About the Ranch

Family owned & operated since 1978

Estancia Ranquilco is a family-owned, 100,000 acre horse and cattle ranch nestled deep in the wild heart of Northern Patagonia. But Ranquilco is more than just a ranch - it is a refuge in deep nature where guests come from around the world to experience miles of unfenced horseback riding and world class fly fishing. Vacations at Ranquilco are a unique and magical combination of fun, adventure and tranquility, blending authentic Argentine ranch culture with high-quality and familial service, ruggedly beautiful landscape, off-the-grid living, and topnotch riding adventures.

Our eco-lodge is dedicated to minimizing our impact through practices in self-sufficiency. We grow much of our own food in our large organic garden and raise our own grass-fed meats. Our electricity is produced onsite by hydroturbines, hot water is generated by fire, and most of our transportation is via horse. Ranquilco is a living example of large-scale ranch-style homesteading.

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.

“If you were only able to make one trip in the rest of your life, then i suggest ranquilco should be it.”

- Tripadvisor

“Our last evening was spent on our balcony where the Estancia had laid out a feast of trout from the river, vegetables from the garden, and sumptuous Argentine wine - served on silver and crystal and prepared with lots of love.”

“Riding for hours in the hills, swimming in the cold river water, picnics under the poplar trees and fishing - the days passed in simple pleasures that evade us in our fast moving suburban lives.”

“This place is totally unique - huge and utterly beautiful landscapes, well trained horses and interesting, gentle people make this place so special. Cut off from the world, Ranquilco exists in its own time without distractions of modern life. I loved every minute of my week on the ranch and was cared for by lovely staff, volunteers and the generous-spirited owners.”

Silhouette of mountain range with multiple peaks section divider

Horses

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.

Our 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.

Rivers

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.

Farm-to-Table Cuisine

At Estancia Ranquilco, our farm-to-table cuisine is a reflection of our values - quality, sustainability, and a deep connection to the land. We produce much of our own food right here on the estancia, including organic vegetables, free-range eggs, and pasture-raised meats, ensuring every meal is fresh, delicious, and nourishing. Every day, ingredients are harvested from the garden and brought directly to the kitchen where they’re thoughtfully prepared into exquisite meals by our chefs. From homemade breads to garden-grown salads to ranch-raised meats, our cuisine reflects the rhythms of the seasons and the rich bounty of Patagonia.

More About Our Food

Off-Grid Living

Being completely off-grid, we rely on ingenuity, resourcefulness, and hard work to support life at Estancia Ranquilco. Our electricity is generated by small hydro turbines powered by mountain streams, providing clean, renewable energy to the estancia. Wood-fired boilers heat our showers, and we mill lumber on-site from trees we planted in our early days to construct and maintain our buildings. In the blacksmith shop, we forge tools, knives, and hardware, often repurposing old horseshoes into hooks, hinges, and other useful items. Empty wine bottles are cut and polished into durable drinking glasses, giving new life to what others might discard. Nothing goes to waste if it can serve a purpose. Off-grid living at Ranquilco is not just about sustainability—it’s about the satisfaction of doing things by hand, from the ground up.