Best of Argentina Hosted Trip - Patagonia Trout and Golden Dorado! January 2013
MADISON RIVER VALLEY ~ YELLOWSTONE RIVER VALLEY ~ GALLATIN RIVER VALLEY ~ BOZEMAN ~ ENNIS ~ LIVINGSTON ~ BIG SKY ~ GARDINER
406-522-9854
Montana Angler Fly Fishing, 76 Lucille Lane, Bozeman MT 59718
406-522-9854
Montana Angler Fly Fishing, 76 Lucille Lane, Bozeman MT 59718
Experience the best fly fishing that Argentina
has to offer on the same trip. Join us on a
hosted trip in January 2013 as we travel to
both Patagonia and Northern Argentina to
sample world class fly fishing for trout AND
golden dorado fishing. After a day and night
exploring the magical city of Buenos Aires we
will head south to the Chubut Province in
Patagonia where are friend Pancho Panzer
from the Carriluefu Valley Lodge will great us
and take our team to his Orvis endorsed lodge
in Cholila for a terrific dinner. After a night at
the lodge we embark on a 3 day luxury float
trip with two nights camping along the Chubut
River which is famous for its fast action dry fly
fishing. Our Argentine guides are english
speaking, passionate pros similar in quality to
the guides we use here in Montana.
After fishing the Chubut we will spend one night in Esquel at a very nice hosteria and enjoy a home cooked meal prepared by hosts Jorge and Victoria Miglioli. Following a day of travel, we will spend four days fishing for the hard fighting golden dorado in the Ibera marshland wilderness area. The fishing is from flats boats as we explore this vast wilderness that is similar to the Florida Everglades but twice as large. Accommodations are at the legendary Pira Lodge which has a reputation as the finest golden dorado lodge in the world.
.
After fishing the Chubut we will spend one night in Esquel at a very nice hosteria and enjoy a home cooked meal prepared by hosts Jorge and Victoria Miglioli. Following a day of travel, we will spend four days fishing for the hard fighting golden dorado in the Ibera marshland wilderness area. The fishing is from flats boats as we explore this vast wilderness that is similar to the Florida Everglades but twice as large. Accommodations are at the legendary Pira Lodge which has a reputation as the finest golden dorado lodge in the world.
.
Dec. 28th- Travel to Patagonia
Enjoy a nice breakfast at the Hotel and then take a short shuttle to the domestic airport to catch 2 hour flight south to Esquel. Our flight leaves at 12:30 so we can have a relaxing morning. Upon arrival in Esquel we will be greeted by our hosts for the Patagonia leg of the trip from the Carrileufu Valley Lodge. We will make a 1.5 hour drive through the spectacular Los Alerces National Park which is filled with dramatic mountain scenery. This is in the lakes district of Patagonia and we will pass several massive crystalline lakes with towering mountains and hanging glaciers providing a dramatic backdrop. This is the heart of some of the world's finest wild trout waters. Along the way will will drive by the waters of that feed the famous Futaleufu, Rio Grande, Rio Rivadavia and Rio Carrileufu as well as the spectacular Lago Verde. Upon arrival at CVL we will be greeted by our host and guide Pancho Panzer. Pancho is a fluent English speaker and is an accomplished international angler. Pancho will also join us on our Chubut float as one of the guides. The lodge is located on the outskirts of the small village of Cholila and is a classic structure with local accents including large timbers in the main lodge and a massive stone fire place. Our dinner at the lodge will include numerous courses of carefully prepared Argentine favorites. The lodge has an extensive wine cellar filled with many fine Argentine selections from the Mendoza province. Patagonia is about 45 degrees south of the equator which (Montana is 45 degrees north) and the climate and scenery is very similar to the Rocky Mountain region. Patagonia is not as developed as the US and fishing in the region is more reminiscent of the American West
Dec 29th-31st Chubut River Luxury Float Trip
The next morning we will depart for a 3 day wilderness adventure on the Chubut river which is a 60 km float across a massive private estancia. Pancho and his team of guides are among the most experienced in the region and have hosted many famous international anglers. Pancho is also an international angler himself and has traveled the world chasing trout, salmon and saltwater species. The only way to access the Chubut is to float for three or four days so the river sees very little pressure. The fishing on the Chubut is exceptional and it is famous for very fast action on dry flies (often over 100 trout per boat per day). There are two guides that run ahead of the group to set up an elaborate camp with a dining tent with tables and chairs, a hot shower system, several large sleeping tents that you can stand in, two cots per tent and sleeping pads/bags. We will spend two nights camping along the river enjoying a meticulously prepared camp. The food is excellent on the river trip and just as good as the food that you experience back at the lodge. Fine argentine wines are served with both lunch and dinners and all other beverages including beer and spirits are included. The scenery near Esquel is similar to Montana and Wyoming - spectacular mountain and glacier views in the National Park and then somewhat arid as you begin to enter the pampas. The Chubut is in a very arid area similar to Wyoming with very pleasant weather and lots of sunshine. This is a medium sized river with very high trout numbers. The banks are lined with willows and well placed casts with attractor dry flies are usually rewarded with an aggressive take. Streamer fishing for larger trout or nymphing pancora crab imitations can also be productive for the largest trout that can run over 20". Upon completion of our third day of floating the guides will drive our team to Esquel and drop us off at the Canela Hosteria.
