Why We Like This Lodge

  • The lodge is set in the midst of a private 20,000-hectare estancia, offering guests endless potential to roam this secluded part of Lanín National Park
  • Best explored on horseback, you'll get some serious Patagonian horse riding experience through varied terrains
  • Fly fishing is another key highlight, with world-class fishing in the local rivers and private guides to accompany you
  • Family owned and operated since 1908, the lodge is incredibly homely – in both the authentic atmosphere and the traditional design
  • Choose itineraries which include nights both in the lodge and camping out on the vast grounds of the estancia, for even more adventure

Excursions

Offering some of Northern Patagonia's ultimate horse riding and fly fishing experiences, the excursions are held in very high regard here. As well as these organised activities, exploring the estancia by foot you'll encounter the beauty and diversity of the area; sweeping views, rivers, lakes and a huge variety of virgin forests. 

Horse Riding

Experience the wild vastness of Northern Patagonia on horseback, partnering with your horse at the start of your stay ready to explore different areas of the 20,000-hectare estancia each day. Ride across arid plains and through canyons and valleys, reach mountaintops with panoramic views, navigate through fascinating Monkey Puzzle tree forests, and relax creek-side with picnic lunches. You can even play polo on one of the polo fields! 

Expect interesting, challenging rides and dramatic changes in the terrain and scenery, as well as views of the Lanín Volcano, towering it's neighbours at 3,728m. You'll head out onto trails with one of the owner's of the estancia as well as a group of local gauchos (cowboys). For added adventure you might want to organise a few nights of overnight camping, which will allow you to explore even greater distances.

Caballadas Lodge

Fly Fishing

Numerous rivers with world-class fishing are in the vicinity of the estancia, in addition to several creeks and a lake. The property plays host to one of the most exclusive fly-fishing rivers in Patagonia, the Quillen, famous among dry fly fanatics. A good population of trout can be found here, with abundant browns and rainbows actively feeding and rising through most of the season.

You can choose an itinerary which will take you between different highlights in the area over either five or eight days, or tailor your itinerary by planning a few days to explore with a private guide. Costs associated are USD $380 per day for a private guide (based on a group of two), USD $70 per day equipment hire per person, and USD $150 per day river entrance per person.

Caballadas Lodge
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Swoop says

The estancia has around 60 horses and encourages guests to come a day early so they can choose their horse themselves or at least have the opportunity to saddle up their own horse.

About Caballadas Lodge

Location

The estancia is set within the northern section of Lanín National Park, in the most secluded area of the Patagonia Lake District. Not only does the location afford some of the most breathtaking views of the region, but you'll also feel as if you have the place entirely to yourself – because you do!

To reach the estancia from Buenos Aires (international flights) in Argentina, the closet domestic airports are San Martin de los Andes (2 hours drive from the estancia), Neuquen (4 hours), or Bariloche (5 hours). Daily flights to each of these airports are operated by Aerolineas Argentinas and LAN Argentina. Transfers from your arrival airport to Caballadas can be arranged for an additional fee, or another option might be to rent a 4WD car or truck.

Caballadas Lodge

Cuisine

With a belief in the importance of food to any travel experience, the hosts are eager to ensure that each meal is exceptional whether you're camping or dining at the lodge. You'll enjoy four meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as an aperitif each night before dinner, during which time you'll also brief with your guide about the plans for the next day. 

Breakfasts are typically served continental style, lunches range from picnics to asados (barbecues) or al disco (a pan dish cooked over an open fire), and dinners involve traditional dishes that the family has been cooking for over a century. Both lunches and dinners are accompanied by a selection of the region's wines.

Caballadas Lodge

Sustainability

Sustainable practices are employed in the daily operations of the lodge, from recycling to a 'leave nothing but your footprints' policy while exploring. There is also a big emphasis on social sustainability. From early in the estancia’s history the family and staff have worked alongside the surrounding communities and sought to give back.

Some 70 years ago, a volunteer organisation was established by the daughters of the founder to provide clothing and household goods to the local community. A strong relationship with a local school has also grown, whereby the estancia invites locals to participate in agricultural educational opportunities. The gauchos which work on the estancia all live nearby, and handicrafts are purchased from local artisans, including tack for the horses, and woven rugs and bedding.

Caballadas Lodge
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Sally says

Caballadas manages to house its guests with a sophisticated simplicity which is hard to find anywhere else. The food is wholesome, tasty and homemade, the view is intoxicating and the hospitality is genuine. If you are looking for an exclusive, private experience that is still truly Patagonian, then this home will not disappoint.

Sally Dodge Patagonia Specialist

The Lodge & Rooms

The Valley Lodge is based in the heart of the estancia, set on a hill with breathtaking views of the entire valley. It is a traditional family house made of native oak wood and stone, typical of the region. Up to 12 people can be accommodated across the 8 bedrooms and 5 shared bathrooms, and there is a large communal living room with a fireplace, dining room, and playroom for the children.

Rooms are spacious and warm, with impressive views much like the rest of the house. Family run service is provided to guests; home cooked meals are served four times a day, featuring a variety of local dishes and accompanied by a selection of Argentina's premium wines. The lodge is fully equipped and telephone, limited internet and laundry services are available. 

Caballadas Lodge

Dates & Rates

Caballadas is open to guests from November to mid-November and March to mid-April. A four night stay in double room accommodation costs USD $4,800 per person based on a group of two, inclusive of all activities and meals. The larger the group, the lower the rate per person. For solo travellers, a single supplement of USD $150 applies. 

Trips can be arranged for a date that suits you within the availability period, for a minimum stay of four nights.

Ready to plan your Patagonia adventure?

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We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

2
Match

Match

Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

3
Reserve

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We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.

Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.

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Patagonia is a vast and varied region, with a wealth of things to see and do, a range of places to stay and a limited transport network.

Why not let us do the hard work for you? Our team of experts will work with you to design an adventure to your exact requirements, from hiking and horse-riding trips to wine-tasting tours and undiscovered lodges.

We’ll work around your budget and arrange flights, transfers and buses, to create your perfect trip.

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