Tag: Chubut

  • Le Fario Lodge

    Le Fario Lodge

    Le Fario Lodge

    Updated on

    Le Fario Lodge sits inside Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of Patagonia’s Chubut Province. On the banks of Laguna Larga, just an hour from Esquel Airport, this intimate lodge offers access to legendary rivers, spring creeks, and emerald lakes—and some of the finest wild brown, rainbow, and brook trout fishing in Argentina. Owners Gonzalo and Laura Martinez, both trained chefs and fly fishing enthusiasts, welcome anglers with gourmet cuisine and genuine Patagonian hospitality.

    The lodge’s prime location puts anglers within reach of the Rio Futaleufu, Rio Rivadavia, Rio Arrayanes, Lago Verde, Lago Krugger, and Laguna Larga—the latter right at the doorstep. Whether you prefer wading clear streams or floating stillwater, the diversity of fisheries ensures every day brings a new challenge. For those seeking trophy brook trout, Argentina Waters also offers a combined program that adds the Río Pico / Brookiland region—home to 20–25 inch brook and rainbow trout in some of Patagonia’s most pristine water.

    Le Fario is built around tailored experiences. Guides create custom itineraries based on your preferences and the season, and a 1:2 guide ratio means focused attention on the water. After each day, world-class appetizers and Argentine wines await at the lodge. The combination of location, cuisine, and service has drawn anglers from around the world to this corner of Patagonia.

    Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout — rivers, spring creeks, lakes

    Los Alerces National Park — Esquel, Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina

    UNESCO World Heritage — pristine Patagonian watersheds

    4–5 bedrooms — intimate lodge on banks of Laguna Larga

    1:2 guide ratio — one guide per two anglers

    Season: November 1 to May 1

    Gourmet cuisine — owners are trained chefs, garden-to-table

    Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Patagonia trout fishing!

    Destination Inquiry

    or

    Fishing at Le Fario Lodge

    The Waters

    Le Fario Lodge sits in the heart of Los Alerces National Park, within easy reach of the region’s best trout waters. The program focuses on spring creeks, small lakes, and rivers up to the larger waters at hand. Whether you prefer to walk, wade, or float on lakes or rivers, the guides tailor each day to your style. Rivers include the Rio Rivadavia, Rio Arrayanes, and both stretches of the Rio Futaleufu; lakes include Lago Verde, Lago Krugger, and Laguna Larga—right beside the lodge. Each location is chosen for its seasonal peak, from dry-fly action to deep runs full of eager trout.

    Le Fario Program (Los Alerces)

    The standard Le Fario program runs seven nights with six and a half days of fishing. You’ll fish a different water each day—Rio Arrayanes, Lago Verde, Rio Futaleufu (first and second stretches), Rio Frey and Lago Krugger, Rio Rivadavia—and wrap the final morning on Laguna Larga before driving back to Esquel. All logistics, meals, and transport are handled by the lodge. The program runs November 1 through May 1.

    Le Fario & Brookiland (Río Pico / Brook Trout)

    For anglers who want trophy brook trout, the Le Fario & Brookiland program combines two areas: Le Fario in the Esquel / Los Alerces region and Brookiland in the Río Pico area, about three hours apart. Brookiland is a boutique retreat accommodating four guests, with access to El Engaño, Falso Engaño, Rio Corcovado, and Lago Vinter—waters that hold some of Patagonia’s healthiest brook trout populations. Trophy brook and rainbow trout average 20–25 inches, with larger fish possible. This program is ideal for a Patagonia Trophy Grand Slam (brown, rainbow, brook). The seven-night itinerary splits time between both lodges.

    Our Guides

    Argentina Waters guides are authorized by Chubut province and National Parks and know these waters intimately. One guide accompanies every two anglers. Each guide is equipped with professional tackle, rafts, oars, and everything needed for the day. Fishing typically starts around 8 AM and ends around 8 PM, depending on season and daylight.

