Today the estancia is considered one of the ´must visit´destinations in Argentina. People come to us from all over the world for a genuine estancia experience, or for the ultimate riding holiday.
No matter their ages and backgrounds, whether they're a couple, a solo traveller, or a family, guests arrive as strangers to Estancia Los Potreros and usually leave as friends. We ensure our visitors enjoy the highest standards in personalised hospitality by hosting no more than 12 people at any one time. This means we all eat, drink, laugh and ride together in a warm and friendly environment - just the way the estancia has always been.
What's more, our estancia has been recommended as one of the top guest experiences in Argentina by the BBC, the Sunday Times, National Geographic Traveller, Tatler and Footprint guides, to name but a few.
Every day at the estancia is different. The would-be gauchos amongst you can canter along grassy hilltops, take a dip in natural rock pools, visit local churches on horseback, help round-up the young horses (to protect them from the elusive puma), learn how to lasso, or have a go at polo.
Out of the saddle, the cattle and horse trails make for wonderful walking, taking guests to awe-inspiring viewpoints and hidden waterfalls whilst experiencing the plentiful birdlife and colourful wildflowers, or watching the gauchos at work. Enjoy the best of Argentine food and wine with home-reared beef washed down with Malbec. The serenity and landscape lend themselves to those who enjoy painting, photography or writing, or simply curling up with a book, whilst good conversation and a gin and tonic are never far away.
Children at the Ranch
Great for children aged 10 and over
We welcome children from 10 years and above (or younger if the estancia is booked on a private basis) for more information or to discuss family options further please contact us on bookings@estancialospotreros.
Parents are expected to supervise their children.
Environmental & Social Practices
Environment
Responsible tourism and sustainable farming have always been a way of life for us.
We operate with a strong ‘farm-to-table’ ethos when it comes to our food, too, providing home-reared beef, free-range eggs, and wherever possible, vegetables and fruit from the estancia gardens. We're often told how fresh and different it.
Located on a provincial reserve, our style of farming encourages local wildlife, including pumas, foxes and the majestic Andean Condor. We're currently working in conjunction with local authorities to re-introduce endangered wildlife to the hills, and access is provided to a local university research group who are studying the effects and control of non-indigenous plant species.
Community
Estancia Los Potreros has long-supported the local rural school, and our guests help too. We send recycled clothing to a remote community in the north of Argentina. We're proud to be part of the ‘Pack for a Purpose’ initiative, which encourages travellers to think about ways they can positively impact local communities when they travel, and the estancia was one of the first places in South America to be awarded the TripAdvisor GreenLeader Platinum status.
Conservation
The majority of energy we use at the estancia is generated from renewable resources (wind and solar power) and all farming is undertaken with organic principles.
We have also recently installed new water filtration system so that we no longer use single use plastic water bottles.
We're also proud of our active tree-planting programme and zero food waste policy. Even the wine bottles are transported back to the winery, where they're filled again with our Los Potreros' own label wine!
Ranch History
It was in fact the Jesuits who first organised farming in the area. Estancia Los Potreros takes its name from the ‘potreros’, or enclosures that were used during the three centuries of Spanish colonization, back when the area was mule-breeding country. From here the mules were driven all the way to Bolivia to work in the silver mines.
The Begg family (Scottish in origin) first came to the area in the early part of the 20th century. Robin Begg (Kevin’s grandfather) built his own beautiful home on the top of a hill on the north of the farm, but shortly after the house was completed, he died. Robin was survived by his widow, Louie Begg who started accommodating paying guests in the 40s.
The guest book, started in 1945 is worth a read. It contains lyrical descriptions of the estancia – “heaven among the hill tops” is still one of our favourites. Louie lived to see three centuries, passing away at the impressive age of 104.
Today the farm is the home of Robert Begg, (Louie's son), his children Robin, Merina and Kevin, and their families. The farm now breeds Aberdeen Angus and horses instead of mules, but rural values and traditions are maintained, and we're every bit as in love with the place as our ancestors were.
The area has had many famous visitors over the years. As a child, Che Guevara lived nearby with his family, while Albert Einstein once visited a hotel managed by a German family in the nearby town of La Falda. Arguably the most famous guest of all was Jackie Kennedy, who regularly visited a neighbouring estancia. Here, hidden from the public eye, she engaged in her true passion away from politics - horseback riding.