Why should I buy a shared-ranch interest in Argentina?
Quite simply, we believe that there is not a better shared ranch project in the world. Poncho Moro is much larger than most shared ranches with over 24,000 acres. Additionally, the ranch is in a pristine area that allows for the full enjoyment of nature and right in the middle of the most impressive fly fishing venues in all of Argentina, there are dozens of fishing opportunities on the ranch and in the surrounding area, not to mention in Chile just a few miles away. The price for ownership is a fraction of what a comparable purchase would be in the US.
Is Argentina stable?
Like any country, Argentina’s larger cities have dangerous areas but generally the country is one of the safest in the world and the people are very friendly and hospitable. Land ownership is fee simple and the country is made up of foreign owners from all over the world.
Is the economy stable?
About as stable as any latin American country. As any international investment would be, there are risks; however, land does not seem to be impacted much by economic and political issues. Land values for trophy properties such as Poncho Moro keep appreciating.
What is the exchange rate?
Currently one dollar buys three pesos. The average wage of a normal ranch worker is around $400 US per month.
What fishing is available?
On the ranch people fish for and catch Rainbows, Browns, Brooks and King Salmon on the rivers, streams and lakes. Fishing is primarily with dry flies. The ranch is right in the middle of one of the finest fishing venues in the country with great fishing in any direction within an hour of the ranch, including great fishing in Chile, just down the road from us.
What about site improvements?
Every homestead site will be allowed to build its own residence or cabin and an additional guest, worker or second residence as well. We do however want the construction to adhere to the patagonia classic style and we do not want huge construction. We are suggesting to go small, quaint, and cozy in our designs. You are not required to construct a residdence if you don't want to.
How many acres?
The development is huge, 24,600 acres and everyone owns their percentage of the total ranch acreage. Each homestead site is to die for and we only have 30 of them, each being anywhere between 5 and 80 acres. Some are right on the incredible river, and others are tucked back in their own valleys. Others have expansive hillsides of green pastures for horses overlooking the entire snow-capped mountainous valleys.
Who designs it?
It is designed according to architectural standards, but the typical design is hand hewn logs and rock facia. Design that you would typically see in Jackson Hole, Telluride, Sun Valley but not as large or sophisticated because building materials and workmanship is not the same in a third world country, but, at the same time, the cost per square foot is very reasonable.....$100 to $125 per sq foot on average.
Who builds it?
Two project architects have been selected, and each of them have two independent contractors that they use. We solicit bids from each. You can however choose your own architect as well as long as everyone adheres to the construction guidelines.
What are the utilities like?
Basically the ranch will provide the water to every site from groundwater or fresh springs in the area. The ranch provides energy efficient generators that are buried on each site with back up and storage batteries that allow the full use of electricity at night without sound or interruption. Septic tanks are used but environmentally safe with no discharge.
What are the communications capabilities? Satellite? Internet?
Believe it or not, we have cell phone coverage and we get direct TV and DSL coverage, but we are remote. Just a few years ago the only communication with the world was an expensive satellite phone.
Can you incorporate solar and wind sustainable resources?
Yes, if the system is non-intrusive, and that would need to be reviewed on a case by case basis. However, the ranch is so full of streams and waterfalls that most homestead sites can obtain electricity by hydro sources if necessary.
Are there any ranch houses available now?
The first one is being built right now and at least two more will be started before the end of the prime season in April of 2007.
Can owners participate in the cattle ranching? i.e., any training?
Absolutely, this is a full fledged working cattle ranch with gauchos that work the land the way they did one hundred or more years ago in our “old west”. The cowboys work the cows on horses with dogs. They ride the range, check the fences and help birth the calves in the fields. We still brand. The cowboys live in high elevation cabins in the summer, eating around open fires, and making their own saddles, ropes, and reigns. We love for owners to go on rides with the gauchos.
What equistrian facilities are available?
Every site can have their own horse or horses based on site size, however, we also have stables that will allow for stabling of your own horse and rent horses for pleasure rides.
Are there regional cooking classes?
Yes, by request. The host couple does the cooking for those that stay in the lodge. Isabel, our Italian host, makes everything from scratch: jams, butter, mayonnaise, gravies, dressings, bread…etc… You name it, incredible foods both argentine and Italian.
Eating arrangements?
We have a cute little town about 10 miles away at the end of the valley that has fun restaurants but most people just eat on the ranch. We ask the people to pre-submit their food or menu requests and we have the kitchen and refrigerator stocked when they arrive. We can also arrange for maids, cooks, and nannies during their stay.
Is there white water rafting?
Right in the valley begins one of the most famous, and recently discovered, white water runs all the way to the Pacific Ocean through Chile, which border is only 12 miles away. The river that starts on Poncho Moro flows all the way to the Pacific Ocean at the confluence. The owner and of Poncho Moro also owns almost 2,000 acres of the peninsula tip where the Corcovado River flows in to the Pacific Ocean. On this site, called Los Leones, we have sea lions, orca, dolphin, blue whale, and incredible fresh and salt water fishing. Arrangements can be made upon request.
Are there property taxes?
Yes, but part of the association dues, which run about $4,800 per year, pays for the common ranch taxes. Each homestead site also has its own property taxes but they are minimal and different site by site.