Although cowboys in one form or another can be found across South America, the Platonic ideal of the cowboy, in the form of the gaucho, reaches its apotheosis in Argentina. Courteous and restrained of manner, but bold and decisive in action, the gaucho is as synonymous with Argentina as the gentleman is with England. And in the steamy northern province of Corrientes, the land of legendary folk hero Gauchito Gil, the gaucho traditions are probably more alive than anywhere else in Argentina.
"Set among the wildlife-rich rivers, lagoons and open savannahs of the greater Ibera Wetlands, Estancia Don Joaquin is a simply spellbinding place to explore on horseback."
Here in Corrientes, without doubt the finest place to experience gaucho culture, is Estancia Don Joaquin. Set among the wildlife-rich rivers, lagoons and open savannahs of the greater Ibera Wetlands, Estancia Don Joaquin is a simply spellbinding place to explore on horseback. A few days spent here will immerse you in old-world charm, almost humbling hospitality and the deep passion of its owners, Diego and Annie, for conserving local gaucho traditions and the wildlife-rich surrounding landscapes. The estancia maintains around 70 lovingly tended and impeccably behaved Criollo and mixed-Criollo horses. No matter your age or experience, there’s a horse for you.
Accompanied by your gaucho guide, you can splash across vast lagoons and marvel at the birdlife (while keeping a weather eye out for caiman), feel the freedom of galloping across miles of open country or slowly follow old riverbank trails. Stopping for an asado lunch in the shade of an algarrobo tree, you’ll arrive, tired but elated, at a remote outstation to wine and dine beneath the stars, and be lulled by the haunting strum of a gaucho guitar around the campfire. If you want to get hands-on, you can learn how to herd cattle from the back of your horse, how to throw a lasso and how to care for newly-born calves, all the while trading stories and sharing the obligatory yerba mate.
Even if you don’t ride, there’s an abundance of exciting things to do, from 4×4 and boat safaris and casting a line for fighting dorado to cookery classes and enjoying a pampering poolside massage. There’s no doubt that a stay at Estancia Don Joaquin will not only acquaint you with a lifestyle that is fast vanishing elsewhere, but will also hand you the master key for decoding the soul of Argentina.