Dec 31st- Canela Hosteria in Esquel
Jorge and Victoria Miglioli will greet our crew at the Canela Hosteria just outside of Esquel. The Hosteria is in a very nice neighborhood and offers 5 nicely appointed bedrooms. Jorge and Victoria speak perfect English and are warm and welcoming hosts. Jorge has authored two books on the history of the region and will share many wonderful stories of the rich history and traditions of the Patagonia province. We will enjoy a home cooked traditional Argentine meal completed with nice wines.
Jan 1st- travel day
We will wake up to a very nice breakfast prepared by Jorge and Victoria. Jorge will then drive us to the airport later in the morning to catch our flight to Buenos Aires. After a 2 hour flight we will have some dinner in BA and then transfer to the bus terminal to catch an overnight sleeper bus to Mercedes. Our seats on the bus will be similar to first class seats on an airline. The bus ride is about 7 hours and we will wake up in Northern Argentina. We will be greeted from a representative of Pira Lodge who will then drive us about 1 hour to the lodge.
Jan 2nd - Pira Lodge arrival
After arriving at around 6am in Mercedes we will be transported to the lodge which is one hour away. Pira Lodge is owned by Nervous Waters which operates several of the finest fishing lodges in the world. We will have a late breakfast at the lodge and then have some time to settle in, go for a swim or take a nap. Fishing immediately upon arrival is also an option for an added charge. After a late lunch we will head out for the five hour afternoon fishing session. We will have 4 days of fishing and 3 nights at the lodge.
Jan3rd and 4th - Pira
The fishing at Pira is for the native Golden Dorado. Dorado are amongst the world's most widely prized game fish. They are built like salmon, hit like a barracuda and jump like a tarpon. Dorado also grow large and reach sizes over 40 lbs. Most of the fish we will be catching will range from 5-20 lbs. Five to eight pound fish (about the weight of a 26" trout) are most common but most anglers will catch a few in the 15-20 lb. range on the trip. Action is very good and last season catch rates averaged 30 dorado per boat per day throughout the season. There are only a few places in South America where you can catch dorado in clear water and Pira is one of them. The lodge is located in the heart of the Ibera marshlands which is a vast wilderness area similar to the Flordida Everglades but over twice as large. It offers a vast labyrinth of larger rivers such as the Piranha and Corrientes along with many smaller unnamed spring creeks that formed the headwaters. Fishing is done from high end Bahamas style skiffs that are poled through prime waters while anglers take cast from the bow. On some of the smaller headwaters areas it is also possible to get out and walk the banks while sight casting to pods of dorado in the clear spring waters.
The fishing is all streamer fishing and a variety of rods are used ranging from 6wt to 8wt. Both floating and sinking lines are employed depending on if we are fishing the smaller headwaters or the larger main river. Pira has top of the line sage rods in a variety of line weights for anglers to use so there is no need to purchase specialty rods just for this trip. Each day there are two fishing sessions. We start the day by having breakfast and then heading to the dock to meet the guides for several hours of good morning action. After a nice afternoon siesta and a gourmet lunch we will head out again in the late afternoon for an evening session. Once back at the lodge we will enjoy a delicious multi course meal with your choice of fine wines, beer or spirits. The accommodations at Pira leave no stone unturned and the rooms are large with marble floors and en suite baths.
Wildlife is rich and abundant when exploring the vast waters of the Ibera marshlands. The wilderness area is home to over 350 species of birds and unique animals such as capybaras (large beaver-like rodents), swamp deer, howler monkeys, and cayman (like crocodiles). Exploring this amazing wilderness location is half of the fun at Pira. Weather is warm and humid with highs in the 90s which will be a stark contrast from the dry and cool mountain weather in Patagonia.
