Ranquilco moves much of its livestock at the onset of winter (May-June) to the winter lands known as Estancia Colipilli/Ranquilon. These lands are out to the east of El Huecu, further from the cordillera mountains and their winter load of fresh snow. These are lands which are more rolling, with lesser mountains and large valleys where the animals find grass and shelter from winter winds.
There are 36,000 acres at Colipilli/Ranquilon with many good riding destinations; little streams and high mountain pastures as well as quests such as fossil hunting, wild guanaco viewing and a visit to the neighboring Mapuche Indian community.
There is a comfortable three bedroom, two bath house at Colipilli with a fireplace in the living room as well as a wood fired heater in the kitchen and one bedroom. Water for the showers is also heated by wood. The house is located in the “casco” (HQ) where the gauchos live and near to the barns and corrals. These lands are available year round for both riding/escape clients and volunteers. Riders and hikers can enjoy the valley system which is five miles long as well as exploring the surrounding hills and mountains. Camping trips are also available to reach the further extents of the estancia. Volunteers are invited to join the gauchos in fencing and patrol tasks in the summer and gathering the weanlings and feeding them throughout the winter. In this sense, the winter lands offer an experience which is a bit more gaucho immersed than at Ranquilco proper.
Winter weather (mid May through mid August) can get extreme from time to time – temperatures in the twenties (F) with some rains or snows, but there are plenty of sunny days also, and it is a dry cold. Winds, too, can pick up and blow your hat off.
We can offer discounts from the Ranquilco pricing for stays at Colipilli/Ranquilon depending on the specific missions – come on ahead with questions and proposals. We are interested in facilitating families or sabbatical opportunities for longer stays and the winter lands can serve in this capacity as well.
