​Authentic travel is connected to culture and long held traditions, the benefits of this type of tourism trickling down into local communities. Set in a beautiful reserve at the top of the Córdoba Hills, this 6,500 acre ranch dating back to 1573 is located in the north of the country, a 6½-hour drive or 3½-hour flight from Buenos Aires. The experience at this fourth-generation, Anglo-Argentine family is more homestay than farmstay, and your hosts, the Beggs, have lived and worked on the property for more than a century, spanning four generations. An authentic introduction to the gaucho (Argentine cowboy) lifestyle, the ranch combines pleasure riding across the pampas with opportunities to rope and round up the 700-strong herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle. The weekly "gaucho games" and polo matches offer more in the way of adventure, but for pure exhilaration ride to "the top of the world, " the highest point on the property, and appreciate the spectacular views out over the Sierra Chicas. 

​Off ranch, the owners support several community projects including a nearby rural school, and they are also working with local authorities to re-introduce endangered wildlife to the Cordoba hills. Save 18 percent (465pp): Seven night stays during September (known to be one of the best months to travel to Córdoba) with Ranch Rider from £2,080pp (no single supplement) including accommodation, meals, drinks, ranch activities, use of ranch facilities, and taxes but excluding return flight. Full price £2,545pp.

Read more in Tripatini contributor Bea Villiers´ post 5 Fabulous, Once-in-a-Lifetime Horseback Riding Holidays on 4 Continents.