Plan Your Visit

A remote, family-owned 100,000-acre ranch in the foothills of the Andes of Northern Patagonia, operated year-round as a horse and cattle operation. During the southern hemisphere summer — December through mid-March — we host guests at the lodge, attracting riders and wilderness-seekers from around the world. The lodge accommodates up to 12 guests at a time, and pack trips are capped smaller by design.

Ranquilco is rustic, rugged, and remote. The accommodations are comfortable and the food is excellent, but this is not a luxury resort — it's a working ranch at the end of a long road with no cell service and wood-fired hot water. People come from all over the world — different ages, backgrounds, and levels of riding experience. A love of horses and wild places is a common thread. The ones who make the long journey, ride over the pass, and cross the river to arrive at the lodge tend to be exactly the kind of people we want to spend a week with.

Yes — families with children are welcome and well-suited to lodge stays. Kids take to ranch life quickly, and there's no shortage of things to keep them busy: the river, dirt and sticks, and the run of the property with a veritable village of loving adults. Pack trips are not appropriate for young children — the days involve many hours of technical riding in remote backcountry terrain.

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 ($150 USD per person each way). From there, it’s a three-hour horseback ride to the lodge.

Other routes are possible — read more here.

No prior riding experience is required. We have horses for every level and guides who provide instruction as needed. More important than experience is a basic level of fitness and stamina — some rides and pack trips involve several hours in the saddle each day.

Yes — the maximum guest weight is 220 lbs (100 kg). This limit ensures a safe and comfortable experience for both our guests and our horses.

We host guests December through March — the South American summer. December is lush and green, January and February are the warmest months, and March brings cooler days and changing colors. Shoulder season visits in November and April can occasionally be arranged. View our Season Calendar for available dates.

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 six weeks before arrival.

Write to info@ranquilco.com to book.

The 30% deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel more than two months before arrival, the deposit may be credited toward a future trip, minus a 15% rebooking fee (one date change per booking). If you cancel between two months and six weeks before arrival, the deposit is forfeited. If you cancel less than six weeks before arrival or do not show, 100% of the total trip cost is forfeited. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance — see below.

Yes — comprehensive travel insurance is required for all guests, and as of July 2025 it is also mandatory for entry into Argentina. Your policy must cover horseback riding activities, emergency medical care, hospitalization, medical evacuation, and repatriation. Given Ranquilco's remote location — several hours from the nearest medical facility — we strongly recommend robust evacuation coverage. Coverage for trip cancellation and interruption is also advised.

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.

Food is central to the experience at Ranquilco. Whether at the lodge or on the trail, meals are built around what the ranch grows and raises — garden vegetables, ranch-raised meat, bread baked daily. On pack trips, expect hearty breakfasts, packed lunches, and dinners cooked over an open fire. Dietary needs and allergies can be accommodated — write to info@ranquilco.com. Read more here.

Ranquilco runs on a small hydroelectric system — enough to light the lodge and run essential appliances. Argentina uses 220V, but most modern electronics handle the conversion automatically. Bring a plug adapter for Argentine outlets, and leave hair dryers and heat-producing appliances at home.

Wi-Fi is available via Starlink near the lodge. There is no cell service. A satellite phone is available for emergencies.

Summer weather at Ranquilco is generally sunny, but can be unpredictable. Days range from 60–85°F (15–30°C) and nights can drop to 30°F (-1°C). Come prepared for strong sun, persistent wind, rain, and cold — sometimes all in the same day. Check current conditions at AccuWeather.

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

We do not provide fishing gear, so 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.

Write info@ranquilco.com if you have more questions.

Yes, laundry service is available.

The currency in Argentina is the Peso. Credit cards are widely accepted and offer a fair exchange rate. That said, bring some US dollars in cash — crisp, unmarked $100 bills — to exchange for pesos on arrival. You'll want pesos on hand for taxis, tips, and small shops. Avoid ATMs if possible; fees are high and limits are low. For current rates and practical advice, Sol Salute's money guide is a good resource.

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.

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.