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.
Everyone is welcome
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 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.
"Los Potreros just seems to attract the type of people that you enjoy meeting and making friends with. Whether you are a lone traveller, a couple, a family or a group of friends you will love this place."
Every day is different
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.
The estancia is steeped in family and Jesuit 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. Louie lived to see three centuries, passing away at the impressive age of 104.
Today the farm is the home to Robin, Merina, Kevin and their families, the children of Robert Begg, (Louie's son).
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.
Location
The estancia is located on the beautiful but little-known range of hills known as the ‘Sierras Chicas.’ Nestled between the Pampas and the Andes, the area is designated provincial reserve, renowned for its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife and rural traditions. Despite its privileged location, the estancia is less than an hour's drive from the international airport of Córdoba, with connections to Europe, Chile, Peru, Brazil, Panama and the United States.