    Season Overview

    November 1 – May 1: Main season. Early season (November, early December) can offer strong dry-fly action as waters clear. Mid-season brings consistent hatches and eager trout. Late season often sees larger fish and more technical fishing as waters cool.

    Accommodations at Le Fario Lodge

    Le Fario is a cozy lodge on the banks of Laguna Larga, inside Los Alerces National Park. Gonzalo and Laura Martinez—owners, hosts, and both trained chefs—do their best to make every guest feel at home. Gonzalo is an experienced fly fishing guide who knows the area by heart; Laura serves as lodge manager and is also a skilled chef.

    Each of the four Le Fario rooms features a king-sized bed and a spacious private bathroom overlooking the lake and the Andes. The lodge has a spacious living room with a central wood fireplace and expansive windows offering views of the surrounding landscape. An outdoor hot tub sits next to the lodge for use anytime. A wooden wader room provides a comfortable place to change before and after fishing; a sauna is available next to it. A well-stocked wine cave offers a wide selection of Argentine wines.

    Cuisine: One of the lodge’s highlights is the inspired food. Both Laura and Gonzalo have international culinary experience. Meals are prepared with local and fresh products, many from their own garden. A carefully chosen selection of Argentine wines accompanies each meal.

    • Four rooms with king beds, private baths, lake and Andes views
    • Spacious living room with fireplace
    • Outdoor hot tub
    • Wader room and sauna
    • Wine cave with Argentine wines
    • Gourmet cuisine from owner-chefs
    • Laguna Larga fishing at the doorstep

    Rates

    Contact us for current rates, customized packages, combo trips and availability.

    Programs: Le Fario Program (7 nights / 6.5 fishing days, Los Alerces only); Le Fario & Brookiland (7 nights / 6.5 fishing days, Le Fario + Río Pico / Brookiland area). Rates are per person in USD and subject to change.

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    What’s Included

    • Transportation between Esquel Airport and the lodge
    • Full-time guide and coordinator during the trip
    • All meals, beer, and wine
    • All lodging as described on the itinerary

    Not Included

    • Gratuities (tips)
    • Laundry
    • Land transfer between airports in Buenos Aires
    • International and domestic flights
    • Fishing license

    Getting to Le Fario Lodge

    Le Fario Lodge is located inside Los Alerces National Park, approximately one hour by car from Esquel Airport (EQS). Esquel has daily flights to and from Buenos Aires (except Tuesdays); the flight is about two hours. Once you land, an Argentina Waters representative meets you and drives you to the lodge. The transfer is included in the program.

    Nearest airport: Esquel (EQS)
    Drive time: ~1 hour from Esquel to lodge

    Why Anglers Love Suindá

    “Best waters I’ve ever seen. Love the countryside.” — Gary K., USA

    “Fabi was the best we could have expected. Carolina and staff were superb.” — Thomas K., USA

    “Amazing staff, guides, food, lodging. Fabi and Pablo are so friendly and want so much to have us succeed. The lodging was fantastic and wine was exquisite.” — Jeremy Smith, USA

    “The lodge, staff and food were all exceptional. Mati is a fantastic host—he made everything easy and the pace is beautiful. The guides worked exceptionally hard during tough conditions. Outstanding meals, exceeded expectations!” — Ethan Hooper, USA

  • Las Pampas Lodge

    Las Pampas Lodge

    Las Pampas

    Updated on

    Las Pampas Lodge, in the Chubut Province of Central Patagonia, offers an extraordinary experience in a land virtually untouched by the modern world. Approximately two and a half hours south of Esquel Airport, well beyond where the pavement ends, you’ll find this European-style log and stone lodge surrounded by the Andes—and some of the finest brown, rainbow, and brook trout fishing in Argentina.

    The lodge has access to more than 25 miles of world-class water on the Rio Pico, plus the Rio Pampas, Rio Nilson, Rio Corcovado, and five private lakes. From spring creeks to freestone rivers to mountain-lined still waters, the variety provides anglers the chance to fly fish for all three trout species—often in water so remote that gauchos herding sheep are the only sign of life. With more than 20 private locations, guests are guaranteed rested, productive fisheries and a unique Patagonia experience each day, all within a short distance from the lodge.

