You can combine Las pampas lodge in Argentina with Estancia de los Rios in Chile.

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Las Pampas Lodge (LPL), in the Chubut Provence of Central Patagonia, offers an extraordinary experience into a land that’s virtually untouched by the modern world. Approximately two and half hours south of Esquel Airport, well beyond where the pavement ends, you’ll find Las Pampas Lodge. This is where the real experience begins.

A short drive from the lodge is a small border town that’s almost as quiet as the wilderness that surrounds it, and the calming yet wild and rustic terrain is still home to a simple way of living. Gauchos herding their sheep are likely the only thing one may stumble upon along the way to fish remote lakes, rivers, and streams.

Fishing: With a multitude of spring creeks, small to medium size freestone rivers, and trophy still waters, as well as a mix of rainbow, brown, and brook trout all within a relatively small radius, anglers are presented with far more options than they could experience in a two or even three-week stay. This provides guests the opportunity to sample multiple different types of water during their stay or concentrate solely on those they most prefer. Generally speaking, the majority of fish caught are rainbows and the larger fish are brown trout. Typically, anglers and guides leave the lodge in the morning in fully-equipped 4x4 trucks loaded with inflatable NRS rafts with specially-designed fishing frames. The majority of the drive is spent on rough back roads that are interesting and adventuresome in their own right, before coming back to the lodge late in the afternoons after spending the day on the water. This well-choreographed fishing program delivers a level of customer service and genuine adventure that puts Las Pampas in a class by itself.

The Rio Pico begins as a small willow lined spring creek and grows quickly as additional spring creeks and small freestone rivers add to its volume. As the river flows westward, it breaks into multiple channels that flow swiftly through open pasturelands. Below the channels the Pico is joined by two medium-size freestones — first by the Rio Pampas and further downstream by the Rio Nilson. The next 10 miles of the Pico offer abundant and sometimes large rainbows and fewer but larger browns that can surpass the 27-inch mark. Although these sections of the river are public, they are very hard to access, requiring two things that Las Pampas has: permission from local landowners to drive to the river on their property and keys to locked gates.

WHEN IT COMES TO AVAILABLE WATER TYPES, FISHING STYLES AND TROUT SPECIES, LAS PAMPAS LODGE MAY BE UNBEATABLE.

All in all, the Pico offers more than 25 miles of water, five distinct floatable sections, and endless wade fishing opportunities before crossing into Chile on its way west through the Andes. Upper, middle, and low reaches are accessed very easily from Las Pampas Lodge. In addition to the much-touted Rio Pico, we fish other systems, such as the Rio Pampas and the Rio Nilson. These are medium-sized freestone rivers where anglers typically see steady action sight casting to rainbows and browns in the 10- to 20-inch class. Both streams offer miles of fantastic walk and wade opportunities. Included in Las Pampas’ never ending nearby offerings is the mighty Rio Corcovado — a large freestone river with gin clear water pouring out of the huge Lake Vinter. “The Corco” — as locals call it — holds the healthiest trophy brook trout run in the world and also provides anglers the possibility of catching the biggest rainbow trout in all Argentina rivers. These hogs sit behind the spawning trophy brookies and feed on minnows and eggs. Every angler should fish this unique run at least once in his or her lifetime.

Location: Located in the Chubut Provence of Central Patagonia, the lodge is in the “heart” of the Rio Pico area. Well beyond the lush bustle of Bariloche and Esquel (home of several lodges and many anglers) to the north, but shy of the harsh, almost uninhabited steppe typical of the Santa Cruz Province to the south, the region of Chubut is a diverse mix of everything one could want.

The lodge is located beyond the well-travelled roads and just outside the tiny border town of Aldea Las Pampas. Surrounded by countless rivers, streams, and lakes and enjoy these waters without pressure from other anglers. This region is called Rio Pico and took its name from Octavio Pico, who helped engineer the border lines between Chile and Argentina in 1881. It’s appropriate that this unique region was named after him and equally appropriate that he was Argentine: drawing the border to deviate from the Pacific/Atlantic divide model and designating the upper 25 miles of the glorious spring-fed, west-flowing Rio Pico as Argentine.

