Plan Your Visit

Estancia Ranquilco is a remote, family-owned 100,000-acre property located in the foothills of the Andes of Northern Patagonia.  It is operated year-round as a horse and cattle ranch. During the southern hemisphere summers (December - April), Estancia Ranquilco hosts guests at its beautiful eco-lodge, attracting horse-lovers and wilderness-seekers to its landscape of sprawling grasslands, pristine river valleys, and dramatic geological formations.

To reserve a spot, we require a 30% deposit, payable by wire transfer, credit card (3% fee added), Zelle, or Venmo. Deposits are nonrefundable. Once your deposit is received, your booking is confirmed. The remaining balance is due two weeks before arrival.

Write to info@ranquilco.com to book.

No prior experience is required to stay at Ranquilco. We have horses for every ridership level, and we are skilled at matching riders to their mount. Our guides will provide riding instruction as needed. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, we’ll ensure you feel confident and safe.

Guests should have a basic level of fitness and stamina, as some rides and pack trips involve several hours in the saddle each day.

The most direct route is to fly to Buenos Aires (EZE), then fly to Neuquén (NQN). Our driver will meet you at the airport for the five-hour ride to the ranch outpost ($100 USD per person each way). From there, it’s a three-hour horseback ride to the lodge.

Other routes are possible — read more here.

We’ve created two detailed packing lists — one for lodge stays and one for pack trips. You can find both here.

Food is an integral part of the guest experience at Estancia Ranquilco. Whether at the lodge or on the trail, meals are always fresh, diverse, and delicious. They feature garden vegetables, ranch-raised meat and dairy, and bread baked daily. On pack trips, breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are hearty and satisfying, including sandwiches, stews, and roasted meats. Dietary needs or allergies can be accommodated — please email info@ranquilco.com.

Read more here.

Ranquilco’s rooms are handcrafted from stone and wood, each with a private bathroom and wood-fired hot shower. The lodge, Casa Grande, is the central gathering place for meals. On pack trips, guests stay in comfortable tents at our campsites.

Read more here.

Power at Ranquilco comes from a small hydroelectric system, providing enough electricity to light the lodge and run a few essential appliances. Argentina uses 220V (compared with 110V in the U.S.), but most electronics have built-in transformers that handle the conversion automatically. Be sure to bring a plug adapter for Argentine outlets.

Please avoid high-draw items such as hair dryers or any appliance that produces heat, as the system cannot support them.

We have Wi-Fi via Starlink near the lodge, but there is no regular phone service. A satellite phone is available for emergencies.

Though generally quite pleasant during the summer (December-March), the weather at Ranquilco can be unpredictable. Temperatures range from 60-85°F (15-30°C) in the days and can drop as low as 30°F (-1°C).  It is important to come prepared for strong, high-elevation sun, persistent Andean winds, spontaneous cloud cover, rain, and cold.

Check the weather here: AccuWeather

We do not provide fishing gear, so do bring your own if you plan to fish. All Patagonian rivers are fly-fishing only. Our stretch of the Trocoman River is best fished with wet flies, as the fish tend to hold in deeper pools and feed on pancora, a local crawdad. Large wooly buggers—especially olive green—work well. We recommend a 5 or 6 weight rod with a sinking line.

Fish will also rise for ants, grasshoppers, and small green willow worms. The smaller Picunleo River nearby offers excellent dry fly fishing.

Waders aren’t necessary—days are warm, and most fishing is done from shore or while wading no more than knee-deep.

We're happy to answer any questions about what to bring.

Tipping at Ranquilco is greatly appreciated, and cash is preferred. A tip of 5–10% of the total cost of your stay is standard. All tips are pooled and distributed among the staff.

We have room for up to 10 guests, based on double occupancy.

We host guests during the South American summer months - from December 15 to March 31. December is early summer - lush and green with generally cool days, and beginning to get hotter around Christmas. January and February are the middle of summer - the days stretch out and are typically quite warm. Temperatures begin to cool in March, with days becoming quite crisp toward the end of the month and leaves beginning to change colors. Shoulder season visits in November and April can occasionally be arranged. During the winter months of June - September, the lodge is largely inaccessible due to snowy passes and high rivers.

Yes — the maximum guest weight is 230 lbs (105 kg). This limit ensures a safe and comfortable experience for both our guests and our horses. Reach out if you have questions.

A visa is not required for entry into Argentina. When you arrive in the country you will be stamped with a 90 day tourist entry stamp.

The currency in Argentina is the Peso. You can exchange money at the airport, or at various exchange houses in Buenos Aires, especially in the city center. ATM's are fairly widely available in Argentina. In smaller towns, many restaurants and hotels don't take cards so it's good to have cash. Also in smaller towns ATM's are occasionally out of cash.

We attract a wide variety of interesting and adventurous travelers from all over the world who want to get off the beaten tourist track.  A love of horses and wild places is a common thread, and we find that the people who make the long journey, ride over the pass and finally cross the river to the arrive at the lodge are fun, engaging and a joy to be around.

Ranquilco is rustic, rugged, and remote—perfect for those seeking a true escape from the rush of modern life. While we offer comfortable accommodations and excellent food, we are not a 5-star hotel. Some modern conveniences are limited, but the spectacular landscape, activities, and community make it a rich and adventurous experience for those ready to disconnect and explore.