Estancia Pilolil

Estancia Pilolil invites a small number of big game hunters each year to hunt Argentina Red Stag on their 23,000-acre ranch in Patagonia, located approximately 1 hour north of San Martín de los Andes. For three generations, the Minieri family has carefully managed their free-roaming stag population for trophy antler growth, mostly as a hobby and for their friends and family to enjoy. In recent years the Minieri family has welcomed only 2, sometimes 3 hunters per week who are looking for Red Stag in the SCI Bronze and Silver categories.

The estancia sits at around 3,100 feet in elevation and hunters will may be above 4,000 feet. Hunts are spot and stalk in open or semi-open country — terrain that lends itself to rifle hunters or bow hunters accustomed to stalking game in open country. Trucks are used to move from glassing point to glassing point in search of the right animal.

Hunters are welcome to bring non-hunting family members, and all will enjoy warm hospitality and delicious food. Prime trout fishing rivers are also within easy reach, making a day or two on the water a natural addition to your Patagonia, Argentina Red Stag hunt at Estancia Pilolil.

Estancia Pilolil is located a little over an hour north of San Martín de los Andes and borders 10 miles of the Aluminé River. This 23,230-acre family-owned cattle ranch was founded in the late 19th century and is operated today by the founder’s grandson, Guillermo Minieri, and his wife Luz. Together they have created a refined lodge — tastefully decorated and attentively managed — that feels more like a cherished family home than a hunting lodge.Surrounding the family home are mature coniferous and walnut trees plus various fruit trees. The main lodge has 4 double rooms, 2 of which are ensuite and 2 share one bathroom. Hunters and their non-hunting companions may also opt for the Walnut House — a cozy guest cottage with 2 ensuite double rooms located a stone’s throw from the main lodge.

Food at Pilolil is a genuine highlight. In 2025, Guillermo and Luz brought on a chef with seven years of experience under world-renowned Argentine chef Francis Mallmann. Hunters will especially enjoy his stag stew with spätzle and seared stag loins with red wine glaze.

Each week, guests enjoy a delicious asado in the property’s “Chicheria” — a separate building once used to make cider from the property’s apple trees.

Free-range Argentina Red Stag hunts at Pilolil provide big game hunters with guaranteed opportunities for magnificent trophies. For decades, the only hunting here was done by the Minieri family. In those days, the founder selectively introduced superior-antlered stags to strengthen the genetics of the free-roaming herd. That genetic legacy still walks these hills today. Pilolil is simply a well-stewarded ranch that has been hunted lightly, by design, for a very long time.

Estancia Pilolil is best suited for spot and stalk rifle hunters or accomplished archery hunters who enjoy the challenge of open to semi-open country. Guided stag hunts are 1×1 for 2 hunters per week, or 3 if they are a small group or family. Hunter and guide depart at 6am and drive 15–30 minutes to reach their first glassing spot by first light. By 11am hunters are back at the lodge for lunch, returning to the field at 4:00pm and usually back before 9pm.

Trucks are used to move between valleys and promontories to glass. Pilolil has employed the same guides for roughly 20 years and they have an uncanny ability to spot stag. Once a shootable stag is identified, the guide makes the call — shots average 150–200 yards and most stalks involve easy to moderate walking through hilly brush, though some are more arduous. Hunts take place at roughly 4,000 feet in elevation and late March mornings can dip into the low 40s°F. Wild boar may also be taken throughout the hunt.

Fly fishing at Estancia Pilolil is concentrated on the Aluminé River, which runs 10 miles along the property. Anglers will fish some of the most scenic sections of the Aluminé in a drift boat with a professional fishing guide who can provide all necessary gear. We recommend reserving your fishing guide well in advance — contact Fly Fishing Patagonia about adding trout fishing before or after your hunt.

ESTANCIA PILOLIL 
(6 nights/5 days hunting)

Day 1:    Arrive Buenos Aires (EZE). Transfer to the domestic airport (AEP) and fly to San Martin (CPC.) A Pilolil’s staff will pick you up and transfer you an hour to Estancia Pilolil Lodge. Check in, take practice shots on the range before dinner.

Day 2-6:    Five days Free Range Argentina Red Stag hunting.

Day 7:    Check out, transfer back to the San Martin Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires and home.

Rate: $14,500/hunter
Included: Lodging, meals, open bar, 1×1 guided hunting, 1 trophy stag of 12 pts or more & 1 management stag, ammo, transportation in Patagonia
Not Included: Flights, license ($450), rifle rental ($50/day), trophy export fees, guided fishing, services in Buenos Aires.

With over 26 years organizing trips in exclusively Chile and Argentina, we make travel planning efficient and worry free. We’ll give you the domestic flights you need for your lodge dates and our travel team ensures your international flights connect smoothly. If preferred, we’ll even have our team in Buenos Aires meet you when you land.

• After an easy overnight flight, anglers land at the Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), transfer 45 minutes to the Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery Domestic Airport (AEP) and fly 2 hours south to San Martin (CPC.) Four hours minimum is required between your international and domestic flights in Buenos Aires.
• Hunters are picked up at the San Martin Airport and driven 1 hour and to Pilolil.
• Hunters are dropped off at the San Martin Airport for their flight back to Buenos Aires and home.