MODERN GAUCHO LIVING ON A WORKING RANCH
OVERVIEW
Estancia Don Joaquin is near the city of Esquina in the Corrientes province of Argentina, north of Buenos Aires. A working cattle ranch, the estancia is surrounded by beautiful lagoons, wetlands and rivers which offer splashy canters, and the chance to swim with your horse. The area is a natural habitat of the notoriously friendly, capybara.
Spend your days exploring the countryside on horseback, participating in and learning about the work of the gauchos, fishing for the great freshwater Dorado in the Corrientes and Parana rivers, enjoying the abundant birdlife, safari adventures to spot capybara, caiman alligators and other wildlife by vehicle or boat, learning how to make traditional empanadas, rejuvenating yourself with an in-room massage, or relaxing by the pool.
LET’S RIDE!
HIGHLIGHTS
Stunning, modern Estancia accommodation
Large herd of criollo horses
Fast, splashy canters in wetlands similar to Botswana in flood
Horses grazing on the lawn in the afternoon
Lap pool surrounded by palm trees
Shop like a gaucho for high quality artisanal clothing and tack in Esquina
Incredible food, a lot of traditional asado (BBQ)
Very loving and welcoming hosts with the Solanet family (they are the best!)
In room spa treatments (extra)
Speed boat rides and fishing at their nearby fishing lodge (extra)
OVERVIEW
RIDE GUIDE
4 day / 3 Night minimum stay
Cost: From $210 per night sharing and $250 for your own room. All inclusive ex transfers.
Operator: Don Joaquin
Where: Corrientes, Argentina
When: All year
Non-riders: Welcome
Riding level: Beginner - advanced. Riders are split by ability.
Weight limit: Maximum of 100kg / 200lbs
Time in the saddle: 3 - 8 hours riding per day
HORSES
There are over 100 horses of the Criollo and Criollo mix breed. They are very well trained and responsive ensuring an enjoyable and safe ride.
Accustomed to being ridden by the gauchos doing their ranch work the horses are healthy, strong, athletic and agile. The large herd allows the horses to be rotated so they are never overworked and have plenty of time to live naturally in the herd and graze in the fields.
The saddles used are Argentine ‘recado’ and ‘montura correntina’ style saddles, both of which provide exceptional comfort, similar to a Western saddle.
ACCOMMODATION
Estancia Don Joaquin is a working cattle farm and luxury Gaucho-chic house designed by owners Angie and Diego. There are fifteen rooms each with ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning.
Large windows ensure sun swept field and wetland views for complete relaxation. The estancia has many outdoor living spaces with wide verandas, providing areas to have afternoon tea or to sit and watch the horses and birds at the lagoons.
If doing the Gaucho Trail Ride, you will spend four nights at Estancia Don Joaquin and three nights at three different traditional and unique estancias.
GET IN TOUCH
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Estancia Based Horse Riding - Transfers between Estancia Don Joaquin and Esquina Bus Station, all meals and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), Wi-Fi, horse riding, bird watching, nature walks, cooking lessons, use of swimming pool.
The Gaucho Trail Ride - Total of 7 days / 6 nights lodging at 4 different locations, all meals and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), one full body massage, transfers between Estancia Don Joaquin and Esquina Bus Station, Wi-Fi, qualified English speaking guide, one Gaucho per rider, Gaucho culture experience.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
Travel insurance, luxury bus fee, flights, tips / gratuity for guides and house staff.
TRANSFERS
You will take a luxury overnight bus with fully reclined bed seat from Retiro station in Buenos Aires departing at 8:30pm to the town of Esquina arriving at 4am.
On your return you will leave Esquina at 11pm and arrive back in Buenos Aires at 7:30am.
This means your holiday will include an overnight on the bus before and after your ride.
Bus prices fluctuate often, we will confirm the cost when we check
MEALS
You will experience traditional Argentine cuisine with all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks included.
Guests will dine all together on the outdoor terrace overlooking the peaceful scenery. In the evening by the fire side you will enjoy the owners’ warmth and hospitality whilst eating delicious local Argentine cuisine.
Breakfast includes homemade breads, croissants, tortas fritas (gaucho fried bread), cakes, eggs cooked how you prefer, fruits and fresh squeezed orange juice, butter, jams and the famous dulce de leche.
