Argentina produces many of the world's best polo players, and a day at a polo club is one of the country's most distinctive experiences. This day trip, rated 5.0 from more than four hundred and sixty reviews on its listing page, takes about nine hours from a 10:00 start, with a minivan collecting you from your hotel and returning you at the end. The club is outside the city, and one reviewer describes a drive of around an hour and a half, so expect a full day. According to the booking page, the day begins with a snack of wine and empanadas and talks about polo and its players. You then watch a live match of four chukkas played by professionals, followed by an asado lunch, with fish and vegetarian dishes available on request. After lunch you can walk the grounds or use the pool, and then comes the lesson: a safety briefing, a horse chosen to suit your skill level, instruction from a professional and a mini-match with your classmates. The package includes the BBQ lunch and drinks, the lesson, the use of equipment and riding boots, the match, gratuities and the admission ticket.
Who it suits
Groups, families and couples who want a full day in the countryside with a hands-on activity. There is no minimum age, and the booking page says it is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with discounted rates for children, although it is not recommended for travellers with back problems, heart conditions or other serious medical problems or for pregnant women. Complete riding experience is not required, because horses are matched to ability, but you should be willing to get on a horse and listen to instruction.
What to bring
Sunscreen, a hat and sensible shoes, and a swimsuit and towel if you want to use the pool, as advises. Weather can be hot in summer and cold in winter, so dress in layers. The group is capped at thirty-five travellers, so it is a social, lively day rather than a private one. The booking page shows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, though it is typically booked weeks ahead.
Alternatives
Other polo experiences are available that are shorter or more focused on lessons, and the asado at a polo club is a satisfying counterpart to the restaurant steak you will eat in the city. If you want a countryside day with gauchos rather than polo, the San Antonio de Areco day trip is the natural alternative. If your time is limited, choose between the two based on whether you would rather ride, watch a match, or enjoy folklore and traditional farm life.
Polo may seem exclusive, but the sport has deep roots in Argentina, where it grew from the estancias and the gaucho horse culture, and this day offers a relaxed introduction rather than a formal club experience. Expect a friendly, informal atmosphere, plenty of food and a lot of laughter during the mini-match, and expect to be pleasantly tired and a little sunburned when you return to the city.
What to expect
The experience
A day trip to a polo club with hotel pickup: a snack, a professional match of four chukkas, an asado lunch, then a polo lesson and mini-match.
Best time
Any day with decent weather. The booking page gives no seasonal dates; book weeks ahead, as it is popular.
How long
About 9 hours, starting at 10:00.
Tips
Bring sunscreen, a hat and a swimsuit if you want the pool. Mention dietary needs when booking.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and groups who want a full countryside day with a polo lesson.
- Families
- There is no minimum age and children have discounted rates; confirm lesson rules with the operator.
- Couples
- A memorable day out that ends with a shared mini-match.
- Pair with
- A relaxed city dinner or a tango show the next evening.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Do I need riding experience?+
No. Horses are matched to your skill level, and a safety briefing comes first.
What is included?+
Hotel pickup and drop-off, snack, BBQ lunch and drinks, the lesson, equipment and boots, the match, gratuities and admission.
How far is the club?+
One reviewer mentions about an hour and a half by road; does not give the address.
Are there vegetarian options?+
Yes, fish and vegetarian dishes are available if you request them.
What is the cancellation policy?+
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, according to the booking page.
