Patagonia Pack Trips
Ranquilco’s horse pack trips take guests deeper into Patagonia’s backcountry - far from roads, cell service, and modern distractions. Each journey includes four nights at our off-grid lodge: two before you ride out and two upon your return, and all promise rugged terrain, river crossings, high mountain camps, and the unforgettable experience of travel by horseback. Led by expert guides and supported by pack mules, our pack trips are the pinnacle of adventure.
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Alpine Lake Pack Trip & Lodge Stay
A popular 3 night horse pack trip to our high mountain lake camp. Begins and ends at our lodge.
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Gaucho Trail Pack Trip & Lodge Stay
This 5 night horse pack trip traverses a loop, following gaucho trails over diverse landscapes and several mountain passes. Begins and ends at our lodge.
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Women's Pack Trip & Lodge Stay
For the spirited women of the world! Join a small group of women for a powerful journey through Patagonia’s backcountry.
Alpine Lake Pack Trip & Lodge Stay
December 28, 2025 - January 4, 2026 (SOLD OUT)
January 23-30, 2026
This eight-day package combines comfort and adventure for the perfect riding holiday. Enjoy four nights at our lodge and a three night horse pack trip to a high alpine lake.
Rate: $3780USD
For more information, or to book your spot, please write info@ranquilco.com
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Day 1
Our driver will pick you up in the city of Neuquen to transport you and fellow trip mates the five hours to Ranquilco's cattle outpost. This is the end of the road for most vehicles, and guides will be there with horses at the ready. Saddle up for the three hour ride into the heart of the Estancia where the lodge is located.
Settle into your room then join us on the Casa Grande terrace for drinks, a welcoming dinner, and good company.
Day 2
After breakfast, head out on a guided day ride - an opportunity to practice trail riding and get better acquainted with your horse and tack. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the riverbank before returning to the lodge. Gather up to discuss mountain trip preparation, itinerary, safety and gear. Top it off with a delicious dinner and a restful night's sleep.
Day 3
Enjoy breakfast while guides pack the mules, then mount up and ride out!
Ride approximately six hours - out of the Trocoman River valley, across a high plateau, and down a steep and breathtaking trail, ending at our high mountain puesto camp in the Laguna Negra valley. The valley is home to a gorgeous alpine lake surrounded by jagged peaks, waterfalls, and hanging meadows.
The puesto camp has a few simple huts (where the gauchos live) and other basic backcountry amenities. It makes for a wonderful home base. Here we have a chance to spend time with the local gauchos that tend the herds of cattle, sheep, and goats in these beautiful summer grazing lands.
We'll set up camp and enjoy a meal around the fire. Sleep under the stars or cozy up in one of our tents.
Days 4 and 5
Spend two days exploring the valley by horse and foot, fishing, swimming, and lounging at the lake, and indulging in some reading and/or writing. In the evenings, hang out around the fire at the puesto and share stories with our friends and neighboring gauchos.
Day 6
We’ll make our way back down to Ranquilco, following a different trail that takes us along the edge of the Picunleo Valley, experiencing sweeping views up the Trocoman River to the Copahue Volcano. This evening we’ll be reunited with lodge comforts - cold beers, hot showers, and big beds. Savor a meal featuring fresh garden vegetables, ranch-raised meat, and Argentine wines.
Day 7
A full day to rest, relax, explore and enjoy. Swim and fish in the river, tour the grounds, or sit with a beverage on the terrace and read. An optional ride will be offered. In the evening, we'll invite the entire Ranquilco community for a festive traditional asado.
Day 8
Pack up and ride back to Buta Mallin to meet the drivers. Drive to Neuquen, arriving by 5:00 pm. From there, catch a flight back to Buenos Aires or elsewhere.
Gaucho Trail Pack Trip & Lodge Stay
January 10-19, 2026 (SOLD OUT)
This ten-day package features an extended five-night horse pack trip, following a scenic loop of gaucho trails through varied landscapes and over mountain passes. The journey begins and ends at our off-grid lodge.
Rate: $4860USD
For more information, or to book your spot, please write info@ranquilco.com
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Day 1
Our driver will pick you up in the city of Neuquen to transport you and fellow trip mates the five hours to Ranquilco's cattle outpost. This is the end of the road for most vehicles, and guides will be there with horses at the ready. Saddle up for the three hour ride into the heart of the Estancia where the lodge is located.
Settle into your room then join us on the Casa Grande terrace for drinks, a welcoming dinner, and good company.
Day 2
After breakfast, head out on a guided day ride - an opportunity to practice trail riding and get better acquainted with your horse and tack. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the riverbank before returning to the lodge. Gather up to discuss mountain trip preparation, itinerary, safety and gear. Top it off with a delicious dinner and a restful night's sleep.
Day 3
Enjoy breakfast while guides pack the mules, then mount up and ride out!
Ride approximately six hours - out of the Trocoman River valley, across a high plateau, and down a steep and breathtaking trail, ending at our high mountain puesto camp in the Laguna Negra valley. The valley is home to a gorgeous alpine lake surrounded by jagged peaks, waterfalls, and hanging meadows.
The puesto camp has a few simple huts (where the gauchos live) and other basic backcountry amenities. It makes for a wonderful home base. Here we have a chance to spend time with the local gauchos that tend the herds of cattle, sheep, and goats in these beautiful summer grazing lands.