Lunches and dinners are three course affairs. All meats and vegetables are sourced locally. All lunches and dinners are served with some of the best Argentinian wines.
Argentina’s national dish, asado or barbecue, is a cherished meal. You will have the opportunity to savour the grilled beef, purchased locally and cooked by chief gaucho, Roque. Empanadas are another Argentine favourite, made with either a chicken or beef filling and then baked or fried.
At Estancia Don Joaquin everything is homemade. The kitchen remains open for anyone interested in learning the secrets of the regional Argentinian cuisine.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free menus available.
WHAT TO PACK
Country clothing in natural colours will beautifully blend into the local surroundings. A dress or jacket for dinner is fitting for the beautiful dining experience though if your group is more casual you’re welcome to relax in comfortable clothing.
Cotton or linen long sleeved shirts, jeans or breeches, shorts, short or long boots, leather chaps, rain jacket, swimming suit, comfortable shoes, sun glasses, hat and a helmet if you choose to wear one.
Refer to our FAQ for what to pack on a horse riding holiday.
INTERNET
Wifi is available at the Estancia.
Download an e-sim from Airalo and install before you arrive to have data in some areas on the Estancia and in urban areas.
Use our code BLACKS3976 to receive $3 off your e-sim credit.
PRICES & AVAILABILITY
Estancia Don Joaquin is open all year round.
Rates are based on days rather than nights spent at the Estancia.
Estancia Based Riding in a Standard Room
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS - $840pp sharing, $1,000 single occupancy
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS - $1,470pp sharing, $1,750 single occupancy
The Gaucho Trail Ride
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS - $2,900pp sharing, $3,600 single occupancy
Rooms
There are four room types to choose from:
Standard Room from $210 pp sharing $250 single
Junior Suite from $250 pp sharing $300 single
Master Suite from $280 pp sharing $320 single
Luxury Suite from $350 pp sharing $400 single
BLACK SADDLE EXCLUSIVE DATES
12 - 18 January 2025 | The Gaucho Trail | US$2,900
20 - 26 January 2025 | Relaxed Estancia Stay | US$1,750
23 - 29 September 2025 | Relaxed Estancia Stay | US$1,750
Fill in an obligation free Rider Form to book and we will get back to you with availability.
JOIN OUR BLACK SADDLE EXCLUSIVE WEEKS
THE Gaucho Trail
12 - 18 January 2025 | 7 Days From US$2,900 sharing or $3,600 for your own room. Ride from estancia to estancia, driving horses for part of it, cantering on the beaches of the Corrientes river with pop up picnics and cowboy dinners.
Learn to Ride
20 - 26 Jan 2025 | 7 Days from $1,750 for your own ensuite room | Similar to the estancia stay programme, come as a beginner or as an experienced rider with a beginner friend / partner. Experienced riders will have the option to ride separately to get some splashy canters. By the end of the week everyone should have cantered!
Estancia Stay
06 - 13 Feb 2025 | 7 Days $1,750 for your own ensuite room | Spend a week at the estancia (no need to repack and move). Ride twice a day with a long siesta in between. Swim with your horse, participate in cow work on the farm, swim in the lap pool, and enjoy an evening asado with the infamous Gaucho Killer cocktail. All your cowboy dreams come true.
ACCOMMODATION
All rooms are designed to intricately complement the luxurious ranch feeling and deeply routed Argentinian traditions. Large windows ensure sun swept field and wetland views for complete relaxation. The Estancia has many outdoor living spaces with wide verandas, providing areas to have afternoon tea or to sit and watch the horses and birds at the lagoons.
Each room contains sumptuous bedding and luxury linen with Argentine antique furniture. There are five standard rooms which have a queen bed, six master rooms with king beds, and one Estancia room with two king beds.
ESTANCIERO ROOM | LUXURY SUITE
The largest suite “El Hornero “| is 40 m2 . This suite offers one of the best estancia views. This bright room has a queen and large windows overlooking the lagoon and fields.
It is decorated with stylish furniture ,a desk, antique French chandeliers and wardrobe.