Jan 5th - Pira fishing in morning and transfer
We will have a nice breakfast in the morning and then head out for five hours of fishing. After fishing we will return to the lodge for siesta, swim, nap and relax before an early dinner around 5pm and then a transfer back to Mercedes to catch the sleeper bus to Buenos Aires.
Jan 6th - Buenos Aires and departure
We will arrive in Buenos Aires early in the morning and have a day room reserved to drop of our luggage and take shower. Flights are in the evening so we have some time to explore the city a bit more and do some shopping for gifts before transferring to the International airport for flights home.
Jan 7th - Arrive back in US in the morning
Rates
$4995 - base rate for lodging/fishing pacakge: 9 nights and 7 days of guided fishing. (based on double occupancy)
Included:
Lodging, meals (except in Buenos Aires), all wines, beer, and local spirits at the lodges and on overnight. Flies and leaders. Professional fishing guide services with 7 days of guided fishing. Laundry service at lodges. All transfers to and from lodges. Use of rods at Pira.
Not included:
International Airfare
Domestic Airfare RT to Esquel (approximately $700USD)
RT sleeper bus from BA to Esquel (approximately $175)
Taxi transfers in BA from airport to hotel (costs will very depending on number sharing cab/shuttle)
Single occupancy charge applies when applicable for single occ room in Buenos Aires - adds $125
Meals in Buenos Aires (breakfast is included at the hotel)
Guide and lodge staff gratuities: approximately $460
Need to have your own rod for Patagonia portion (5 or 6 weight) - rods at Pira are included
Payment Terms:
*A deposit of 50% confirms a reservation. Deposits are non-refundable, unless client replacement is found. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. At this point, participants are responsible for total land costs and no refunds will be made for unused land transportation, accommodations, or included meals.
Trip Insurance is highly recommended!
Travel Guard Sportman's Trip Insurance
Med Evac Insurance
Enjoy a nice breakfast at the Hotel and then take a short shuttle to the domestic airport to catch 2 hour flight south to Esquel. Our flight leaves at 12:30 so we can have a relaxing morning. Upon arrival in Esquel we will be greeted by our hosts for the Patagonia leg of the trip from the Carrileufu Valley Lodge. We will make a 1.5 hour drive through the spectacular Los Alerces National Park which is filled with dramatic mountain scenery. This is in the lakes district of Patagonia and we will pass several massive crystalline lakes with towering mountains and hanging glaciers providing a dramatic backdrop. This is the heart of some of the world's finest wild trout waters. Along the way will will drive by the waters of that feed the famous Futaleufu, Rio Grande, Rio Rivadavia and Rio Carrileufu as well as the spectacular Lago Verde. Upon arrival at CVL we will be greeted by our host and guide Pancho Panzer. Pancho is a fluent English speaker and is an accomplished international angler. Pancho will also join us on our Chubut float as one of the guides. The lodge is located on the outskirts of the small village of Cholila and is a classic structure with local accents including large timbers in the main lodge and a massive stone fire place. Our dinner at the lodge will include numerous courses of carefully prepared Argentine favorites. The lodge has an extensive wine cellar filled with many fine Argentine selections from the Mendoza province. Patagonia is about 45 degrees south of the equator which (Montana is 45 degrees north) and the climate and scenery is very similar to the Rocky Mountain region. Patagonia is not as developed as the US and fishing in the region is more reminiscent of the American West
Dec 29th-31st Chubut River Luxury Float Trip
The next morning we will depart for a 3 day wilderness adventure on the Chubut river which is a 60 km float across a massive private estancia. Pancho and his team of guides are among the most experienced in the region and have hosted many famous international anglers. Pancho is also an international angler himself and has traveled the world chasing trout, salmon and saltwater species. The only way to access the Chubut is to float for three or four days so the river sees very little pressure. The fishing on the Chubut is exceptional and it is famous for very fast action on dry flies (often over 100 trout per boat per day). There are two guides that run ahead of the group to set up an elaborate camp with a dining tent with tables and chairs, a hot shower system, several large sleeping tents that you can stand in, two cots per tent and sleeping pads/bags. We will spend two nights camping along the river enjoying a meticulously prepared camp. The food is excellent on the river trip and just as good as the food that you experience back at the lodge. Fine argentine wines are served with both lunch and dinners and all other beverages including beer and spirits are included. The scenery near Esquel is similar to Montana and Wyoming - spectacular mountain and glacier views in the National Park and then somewhat arid as you begin to enter the pampas. The Chubut is in a very arid area similar to Wyoming with very pleasant weather and lots of sunshine. This is a medium sized river with very high trout numbers. The banks are lined with willows and well placed casts with attractor dry flies are usually rewarded with an aggressive take. Streamer fishing for larger trout or nymphing pancora crab imitations can also be productive for the largest trout that can run over 20". Upon completion of our third day of floating the guides will drive our team to Esquel and drop us off at the Canela Hosteria.
