Sample Itinerary in Argentina at Estancia Cortaderas

Sample Itinerary - 5 hunting days

10 hunts, 4 full days & 2 half days (5 nights)

Day 1

International flights from the U.S. arrive in the morning in Buenos Aires typically between 7:00 and 9:00 (depending on your carrier).  Your party will be met by an Estancia Cortaderas representative who will assist with gun clearance at customs (if traveling with guns) and then accompany you for a brief drive to the domestic airport.  If using private charter services, you will be taken to your terminal at the international airport directly following customs clearance.  Note: commercial domestic flights in Argentina do not depart from the "Ezeisa" international airport, making a trip across town to the domestic airport, "Aeroparque" necessary.  Your party will be accompanied by a rep. throughout this transfer.  The group will fly to the neighboring province of Entre Rios (roughly 45 min.) where Estancia vehicles will be waiting to drive you the remaining distance to the Estancia.  After being shown to your rooms and allowed time to get settled in, a three course lunch will be served allowing your host the opportunity to give you a brief orientation about your trip.  Following lunch, the group will be taken on their first hunt which is usually dove or perdiz.  For guests who would like to try fly fishing for our famous freshwater Dorado, boats and fishing guides will also be on hand.  A full afternoon of hunting/fishing will end with guests returning to the lodge where a warm fire will welcome them to our comfortable living room.  Local Argentine wines, a full bar, local music and an elaborate sampling of hors d'oeuvres will set the evening in motion.  Argentine custom dictates that dinner is eaten quite a bit later than Americans are typically used to, meaning extended cocktail hours are always likely!  Dinner will consist of a 3 course gourmet meal prepared by our staff of professional chefs and served on china and a linen tablecloth in our dining room.  Grass fed Argentine beef, local Malbec wine, a variety of game dishes and good company will make for a special end to a fun day.

Day 2

Long before the Estancia host gives you your wake-up call, your personal hunting assistants ("bird boys") will be hard at work preparing all the details of your hunt.  Based on the movements of birds in our baited areas, our scouts will have previously determined where your first duck hunt will take place.  After a hot breakfast make to order, you will be taken to the field where you will find everything ready in anticipation of your arrival.  Your hunting guides will take pleasure in accommodating your every need and will be sure to point out local waterfowl.  What is sure to be a memorable duck hunt will culminate in your return to the lodge where a warm fire, appetizer spread and inviting spa will assist your relaxation during the late morning hour.  Another gourmet meal will prepare you for the afternoon which will perhaps begin with a "siesta" before leaving for your dove or perdiz hunt.  Evening will once again begin with a return to the inviting Estancia lodge where all the amenities of a small luxury hotel will help you conclude your day on the right foot. 

Days 3-5

The subsequent 3 days will follow suit but the hunt schedule may be organized based on the specific interests of your group.  Duck hunts are generally always done in the morning while perdiz, dove & pigeon hunts may be done in either the morning or afternoon.  Dorado fly fishing may also be selected as an activity.  Many guests enjoy our in-field “asado” (bbq) which features whole tenderloins, sweetbreads, ribs, empanadas, dove brochettes, salads, fresh breads and hearty wine.  The tradition of cooking over an open fire in the countryside is as Argentine as you can get and is central to the rich folklore tradition of the local “gaucho”.

Day 6

Following the morning hunt, the group will be transported to the local airport in time for the flight to Buenos Aires.  If individuals or groups would like to see the city, we will be happy to assist with hotel accommodations and a tour package.

“Shooting Days”:  You shoot 1/2 day on arrival and departure days.  For example, four shooting days means you have three full days of shooting plus two half days.

Transfers

Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be met by an Estancia Cortaderas representative who will assist you with customs and gun clearance and all other arrival matters before taking you to your commercial connection or charter flight.  In the case of a commercial connection, you will be taken via ground transport to the “Aeroparque” domestic airport.  The ground transfer between the international airport and the domestic airport takes approximately 30 minutes.  Many clients prefer a private charter flight which leaves directly from the international airport, landing in the city of Parana.  If traveling on a commercial carrier, you will fly to the city of Santa Fe.  In the case of both the charter and commercial flight, flying time is approximately 45 minutes.  Once in either Parana or Santa Fe, you will be met and driven the remaining 45 minutes-1 hr. to the lodge.  For more information about all-inclusive pricing or charter flights, please contact the Trip Coordinator.

Buenos Aires

We recommend at least one day in the city on one end of your trip.  Buenos Aires is one of the most interesting cities in the world and it is well worth spending a few days exploring it.  With beautiful wide boulevards, elegant European architecture, excellent restaurants and lively nightlife that lasts until dawn, it’s no wonder it is often referred to as the “Paris of the South”.  The music and restaurant scene is among the best anywhere and we will gladly arrange a visit for a few days so you can get to know “BA” as it commonly called.  Forget your preconceptions about South American cities.  BA is clean, well designed for walking and as safe as any large city in the United States.  The hotels are well run and one of the best in the world, The Alvear Palace, is a favorite with our guests.  Located in the upscale Recoleta neighborhood near the city center, some of the best steakhouses in the world are just around the corner.

Hotels and sightseeing in Buenos Aires are not included in the standard trip price but the Trip Coordinator will be happy to take care of any tour arrangement you may need.