Down load: Application Form and Waiver
Adventure Specialists Inc.
Bear Basin Ranch
Westcliffe, Colorado 81252
Info@adventurespecialists.org
www.adventurespecialists.org
01 -719 783-2076
The Great Argentina Getaway - Horses, Wine and History
Pampered in the Pampas- Good wines and fine horses - New for 2010
Gary Ziegler and several riding friends recently traveled Argentina, visiting Buenos Aires and regions from the far north to south in Patagonia. Staying at selected estancias, they rode varieties of horses, played polo, sampled wines, food, accommodations and scouted routes that meet our exacting tastes for a grand adventure on horseback.
Following this extensive reconnaissance, we have put together an exciting agenda and itinerary that we believe offers the best equestrian vacation in Argentina for the time that most have available. Designed around a long week, we concentrate maximum activity and minimum travel, locating our adventure in the historic regions of Mendoza and Cordoba. For those with more time, we have a portfolio of options for visiting Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Iguasu Falls, or even learning to tango following, or before, our itinerary.
Argentina is a modern country with a romantic South American flair. She offers monumental colonial cities, rich Gaucho culture and spectacular mountain scenery as well as some of the best would class wineries and food, all at affordable cost. More - traveling to and from North America avoids the unpleasant Jet Lag of transatlantic flight.
We begin our journey by visiting the finest wineries and eateries around Mendoza coupled with days on horseback. Moving on with a short flight to Cordoba, we lodge at a favorite, elegantly restored, historic estancia, Los Potreros ( place of the stallions where horse were raised and trained for the calvary). We ride out on a two day pack trip through the rolling hill country of the lower Andes to over-night at an old cow camp with comfortable but rustic accommodations. Riding along with local Gouchos we learn about their culture and cowboy ways. Returning we enjoy the remaining days on remote estancia trails, riding different well mannered, responsive horses, local bred Criollos or the estancia’s own paso-gaited mounts. For those with a competitive interest, we schedule a carefully arranged polo practice and instruction. Each evening begins with leisurely cocktails on the veranda.
GETTING THERE:
We suggest flying direct to Mendoza via Santiago, Chile. Delta has direct US flights with a connecting flight to Mendoza then a return connecting flight from Cordoba. We plan to lay over a day or so in Santiago but this is not necessary. One can also fly round trip via Buenos Aires if desired. As of summer 2009, we were seeing fares of around $1100 round trip from Colorado. There are other options which we can help with.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrive Mendoza - We meet your flight and transfer you to the Finca Adalgisa. Time to relax from the travel. We gather for introduction over wine and cheese . Later we take you to one of the cities fine restaurants, La Bourgogne. Our selected lodging, La Finca Adalgisa is an early 20th century manor house and vineyard estate, a charming family home converted by Gabriela Furlotti, third generation Argentine-Italian, into the first regional boutique hotel/finca. Secluded and private, it is conveniently located within 20 minutes drive of Mendoza’s city center and within walking distance of a thriving little community with local shops.
Lying at the foot of the high Andes, Mendoza and its outlying regions host many of the finest wineries in Argentina and the world. D
Day 2 Experience the lush beauty of the Andes eastern slopes while visiting the best wineries. We balance the day out on horseback. Return to Finca Adalgisa for the night. B. L. D.
Day 3 We visit another region today, Potrerillos, for more horseback riding in wine country. We’ll offer optional hiking or fishing activities today for a little diversity in your experience. Back to our Finca for dinner and the night. B. L. D.
Day 4 We fly to Cordoba where we drive a short distance to our favorite estancia Los Potreros. B. D. Dating back several hundred years, Estancia Los Potreros is an exclusive 6,000-acre working cattle ranch that has remained in the same Anglo-Argentine family for four generations. The estancia is secluded on the top of the "Sierras Chicas" at an altitude of 3,000 feet, nestled between the pampas and the Andes in the beautiful Argentine heartland.
