Polo Pampas & Patagonia

Jakotango

Patagonia & Argentine Polo Open 2024

Jakotango's Patagonia
& the pinnacle of polo...

Head to Argentina to experience the thrill and glamour of the Polo Open in Buenos Aires, then journey to the Andes to immerse yourself in Gaucho culture exploring this rugged mountainous region of Patagonia with a small group of likeminded travellers.

An Argentine adventure through the mountains accompanied by gauchos is something truly spectacular and combining this with the most exciting event of the sporting calendar makes this itinerary an unmissable foray into Argentinean culture.

The itinerary starts in Buenos Aires where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the city with plenty of opportunity to explore the city in between the games held at the annual Argentine Polo Open.

Venturing to Patagonia you will join your guide, Jakob Von Plessen or one of his trusted gauchos, to ride through the Argentine wilderness. You’ll stay at Estancia Tres Lagos, a privately owned estancia of 12,000 hectares bordering the Nahuel Huapi and Lanin National Park in an area known as The Lake District. Here you will witness all aspects of life on the property from cattle farming to red stag hunting, and stay in boutique log cabins – a cosy and picture-perfect refuge. Mounting your sturdy Creolle horse you’ll trek into the mountains to scale dizzying peaks and windswept passes, with a night of fly camping allowing you to soak up the stunning scenery and warm gaucho culture in the most authentic way possible.

Your Argentine adventure will be outfitted by the Jakotango team and gaucho-guides, all of whom bring age-old knowledge, horsemanship and good old fashioned charisma. Brought up on the land, all have spent their days between horses and cattle, learning the language of nature. Jakob has led and guided rides in the wildest and most unspoiled areas of our world and riding with Jakotango in his homeland is a true privilege.

Returning again to Buenos Aires you’ll catch the final games of the Argentine Polo Open as the tournament comes to a head and the passion and drama intensifies. In between games you’ll have time to try the many fabulous restaurants, shop for leatherware, browse the famous fleas markets, visit the theatre, dance in a tango hall or visit any number of other attractions – there is plenty to see and do in this cosmopolitan city.

11 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

DAY 1 | BUENOS AIRES | 2 NIGHTS

Welcome to Buenos Aires. Clear C&I before private transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure.

DAY 2 | BUENOS AIRES

Enjoy a morning City tour of Buenos Aires with a private guide (approx 4 hours). After lunch and a refresh, make your way to Palermo, the location of the Argentine Polo Open. Pending your dates enjoy and afternoon of world class polo. These games will be Preliminary matches (Dep 1) or Semi Finals (Dep 2). Evening at leisure.

DAY 3 | JAKOTANGO RIDE - ESTANCIA TRES LAGOS
NORTHERN PATAGONIA | BASE CAMP - 3 NIGHTS

Take a domestic flight to Bariloche in Northern Patagonia, followed by a scenic road transfer via Villa de Angostura to Lake Falkner. Commence the Jakotango riding adventure with a boat ride across the Lake to Estancia Tres Lagos. Meet your gaucho guides and trusty steeds, taking a leisurely ride up the valley to Estancia Tres Lagos & the Jakotango Base Camp. Settle into your cabin before enjoying an Argentine asado (BBQ) & siesta. Remainder of day & evening at leisure.

DAY 4 | ESTANCIA TRES LAGOS - BASE CAMP

Your guides will lead you off on a full day of ride, exploring the valley and mountains of Estancia Tres Lagos. En route you will stop for a picnic lunch & siesta. Return to the base camp for time to relax before dinner.

DAY 5 | ESTANCIA TRES LAGOS - BASE CAMP

Explore more of Estancia Tres Lagos on horseback returning to base camp for lunch & a siesta. Take a river swim and/or explore the surrounds on foot during an afternoon and evening at leisure.

DAY 6 | JAKOTANGO RIDE - FLY CAMP | 1 NIGHT

Today is a full day of riding moving from the base camp to your mountain fly camp, nestled in a protected mountain valley. Stop for lunch & a siesta en route. Camp fire dinner and sleep‐out (weather permitting).

DAY 7 | JAKOTANGO RIDE - FELIPE'S BARN | 1 NIGHT

Ride into the Traful Valley to Felipe’s house nestled in a forest by Lake Traful. Afternoon exploring Felipe’s farm and dinner in Felipe’s house.

DAY 8 | BUENOS AIRES | 3 NIGHTS

A relaxed morning before departing by boat across Lago Traful to the village of Traful, then onward travel to Buenos Aires. Evening at leisure.

DAY 9 | BUENOS AIRES

Morning to visit art galleries, markets, museums, restaurants and shops. Argentine Polo Open ‐ Semis (Dep 1) or Finals (Dep 2) in the afternoon.

DAY 10 | BUENOS AIRES

Argentine Polo Open ‐ Semi Finals (Dep 1 only) and time to explore Buenos Aires.

DAY 11 | END

Today marks the end of the itinerary. A morning at leisure before being transferred to the airport or continuing with your private arrangements.

