PLANNED ITINERARIES
Seven Day Mountain Pack Trip: This seven day, six night trip combines a luxury horse riding holiday with a unique adventure vacation. Enjoy four nights at the beautiful lodge at Estancia Ranquilco and two nights camping at Cerro Negro, our summer grazing lands in the foothills of the Andes.
Ten Day Mountain Pack Trip: This ten day, nine night trip combines a luxury horse riding holiday with a long distance ride that takes you up to our border with Chile. Enjoy four nights at the beautiful lodge at Estancia Ranquilco and five nights camping on the shores of a pristine lake, on mountainside terraces, and on the edges of alpine meadows, in the foothills of the Andes.
“Our trek went deep into the Andes. Sometimes along tracks the width of a pencil above snow line and other times across lush plains with condors swirling above us. Camp would be a plain of grass large enough for the horses to feed overnight and with access to spring water, sometimes by a lake, other times sharing it with cattle and the odd puesto.” Mountain Trip Guest 2009
RESERVATIONS
E-mail TA at tac.ranquilco@gmail.com directly with questions or to reserve your trip.
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Learn about the accommodations available at the ranch: We offer a variety of lodging options for our horse riding tours, from luxury private cottages to simple adobe houses.
View our photo gallery.
“The views were indescribable. We kept climbing till we thought we could touch the clouds. The valley floor fell away and the path became lava rock…” Mountain trip guest, 2008
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Who is this trip for?
Previous guests have included a 72 year old retired navy man and a 14 year old new rider! This trip is for beginner or advanced horse enthusiasts who want challenging, adventure filled rides. It is for those riders who want to immerse themselves into the culture and landscape of Patagonia and the Andes.
“We recommend this experience to anyone who seeks the peace of the mountains, good food and good company. You don’t have to be an experienced rider to enjoy this experience. You only need a sense of adventure, a willingness to go with the flow and the ability to enjoy simplicity.” Darlene, Mountain trip guest, 2008
What’s included?
This is all all-inclusive vacation beginning when we pick you up in Zapala. Prices includes transportation to and from the city of Zapala and the ranch, your guides, transportation of luggage and food with mules, all meals and alcohol, tents & camping equipment, and personal horses. While at the Estancia, it includes day rides, accommodation in our luxury guest cottages, all meals and wine, and ranch activities. It does not include airfare to Argentina or transportation to and from Zapala from within Argentina.
“The first time I slept out I woke in the night and practically choked on the millions of stars pressing down on me. With the earth beneath me and the night sky above it was humbling and satisfying. It felt like the sand had finally settled. If you want the intoxication of being in the wilds and being at one with the horse, go with T.A on his 8 day trek.” Helen, UK, Mountain Trip guest 2009
I have a traveling companion who is a non rider?
The estancia has lots to offer. E-mail TA to ask about special rates and activities for partners, children and parents.
Is this trip difficult?
This trip is of moderate difficulty. The weather in the mountains is highly changeable, from warm sunny days to rain and hail and often strong winds. Although no previous horse experience is necessary, we would recommend spending at least a little bit of time on a horse before taking this trip. We’ll be traversing mountain trails that are sometimes narrow, steep, and rocky. Our horses are strong, sturdy, calm and surefooted, and are very familiar with these trails, but from a novice rider’s perspective, some of the places we’ll go might be daunting. Getting off and walking on these spots is always an option.