Dec 31st- Canela Hosteria in Esquel
Jorge and Victoria Miglioli will greet our crew at the Canela Hosteria just outside of Esquel. The Hosteria is in a very nice neighborhood and offers 5 nicely appointed bedrooms. Jorge and Victoria speak perfect English and are warm and welcoming hosts. Jorge has authored two books on the history of the region and will share many wonderful stories of the rich history and traditions of the Patagonia province. We will enjoy a home cooked traditional Argentine meal completed with nice wines.
Jan 1st- travel day
We will wake up to a very nice breakfast prepared by Jorge and Victoria. Jorge will then drive us to the airport later in the morning to catch our flight to Buenos Aires. After a 2 hour flight we will have some dinner in BA and then transfer to the bus terminal to catch an overnight sleeper bus to Mercedes. Our seats on the bus will be similar to first class seats on an airline. The bus ride is about 7 hours and we will wake up in Northern Argentina. We will be greeted from a representative of Pira Lodge who will then drive us about 1 hour to the lodge.
Jan 2nd - Pira Lodge arrival
After arriving at around 6am in Mercedes we will be transported to the lodge which is one hour away. Pira Lodge is owned by Nervous Waters which operates several of the finest fishing lodges in the world. We will have a late breakfast at the lodge and then have some time to settle in, go for a swim or take a nap. Fishing immediately upon arrival is also an option for an added charge. After a late lunch we will head out for the five hour afternoon fishing session. We will have 4 days of fishing and 3 nights at the lodge.
Jan3rd and 4th - Pira
The fishing at Pira is for the native Golden Dorado. Dorado are amongst the world's most widely prized game fish. They are built like salmon, hit like a barracuda and jump like a tarpon. Dorado also grow large and reach sizes over 40 lbs. Most of the fish we will be catching will range from 5-20 lbs. Five to eight pound fish (about the weight of a 26" trout) are most common but most anglers will catch a few in the 15-20 lb. range on the trip. Action is very good and last season catch rates averaged 30 dorado per boat per day throughout the season. There are only a few places in South America where you can catch dorado in clear water and Pira is one of them. The lodge is located in the heart of the Ibera marshlands which is a vast wilderness area similar to the Flordida Everglades but over twice as large. It offers a vast labyrinth of larger rivers such as the Piranha and Corrientes along with many smaller unnamed spring creeks that formed the headwaters. Fishing is done from high end Bahamas style skiffs that are poled through prime waters while anglers take cast from the bow. On some of the smaller headwaters areas it is also possible to get out and walk the banks while sight casting to pods of dorado in the clear spring waters.
The fishing is all streamer fishing and a variety of rods are used ranging from 6wt to 8wt. Both floating and sinking lines are employed depending on if we are fishing the smaller headwaters or the larger main river. Pira has top of the line sage rods in a variety of line weights for anglers to use so there is no need to purchase specialty rods just for this trip. Each day there are two fishing sessions. We start the day by having breakfast and then heading to the dock to meet the guides for several hours of good morning action. After a nice afternoon siesta and a gourmet lunch we will head out again in the late afternoon for an evening session. Once back at the lodge we will enjoy a delicious multi course meal with your choice of fine wines, beer or spirits. The accommodations at Pira leave no stone unturned and the rooms are large with marble floors and en suite baths.
Wildlife is rich and abundant when exploring the vast waters of the Ibera marshlands. The wilderness area is home to over 350 species of birds and unique animals such as capybaras (large beaver-like rodents), swamp deer, howler monkeys, and cayman (like crocodiles). Exploring this amazing wilderness location is half of the fun at Pira. Weather is warm and humid with highs in the 90s which will be a stark contrast from the dry and cool mountain weather in Patagonia.
Jan 5th - Pira fishing in morning and transfer
We will have a nice breakfast in the morning and then head out for five hours of fishing. After fishing we will return to the lodge for siesta, swim, nap and relax before an early dinner around 5pm and then a transfer back to Mercedes to catch the sleeper bus to Buenos Aires.
Jan 6th - Buenos Aires and departure
We will arrive in Buenos Aires early in the morning and have a day room reserved to drop of our luggage and take shower. Flights are in the evening so we have some time to explore the city a bit more and do some shopping for gifts before transferring to the International airport for flights home.
