December 28, 2024 - January 4, 2025
February 22 - March 1, 2025 (SOLD OUT)
Our eight day special combines comfort and adventure for the perfect riding holiday. Enjoy four nights at our ecolodge and a three night horse pack trip to a high alpine lake.
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.
Rate: $3780 all inclusive
For more information, or to book your spot, please write [email protected]
