Fishing
The Northern regions of Patagonia have an even longer history of fly fishing than does the south. Rivers like the Aluminé, the Limay, the Malleo, the Filo Hua Hum, the Traful, the Collón Cura, and the Chimehuín have all been written about by the explorers of our sport now for decades. But because these rivers run through such immense expanses of private property out on the estancias of the region, they have not changed the way rivers in North America have over those same years.
The fish are still there in the same numbers they always have been, as are the amazingly dense hatches of classic aquatic insects plus local willow worms, the amazing runs of minnows, and the protein packed pancora crabs (tail-less crawfish) that make the fish so strong and large. Guests can choose to float or wade daily on private access waters, with exceptionally short (or non-existent) drive times that make it often convenient enough to return to the lodges for lunch and a quick rest before the evening hatch.
Just like all of PRG's programs in the region, any necessary loaner gear is always included in standard package rates, and we keep a large stock of top brands in waders, boots, rods and reels. Unlike our programs in the south however, here due to generally better road conditions we are able to effectively trailer hard bottom driftboats in to most of the rivers that we fish. This region is truly a dry fly lover's heaven, and conditions under which dries are not an effective approach for these fish are extremely rare.
Accommodations
The PRG North programs utilize a selection of the best area estancias, such as Estancia Arroyo Verde, Estancia Huechahue, Estancia Quempuemtreu, Estancia San Huberto, Estancia Tipiliuke, and Tres Lagos Lodge. Combining two or more of these into a trip is not only possible, it is highly recommended. Just like in the south, trips as short as three days or as long as three weeks can be planned for these Northern waters, and there are more than enough of them available to fill each day with a new adventure. Other non-fishing activities such as visits to the town of San Martín de los Andes, bird watching, day hikes on the estancias, art tours, golf, and other cultural excursions are all easily arranged as well, making the non-fishers’ stay in these estancias just as exciting as for the anglers out on the water.
Cuisine
Each of the estancias in our PRG North programs has its own full service kitchen and culinary staff, providing top notch service and menus that combine traditional Argentine gastronomy with dishes from around the world. Breakfasts and dinners are served in the dining rooms, while lunches are served either at the estancia or out on the water, per clients' selection. Traditional asados are also prepared and often eaten out of doors or in the estancia "quinchos", and each of these locations features a well stocked full bar and exceptional selection of Argentine wines as well as other fine wines from around the world.
Travel Details
Flights for PRG North Programs should arrive in either Chapelco Airport of San Martin (CPC) or , Bariloche (BRC). You will most likely arrive in Argentina by landing at Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) and we will provide a private ground transfer service across the city to the domestic airport (AEP) for your flight down to Patagonia.
Several reliable ground transport services are available including Manuel Tienda Leon, which runs both buses and private cars between airports with departures approximately every thirty minutes (+/- $15 US dollars for bus, or +/-$35 for private car). You will likely see their ticket counter upon exiting the baggage claim area; if not then just ask any airport employee and they will point you in the right direction. Independent taxis parked at the curb without reception-desk representation are not reliable and should not be used.
Our staff will meet you just outside baggage claim, and all of your transportation will be provided from that point on until you are dropped off at the airport again for your return flights home.
Rates
Always remember, our services are provided absolutely free; booking a trip through Hemispheres Unlimited WILL NEVER COST YOU A SINGLE PENNY MORE than booking it directly with the lodge or outfitter, but does reap the benefits of our extensive experience with that destination, as well as our ongoing support services available to you at any time prior to, during, or even after your trip.
Patagonia River Guides North programs are available every year from November 1st through June 1st, one whole month longer than the programs in the south! Package rates (quoted in US dollars) are single rooms complimentary whenever available and include ground transfers in Buenos Aires as well as from the airport to the lodge, between lodges, and back to the airport, all meals, house wine, beer, liquor & soft drinks, local transportation, professional guide, private water access fees, fishing license, and also all flies, leaders, tippet, and loaner equipment such as: Winston rods, Simms waders & boots, and Hatch reels with floating & sinking lines.
PRG North Lodging can be custom combined as an itinerary inclusive of any of the following locations (our travel planner will be happy to help you create a trip that best suits your preferences):
Double Occupancy Rates
Estancias Quemquemtreu, Huechahue, Tres Rios, San Huberto, Arroyo Verde, Mamüil Malal:
- Early Season (Nov 1st to Dec 31st) all inclusive program with six and a half days fishing, seven nights: - $5,950
- High Season (Jan 1st to May 1st) all inclusive program with six and a half days fishing, seven nights: - $6,300
Estancia Tipiliuke:
- Early Season (Nov 1st to Dec 31st) all inclusive program with six and a half days fishing, seven nights: - $7,000
- High Season (Jan 1st to May 1st) all inclusive program with six and a half days fishing, seven nights: - $7,700
*Custom planned trips are also available for this destination in combination with PRG Trevelin, PRG Un-plugged, and Estancia Tres Valles; Contact us today for available dates and details, and get started on your way to this dream-trip of a lifetime to see just why Patagonia River Guides sets the standard for top fly fishing destinations in Argentina and around the world.