Two king beds , private bathroom with bath and shower, air conditioning, wifi
RATES
$350 per person, per night sharing
$400 single occupancy per night
MASTER SUITE
Master rooms all have wide windows with stunning views over either the lagoons, wetlands, swimming pool or estancia fields.
One king bed or two queen sized beds, private bathroom with bath and shower, air conditioning, wifi
There are six Master rooms.
RATES
$280 per person, per night sharing
$320 single occupancy per night
STANDARD ROOM
Standard rooms are slightly smaller yet still armed with all the luxuries.
Wide windows and a beautiful view over the estancia, coupled with antique furniture and a private bathroom make for a comfortable stay.
Queen sized bed private bathroom with bath and shower, air conditioning, wifi
RATES
$210 per person, per night sharing
$250 single occupancy per night
A SAMPLE WEEK AT DON JOAQUIN
This is an example programme. Don Joaquin is a real working ranch and your days will flow with the farm work. If there is anything you would really like to do during your stay speak with your hosts and they will do their best to make it happen
ESTANCIA BASED RIDING
6 Nights / 7 Days | Relax at beautiful Don Joaquin for your entire stay
From $1,470pp sharing | Extend your stay for $210 per day sharing + $40 single supplement | Submit a rider profile to request availability.
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Your holiday at Don Joaquin starts at 8:30 pm at the Retiro Bus Station in Buenos Aries where you catch the lie-flat overnight bus to Esquina.
Private transfers are available (6 hours driving), in which case you depart Buenos Aires at 7am on arrival day.
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A member of the Estancia’s team will meet you at the bus station in Esquina and then transfer you to Estancia Don Joaquin.
After breakfast, you will be introduced to your horse and have a quick lesson on the Argentinian style of riding.
Once you are ready, you will go off on horseback to enjoy the landscape and the flat plains of the estancia.
Meander through the vast and beautiful grasslands where the horses and cattle graze.
Lunch back at the estancia and a siesta.
In the afternoon you will go on a guided nature walk around the estancia.
Enjoy a local wine and cheese Tasting before an outdoor dinner.
2 hours riding.
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Once you have had breakfast, it is time to channel your ‘inner Gaucho’.
Accompany the gauchos to watch and, if you would like, participate in their work.
Perhaps you will be helping to drive the cattle to the corral or ride out into the fields spotting new born calves who need to be tagged.
Lunch at the estancia.
After a short siesta you will head back out to the fields and enjoy cattle driving by horse and work in the corral amongst the Gauchos.
Enjoy afternoon tea, relaxing at the estancia followed by dinner.
4 hours riding.
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After a delicious breakfast, its time for another adventure…
Today will take you through huge lagoons, where it’s possible to spot nutria, tortoises, caiman alligators, and dozens of species of birds.
You will stop for an asado (traditional Argentinian BBQ) in the open countryside for lunch and return to the estancia at dusk for dinner.
7 hours riding.
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Following breakfast, it will be time to put on your swimming gear and swim with the horses in the lagoon.
Swimming with horses is such a magical experience!
Lunch at the estancia. Siesta and relaxation time at the estancia.
After dinner, on nights when the moon can light the way, you will ride out into the fields and enjoy the sounds of the night dwellers along with the wide, beautiful Corrientes sky.
2 hours riding.
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Once you have had breakfast at the estancia, get ready for spectacular bird sightings!
The Bird Paradise Ride: On this ride you will feel as if you are riding through a bird sanctuary. With a mixture of thriving wetlands and scrublands it is home to countless species of birds.
Lunch at the estancia. After a siesta it is time to practice your Gaucho skills (lasso and sortija). Afternoon Tea.
Dinner and wine tasting at the estancia.
4 hours riding
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After Breakfast, it is time for another great horse riding trail.
The Capybara Ride: capybaras are native South American mammals. Generally living in groups of 10 – 20 these semiaquatic animals can be spotted on the edges of and swimming in the lagoons. If you listen carefully you may be able to hear them barking.
You will stop for lunch and have an asado (BBQ) in the fields cooked by the Gauchos.
Afternoon Tea, relaxing and dinner at the estancia.
6 hours riding.
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Your last estancia breakfast will be followed by a ride on the horse of your choice – it may be hard to decide which one is your favourite!
