“Staying at the Ranch was a unique experience. The opportunity to get remote in the Andes, spend time with the gauchos, and immerse ourselves into a foreign culture was more than we expected. Those extraordinary experiences are what make for a memorable adventure.”
— William W., California, U.S.

We’re sincere in saying we design and lead trips for all ages and skill levels: our adventure-seeking guests have ranged in age from three to 85 years old. While we offer set itineraries, each trip's length, activity types, and skill level are readily adapted to meet your unique goals and needs. We are eager to collaborate on details large and small to ensure all components are designed to create your ideal adventure. 

 We invite you to hear what our guests say about us by viewing the testimonials below.

To say that we are “basking” a bit in the memory of our trip is quite an understatement.  We spent Thanksgiving going through pictures and telling the story to any family member that would listen.  All I have to do when I am tired of my work or doing ranch chores is think of Don Moncho.  He has given me an entire new outlook on life.   I know you and crew likely hear it from virtually every guest but our time there was much more than a vacation as it truly was an experience of a lifetime.  I am not certain what we can do to support your continued effort to expose people to one of the most beautiful spots in the world but we would like to help and open to any ideas you may have.  At the very least we are always available to refer any prospective guest to us if they have questions about taking the trip. Scott (U.S.)

In several ways, it was a very meaningful adventure.  It was a grand, life-time opportunity to see many pristine places of mountains, rivers, glaciers, glacier valleys, forests, etc.  The horses were very good, the food was excellent, and the people were the best. The single word that I have landed on for the symbol of the trip has to do with conservation, adventure, the pristine environment that you work so diligently to protect and the wonder of nature, which also has a sense of God's creation is "majestic" , the majesty of creation and magic of feeling connected to the  world around us.  I really appreciate the model you have created there to meet your environmental goals and be able to provide safe adventures for folks like me. It works well and is sustainable. I enjoyed everyone and hope to return with family in a year or so. Richard (U.S.)

We were in the competent hands of our guides. They were knowledgeable, informative, gracious and caring. They delivered their guidance and skills with awareness and ease and worked well as a team. We thoroughly enjoyed their company sharing a campfire, meals, mate, stories, experiences, information and laughter. They provided structure and modeled flexibility as each day unfolded. We were also fortunate to have shared our experience with the iconic Chilean gaucho, don Moncho, who gave us a glimpse into the traditional gaucho way of life. We have been on many horseback riding tours both inside and outside the US. This ride we will carry with us. It exemplifies the freedom of simplicity--realizing you can live simply--and have all that you need. If you have the chance, say "Yes!" to this wilderness adventure. Leslie (U.S.)

Right from the start, the crew at Patagonia Frontiers made us feel like we were part of the gang. The food was awesome - healthy and tasty, exactly what you need after a day of exploring. The hikes were long but pretty easy to handle since they're mostly flat, so you get to enjoy all the cool sights without being too worn out. Just a heads up for anyone planning to go, there's no indoor running water or toilets at the ranch. It's all about living simply and getting closer to nature, and we absolutely loved it. All in all, we had a blast. If you're looking for an adventure in unforgettable landscapes, Patagonia Frontiers is the way to go. Highly recommend! Jess (U.S.)

Thanks again for a great trip. It was so many things: cathartic, educational, spiritual, magical, exhausting, breathtaking and more. And, the experience could not have been so spectacular had it not been from the care and professionalism of you and your team - things that could easily be overlooked when reflecting back on my visit to your ranch. Adam (U.S.)

We had a wonderful trip. Thank you for all you did to make it as smooth as possible for us. Our experience was everything that a vacation should be –enjoying the company of everyone at the ranch, the beauty of Patagonia, and the different activities. We both knew what a beautiful place the ranch is. Even so, I think we were both again left amazed in being there by the uniqueness and grandeur and scale of the many places, small and large, that make up the ranch and its surroundings. Jim & Linda (U.S.)

I was able to spend a whole week on the ranch. During this time, I experienced the daily ranch life, eating together, milking cows, sitting, swimming and walking around the lake, doing a three-day hike while sleeping underneath the starry sky and simply escaping the modern, stressful, fast-moving world. I really appreciate how closely I was involved in the ranch life - I didn’t feel like a customer, but rather like a visiting friend. Doubtlessly, the nature is breathtaking and pristine. It’s a very different experience from all the busy Patagonian national parks. Definitely worth it! Thanks again for the impressive time on your ranches, my new “outdoor skills“ and the inspiring talks. I really enjoyed the time in nature! Max (Germany)

I want to thank you for a truly phenomenal visit. The kids (and their parents) cannot stop telling people about how fascinating and meaningful it was for them. B.H. (U.S.)

