I completely agree with the tip submitted by my sister (hana11)for Calbagatas Ranch near Salta. I rode from the age of 7 to 16 but had minimal practice since, so at the age of 27 I decided it was time to get back in the saddle among the gauchos in Argentina (and drag my sister with me!)
Needless to say that our day of trekking did not disappoint and from the moment we were collected in a private car from our hostel we were treated like good friends of Enrique and his staff. We were lucky enough to be the only visitors to the ranch that day and so received breakfast with the staff before heading out for three hours of riding.
We meandered through stunning scenery past golden fields, deserted brooks and streams and tree lined lanes all surrounded by a backdrop of soaring mountains. Our guide treated us to stories of gaucho life in the mountains and highlighted elements of rural life as we rode. He was understanding of our varying levels of experience and when it came to galloping he was encouraging but not forceful, choosing safe areas and even galloping alongside where necessary!
We were treated as guests of honour at lunch among the staff and Enrique and his team insisted we eat more fantastic steak and drank more of their home made wine-so who were we to resist?! It did make the three-hour ride in the afternoon less enticing but the beautiful scenery and postcard sunset drove us on.
There were so many highlights to our trip in Argentina but our day at the Cabalgatas ranch is a strong contender for the top spot. Enrique and his team provide a genuine gaucho experience in a market where there are so many competitors of questionable authenticity. I am so glad I chose their ranch for my re-introduction to riding but on my next visit I will go for the overnight trek into the mountains and hopefully my sister will be a little less reluctant to join me!

www.english.saltacabalgatas.com.ar/index.html
+54 9 387 6836565
Chicoana - Salta / Argentina
Google map: bit.ly/uhLvxx

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