San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina is located in the western area of the Province of Río Negro, in the heart of the Nahuel Huapi National Park. Lying on the southern shore of the lake after which the park is named, Bariloche is the perfect juxtaposition between city and nature and is the heart of Argentine Patagonia. 1,640 kilometers from Buenos Aires, this tourist city has a strong hotel and restaurant infrastructure that was first developed over eight decades ago. Bariloche welcomes visitors from all over the world who enjoy its Patagonia landscapes, tourist services and the facilities of one of the main ski resorts in the country: Mount Cathedral.
Bariloche is a year-round outdoor paradise. Summer adventures include fly fishing for trout, rafting, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding adventures. In the winter, skiing is a local pastime that is gaining popularity with skiers the world over. Likewise, lake excursions across the Nahuel Huapi provide access to spots that are unique in the world, such as the myrtle forest on Victoria Island.
Challhuaquen Lodge Travel:
To get to Challhuaquen Lodge you will need to make arrangements to Esquel or Bariloche, Argentina. Most guests will fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina where they will overnight and then fly on to Esquel or Bariloche the next morning.
Esquel, Argentina is somewhat limited and only has three flights per week departing on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. You will be met by a bilingual lodge representative who will transfer you by VAN to Challhuaquen Lodge, approximately one hour.
Flying to Bariloche is also an option with daily flights; however, there will be an additional charge of $150 US per person (estimate). You will be met by a bilingual lodge representative who will transfer you by van or car to Challhuaquen Lodge, approximately four hours.
Challhuaquen Lodge Documentation:
You will need a valid passport to enter Argentina!
Challhuaquen Lodge Fishing Program:
Challhuaquen Lodge, which in the local Mapuche language means "fishing place", is located in the Trevelin valley, Province of Chubut, on the bank of the Futaleufú river or Rio Grande, near Los Alerces National Park, in the core the Argentinean Patagonia. Anglers enjoy a combination of floating and wading throughout the week. Guests at Challhuaquen Lodge fish the Futaleufu, Corintos, Rivadavia, Arrayanes, Frey, Nant Y Fall Spring Creek, Desaguadero, and Corcovado rivers. As well as the famous spring creek, Arroyo Pescado and a number of local lagoons and lakes if desired. Guillermo Sagui, the head fishing guide has over 20 years experience in this region. He and his Argentine guide staff are professionals, great teachers, and enjoy being on the water.
Challhuaquen Lodge Accommodations and Meals:
This luxury lodge offers relaxation and privacy, with only six spacious and comfortable double guestrooms, each with private bath; all facing the Futaleufú River with the constant backdrop of the National Park and the Andeans on the horizon. Similarly, acknowledging the fraternity aspect of fishing, Challhuaquen counts with ample and fully equipped common areas and a bar to rest and enjoy tying flies in the company of a good friend and/or a fine drink. The lodge offers a SPA, with sauna, Jacuzzi, Scottish shower, and personal massages with a view of the river and Andes mountains. Needless to say and always aimed at satisfying the fishermen needs, all rooms have direct access to the Futaleufú River and to the “dry-room” to change into and out of waders. To complete the perfect fly fishing day, the chef of Challhuaquen Lodge has the skill to please international preferences or choose typical Patagonian dishes. Each meal is served in the dining room with impeccable presentation, and accompanied by the finest Argentinean wines.
Challhuaquen Lodge Climate:
The summer climate of this southernmost region of South America is extremely changeable, and a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions should be expected. The sun can be very strong during the day, but the wind chill factor makes the use of protective gear necessary all season long.
Challhuaquen Lodge Non-Angler Included Activities:
There are a number of recreational activities for the enjoyment of a non-angling guests including:
Sightseeing in Los Alerces Park, boat trip (view to the Glaciers and Millenarian Alerces forest); trekking; hiking; the Welsh Route: visit to the Welsh Tea House; visit to the waterfall Nant y Fall; visit to the museum on the Patagonia Express (La Trochita); visit to Rosario Lake (Mapuche Indian reservation).
Challhuaquen Lodge Fish Species:
Brown trout, rainbow trout
Challhuaquen Lodge 2009 Rates:
$4,125 per person for a 6 Night / 5 Day package, based on double occupancy
Included:
Accommodations, transfer between lodge and Esquel airport, all meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner), with fine Argentinean wines, beer, soft drinks; open bar 24 hours a day: whiskey, hard liquors and Cuban cigars; daily spa-sauna, Jacuzzi, Scottish shower; two personal massages per week (with programs of 5 nights or more); tango show (last night, with programs of 5 nights or more); fishing day with professional guides; transportation to/from fishing areas (4x4 – boats); fishing license (included private waters).
Not Included:
Air transportation, airport taxes, laundry, personal phone bills, tips and gratuities for guides and staff, personal shopping. It also doesn’t include transfers, hotel or food in Buenos Aires or ground transfers to and from Bariloche airport if applicable. The Bariloche airport transfer runs approximately $150 US per person ($500 per van/$300 per car).
Argentina