Buenos Aires: Polo Match, Lesson & BBQ Day Trip

Summary

Argentinian countryside polo day with match lesson BBQ lunch

You’ll leave Buenos Aires behind for a day surrounded by horses and laughter—watching pro players in action, tasting empanadas and Argentinian wine under shady trees, learning polo basics from locals who make it look easy. Between bites of barbecue and your own wobbly swings on horseback, you’ll find yourself grinning more than you expected.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the soft thud of hooves on grass—way before I saw any horses. We’d just pulled up after leaving Buenos Aires behind (the city always feels louder when you come back, by the way). Our guide, Lucía, waved us over to a shaded table where trays of empanadas and glasses of Malbec were waiting. She laughed when I hesitated over my Spanish—“Don’t worry, everyone here mixes up ‘caballo’ and ‘cabello’ at least once.” The air smelled like fresh bread and something smoky drifting from the grill. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed so quickly.

Watching the polo match was honestly wild. I mean, thirty horses thundering past while players swung mallets like it was nothing—I kept losing track of the ball. Lucía explained the rules as we watched (I only half-followed), but mostly I just stared at the speed and how even the horses seemed to know exactly what to do. There was this moment during one chukka when everything went quiet except for hoofbeats and shouts in Spanish, then suddenly someone scored and everyone cheered. It’s hard not to get swept up in that energy.

Lunch was this proper asado—grilled meats piled high, salads tossed together last minute, more wine than I probably needed. Someone’s uncle (or maybe not?) kept offering seconds. Afterward a few people swam in the pool; I took a slow walk around instead, watching sunlight flicker through eucalyptus leaves. Then came our own polo lesson. They matched me with a very patient horse named Tango—who definitely knew more about polo than I did—and handed me a mallet (“taco,” which still makes me smile). My swing was… let’s say inconsistent. But our instructor cheered every attempt anyway.

I still think about that feeling: wind on my face, sunburn creeping up my neck, trying not to drop the mallet while everyone else laughed along with me—not at me, thankfully. On the drive back to Buenos Aires, Lucía asked if any of us would take up polo for real now. No promises—but there’s something about that day that sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Polo match, lesson, and BBQ day-trip

• Depart Buenos Aires hotel by minibus
• Admire countryside and learn about polo
• Arrive at polo center, enjoy empanadas and wine
• Listen to talk about polo horses and breeding
• Watch a live high-energy polo match
• Have Argentinian barbecue lunch with wine
• Relax by pool or take a countryside stroll
• Attend polo safety briefing and lesson
• Practice polo skills with expert instructor
• Play a mini polo game with novices
• Return to Buenos Aires hotel

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Buenos Aires?

The tour lasts roughly a full day including travel time—about 45 minutes each way from central Buenos Aires.

Is hotel pickup included in this Buenos Aires polo tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for centrally located accommodations.

Do I need experience to join the polo lesson?

No experience is needed—the lesson is suitable for all skill levels, even complete beginners.

What food is served during lunch?

A traditional Argentinian asado (barbecue) with grilled meats is served; vegetarian options are available if requested in advance.

Is swimming available during the day trip?

Yes, there’s an outdoor pool at the country club—bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to swim.

Are drinks included in the tour?

Yes, Argentinian wine and other drinks are included with lunch and snacks.

Can children or infants join this tour?

Yes; infants and small children can join and use prams or specialized seats as needed.

Is this Buenos Aires polo tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is fully wheelchair accessible including transportation options and facilities at the club.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Buenos Aires, entry to a countryside polo club where you’ll watch a live match played by professionals, enjoy regional empanadas with local wine on arrival, savor an Argentinian BBQ lunch (with vegetarian options), take part in a beginner-friendly polo lesson with all equipment provided by expert instructors—and there’s time set aside for swimming or strolling before heading back into town.