It’s a remarkable region nestled east of the Andes’ highest peaks, where fertile lake systems and multiple spring creeks coalesce into an intimate and iconic South American trout stream, which ultimately slips west across the border into Chile and on to the Pacific.

The lodge can be reached flying either to Chile or Argentina. Many anglers fly to Santiago, Chile, then to Coyhaique where they are met by an Estancia de los Rios lodge guide. After enjoying a week at this Chilean lodge, they cross the border to Argentina and in 2.5 hours they reach Las Pampas lodge where they continue they journey enjoying another week of fantastic fishing.

Alternatively you can fly to Buenos Aires, connect a flight to Esquel and be met by a Las Pampas Lodge representative, guests begin the 2.5- hour drive south from the airport to the lodge. By the time anglers reach the lodge, it becomes clear that this is a place unto itself — both familiar and totally unique at the same time. Ultimately, guests are tucked up against the base of the snowcapped Andes Mountains, in a fantastical landscape with endless diversity and intrigue. Things change slowly in this corridor of the Andes.

Lodging & Meals: Las Pampas Lodge is a beautiful European-style log and stone structure featuring a main common area with a guest lounge, dining room, and bar that is flanked by four spacious double occupancy guest rooms, all with private baths.

Each guest room opens onto a cobblestone veranda overlooking the surrounding Andes mountainous landscape. The inviting main room has a central fireplace surrounded by a semicircle of plush built-in lounge chairs where guests can gather each evening for cocktails and share their daily adventures. Upstairs, guests enjoy a living room with comfortable couches and a flat screen TV, a private office with a computer and phone, and a fully-equipped fly tying table. The lodge has every amenity you’d expect from a classic trout lodge without being over-the-top.

The cuisine at Las Pampas Lodge is best described as gourmet farm-to-table fare. Our head chef, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, is passionate about the food he prepares and uses only the freshest local and organic ingredients. Many of the vegetables are grown by the community in the nearby town and sold to raise funds for the local school. Eduardo, the lodge’s full-time caretaker and cameo breakfast cook, collects fresh eggs daily and prepares fresh cuts of chicken, lamb, and beef from the free-range livestock that roam the property.

Breakfast is a standard yet filling meal featuring made to order eggs, toast, bacon, fruit, coffee, tea, and juice. Lunch is served streamside by our guides and commonly includes homemade gourmet dishes, salads, beverages, and desserts.

Dinner is served late evening in traditional Argentine fashion, and the typical menu is comprised of inspired choices that range from fresh lamb and vegetarian dishes to thick-cut steaks and chops — all of which are paired with local Argentine wines.

All in all, Las Pampas Lodge is a truly remarkable place. From its location way out at the end of the road, to its spectacular mountainous backdrop, to the depth and diversity of its fishing program, few places can claim all that it offers.

Add to that a dedicated, friendly, and local staff, and it comes as no surprise that Las Pampas Lodge captures the true essence of Patagonia.

Guide Service: Las Pampas Lodge’s enthusiastic and passionate guides are the best in the area, and for good reason: they are locals who speak fluent English, and they spend the entire 180-day season fishing the Rio Pico region. With that many days on the water, these guys know where and when to find the best fishing.

One of the most unique elements of the Las Pampas fishing experience is that every pair of anglers is assigned a guide and assistant guide each day. At first this might seem like overkill, but once the truck pulls up to the first of many gates en route to the fishing grounds it becomes very apparent how much this subtle difference enhances the experience of every angler. Outside of being the official gate-opener and closer, the assistant guide is constantly busy in the background and takes care of the initial setup of client rods, prepares rafts, runs shuttles, and prepares lunch so the main guide can focus on our guests and creating the best possible experience on the water. Another unique feature and highlight about Las Pampas Lodge is that the guides provide, for no extra cost, all terminal tackle, including leaders, tippets, and flies. No more filling your boxes with often-unneeded fly patterns or worrying about how old your tippet is. Las Pampas has you covered.

Getting there: Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital, then fly to Esquel in the heart of Patagonia. An overnight in Buenos Aires on arrival is recommended.