Note: see the Key Facts Tab for more important information about this itinerary and the exclusive departures

Enquire Now

Jakotango
& Argentine Polo Open 2024

Jakotango 5 night ride : from USD $6,160 per person twin share
Jakotango land arrangements only - ex Buenos Aires

The Argentine Polo Open is the penultimate polo tournament in the world. This is your chance to live it up with the best of them in Buenos Aires. Combine this with the wilds of Patagonia by immersing yourself in Gaucho culture for an riding adventure like no other . This is a must “do before you die” holiday…

2024 Departures

Departure 1: 24 Nov – 29 Nov 2024 (preliminary games – Semi) 5 night ride

Departure 2: 01 Dec – 06 Dec 2024 (Argie Open – Semis & Finals) 5 night ride (SOLD OUT)

Departure 3: 08 Dec – 13 Dec 2024 (Argie Open – Finals) – 7 night ride

* Final of the Argentine Open is likely to be December 7th, 2024.

** Notes re the Dates of the Polo Open – the final dates are not set until mid 2024, however these dates are based around what usually occurs with the calendar. The itineraries are designed around the weekends to maximise your polo viewing and what is show above could change

Notes about each Departure & recommended Extensions:

Departure 1 & 2 irecommend 10 nights of accommodation. Five (5) in Buenos Aires (BsAs) staying at the Sofitel Hotel in Recoleta & Five (5) nights on the Jakotango Ride in Northern Patagonia. Each departure allows time in BsAs so you can enjoy the city and the Argentine Polo Open. Departure 3 occurs after the finals and is a 7 night programme.

Changes beyond our Control – The Jakotango Patagonian ride itinerary is subject to changes due to inclement weather & conditions beyond our control.

The Argentine Polo Open Dates are still to be confirmed for 2024 and are indicative of what usually occurs. Actual game dates are subject to change & delays due to wet weather or poor field conditions.

Inclusions

Horses and gaucho guides throughout when with Jakotango
Jakotango Ride in Patagonia – all inclusive of accommodation, meals, drinks, laundry, horses, treks, guides, boating and shared transfers ex airports
Private transfers required in Buenos Aires ex the airports & to the polo
Half day tour in Buenos Aires to get acquainted
Tips for Jakotango Staff

Exclusions

International and domestic flights to Bariloche with applicable takes
Buenos Aires and other accommodation
In Buenos Aires: Accommodation & optional Tango show and other touring
In Patagonia: fly fishing permits and fishing gear hire
Polo open tickets (for preliminaries, semis and finals)
Additional food and beverages other than specified
Accommodation upgrades
Any additional or optional excursions and/or transfers other than specified
Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Items and/or purchases of a personal nature
Gratuities and personal purchases
Any item not specified

Minimum – 4 riders (to confirm the departure)

Maximum – 8 riders per departure

Type of Horses: In Patagonia the horses are locally born and bred, predominantly the Argentine ‘criollo’ breed but some have Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred and even Percheron influence.

Non-Riders: We will take non-riders but this needs to be advised and catered for.

Helmets: Helmets are compulsory. Jakotango do not supply helmets. Please check that your insurance cover includes horse riding. Should there be an accident and you are not wearing a helmet, don’t expect there to be any insurance cover.

Length of Rides: 6-8 hours in the saddle. Picnic lunch carried in saddlebags on moving days, with lunch breaks of up to two hours. Some walking on foot may be necessary over very rough terrain.

Meals: Although Argentina is a carnivorous country, apart from the delicious argentine meat we serve a delicious variety of dishes. Even if this might not be the ideal place for vegetarians, we can cater for them if necessary.

Drinks: All alcohol and sodas inclusive. In Patagonia the Pisco Sour is always ranked as the favourite drink. Whisky, Gin, Vodka, wine and beers are always available. Other drinks could be added by request.

Luggage: No luggage limit but we suggest packing in one bag plus carryon luggage. A detailed clothing list will be provided on confirmation. On the fly camping night you will only travel with overnight gear and your bags will be ferried to the last night separately.

Medical and safety: A medical kit is on hand in camp and in the saddle. Except for one day in the Andes where we are out of contact from the rest of the world, every other place has easy access to medical support. Please advise us of any allergies.

Other activities: In Patagonia, fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout is an optional additional activity or can be done in place of riding. For this we would need previous notice since the licenses, rods and maybe a guide need to be organized. This will have an additional cost.

Power supplies: There is power everywhere except at the fly camp. Sometimes power comes from a generator so there might be a time limit. We do recommend taking spare batteries for cameras so you can always have on charge if required. For iphones, a battery pack is also recommend.

Gratuities: A tip of US$ 20 per person per day is recommended.

Accommodation in Buenos Aires: To round out your Argentinean experience, we recommend at least 2 nights prior to and after your ‘Jakotango Riding Safari’ staying at the Four Seasons, the Park Hyatt or Alvear Palace in Recoleta, Sagardi in San Telmo &/or Legado Mitico or Costa Petit in Palermo.

PLAY VIDEO

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

To experience the Gaucho culture in Argentina is an absolute treat, especially with Jakob von Plessen as your host - riding through breathtaking scenery and enjoying good company, good food and great Malbec - an unbeatable combination.

Julie McIntosh

"In 2017 a group of 9 went to the Argie Open and rode with Jakotango – to do this with my father & son - 3 generations, was quite amazing. I cannot recommend what you do more highly to anyone. We talk about it a lot, we look at the photos a lot & our group of 9, fathers & sons, are very grateful to have experienced it."

Glen Glimore - Captain of Australian Polo Team & Gaucho on Safari in 2017!

begin your journey now

Take advantage of our highly personalised advice, inspiration and experience

CALL 1300 130 218