Very few ever get to the heart of these lands, and when they do, it is usually on horseback, as it lies beyond all roads.

There is a track into the place and even an airstrip, but most come on horseback as befits a graceful arrival into the deep peace which resounds at Ranquilco.

Estancia Ranquilco lies in the northern Patagonia, in the province of Neuquen, Argentina. The nearest towns are El Cholar and El Huecu and the nearest city is Zapala. Most of our visitors arrive via Zapala.

Entry to the Estancia:

In a nutshell, to get to Ranquilco you must first drive as close as possible to the ranch by car or 4×4 and then switch to horses and mules for the remainder of the journey.

There are three entry places you can switch to horseback:

Buta Mallin – a gaucho camp on our property, this drive requires a 4 x 4

Puesto Casares  – a family puesto ( rural home) near the road between El Huecu and El Cholar

Vilu Mallin – a group of puestos located off a government road outside of El Cholar

If a family member is available, we will be happy to bring you all the way to Buta Mallin in one of our trucks. Otherwise you can travel to Puesto Casares or Vilu Mallin in a taxi or rental car and we will meet you with horses and mules.

Travel via Buenos Aires and Zapala:

Zapala is a city in northern Neuquen Province in Argentina. While small, it is conveniently located on the main bus route between Buenos Aires and the lake district of San Martin de los Andes and Bariloche.

Therefore, most visitors take an overnight bus from the capital, Buenos Aires. It leaves at approximately 4pm and arrives the next day at approximately 8am. Don’t forget to pick up any personal supplies in Zapala (e.g. cigarettes, toiletries etc.)  Once in Estancia Ranquilco, the nearest town is a 5 hour ride away!

Travel via Neuquen to Zapala:

Some guests prefer to take a commercial flight from Buenos Aires into the provincial capital Neuquen. These flights are cheaper if they are booked in conjunction with an international flight to BA. From Neuquen take a taxi or a rental car to Puesto Casares via Zapala and El Huecu (approximately 5 hours).

Travel via San Martin de los Andes and Zapala:

From Buenos Aires, there are daily flights or an overnight bus to the delightful ski and beach town of San Martin de los Andes. From there, backtrack by bus or car to Zapala (approximately 4 hours).

Travel via Las Lajas and Chile:

The small town of Las Lajas is closer to Ranquilco than Zapala, but only has bus service if you are arriving from Temuco, Chile. Fly or take the train from Santiago to Temuco. From Temuco there is bus service over the Andes and into the little town of Las Lajas. From Las Lajas, a taxi can bring you to Puesto Casares.

Travel via Santiago to Puerto Montt to Bariloche to Zapala:

One very pleasurable way to organize your South American trip is to land in Santiago and take a bus south to Puerto Montt. From Puerto Montt, cross through the Andes on a boat and then take a bus to Bariloche, Argentina and on to Zapala.

Note on traveling from the United States:

The good news for guests flying from North America is that you don’t cross too many time zones, which means you will not suffer as much from jet lag. Most flights leave at night so you can sleep a little and prepare for the morning landing in Buenos Aires or Santiago.

Bus Transportation:

Argentine buses are very comfortable, with fully reclining seats, hot meals, videos and smooth efficient rides. Our favorite company is Via Bariloche, on the web at www.viabariloche.com.ar.

Contact us if you need help:

Please email us – we will be happy to help you plan your trip into the ranch and perhaps put you in touch with other Ranquilco guests who may be traveling at the same time.