I had the most amazing time ever! The place was lovely and everyone made me feel very welcome and at home. My guides were great, always so helpful and friendly. The food was excellent. The horses were the most amazing horses I have ever seen. I felt safe. They were really special creatures and made my feel at home and loved. I miss them. Eleonora (Italy)

We had the trip of a lifetime thanks to the wonderful crew at Patagonia Frontiers. We are so happy with our experience, & all expectations were so surpassed. Thank you for sharing your phenomenal camp with us, and so many others. I still almost can’t believe we didn’t see any dragons! Ashton (U.S.) Elsie & Ashton (U.S.)

We had such a wonderful time at the ranch and being together as a family was just lovely. The staff were absolutely amazing and very patient with us and kind to us. Monica P. (U.S.)

We had such a wonderful trip…that has been made all the more special by the shift of the planet since our return. It lives as a reminder to appreciate the good days and to live life to the fullest. Thank you for creating a truly unique and memorable experience in your magical little corner of the world! Drew and Lizanne W. (U.S.)

I really enjoyed the course and had a great time getting to experience Patagonia. I will most definitely be recommending Patagonia Frontiers to more people and I hope one day I will be able to return! Connery R. (U.S.)

The experience was really good and above my expectations. To be specific, I really liked the reception and level of attention in the ranch, the food, the hikes to the glacier, the level of attention on the class topics and when the stress put on critical points that I really needed to learn the skill (in general). Mauricio R. (Bolivia)

Thank you for a truly spectacular trip. It exceeded my expectations in every way despite looking forward to it for 15 years. My son is already telling folks that it was the best week of his life and I loved the opportunity to share it with my father. I had complete faith that he would be in good hands with you, as was true, and it was a great way for him to start to understand the realities of the world. I can’t thank you enough. B.H. (U.S.)

We experienced "the Gaucho Way" in the pristine beauty and grandeur of Northern Patagonia and we truly sensed the culture and way of life that people live in this region of Chile. We loved the combination of a working ranch and adventure ranch that Patagonia Frontiers Ranch provides. The accommodations, including the van escort to and from Balmaceda, the cabin at Puerto Bertrand, the various campsites along the trail, and the guest cabin at the ranch were wonderful. There was a comfortable nature to them, full of rustic charm. Our experience with the ranch staff was outstanding. They were very helpful, hard working, responsible, courteous, inquisitive, and fun. We totally enjoyed engaging in conversation with them and they were very informative about the region and ranch. They did a great job answering questions and seemed prepared for it. The local help was great from our driver, Don Mario, to our gaucho, Don Moncho. We really appreciated their enthusiasm and drive to be there for us and it showed in their actions. Our only disappointment was our own lacking in Spanish to be able to converse more with them! Marvin & Cheryl T. (U.S.)

Really spectacular place with amazing people. Really lucky to have gone! - Kate D. (U.K.)

Gracias por recibirnos y dejarnos disfrutar de este hermoso paraíso. El poder desconectarme de la ciudad y en la inmensidad de las montañas y lago y poder lograr conectarme conmigo misma. Caminar, sentarme en la orilla de la playa. Escuchar el ruido del agua los pajaros, caballos. Todo un grandioso regalo. Muchísimas gracias por todo, especialmente por crear historias inolvidables. - Magda C. (Chile)

Thank you for hosting us in this amazing place. The ranch is magical - I could never have imagined the opportunity to experience such nature. - Sophia M. (US)

EVERYBODY from John himself to the driver, all ranch hands, guides, and guests were awesome, fun, helpful, etc. The food was amazing. The trek to high camp and the mini-classes we had were great. Getting to interact with the local gauchos and learn about their culture was really cool! - Daniel R. (US)