    Las Pampas pairs this wilderness fishery with a 1:1 guide ratio—every two anglers get one guide and one assistant guide—plus gourmet farm-to-table cuisine from a Le Cordon Bleu–trained chef. The result is a top-shelf Patagonia experience that has drawn praise from Yvon Chouinard and countless returning anglers.

    Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout — rivers, creeks, and lakes

    Río Pico — Chubut Province, Central Patagonia, Argentina

    25+ miles of world-class river + 5 private lakes + 20+ private locations

    8 anglers — intimate, European-style log and stone lodge

    1:1 guide ratio — guide + assistant per two anglers

    Season: November to April

    Farm-to-table — Le Cordon Bleu chef, local ingredients

    Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Patagonia trout fishing!

    Destination Inquiry

    or

    Fishing at Las Pampas Lodge

    The Waters

    Las Pampas is surrounded by an abundance of creeks, rivers, and lakes. The main rivers include the Rio Pampas, Rio Nilson, Rio Corcovado, and Rio Pico—which consists of more than 25 miles of world-class water. The five lakes are home to large and often aggressive trout that can be eager to come to the surface for dries or attack a streamer. The lodge also has access to more than 20 private locations in this area of Argentina. Most fishing is done on foot; within a small radius, an angler fishing for two weeks would never run out of new water.

    Río Pico

    Most of the upper Río Pico’s winding corridor is lined with willows; as it moves west it takes on waters from multiple spring creeks and the Rio Pampas and Rio Nilson. It eventually opens up to flow through lush grasslands and becomes wide enough to float. Most of the Río Pico is private and only accessed by Las Pampas guests. Aside from rainbow and brook trout, the stream is known for oversized brown trout that seem misplaced in such small water. It’s a dry-fly angler’s dream—these fish are eager to strike a well-presented terrestrial such as the Cantaria Beetle.

    Spring Creeks and Lago Tres

    A dozen spring creeks feed the Río Pico, offering classic technical fishing for fewer but larger brown trout. Some are several yards wide; others you can step over. For lake fishing, Lago Tres stands out. Rainbow trout here grow to legendary size—5–10 pounds are common. Most are caught by casting to the reeds and rocky banks with streamers and large terrestrials. Calm days offer sight-fishing opportunities. When your guide suggests the lakes of the region, say yes.

    Our Guides

    Las Pampas guides know these waters inside and out. They are Argentines who have spent countless days fishing and guiding the area; most return year after year. LPL guides provide all terminal tackle—leaders, tippets, and flies—so anglers are equipped for the diversity of conditions. Every pair of anglers is assigned a guide and an assistant guide for a 1:1 ratio. The assistant handles set-up and breakdown of lunch and equipment, so anglers spend more time with a fly in the water.

    Season Overview

    November – April: Main season. November and early December can offer strong dry-fly action as waters clear. January through March is peak for consistent hatches and aggressive trout. April often brings larger fish and more technical fishing as waters cool.

    Accommodations at Las Pampas Lodge

    Our European-style log and stone lodge looks out at the Andes Mountains and is entirely surrounded by nature, reminding guests they are truly in the heart of Patagonia. Throughout the property, it is nearly impossible not to be taken by the view of the Andes.

    The lodge sleeps 8 anglers in four spacious bedrooms, each with two twin beds, private baths, and two of the rooms with fireplaces. The large common room features a dining area, bar, and lounge with a fireplace that brings everyone together over cocktails. Upstairs, guests find a living room, TV, fully-equipped fly-tying table, and a private office with computer and phone.

    One of the first things guests notice isn’t the luxuries but the atmosphere. The entire team works together to ensure a relaxed environment where everyone feels welcomed—where guides and clients are all part of the family, as Yvon Chouinard put it.