Lunch at the estancia. Siesta.
For your final ride you will ride to the Corrientes River and the sister lodge, Don Joaquin River Lodge, to enjoy drinks, dinner and a beautiful sunset.
Your Argentine experience has come to an end for now, but will be waiting for you to return some time in the future maybe?
We will transfer you to the Esquina bus station after dinner for your onward travel.
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You will arrive to Buenos Aires Retiro Bus Station around 7:30am where you make you onwards travel arrangements.
If taking a private transfer from the Estancia we can arrange for you to be dropped off at EZE, the international airport which is a further hour out of the city.
LOOKING TO ADD A LAYER OF ADVENTURE?
6 Nights / 7 Days | Move between four locations on this progressive ride through Corrientes
From US$2,900 pp sharing or US$3,600 for your own room
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
POLO LESSONS
Curious about polo in Argentina? Try your hand at a little stick and ball with a polo lesson. You will go to a neighbouring polo field where you will have access to a true Argentinian polo experience.
Polo lessons at the field are suitable for beginner and intermediate polo players.
Prices are from $200 for 1.5 hrs.
GOLDEN DORADO FLY FISHING
The Parana and Corrientes rivers in Argentina are famous for fresh water golden dorado fly fishing.
The golden dorado are known for their aggressive nature and fighting ability making them highly sought after by fisherman. Our professional and bilingual fly-casting guides will take you the best spots in a comfortable motorboat from the Don Joaquin River Lodge.
Enjoy thrilling days of catching and releasing the “river tiger”.
Priced at $350 per day.
SPA TREATMENTS
The open country air and being far from the noise favours relaxation, the possibility of enjoyment and self discovery. Indulge in an anti-stress program including the following treatments:, perfect for relaxation and detoxification, and relaxing massages, mud therapy, hands and foot spas and facial masks.
Treatments
- Relaxing massages
- Body scrub
- Mud therapy
- Facial masks
- Hands and foot spa
From $80 for a full body massage
PRICES & AVAILABILITY
Estancia Don Joaquin is open year round. Arrive any time or join our exclusive dates. Solo riders welcome.
Rates start from US$210 a day sharing all inclusive.
BLACK SADDLE EXCLUSIVE DATES
12 - 18 January 2025 | The Gaucho Trail | US$2,900
20 - 26 January 2025 | Relaxed Estancia Stay | US$1,750
23 - 29 September 2025 | Relaxed Estancia Stay | US$1,750
Fill in an obligation free Rider Form to book and we will get back to you with availability.
HOW TO BOOK
If the ride is less than $2,000 the full balance will be due to secure your saddle, otherwise a 20% deposit is due with the balance due 90 days before the ride.
Cancellation Terms
More than 90 days in advance the full deposit is returned net of bank charges and a $250 cancellation fee per rider to cover our time spent organising your holiday.
90 - 61 days in advance the deposit or 20% of the full amount is forfeited.
60 – 0 days in advance 100% of the full amount is forfeited.
Esquina
You hosts live in a wildlife paradise, with capybara, birds of prey, cayman (similar to an alligator), flamingoes and even some very rare wild cats in the area. While the cowboy culture of the local gauchos is the main drawcard, you will be stunned to see so much wildlife during your stay here. We liken it to Botswana in feel.
Currency is the Argentinian Peso (ARG$). Banks in Argentina greatly limit daily withdrawals so bring USD$ in cash to convert in Buenos Aires. You can pay your tips in USD. Card are readily taken in Buenos Aires. If you need to withdraw cash Western Union can issue larger amounts than ATMs at a much better rate.
Weather + Climate
Esquina is flat, ranching land in a subtropical climate. Winter, from May to September, is actually perfect for riding with very little rain and temperatures of around 20°C.
January has an average maximum temperature of 33°C and is the warmest month of the year.
The coldest month is July with an average maximum temperature of 20°C.
April tops the wettest month list with 161 mm of rainfall.
July is the driest month but has the lowest temperatures. Still ideal for riding between 9 and 20 degrees.
Most rainfall is seen in April and October but it rains more on relatively few days, making it still a great time to go for a riding holiday.
RAINY DAYS
RAINFALL
TEMPERATURE