Steeped in family history, there is much evidence of the pioneering work of the Jesuits who first organized farming in the area before forced to leave in 1796. The Begg family now invites guests to share their home and lifestyle, providing a unique and unforgettable vacation with first hand contact of the rural traditions of Argentina. The estancia prides itself on setting a high standard of professionalism in accommodation and hospitality, taking care of guests with unrivaled personal attention to detail. It provides a unique experience for those who like to combine the pleasures of estancia life with fabulous horse-riding. Whether your passion be outstanding horses, beautiful scenery, walking, photography, bird watching, wild flowers, soaking up the local culture or simply enjoying good company in a truly unique setting, Estancia Los Potreros has something for everyone. B.D
Day 5 and 6 We ride out on a two day pack trip through the rolling hill country of the lower Andes to over-night at an old cow camp with comfortable but rustic accommodations. Riding along beside local Gouchos we learn about their culture and unique cowboy ways. B.L.D.
Day 7 Time at the Ranch to experience the home Gaucho scene, maybe even play some polo for those who are game to try this local rural sport. And of course we’ll experience a gaucho asado (BBQ). B. L. D.
Day 8 Transfers to the airport for your Flight home (or on to Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Patagonia? ) from Cordoba. We can help with extension arrangements. B.
This is a well researched and arranged itinerary which we make every effort to follow. However, the trip is subject to weather and many events beyond are control, which may cause changes and delays. We may also change the route for other good reasons. Please come prepared to cheerfully accept the unexpected!
RATES AND DATES:
2010: $2995 Jan 17-24, March 4-11,
2011 same weeks.
Travel Insurance:
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance when you book. This can reimburse you if you need to cancel last minute due to sickness or other emergencies. One company is Travel Guard 1-800-826-7488 or compare prices at www.insuremytrip.com.
Air Travel: We recommend our agent Earl Fox, 800-732-3023, 719-473-9800, fax 719-473-9921,
earl@totaltraveltours.com for great quotes on air. Round trip flights around $1100 from Colorado Springs, Atlanta to Mendosa via Santiago (overnight flight arriving next day)
Cordoba to Atlanta- change flight in Santiago (overnight flight
arriving next day)
Inclusions: All accommodations, land transportation, flight to Cordoba, gentle responsive horses, European tack, and saddle bags. Meals as indicated: B- breakfast, L- lunch, D- dinner.
Exclusions: Not included are airport taxes, external air travel, bottled drinks and alcohol, (most wine is included), gratuities, entry fees to museums, churches, etc., personal expenditures, meals not listed, costs resulting from illness or injury and emergency evacuation, program changes and delays beyond our control.
Reservations: info@adventurespecialists.org
Call or e-mail us to answer your questions or make a reservation. Carefully read the application/contract form for details about payment, cancellation, refunds and legal responsibilities. You can reach us at the following numbers:
Bear Basin Ranch -phone 719-783-2076, toll free fax 866-244-4691.
As we are frequently outdoors or leading trips, we do not maintain a regularly staffed office. We do however, check the answering machine and will promptly return your call or e-mail.
EQUIPMENT AND PREPARATION LIST:
Passport __Credit cards and cash for tips, shopping etc. _Airline tickets _Travel Insurance to include emergency medical, trip cancellation etc. available any travel agency __Suitcases of your choice for the majority of your gear__ Day Pack or Fanny Pack for daily items and camera + plastic bag to protect. Its good to have a day pack as you may be doing a combination of hiking and riding _Leisure clothing for travel and dining out. _Long Underwear helps prevent saddle sores __Lightweight waterproof hiking/riding boots well broken-in __Waterproof gaiters or half chaps for riding/hiking. _Leisure Shoes _ Warm outer coat or parka or shell jacket __ Polar fleece type pullover for layering _ Rain gear: we like 100% waterproof jackets and pull over rain pants __Hat with a Brim...essential for sun and rain protection __ Warm cap and gloves (it can rain) __ Assortment of light expedition clothes: pants, shirts, socks, underwear _ Toiletries: sun block (#30 or more), lip balm & personal items __ Insect Repellant __ Personal medications
_ Quality sun Glasses_ Flashlight - We like headlamps. __ Pocket knife __Water Bottle __Camera __Binoculars.
HEALTH: We ask that you consult your family doctor concerning what medications, shots or inoculations he or she may recommend. We eat in only the best restaurants and our own cooks are carefully sanitation trained.
WEATHER: We expect mild warm temperatures but please come prepared. Rain is always possible
Have A Great Trip!
www.adventurespecialists.org
Info@adventurespecialists.org US phone 719 783-2076
horseback trips, horse trips, wine tour on horses, Argentina horse trek, trail ride pampas - A deluxe vacation on horseback to the best of Argentina, fine wines, great horses in a historical setting