12 Oct 2026 / What to Pack for a Horse Riding Holiday in Argentina: Estancia Don Joaquín Essentials
At Estancia Don Joaquín we want to ensure you feel comfortable, happy and relaxed throughout your stay with us. In order for you to arrive feeling prepared and ready for the horse riding holiday of a lifetime, we have put together an essential packing list for you.
Life at the estancia is casual, comfortable and practical. In this journal we have included all of the things you will need to organise and pack before you come, so you can fully enjoy our amazing horses, beautiful landscape and the authentic Argentine lifestyle of Estancia Don Joaquín.
Riding Clothes and Gear
First of all, here is everything we recommend bringing for you to bring to go riding at Estancia Don Joaquín:
- 2-3 pairs of comfortable riding trousers – jeans or breeches
- Riding boots or closed-toe boots with a small heel – ankle boots and half chaps work well
- Long-sleeved shirts that are lightweight – to keep you cool while protecting you from the sun
- A riding hat, wide brimmed hat or cap – see below for more information on wearing a riding hat
- A bandana or neck scarf – to protect your face and neck from the sun, dust and wind while riding
- Sunglasses
- Riding gloves (optional) – especially useful for longer rides and sun protection
- A small backpack or waist bag – to carry your phone or other small items such as sun cream
- A reusable water bottle
- Binoculars – we have an abundance of amazing Argentine bird and animal life here and binoculars are highly recommended to get a closer look!
- A camera – to capture the magic of the estancia
As mentioned, Estancia Don Joaquín is home to a wonderful variety of birds and wildlife. We have bird identification books and field guides available at the estancia, which you are welcome to use during your stay.
Swimming with the Horses
One of our most special seasonal experiences is swimming with the horses.
This activity is generally available from October through March, but it always depends on weather, water levels and overall safety conditions.
For the safety of both our guests and horses, swimming will only take place when conditions are suitable. Therefore, swimming with the horses cannot be guaranteed in advance, even during the summer season.
If you are visiting during these months, don’t forget your swimsuit!
Everyday Wear
Summer – October to April
The months of October to April in Argentina are generally warm, with cooler evenings and mornings early and later in the season and high heat in the middle of summer. We recommend lightweight, breathable clothing that you feel comfortable in.
We suggest bringing:
- Lightweight, long-sleeved linen or cotton shirts/t-shirts/vests
- Comfortable lightweight trousers
- Shorts
- Socks and underwear
- A Swimsuit – for the pool and for swimming with horses
- Flip-flops or sandals – for relaxing around the estancia
- A Sun hat
- A lightweight rain jacket – it can rain all year round in Corrientes
- A light sweater or fleece for cooler mornings and evenings
Winter – May to September
Winter days in Corrientes can be sunny and pleasant, but early mornings and evenings can be quite cold, particularly when riding.
We recommend dressing in layers and bringing:
- Long trousers
- Warm long-sleeved shirts
- Sweaters/fleeces
- A vest/gilet
- A warm jacket or windbreaker
- Warm socks
- Underwear
- Gloves
- A warm hat
- Trainers/shoes you are comfortable walking around in
- A scarf, bandana or neck warmer
Remember: you can always take off a layer whilst riding if you get too warm!
Each night at the estancia, we eat together in one of our beautiful dining rooms. Every meal is special as we share our stories from the day just gone, whilst enjoying the culinary delights prepared by our exceptional kitchen. Should you wish, guests are very welcome to bring smart casual outfit options to wear in the evenings of your stay.
Estancia Services
Don’t worry about needing anything washed during your stay, as we offer a laundry service at Estancia Don Joaquín. Simply place the clothes you would like washed inside a bag and leave it in the hall. Our team will collect it and your clean laundry will be returned to you the following day.
Laundry service: USD 15 per bag – to be paid to Ezekiel on the return of your laundry.
