and sound. The cooing of doves and the screeching of parakeet are the most obvious sounds. Black-headed and Turkey vultures majestically soar overhead. |
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| HISTORY/HOSTS |
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| ESTANCIA CORRALITO Is located at the foot of the Sierra de Cordoba. Above the Estancia is a beautiful and pristine wilderness, a perfect habitat for deer, puma, fox and a great number of birds. Horses are bred at the Estancia along with the growing of olives, pecans, and walnuts. Within the grounds one finds the charming main, Spanish style, house and a school house built in 1870, now converted into a guest house. There is a swimming pool. The front lawn is often used for polo practice. All guest rooms have a private bathroom. Your host Mario "Gaucho" Bejarano horseman, sailor, diplomat takes care of your every need along with his daughter Lola and Lola's husband, Julio. Mario has been to 40 countries, speaks English, French, German and Polish. He is also well versed in the local flora, fauna, folklore and history. Mario will regal you with amusing anecdotes about his service and adventures around the world. Argentineans are well known for enjoying the good life and elegance in all levels of society. At Corralito you will share in the unpretentious rural lifestyle of this great equestrian country. |
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| ITINERARY |
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| SIERRA GRANDE RIDE: Groups of 4 or more riders, we can accommodate to your dates. Friday: Arrive at Merlo Airport and transfer to Estancia Corralito. This drive lasts approximately 15 minutes. Just before arriving to the town of La Paz (population approximately 3,000) you will be met by the horses. A pleasant active half hour ride takes you through the Town of La Paz and over country lanes to Estancia Corralito (be sure to be dressed appropriately for riding!). Over drinks and dinner you will easily slip in to the Argentinean way of Life. Saturday: Daybreak comes late in the Traslasierra, so one gets the double advantage of sleeping in and getting up at dawn. After breakfast we ride into the Sierra foothills, a thickly forested area with a large population of noisy parrots and parakeets. The trails are difficult in places but the experienced horses nimbly negotiate the rocky 'maze. Here we meet a "Serrano" family that raises cattle and goats and lives in a timeless Shangri-La atmosphere. We carry on riding to reach the Rio Grande, a very beautiful mountain stream and then return to the Puesto de Flores to share “mate” tea. In the afternoon return to Corralito. (5 hours riding) Sunday: Begin the day early with a short drive to Carpinteria where the serrano horses are waiting. Climb the steep slopes of the Sierra while enjoying magnificent vistas. Picnic next to a stream and continue the ride across the Pampa de Achala's beautiful grasslands. On this sparsely populated plain the only encounter will be with the herds of nearly wild horses. Arrive at Cerro Aspero, a very interesting abandoned mine which we can visit before dinner is served and set up for the night. Part of the mine has been converted recently into a mountain lodge. Monday: After breakfast ride across the pampas in search of the condors. The trail heads south to the edge of the impressive "Quebrada del Rayo" or Canyon of the Lightning. Lunch is served overlooking a stream 1,000 feet below. In the afternoon descend into the canyon on a challenging rocky trail spotting the giant nests of the condors on the canyon walls. The night is spent in a cozy stone hut. Tuesday: Hike in the bottom of the canyon where there is a stream with waterfalls and natural pools for swimming. Overnight as on day 7. Wednesday 9: This is the longest day of riding as we climb out of the canyon and head north across the pampas and estancia Orcos Molles. After lunch continue down the slopes of the Sierra to Carpinteria arriving at sunset. Drive back to Estancia Corralito for dinner and overnight. Thursday: Today is a free day with opportunities to swim in the pool, relax, shop in Merlo or Villa Dolores or participate in a polo practice session on the Estancia's lawn. Lunch is "asado", a typical Argentinean barbecue. Friday: In the morning ride to Loma Bola to visit the local artisans and then continue to Las Chacras to the amazing Book Museum. Lunch at Estancia and visit our olive oil factory. Transfer back to Merlo airport. Requisites for Sierra Grande Ride: Minimum: 4 Riders Minimum age: 12 Intermediate riding ability Sleeping bag and comfortable walking shoes |
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