Jan 7th - Arrive back in US in the morning
Rates
$4995 - base rate for lodging/fishing pacakge: 9 nights and 7 days of guided fishing. (based on double occupancy)
Included:
Lodging, meals (except in Buenos Aires), all wines, beer, and local spirits at the lodges and on overnight. Flies and leaders. Professional fishing guide services with 7 days of guided fishing. Laundry service at lodges. All transfers to and from lodges. Use of rods at Pira.
Not included:
International Airfare
Domestic Airfare RT to Esquel (approximately $700USD)
RT sleeper bus from BA to Esquel (approximately $175)
Taxi transfers in BA from airport to hotel (costs will very depending on number sharing cab/shuttle)
Single occupancy charge applies when applicable for single occ room in Buenos Aires - adds $125
Meals in Buenos Aires (breakfast is included at the hotel)
Guide and lodge staff gratuities: approximately $460
Need to have your own rod for Patagonia portion (5 or 6 weight) - rods at Pira are included
Payment Terms:
*A deposit of 50% confirms a reservation. Deposits are non-refundable, unless client replacement is found. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. At this point, participants are responsible for total land costs and no refunds will be made for unused land transportation, accommodations, or included meals.
Trip Insurance is highly recommended!
Travel Guard Sportman's Trip Insurance
Med Evac Insurance
Itinerary - 2013 hosted trip
6 person trip - 3 rods still available.
Dec. 26th - Depart the US on your international flight. Flights leave in the evening and are about 9 hours in length en route to Buenos Aires. Sleep on the flight and wake up in BA! Time differences are minimal and jet lag is not a problem. This trip is a lot easier than it sounds. You can also opt to fly in on the 30th to arrive on New Years Eve and enjoy 2 nights in Buenos Aires. We work with a very reliable and reputable travel agency in Buenos Aires and can arrange an early arrival if you would like to spend more time in the capitol city to see the sights.
Dec. 27th - Arrive in Buenos Aires
Everyone will arrive in the morning and take a taxi to a nice hotel in the Recoletta district. Depending on your flight schedule, our host Miles McGeehan will either meet you at the international airport or at the hotel lobby. Enjoy the day relaxing our touring the city. Buenos Aires is often described as the Paris of the south and is filled with European architecture,Des, and great restaurants.
6 person trip - 3 rods still available.
Dec. 26th - Depart the US on your international flight. Flights leave in the evening and are about 9 hours in length en route to Buenos Aires. Sleep on the flight and wake up in BA! Time differences are minimal and jet lag is not a problem. This trip is a lot easier than it sounds. You can also opt to fly in on the 30th to arrive on New Years Eve and enjoy 2 nights in Buenos Aires. We work with a very reliable and reputable travel agency in Buenos Aires and can arrange an early arrival if you would like to spend more time in the capitol city to see the sights.
Dec. 27th - Arrive in Buenos Aires
Everyone will arrive in the morning and take a taxi to a nice hotel in the Recoletta district. Depending on your flight schedule, our host Miles McGeehan will either meet you at the international airport or at the hotel lobby. Enjoy the day relaxing our touring the city. Buenos Aires is often described as the Paris of the south and is filled with European architecture,Des, and great restaurants.
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Buenos Aires
The Town of Esquel in Patagonia
Los Alerces National Park
Carrileufu Valley Lodge
Carrileufu Valley Lodge
Fishing the Chubut - fast action!
Luxury Camping on the Chubut
Canela Hosteria in Esquel
Golden Dorado
Pira Lodge
Dorado always jump!
Rooms at Pira
Destination Fly
Fishing Trips
Argentina
Sea Run Browns
Villa Maria
Kau Tapen
Patagonia
PRG South
PRG North
Carrileufu Valley Lodge
Chubut Float Trip
Best of Argentina
Argentina Golden Dorado
Pira Lodge
Best of Argentina
Chile
Futa Lodge
Magic Waters Lodge
Bahamas Flats Fishing
Abaco Lodge
Bairs Lodge
Hosted Trips
Join us for the week of February 16th in Chile at Magic Waters Lodge
Argentina
Sea Run Browns
Villa Maria
Kau Tapen
Patagonia
PRG South
PRG North
Carrileufu Valley Lodge
Chubut Float Trip
Best of Argentina
Argentina Golden Dorado
Pira Lodge
Best of Argentina
Chile
Futa Lodge
Magic Waters Lodge
Bahamas Flats Fishing
Abaco Lodge
Bairs Lodge
Hosted Trips
Join us for the week of February 16th in Chile at Magic Waters Lodge