Our Students had the opportunity to visit Patagonia Frontiers and carry out different outdoor learning activities such as flora and fauna, environmental conservation, sustainable tourism, and basic concepts in glaciology and geography. We greatly appreciate the willingness of John Hauf, director of Patagonia Frontiers facilitating his facilities, support staff and delivery of knowledge from his sufficient experience as an outdoor educator. We believe that these activities are in direct benefit of our students, strengthening and giving sense to content that we develop in the classroom as well as expand their vision of the tourist development of our region and how we must take care, protect and preserve our natural and cultural wealth - Liceo Rural Cerro Castillo (Chile)

Every trip we have done with you has been fantastic and is an experience that both mom and I will cherish forever. Thank you for helping us see the world in ways we wouldn't have otherwise. We can't wait for the next trip! - Claire F. (US)

This is our third trip with PF and I can't say enough great things about John and his group. They create incredible custom adventures just about anywhere in the world you want to go!! - Kathy O. (US)

Our time with you was a wonderful, fun, invigorating, educational adventure - no one could ask for more than you delivered! I cannot tell you how grateful I am that our time with you was so terrific. I can hardly wait for my next adventure with Patagonia Frontiers. - Braden B. (US)

Thanks so much for giving us the most amazing views of Patagonia. The Soler Valley was by far the best picture I've captured with my camera as well as with my brain's shutter speed and it is saved in my soul's hard drive. - Caro M. (Argentina)

The trip exceeded our expectations. There was not a flaw on this trip. The guides were courteous, interesting, knowledgeable, and fun. The horses got the job done well....sure-footed and good-natured. Our Gaucho guides and horse packers, Don Moncho and Don Luis were energetic, helpful and entertaining.   The scenery exceeded our expectations. It was one of our best family trips ever. - Fulton M. (TX)

I had an incredibly pleasant time. This trip is a really great memory. - Miki (Japan via Argentina)

We've been in Chile for six weeks and this is definitely the best thing (mountaineering course) so far. The program was flexible and exploratory. The course changed our whole perspective on mountains and mountaineering. - Bree and Andrew (Australia)

I want to thank you and the crew for the great time you gave us at the ranch and through the walks in your amazing valley. This is a trip we will always remember, not just for the location but also for the friendly team and skillful guiding. - Jon C. (Australia)

Nothing but fantastic things to say about John and his hard-working crew! Incredible adventures, views, food and the full family treatment. Extraordinary itinerary including fly fishing, hiking and camping surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Additional education benefit learning about the geologic, cultural and biological resources from John and team leaders. A true Patagonia experience that can be scaled to every level of thrill-seeker. Patagonia is not for everybody, but if you want to experience a slice of its beauty and culture, look no further than Patagonia Frontiers! - Kal J. (US)

On behalf of our entire 2016 Team Summit for Stem Cell, and we’re a BIG group, a heartfelt thank you for your leadership and guidance as we all navigated our personal and health challenges! It made all the difference having you there!

Thanks for a great time in Patagonia! It was awesome. We got some great skills and some amazing pictures.  - Gregory M. (US)

Thanks again for sharing your part of the world with us - what we experienced was amazing and the memories will last a lifetime. Please share our appreciation for all the crew did to give us such a memorable trip. - Andrew and Betty M., ID

The mountains and the people made it great. The experience on the ranch opened me to a completely new environment. John's aesthetic and environmental ethic are contagious. - Clark M., CA

The trip was much more profound than I expected.  Chile’s Patagonia is visually stunning. The rivers are a color blue that I find surreal. The gauchos we encountered were warm, generous and knowledgeable with a wonderful, mischievous sense of humor. Staying at the Ranch was a unique experience. The opportunity to get remote in the Andes, spend time with the gauchos, and immerse ourselves into a foreign culture was more than we expected. Those extraordinary experiences are what make for a memorable adventure. - William W., CA

I can't say enough good things about the entire trip! John, the horses, the staff, the food, the cabin, the tent! Truly an incredible experience! One of the most amazing things to me was the relationship between the horses and the people. Very much like family. I will never, ever forget it. - Kathy O., MD

The ten days I spent in Patagonia, as arranged by you for that “unstructured” tour was a highlight.  I thought you had things extremely well organized for me. Thanks for all you did to provide me with such a memorable experience.  And I must say, that was one of the most fun Christmases I have had in some time.  Very nicely done. - Charles B., PA

Leadership Journey to Patagonia

http://wherethehullisjulie.blogspot.com.ar/2012/03/patagonia-john-and-patagonia-frontiers.html

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View our recommended itineraries or contact us to customize your own adventure.