Boot Cleaning
We also offer a boot cleaning service at the estancia. Please do not use any towels to clean your boots. Simply let us know when they need cleaning, and we will gladly take care of them.
Pool Towels
Pool towels are available in the baskets in the hallway next to the mirror, between the two dining rooms. Please use these towels for the pool and keep the white towels provided in your room for bathroom use.
Room Cleaning
When leaving your room, we kindly ask that you leave it unlocked so our housekeeping staff can provide the daily cleaning service. Please rest assured that only authorized staff will enter your room for housekeeping purposes.
Hair Dryer
A shared hair dryer is available for all guests in the closet in the hallway leading to the dining room. After use, please return it to its place so that other guests can use it. If you prefer to bring your own hair dryer, please make sure it is compatible with Argentina’s 220 V / 50 Hz electricity.
Riding Helmets & Safety
Your safety is our priority at Estancia Don Joaquín and we always advise that you wear a riding helmet on all rides – regardless of your riding level or experience.
However, wearing a helmet is not compulsory for adult guests. Guests who do choose to ride without one will be required to sign a waiver acknowledging their decision.
We have adult riding helmets available to borrow at the estancia, but we recommend bringing your own riding helmet from home for the best fit and comfort.
Children must wear a riding helmet. If you have a child/children coming with you on your stay you will need to bring them their own properly fitted helmet, as we currently do not have children’s helmets available at the estancia.
Water & Hydration
The tap water at Estancia Don Joaquín is safe to drink, so you will always have easy access to drinking water throughout your stay.
When out on rides our horses do not wear saddle bags, but our wonderful gauchos can carry drinking water for you! Just ask and we will be happy to oblige!
Sun Protection
The sun in Argentina can be very strong due to a thinner ozone layer, meaning you will be exposed to high levels of UV – especially while riding and spending time outside and by the pool.
Please bring:
- High-protection sunscreen (SPF 50+).
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses
- A hat or cap
We recommend applying sunscreen before heading out and reapplying it throughout the day!
Mosquito Repellent
Mosquitos vary in numbers at the estancia, but we highly recommend bringing a strong mosquito repellent containing DEET.
Our preferred option is OFF! Extra Duración (25% DEET), which can easily be purchased in Buenos Aires at pharmacies and supermarkets before travelling to the estancia.
Personal Medication
If you take any regular or prescription medication, please bring enough for your entire trip, as some medicines or specific brands available in your home country may not be readily available in Argentina.
We also recommend bringing any personal medication you occasionally use, particularly if you rely on a specific product or brand.
Please keep essential medication in your carry-on luggage while travelling, rather than in checked baggage.
Travel & Horse Riding Insurance
Before travelling, please ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance for the entire duration of your trip.
It is important you make sure your policy specifically covers horse riding and equestrian activities, as some standard travel insurance policies may exclude them.
We also recommend coverage for:
- Medical assistance
- Accidents
- Emergency medical transportation
- Emergency medical evacuation
Allergies & Dietary Requirements
Please let us know before your arrival if you have any allergies.
If you have an allergy that requires specific medication — for example, an allergy to bees or insect stings — please bring your own prescribed medication or emergency treatment from home.
For severe or potentially life-threatening allergies, please make sure you bring all necessary medication and inform us clearly before arrival so that our team is fully aware.
Food Allergies & Special Diets
Please let us know in advance if you have:
- Any food allergies
- Any food intolerances
- Gluten intolerance
- Lactose intolerance
- Any other specific dietary restriction
Please also tell us if you are:
- Vegetarian
- Pescatarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Lactose-free
- Following another special diet
We are very happy to meet all of your medical and dietary needs and prepare a special menu for you! Advance notice simply allows our kitchen team to organise everything properly and safely before your arrival.
Toiletries
There is no need to bring shampoo or conditioner (unless you require your own personal brands) as both are provided in our guest rooms. Each room also has bars of soap for general use.
Clean hand and bath towels are provided for each day as part of our house keeping service. However, we recommend bringing your own flannel/washcloth for your face as these are not provided.
