Wild Cooking in Argentina with Francis Mallmann
Join Argentine masterchef Francis Mallmann on his private Patagonian island, as seen in Netflix’s Chef’s Table, for an exclusive, hands-on culinary experience. This hosted group trip provides a primitive return to the simple elegance of cooking with and within nature, finding joy in every step of the process, alongside a small group of like-minded souls.
With his quiet lakeside haven as their backdrop, Mallmann’s guests will learn the art of cooking over embers, flames and smoke during daily fire cooking classes led by the renowned chef. At the end of each day, cosy up in Mallmann’s treasured cabin, laden with bookshelves and enough wine to go around.
The journey begins and ends in Buenos Aires, where guests will explore the capital’s historic and cultural landmarks, dine at some of its top tables, and experience a private tango performance at one of its most iconic palaces.
DATES
14th – 23rd March 2026: open now
November 2026 (dates TBC): waiting list
PRICE
From $33,500pp ($67,000 per double/twin room)
GROUP SIZE
8-10 people
HIGHLIGHTS
- Open fire cooking classes led by the legendary chef and Patagonian native himself, Francis Mallmann.
- 5 days and 6 nights accommodation at La Soplada, Mallmann’s private lakeside lodge located on a remote island in Argentine Patagonia – outdoor cooking, hiking, fishing, and boating.
- 3 nights in Buenos Aires, with a private city tour & sunset tango experience at the legendary Bencich Palace.
Day by Day Itinerary
DAYS 1 & 2:
Arrive in Buenos Aires for a two-night stay at the elegant Palacio Duhau, located in the leafy and strollable Recoleta neighbourhood. Enjoy a welcome dinner, a tour of the city, and a private tango experience on the rooftop of at Bencich Palace, with dancers, musicians and a spread of Argentine dishes.
DAY 3:
Planes, cars, and boats transport the group from Buenos Aires to their remote destination of La Soplada. Fly 2.5 hours from Buenos Aires to Comodoro Rivadavia. From there, a private transfer takes the group on a five-hour journey through remote cattle pastures to arrive at Lago La Plata. Finally, a 45-minute boat ride brings you to your final destination, La Soplada, where you’ll settle in for the next six days.
DAY 4:
Mallmann begins to impart his knowledge of open fire cooking to his party of guests. During this first lesson, the group will learn how to bake fresh lake trout in clay and enjoy their creation with a bottle of Argentine Malbec.
DAY 5:
After the day’s cooking lesson, guests explore the natural beauty of their surroundings with the help of a local mountain guide. Hiking, boating, and fly fishing are also available. End the day curled up by the fireplace with a good book or outside, gazing up at the untainted Patagonian night sky. It’s also possible to project a classic film for a memorable movie night with your group.
DAY 6:
Learn the seven different types of fire from your host, who’s known to recite poetry while he cooks. Take this exclusive opportunity to get to know the enigmatic Francis Mallmann beyond his culinary intuition.
DAY 7:
Spend the day exploring the private island. Go for a refreshing swim in the lake before taking a boat trip with Mallmann to fish for your lunch. Today’s lesson will focus on the inseparable connection between cooking and the natural world.
DAY 8:
On your final full day at La Soplada, choose to relax in the silence of your surroundings, or take one last hike through the lenga trees. The final cooking lesson will be about the joy of cooking, combining everything the group learned throughout the week.
DAYs 9 & 10:
Wake up once more to a lake view before bidding farewell to it, and your host. Journey back across the lake by boat, then for your return to Buenos Aires, we have organised a private charter flight to ease logistics. Unwind and reminisce on your week together on a final night back at Palacio Duhau before boarding your international flight home the next day.
Where You’ll Stay
LA SOPLADA
Mallmann’s private cabin is located on a remote island in the heart of Lago La Plata in Argentina’s southern Chubut Province. Framed low against the horizon and hemmed by lenga trees, the cabin, La Soplada (Spanish for “windblown”), has six cosy bedrooms, each with their own private bathroom and stunning view of the peaks of Cerro El Gorro on the horizon.
Throughout the dwelling, La Soplada’s large windows frame views of impenetrable forests reflecting on the clear lake waters. The sounds of trees swaying against one another, and the crackle of the fireplace burning will embrace you and your group.
PALACIO DUHAU
In Buenos Aires’ prestigious Recoleta neighbourhood stands the elegant Palacio Duhau, a neoclassical palace with modern twists. Originally constructed for the Duhau family in the 1930s, this mansion is now owned by the Park Hyatt Group and has hosted various famous guests, including Barack Obama.
Divided into two sections, the modern wing boasts contemporary rooms with palace views, while the Palacio wing has 23 suites that capture the style of the Belle Époque. With high ceilings and marble floors, the hotel is decked out in grandeur, but the friendly staff will make sure you feel at home.
Travel Information
INCLUDED
- 3 nights accommodation at Palacio Duhau, Buenos Aires (Park Deluxe with balcony)
- Private half-day city tour & sunset tango experience at Bencich Palace
- Commercial flight & private road transfer to the lake
- 6 nights accommodation on La Isla, including all food, drinks and activities
- 5 cooking classes with Francis Mallmann
- Private charter flight back to Buenos Aires (turboprop)
- All transfers
- Photographer to accompany guests throughout the journey
NOT INCLUDED
- Gratuities throughout
- Optional tours not mentioned in your itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Visas (if applicable)
Interested in taking Francis Mallmann’s island privately as a family, or for a group of friends? Speak to our travel designers about tailoring your own bespoke adventure.
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