WING SHOOTING: Argentina - Esquina

Estancia Don Joaquin opened its doors in 2008 and is the newest and most refined property in the area.  Located just 10 km outside the town of Esquina, it was started by Angeles Solante and her husband Diego.  Together with there 3 kids, they stood on the land where they wanted to build, drew the architectural plans out in the sand and began construction.

The lodge is made with reclaimed materials from Buenos Aires, such as old window frames, doors, antique tiles, door knobs, beds and furniture.  Just walking around the ranch one would think it was built 100 years ago.  Their original plans were to start a cattle operation but markets dictated they switch their focus to tourism.

With its 8 double rooms and private baths, we use Estancia Don Joaquin when we have groups larger than 8 people.  We are also inclined to use the ranch if our guests’ desired activities dictate we should be closer to town.

From the lodge guests can canoe on the delta, ride horses or go birding and even hunt on the property.  They have a second ranch located northwest of town that was started by Angeles’s grandmother.  This ancient ranch offers hiking, horseback riding in a remote setting.

They welcome our guests with warm hospitality, fine county cuisine and sophistication.

Hunting at Don Joaquin
On Estancia Don Joaquin there are multiple lagoons scattered on its 15,000 hectares. These are natural ponds that serve as watering holes for livestock and habitat for resident and migrating ducks. Apart from our 6,000 private acres in the Parana River Delta, the ranch also accesses the delta within a short drive from the lodge where we can set up blinds for duck hunting. Like Estancia La Pelada, Don Joaquin also has Perdiz inhabiting their ranch.  We can start walking right from the lodge and begin flushing perdiz in a matter of minutes.

Fishing at Don Joaquin
Fly Fishing for Dorado can be done on either the Corriente River or in the Paraná River delta.

Non-hunting activities
Non-hunting guests at Estancia Don Joaquin can enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, bird watching, horseback riding and hiking.  Nature lovers can navigate the Corriente River or the Parana River Delta via motor boat or canoe to observe some of the native animals such as capybara, water buffalo, black caiman, storks, and thousands of exotic birds. The lagoons on the ranch properties also are perfect habitat for wild animals.
Estancia Don Joaquin has a second ranch, called La Terresita, located about an hour from town in a very rural area called Las Malvinas.  The owners, Angie and Diego enjoy taking guests for daily or overnight visits to La Terresita for horseback riding, bird watching and hiking.  This remote ranch ends at the banks of the Corriente River where an asado can be enjoyed on the white sandy beaches.

Additional non-hunting options are lunch and a tour in the historic town of Esquina or spa services in the town of La Paz.  Guests are also welcome to lounge at the pool..