Cash, Cards & Shopping
Though many places accept card payments in Argentina, we cannot guarantee it in every shop or restaurant. Therefore we recommend travelling with both cash and a credit/debit card.
Cash can be particularly useful for:
- Gratuities
- Local handicrafts
- Souvenirs
- Laundry services
- Small purchases
We also have our own Estancia Shop, where you can find products, gifts and keepsakes from Estancia Don Joaquín.
As we are located in the countryside and access to ATMs is limited, we recommend organising any cash you may need before arriving at the estancia. Cash in USD and Euros can be easily and reliably converted into Argentinian Pesos at the airport.
Remember to leave a little space in your suitcase for something special you might purchase at the store in Esquina, or from our very own Estancia Don Joaquín shop!
Gratuities
A tip is always gratefully received at Estancia Don Joaquín.
Guests often ask us what an appropriate amount would be. As a general guideline, for a stay of approximately one week, we suggest around USD 200 per guest.
If you wish, you can leave your gratuity with us and we will distribute it among our estancia team, including our gauchos, guides, kitchen and housekeeping staff.
Your generosity is always greatly appreciated by our entire team.
Electricity & Plugs
Argentina uses 220 V / 50 Hz electricity.
Two types of plugs can be used at Estancia Don Joaquín:
- Type I: two flat pins set at an angle — the standard Argentine plug.
- Type C: European-style plug with two round pins.
We recommend international guests bring a universal travel adapter compatible with Type I and Type C sockets.
Please also check that any electrical appliances you bring from home are compatible with 220 V.
Wi-Fi & Remote Working
We have Starlink Wi-Fi at Estancia Don Joaquín, which provides a fast and reliable internet connection.
You can comfortably work remotely, make video calls, send emails and stay connected during your stay.
If you need to combine a few days of riding and relaxation with work, feel free to bring your laptop.
Travelling from Buenos Aires
The most convenient way to reach Estancia Don Joaquín from Buenos Aires is by overnight coach from Retiro Bus Terminal in Buenos Aires to Esquina, Corrientes.
Buenos Aires → Esquina
- Departure from Retiro: approximately 8:30 PM.
- Arrival in Esquina: approximately 4:00 AM.
Our team will be waiting for you at the Esquina Bus Terminal and will take you directly to the estancia, which is only about 10 minutes away.
Although you arrive early in the morning, your room will be ready upon arrival, so you can settle in and rest immediately.
Please Note: The bus does not stop until it reaches Esquina, so it is important that you buy any water and snacks that you may want for the journey before getting on board. There is also a toilet on board the bus, however it is always worth having tissue paper with you in case there is none available.
Esquina → Buenos Aires
- Departure from Esquina: approximately 10:45 PM.
- Arrival in Buenos Aires: approximately 7:00 AM the following morning.
On your departure day, you will enjoy the estancia’s activities and meals until the evening.
Our team will then take you to the Esquina Bus Terminal in time for your overnight coach.
If your bus tickets have been arranged through Estancia Don Joaquín, you will receive them approximately one month before your trip.
If you are spending a few days in Buenos Aires before or after your trip and would like recommendations on where to eat and drink, you can read our blog on Estancia Don Joaquín’s Buenos Aires favourites here!
One Last Tip
Making sure you enjoy your time in Argentina is the most important thing to us at Estancia Don Joaquín. We encourage you to pack clothing that you feel comfortable wearing around horses and riding through varied terrain such as wetlands (you might get splashed!). There is no need for any formal attire. Just bring what you are happiest wearing.
Don’t forget the essentials: your riding gear, SPF 50+ sunscreen, DEET mosquito repellent, personal medication, a reusable water bottle, and your swimsuit in summer!
And remember to leave that bit of extra space for a special something from our Estancia Shop!
We look forward to welcoming you to Estancia Don Joaquín and sharing your Argentinian horse riding adventure with you!