Sergio Castillo

At Ranquilco we priviledged to live among the gauchos of Patagonia, many of whom live and work on our ranch. In a way we are visitors in their lands and it is a privilege to witness the calm simplicity of their going, their competence and easy going natures – their abandon on the dance floor or wrestling a steer. We invite visitors to Ranquilco to spend as much time as possible with the gauchos who work our lands and cattle.

The gauchos here still dress and ride in much the same way as it was a few hundred years ago. The typical gaucho outfit includes a poncho, bombachas (loose fitting riding pants, tapered and buttoned at the ankle), belted with a faja (sash) or a fancy rastras (leather belt adorned with silverwork). Around the farm, or even to ride, you might see them wear alpargatas, which is a canvas shoe with a rope sole. Some of the gauchos wear berets, or cowboy hat made from wool felt, it’s style determined by the region of Argentina in which they live. They are also never without their facon, a long-bladed sharp knife worn in the back of their belt. When they ride, you might see them with a rebenque (whip) and a lasso made of plaited hide. 

We encourage all visitors to bring down with them at least some Spanish so that the energies of these people of the outdoors, these Earth denizens, can be enjoyed and honored.

Return to Estancia main page or read about how you can ride and work with the gauchos of Patagonia.