We'll set up camp and enjoy a meal around the fire. Sleep under the stars or cozy up in one of our tents.
Days 4 and 5
Spend two days exploring the valley by horse and foot, fishing, swimming, and lounging at the lake, and indulging in some reading and/or writing. In the evenings, hang out around the fire at the puesto and share stories with our friends and neighboring gauchos.
Day 6
We’ll make our way back down to Ranquilco, following a different trail that takes us along the edge of the Picunleo Valley, experiencing sweeping views up the Trocoman River to the Copahue Volcano. This evening we’ll be reunited with lodge comforts - cold beers, hot showers, and big beds. Savor a meal featuring fresh garden vegetables, ranch-raised meat, and Argentine wines.
Day 7
A full day to rest, relax, explore and enjoy. Swim and fish in the river, tour the grounds, or sit with a beverage on the terrace and read. An optional ride will be offered. In the evening, we'll invite the entire Ranquilco community for a festive traditional asado.
Day 8
Pack up and ride back to Buta Mallin to meet the drivers. Drive to Neuquen, arriving by 5:00 pm. From there, catch a flight back to Buenos Aires or elsewhere.
Women’s Pack Trip & Lodge Stay
February 18-25, 2026
Back by popular demand! This unique eight-day package is for the spirited women of the world.
Rate: $3780USD
For more information, or to book your spot, please write info@ranquilco.com
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Day 1
Our driver will pick you up in the city of Neuquen to transport you and fellow trip mates the five hours to Ranquilco's cattle outpost. This is the end of the road for most vehicles, and guides will be there with horses at the ready. Saddle up for the three hour ride into the heart of the Estancia where the lodge is located.
Settle into your room then join us on the Casa Grande terrace for drinks, a welcoming dinner, and good company.
Day 2
After breakfast, head out on a guided ride - an opportunity to practice trail riding and get better acquainted with your horse and tack. Return to the lodge for lunch followed by siesta.
In the afternoon, join a walking tour of the property, highlighting Ranquilco’s off-grid homestead systems. Regroup on the Casa Grande terrace for a pack trip prep talk, during which participants and guides will have an opportunity to share what inspired them to embark on this unique expedition. Savor a delicious dinner and restful night’s sleep.
Day 3
Enjoy breakfast while guides pack the mules, then mount up and ride out!
Ride approximately six hours - out of the Trocoman River valley, across a high plateau, and down a steep and breathtaking trail, ending at our high mountain puesto camp in the Laguna Negra valley. The valley is home to a gorgeous alpine lake surrounded by jagged peaks, waterfalls, and hanging meadows.
The puesto camp has a few simple huts (where the gauchos live) and other basic backcountry amenities. It makes for a wonderful home base. Here we have a chance to spend time with the local gauchos that tend the herds of cattle, sheep, and goats in these beautiful summer grazing lands.
We'll set up camp and enjoy a meal around the fire. Sleep under the stars or cozy up in one of our tents.
Days 4 and 5
Spend two days exploring the valley by horse and foot, fishing, swimming, and lounging at the lake, and indulging in some reading and/or writing. In the evenings, hang out around the fire at the puesto and share stories with our friends and neighboring gauchos.
Day 6
We’ll make our way back down to Ranquilco, following a different trail that takes us along the edge of the Picunleo Valley, experiencing sweeping views up the Trocoman River to the Copahue Volcano. This evening we’ll be reunited with lodge comforts - cold beers, hot showers, and big beds. Savor a meal featuring fresh garden vegetables, ranch-raised meat, and Argentine wines.
Day 7
A day of rest and relaxation. Sleep in, eat a leisurely breakfast, and head to the river for a sauna and a swim. In the afternoon, following a fine patio lunch, gather together for a closing circle. This is a time to reflect upon some highlights of individual and shared experiences during the expedition. In the evening you’ll have a farewell party – a feast featuring a goat asado – attended by local gauchos and Ranquilco’s community of staff and family.
Day 8
Pack up and ride back to Buta Mallin to meet the drivers. Drive to Neuquen, arriving by 5:00 pm. From there, catch a flight back to Buenos Aires or elsewhere.
FAQ’s
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Experience riding horses is not necessary - our guides are very happy to support beginner riders. We have horses to accommodate a range of experience levels, and everyone will be paired with a horse to suit his or her ridership level. Our horses are bred for their level-headed demeanors and sure-footedness - they are perfectly adapted to the mountain trails of the Andes. More important than riding experience is the stamina to ride up to six hours a day and the desire to camp in a remote backcountry setting.
Read more here: Horses.
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Though generally quite pleasant during our open season (December 15 - March 31), mountain 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) in the nights. If joining us for a pack trip, it is essential to come prepared for strong, high-elevation sun, persistent Andean winds, spontaneous cloud cover, rain, and cold.
Check the weather here: AccuWeather.
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Yes, we camp in tents, which we provide. We use saddle pads a foam mats to sleep on. Bring your own warm sleeping bag or rent one from us.
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On mountain pack trips, we take pride in eating exceptionally well, preparing hearty, nourishing meals over open fires with fresh produce, and ranch raised meats. Meals in the backcountry are prepared with the same dedication to quality that define dining at the Ranquilco lodge.
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We can accommodate riders up to 220lbs (100kg).
