The Gaucho Trail is a separate, optional add-on experience designed for guests seeking an immersive long-distance riding adventure. It consists of a 6-night / 7-day horseback journey, riding across open landscapes and staying overnight in traditional rural estancias along the way — simple, authentic, and deeply connected to gaucho culture. This experience offers an opportunity to observe local wildlife such as capybaras, caimans, the impressive array of local birds, and many more.
Note: To participate in this trek we recommend that you are in good physical condition and have an intermediate or advanced level of horseback riding skills. You will need to be comfortable with riding at all paces.
The first two days are spent at Estancia Don Joaquín, allowing riders to try different horses and become familiar with the riding style. Before setting off on the trail, each rider selects two horses to alternate during the three days of riding through the countryside, meaning a small group of spare horses will accompany the group along the route.
Each day, we prepare an exceptional lunch in the heart of nature, maintaining the same style and service found at Estancia Don Joaquín. In the middle of nowhere, you will enjoy an elegantly set table with tablecloths, a selection of beverages, and an authentic yet refined culinary experience.
Our team will take care of transporting your belongings and luggage in a support vehicle throughout the journey. Each evening when you arrive at your accommodation, your bags will already be waiting for you, allowing you to fully enjoy the ride without having to carry anything.
During the program, you will spend four days at Estancia Don Joaquín and three nights at different estancias. The estancias where you will stay are authentic and rustic, offering a different level of comfort from Estancia Don Joaquín while providing a genuine countryside experience. At the end of the trail, guests return to Estancia Don Joaquín, where they can choose new horses to continue riding for the remainder of their stay.
The Program:
Itinerary >>
Day 1: Arrival at the estancia. Breakfast and lunch on the property. Introduction to the Argentine Criollo riding style. During the day, you will try several horses to find the perfect match—each rider will have two horses for the journey; while one is being ridden, the other runs freely alongside the group.
Day 2: The ride begins northeast across vast open plains (total riding time: approx. 7–8 hours). Lunch is prepared by our gauchos and served at a carefully set table in the middle of the countryside, followed by a relaxing siesta. Along the way, you will pass through wetlands with opportunities to spot capybaras, marsh deer, and other local wildlife. Overnight at the first colonial estancia.
Day 3: Another full day of riding (approx. 5 hours), including galloping along white sandy beaches. Enjoy a riverside asado (BBQ) lunch at midday. Sunset ride along the beach with a special surprise. Overnight at the second colonial estancia.
Day 4: We begin the return journey to Estancia Don Joaquín, traversing the countryside with part of the herd running free and riding other horses along the way (approx. 7–8 hours). Midway, we stop for lunch and a rest before continuing the ride back to the estancia. Dinner awaits at Don Joaquín.
Day 5: Morning spent accompanying the gauchos in their daily cattle work. Three-course lunch at the estancia. Afternoon at leisure to relax. Argentine wine tasting before a delicious dinner.
Day 6: Ride along scenic trails around the estancia. Opportunity to swim with the horses in one of the property’s lagoons. Sunset by the river at the lodge. Lunch and dinner on the estancia
Day 7: Morning dedicated to cattle herding alongside the gauchos. Lunch and dinner at the estancia. Saddle your favorite horse or visit the town of Esquina to explore the local gaucho store. Optional Gaucho Polo session. Departure by bus or car.
Information >>
• Accommodation: 4 nights at Estancia Don Joaquín and 3 nights at authentic working ranches (estancias ganaderas).
• Group Size: Minimum 4 riders | Maximum 10 riders
• Rider Level: Intermediate to advanced. Riders should be comfortable at all gaits.
• Horses: Each rider will have 2 horses during the 3-day ride. At Estancia Don Joaquín, riders may select new horses.
• Guides & Support: 1–2 guides (always including 1 member of the Solanet family) and 4–5 gauchos.
• Daily Riding: Approximately 6–8 hours per day, covering 25–45 km daily.
• Children: Riders from 10 years and up are welcome under parental supervision.
Dates & Availibility >>
Below you will find the confirmed dates for the 2026-2028 season. Please visit our CONTACT page to investigate availibility for specific dates. Group sizes are intentionally limited to preserve the intimacy of the experience.
IMPORTANT: The dates listed here are exclusively for The Gaucho Trail. Stays at Estancia Don Joaquín are available year-round, with flexible dates and availability depending on the season. For private departures, tailor-made dates, or exclusive bookings, please contact us directly.
May
• 9 – 15 May
August 2026
• 24 – 30 Aug
September 2026
• 1 – 7 Sep
• 6 – 12 Sep
• 19 – 25 Sep
October 2026
• 19 – 25 Oct
November 2026
• 1 – 7 Nov (booked)
• 8 – 14 Nov
• 14 – 20 Nov (booked)
• 15 – 21 Nov(booked)
• 23 – 29 Nov
December 2026
• 1 – 7 Dec (booked)
January 2027
• 4 – 10 Jan
• 17 – 23 Jan(booked)
• 25 – 31 Jan
February 2027
• 1 – 7 Feb
• 9 – 15 Feb
• 22 – 28 Feb
March 2027
• 8 – 14 Mar
• 29 – 04 Abr
April 2027
• 11 – 17 Apr
• 24 – 30 Apr
May 2027
• 1 – 7 May
• 15 – 21 May
• 26 May – 1 Jun
June 2027
• 3 – 9 Jun
August 2027
• 21 – 27 Aug
September 2027
• 1 – 7 Sep
• 12 – 18 Sep
• 26 Sep – 2 Oct
October 2027
• 3 – 9 Oct
• 17 – 23 Oct
• 25 – 31 Oct
November 2027
• 3 – 9 Nov
• 14 – 20 Nov
• 23 – 29 Nov
December 2027
• 5 – 11 Dec
• 14 – 20 Dec
January 2028
• 8 – 14 Jan
• 15 – 21 Jan
• 25 – 31 Jan
February 2028
• 1 – 7 Feb
• 9 – 15 Feb
• 22 – 28 Feb