    Gourmet farm-to-table cuisine: The head chef, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate, uses only local and organic ingredients. Fresh eggs come daily from the property; chicken, lamb, and beef come from livestock on-site. Breakfast is served at the lodge; gourmet lunch with wine is served on the water by the guides. Dinner is served late, as is typical in Argentina, with meat and vegetable entrees paired with fine wines.

    • Four double-occupancy rooms with private baths
    • Two rooms with fireplaces
    • Common room with dining, bar, lounge, fireplace
    • Upstairs living room, TV, fly-tying table, office with computer and phone
    • Farm-to-table cuisine, Le Cordon Bleu–trained chef
    • Streamside lunch with wine
    • Guided fishing with 1:1 guide ratio
    • All terminal tackle provided (leaders, tippets, flies)

    Rates

    Contact us for current rates and brochure.

    Ready to Plan Your Week?

    Tap a button to reach our Patagonia specialists. Our services are free.

    What’s Included

    • Accommodations (double occupancy)
    • All meals (breakfast, streamside lunch, dinner)
    • Open bar
    • Guided fishing
    • Fishing license (per Fly Fishing Patagonia)
    • All terminal tackle—leaders, tippets, flies
    • Transportation to/from Esquel Airport
    • Non-guided activities on the property

    Not Included

    • International and domestic flights
    • Services in Buenos Aires
    • Gratuities for guides and staff
    • Personal gear (rods, reels, lines—tackle provided)

    Why Anglers Love Las Pampas

    “The best aspect of Las Pampas Lodge, other than the superb fishing, is the equalitarian atmosphere at the lodge, where the guides and clients are all part of the family.” — Yvon Chouinard (Patagonia Founder and Owner)

    “A most sincere thanks from our entire fishing group for an amazing (and I do mean amazing) week at your lodge. Everyone agreed the trip could not have been better: fishing (superb and unparalleled); lodge (perfect in all respects in a remarkable setting); guides and staff (genuine, friendly, and wonderful people who all work well together as a team). You have fostered and developed a unique atmosphere that distinguishes your lodge.” — Dan Berry

    “I enjoyed everything about this lodge. It was a perfect week. I couldn’t even think of anything that could be changed or should be.” — Penny Ritterbusch

    “This trip represented virtually a perfect fishing experience for me. It was far better than I could have hoped for. I don’t believe that I have ever felt so pampered at any other place or time in my life, even in 5-star hotels. The staff was truly exceptional.” — Michael Payne

    Getting to Las Pampas Lodge

    Las Pampas Lodge is approximately two and a half hours south of Esquel Airport (EQS), well beyond where the pavement ends. Most guests fly into Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE), transfer 45 minutes to the domestic airport Aeroparque (AEP), and fly 2.5 hours south to Esquel. A minimum of four hours between international and domestic flights in Buenos Aires is required. The lodge staff picks up guests at Esquel Airport and drives 2.5–3 hours to the lodge. The return transfer is included.

    Nearest airport: Esquel (EQS)
    Drive time: 2.5–3 hours from Esquel to lodge

  • Arroyo Claro Lodge – Photo Essay

    Our friend, Jon Covich posted a great photo essay and recap of his January 2011 trip to one of our favorite Patagonia fishing lodges, Arroyo Claro Lodge, on the Oregon Fly Fishing Blog.  Jorge Graziosi, pioneered fly fishing for trout in the Chubut Province of Argentina, and built a handsome lodge overlooking the beautiful Carrilefu RiverThe Rivadavia, El Canal Spring Creek, and Lago Verde are all within 30-minutes drive.  Jorge offers a 4-day float / camping trip on the remote Chubut River.  Why 4 days?  That’s how long it takes to get to the next road.  Still, the trip is comfortable enough to please even the most discerning anglers and the fishing is off the charts.

    Beautiful Rainbow from the Carrilefu River, Argentina
    Nice Fish – Photo by Jon Covich