For more dedicated equestrian explorers with intermediate or advanced riding skills, we also offer a 7-day horseback expedition. Please refer to this page: The Gaucho Trail Program.
There is no better way to understand life at Estancia Don Joaquin than from the saddle. Horseback riding at the estancia is available daily, tailored to each guest’s experience level and preferences. Rides take place directly on the surrounding land, in small groups and at your own pace, with local gauchos, experienced English-speaking guides and well-cared-for horses. Horse trails unfold across open grasslands, along the edges of lagoons, and through wetlands shaped by water and wide skies. Guests even have the opportunity to swim with the horses in the lagoons, cited as one of our most unique and memorable experiences.
We have over 150 Criollo and criollo-mix horses for you to choose from, allowing us to rotate them to ensure none are ever overworked and have enough time to rest naturally in the fields.
Within the estancia, a variety of rides are offered across very diverse landscapes. For example, the open plains, the woodland alongside the gauchos, the wetlands where you can swim with the horses, night rides, and many other routes where you can enjoy a rich variety of native flora and fauna. The rides cross wide open grasslands where horses and cattle graze freely; others venture into wilder, more humid areas where it is possible to observe birds, capybaras, and other species typical of Corrientes.
Pace will vary based on riding levels and terrains, but there are long, fast-paced canter paths for those who wish. At Estancia Don Joaquin we have horses suitable for everyone and we welcome you to ride regardless of your age, horse riding experience or skill level. Many guests ride for the first time here, guided patiently and attentively by our experienced gauchos and staff.
The Argentine Gaucho
Horse-related activities at our estancia go far beyond simple rides. Our local gauchos, who have been with us for many years, will share their knowledge and ancestral skills passed down from generation to generation.
Learn how to herd cattle on horseback, handle the lasso, care for newborn calves, and listen to stories of their experiences while sharing a round of mate.
The Correntino Gaucho, known as ‘El Mencho’, is recognized by his characteristic clothing: striped chaps, bombacha trousers, espadrilles, and a capybara-leather apron used to protect him while working with cattle and in the bush. When facing a challenge or a moment of bravery, he shouts the Sapucay, a traditional cry of the region that expresses strength and happiness. He naturally speaks both Spanish and Guaraní, and his horsemanship and rural skills are admired worldwide.
Criollo Style Riding
At Estancia Don Joaquín, we ride with Corrientes-style saddles, along with ‘recado de bastos’. These are traditional, simple, and functional saddles designed to provide great comfort for the rider and allow many hours on horseback in the countryside. They include a sheepskin cushion, which adds softness and extra comfort throughout the day.
The recado de bastos was the gaucho’s home on horseback. With it he worked, travelled, and even slept. The Corrientes-style saddle is a lighter, more practical version that developed in the Litoral region for long rides across wetlands and lagoons.
Our riding style is criollo, characteristic of Argentine tradition. Communication with the horse is carried out mainly by moving the reins while they rest on the horse’s neck, in a soft and subtle way — a system similar to Western riding, but with Argentine identity, designed to ride with one hand and in harmony with the horse.
Example Riding Program:
The following 7-day itinerary (all included in the rate) is a suggestion which can be modified according to your preferences (the minimum stay is 3 days). This program can also be adjusted by adding additional activities, such as Dorado fishing, spa treatments, and more.
Ejemplo >>
Day 1: Arrival at the estancia at 4:00 AM via the luxury overnight bus. Time to rest. Breakfast. Introduction to the Argentine riding style and riding techniques. Morning horseback ride across the plains. Lunch at the estancia. Siesta. Afternoon ride to the wetlands (esteros). Return at sunset. Outdoor Asado Dinner.
Day 2: Breakfast. Horseback ride accompanying the gauchos to observe—and if you wish, participate in—their daily work. You may help drive cattle toward the corral or head out into the fields to locate newborn calves that need to be marked. Lunch at the estancia. In the afternoon, return to the fields to enjoy a relaxed sunset ride. Wine and cheese tasting followed by dinner.
Day 3: After breakfast, it will be time to put on your swimsuit and, if you wish, swim with our horses in the lagoon. Lunch at the estancia. Relaxation time (during summer you may enjoy the swimming pool). Night Ride: On evenings when the moon or stars light the path, we ride out across the countryside, enjoying the sounds of the nocturnal wildlife and the vast Corrientes sky. Asado (BBQ) dinner. Cocktails and drinks around the fire.
Day 4: After breakfast, enjoy a nature safari on horseback through the native forest, where your guide will point out local flora and fauna. Outdoor lunch. La Vuelta Larga horseback ride. Opportunity to play Gaucho Polo here at the estancia. Cooking class to learn how to make empanadas and chipá. Dinner.
Day 5: Sunrise horseback ride. Breakfast. Herding horses with the gauchos. Lunch at the estancia. Optional visit to the town of Esquina, where you will find small shops selling leather goods and traditional Argentine handicrafts, or the option to continue riding. Dinner.
Day 6: After breakfast, prepare for a unique bird-watching experience on horseback. The combination of wetlands and native forest makes it home to countless species. Lunch at the estancia. Horseback ride with lots of galloping through the water of the lagoons. Time to practice gaucho skills such as lassoing and the traditional ring game (sortija). Dinner.
Day 7: After breakfast, enjoy the Carpincho Ride: capybaras are native mammals of South America. We will stop for lunch and enjoy an asado in the countryside, prepared by the gauchos. Afternoon tea at the estancia. By now you will be true gauchos, so today you will herd cattle on horseback from one part of the estancia to another and assist the gauchos in the corral. Dinner and drinks. Transfer to the bus station in Esquina for the overnight bus.
