FAQs
Travel Documents from Argentina
What do I need to travel to Uruguay from Argentina?
You will need your Passport (remember: Uruguay is another country!); no additional visas are required.
How do I go from my hotel in BA to the port?
We don't have transfer services in Buenos Aires, so you will need to take a taxi but it's very easy to get to the port; it's just 15 minutes' drive from the most touristic places in BA (San Telmo, Palermo, Recoleta, Obelisco, Monserrat).
Horses, Guides and Groups
Have you got helmets?
Yes, helmets are available and non experienced riders should use them. Of course, they are free of charge.
Will a guide ride with me (or my group)?
Yes. All the horserides are lead by me and other very experienced, highly qualified local horseman (gaucho).
Is this the typical "nose to tail" walk for tourists?
Not at all. Our Criollo horses are very sweet but well trained also; however this ride is not recommended for people afraid of horses as we ride in open countryside and beach on gaucho saddles.
I'm a first time rider/beginner; what if I'm not so good controlling my horse?
Beginners are welcome however they could be on a lead rein for all or part of the ride at my discretion (I have many years as instructor). Of course, people can choose directly to be on a lead rein from the beginning of the ride if they don't feel comfortable... but 99% of the beginners don't need it!
What kind of horses and saddles do you use?
How big are your groups?
Our groups are never bigger than 8 people + the 2 guides.
Maybe I don't have the same experience of the rest of the group, what should I do?
That is not a problem because we are always 2 professional guides and one of us can stay with the beginners and the other one can gallop with the more experienced riders.
Do you mix different level riders?
Because we are always 2 guides, it is not a problem to have groups of riders with different levels. However we try our best to make same level groups when possible.
Do I need special clothes to ride?
Just wear good shoes (ankle boots if possible) and long trousers (jeans are OK; no shorts).
Is this activity recommended for children?
+ 7 yrs old children are allowed to participate in this activity but only with adults in charge. Obviously, I'm more strict about children riding level and some previous experience is recommended.
What is the difference between your horseriding and one at a Estancia or countryside without leaving Buenos Aires?
If you are not sure after reading my TripAdvisor reviews, here there are other good reasons to join my horse adventure:
Availability & Timetables
What are the available times?
Are you open anytime?
We are open all year except Sundays (it is a local tradition for gauchos to stay at home with the family or going to social events on Sundays) and some traditional public holidays in Uruguay (January, 1st and December, 25th).
What happens if it rains?
How long in advance can I book?
We accept bookings with a maximum of 3 months in advance.
What is the minimum time to book?
It is quite usual for us to receive enquiries the day before; it's OK but clients have to book the ferry tickets by their own because it's too late for us to do it.
Why do I need to fill in a booking form?
Your personal information is necessary to buy the ferry tickets and we need to know your riding level, age, height and weight to choose the right horses for you.
I'm calling you but nobody answers the phone!
If possible, please send me an email; it's easier and faster for me to reply and I will attach my "Prices and Conditions" document. Due to the rides and trips, maybe it's impossible for me to answer your phone call... I'm usually on a horse when working!
What is the normal booking procedure?
In general, after you send me an email or call me:
I want to book but I don't have a partner; what should I do?
I confirm my rides with a minimum of 2 or 3 riders plus me (according to the service).
We are two people but we would prefer not to share the ride; can we book a PRIVATE ride for 2?
Sure; for example, we had some honeymooners in the past and they wanted to have their special experience without other riders.
I don't speak good English; is it a problem?
No, it is not. I speak English and Afrikaans (native) but I can communicate in Spanish, German, Greek, Portuguese and Dutch. I always give the esential security advice before riding. I have had people from Russia, France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Czeck Republic, China, Pakistan, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico (among other non English speaking countries) and with a minimum English, we didn't have any problem.
Non rider people
I'm a non rider, could I join my partner who will ride?
About Colonia (Uruguay)
Where does the ride take place?
The city of Colonia del Sacramento is located just one hour by fast ferry from Buenos Aires, Argentina (50 km/30 m) or two hours by bus from Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay (180 km/112 m). Here you have a map. Our ranch is just 20 minutes' drive.
Can I join you from Buenos Aires (Argentina)?
Of course you can! In fact, a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento is a must recommended in every travel guide about Buenos Aires.
Can I join you from another part of Uruguay?
Absolutely. I often receive people from Montevideo, Punta del Este and other cities in Uruguay (even people who are already in Colonia).
Is it worth it to stay an overnight in Colonia?
Yes! If you can choose, I would recommend you to stay one night in Colonia so you could enjoy more relaxed the city. However, my activities are planned to perfectly fit into a 1 Day availability, so no worries if you only have one day to do this.
How do I get to Colonia from Buenos Aires?
It's very simple: there are 3 ferry companies that unite BA-Colonia and it's just a 1 hour trip. And the good news is that both ports are located in the city center:
Ferry tickets
Can you buy my ferry ticket?
Yes, but at least with 48hs in advance.
Can I buy my ferry tickets on my own?
Sure. You will need to do it personally, online or by phone in any of the three ferry companies: Buquebus, Seacat or Colonia Express.
What are the ferry companies that go to Colonia?
There are 3 companies departing from Puerto Madero (Madero Port) in Buenos Aires:
Cancellations
How do I cancel my activity? Will I be refunded?
For participants who cancel, money is only refundable without exception by written cancellation until 48 hours before the excursion.
I was late and I lost the ferry/I forgot my passport/I don't have my Airline stamp to cross the border... what can I do?
Sorry but in case of No Show or problems with your travel documents, no claims will be accepted.
Payments
What currency do you accept?
We accept US Dollars, Euros, Reals and Uruguayan Pesos.
Can I pay with Credit Card?
Yes, but Credit Cards are only accepted through PAYPAL, adding the 5.70% Paypal fee
Do I have to pay something in advance?
If you asked me to buy your ferry tickets you will need to pay in advance via PAYPAL the tickets IN FULL and 50% of the day price.
Can I get US dollars in Uruguay?
Yes, US Dollars are available from ATMs in Uruguay (not in Argentina).
Can I pay with Argentinian Pesos?
I prefer not to accept Argentinian Pesos.
About the lunch
What is the lunch menu?
Our bbq, apart from the best uruguayan meat (beef, pork, chicken and many local specialities), has an excellent section of fresh farm vegetables, rice, eggs and more, so vegetarians are welcome.
Where is the restaurant located?
The BBQ is located in the Historical Center of Colonia, so when we finish lunch we are ready to start the historical tour just there!
About the walking tour
Is the walking tour private?
Yes. Our official tour guide of Colonia is an uruguayan woman who speaks English and the walking tour is PRIVATE, only for Colonia Horseriding clients.
How long is the walking tour?
The Historical Center of Colonia is pretty small: around 5 x 6 blocks! However it was declared by UNESCO as "World Historical Heritage". Our historical tour takes an hour plus.
