Estancia Ranquilco is a family-owned 100,000 acre working ranch and vacation destination nestled in the Andean foothills of Northern Patagonia. A refuge in deep nature, guests from across the globe come to experience miles of unfenced horseback riding, world class fly fishing, and an opportunity to deeply reset away from the modern world. The ranch is remote and vast, stretching across leagues of high steppe, river valleys, meadows, and jagged cliffs into the heart of the Argentine cordillera. It is a place where cultures meet – where guests interact not only with the Estancia family, but also with local Argentines and a diverse group of international staff. The atmosphere is warm, authentic, and personal, making every guest feel welcomed and cared for as if with family. Vacations at Ranquilco are a unique combination of adventure, culture, and tranquility, blending Argentine ranch tradition with breathtaking landscapes, unbeatable riding, farm-to-table cuisine, and attentive, fun hospitality.

A lodge stay at Ranquilco is unstructured by design. Ride as much or as little as you like — on day trips through the canyon, out to the confluence, or deeper into the backcountry. Eat well, swim, fish, sweat in the sauna. At the end of the day, what's on offer is simple: good food, good people, good horses, and genuine adventure in one of the most remote corners of the Andes.

While it’s technically possible to reach the ranch in a rugged 4x4 vehicle, most guests come in our favorite way by far - on horseback.

The herd is primarily a mix of Criollo and Quarter Horse. The results are an ideal combination of traits for the estancia - surefooted, level-headed, athletic, and hardy - perfect partners for navigating our diverse terrain. Whether you're a seasoned rider or mounting up for the first time, we have a horse to suit your level. From gentle, steady mounts for children and beginners to lively, responsive horses for advanced riders, every guest is thoughtfully matched to ensure a safe and rewarding experience.

Guests are welcome to immerse themselves in the ranching lifestyle by caring for their own horse - catching it in the pasture, grooming, and saddling up each day. It’s a chance to connect deeply with your horse and with the rhythm of life at Ranquilco.

Riding Level: All Levels Welcome

Speed: Varies

Distance: Varies

Ride Time: Varies

Terrain: Varies

Tack: gaucho saddles

A lodge stay at Ranquilco is unstructured by design. Ride as much or as little as you like — on day trips through the canyon, out to the confluence, or deeper into the backcountry. Eat well, swim, fish, sweat in the sauna. At the end of the day, what's on offer is simple: good food, good people, good horses, and genuine adventure in one of the most remote corners of the Andes.

Ranquilco's pack trips take you even deeper into Patagonia's backcountry. Each journey begins and ends at the lodge — two nights before you ride out, two more on your return. In between: rugged terrain, river crossings, high mountain camps, and days measured by time in the saddle. These trips are within reach of riders of all experience levels, but come fit and ready — the terrain demands it. Led by experienced guides and supported by pack mules, our pack trips are the pinnacle of adventure.

The accommodations at Ranquilco are best described as rustic ranch elegance. They are handcrafted out of locally harvested stone and wood, and beautifully furnished with antiques. Each room is unique, spacious and has an ensuite bathroom. Perched above the Rio Trocoman, listen to the sounds of the river below as you drift off to sleep at night, and wake to gentle bird song.

The lodge accommodates up to twelve guests across five rooms, which means the group is always small and the experience is personal. Meals are communal, evenings are unhurried, and getting to know the community — staff, gauchos, and all — is, by most accounts, the best part.

At Ranquilco, most of what ends up on the table was grown or raised here. Organic vegetables from the garden, free-range eggs, homemade bread, ranch-raised meats. Ingredients are harvested daily and brought to the kitchen, and the menu follows accordingly.

Breakfast is unhurried: made-to-order eggs, granola, fresh bread or pastries, butter and jam, coffee and tea. Lunch might be a spread at the lodge or a picnic packed for the river. Dinners are more elaborate — roasts, empanadas, fresh pasta, always with vegetables from the garden and Argentine wine. The highlight is the asado: a whole goat or lamb roasted on the cross, shared with the gauchos and the wider Ranquilco community. Meals at the lodge are served family-style on the outdoor terrace overlooking the river valley. Guests are welcome to request something delivered to their room.

On pack trips, the same standard follows us into the backcountry. Fresh produce, ranch-raised meat, homemade bread and granola — all carefully packed and cooked over open fires. Eating well in the mountains is something we take seriously.

The central stretches of the Trocoman and Picunleo Rivers flow through the middle of the Estancia. Fortunately, the rivers are of the size that don’t permit rafting and thus remain peaceful. They sustain large trout populations and are world-renowned for fly-fishing.

Both rivers are filled with Pancora, a crawdad-type bottom-dweller and the main food source for the trout - making their flesh a bright red-orange color. The rivers are wonderfully fishable, with the trees and brush behaving themselves pretty well on the banks, and a ton of personality to the waters. We are happy to drop you by horse with a pack lunch to spend the day fishing your way back to the lodge.

There are numerous beautiful sandy beaches with deep swimming holes within walking distance of the lodge. Spend a perfect day swimming in the cool waters and relaxing on the banks.

Estancia Ranquilco is located in the remote and scenic northernmost province of Patagonia - Neuquén. The nearest small towns are El Cholar and El Huecu, and the nearest city is Zapala.

To get to Ranquilco one must first travel to the Neuquén province (fly from Buenos Aires or take the bus from San Martin de los Andes or Temuco, Chile), drive to the ranch outpost, then mount horses for the beautiful ride into the lodge.