If you want to fly directly to Esquel on the same day, consider at least three hours between your arrival time in B.A. and the Esquel flight departure time.

Once you arrive at the Esquel airport, a representative from Las Pampas lodge will pick you up for the 2.5-hour drive to the Lodge.

Land transfers from Bariloche, Argentina can also be arranged.

You can also reach Las Pampas fly fishing lodge traveling overland from Chile, we can arrange transfers from several of our select fly fishing lodges, both from Chile or Argentina.

RATES & TERMS

Remember that our services are completely free. When you book a trip with us, you pay the same rate than when you book directly with the lodge or outfitter.

Double Occupancy Rates

$6,800 per person 7 Nights / 6 Fishing Days

$8,000 per person 10 Nights / 9 Fishing Days (Expeditions add-on)

Single Occupancy Rates

$7,450 per person 7 Nights / 6 Fishing Days

$9,150 per person 10 Nights / 9 Fishing Days (Expeditions add-on)

*Based on availability

Extra Nights for Trips over 10 Nights / 9 Fishing Days (Expeditions add-on)

$700 per person Double Occupancy

$800  per person Single Occupancy                    

Included: Transfers in/out of Esquel (ESQ) Airport to Las Pampas Lodge, lodging, all food and beverages; English-speaking, fully-equipped guides, and assistant guides; daily transfers to fishing areas; and all terminal tackle (leaders, tipper, flies), private waters fees, and fishing license.

Not Included: International and domestic airfare, Transfers, hotels, and meals in Buenos Aires. Gratuities for guides and lodge staff

Reservations: A non-refundable deposit of 50% per person is due at the time of booking, final payment is due 90 days prior to arrival.

Cancellations: All deposits and payments are non-refundable. In no event will the lodge or Andes Journeys be responsible for any cancellation of services or operations due to inclement weather, any event of force majeure, airline delays, flight cancellations, or any other reason beyond the control of the lodge. The lodge will not refund payments in the event of bad weather, or if flights are cancelled or airline connections are missed. Additionally, the lodge and Andes Journeys are not responsible for covering costs associated with alternative travel arrangements including flights, hotels, meals or any other expenses incurred. We strongly recommend that anglers and guests purchase travel insurance and full coverage for your trip. If a cancelled package is resold by either the lodge or by Andes Journeys, then a full refund will be issued minus a $200.00 per person administration fee. Receipt of deposit or final payment is acknowledgment that single clients or all clients in the group have read and accept the above terms and conditions.

Arriving from Chile: Guests can also reach Las pampas lodge traveling overland from Chile, we can arrange transfers from several of our other lodges in Chile. Prices upon request.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Depart the USA on an evening flight arriving in Buenos Aires the next morning. Although sometimes is possible to connect a flight to Esquel the same day, an overnight in Buenos Aires is recommended.

Please note that in Buenos Aires the international and domestic airports are in different locations. A normal transfer between airports can take an hour or more depending on traffic.

If you want to fly to Esquel on the same day, consider three hours between flights.

Day 1: Arrive at Las Pampas lodge
Arrive from Buenos Aires to the Esquel airport in the late afternoon, meet a representative from Las Pampas for the 2.5-hour drive to the Lodge.

After settling in your guide will assist you getting your tackle ready for an evening's fishing session. Returning to the lodge on time for cocktails and Dinner.

Days 2 - 7: Six full days fly fishing at Las Pampas lodge
Typically, anglers and guides leave the lodge in the morning in fully-equipped 4x4 trucks loaded with inflatable NRS rafts with specially-designed fishing frames. The majority of the drive is spent on rough back roads that are interesting and adventuresome in their own right, before coming back to the lodge late in the afternoons after spending the day on the water. This well-choreographed fishing program delivers a level of customer service and genuine adventure that puts Las Pampas in a class by itself.

With a multitude of spring creeks, small to medium size freestone rivers, and trophy still waters, as well as a mix of rainbow, brown, and brook trout all within a relatively small radius, anglers are presented with far more options than they could experience in a two or even three-week stay

Day 8: Depart Las pampas lodge

After breakfast and getting organized a lodge vehicle will drive you back to Esquel on time for your flight to Buenos Aires and beyond.