Estancia del Zorro 

Chile

Chilean owner, Sebastian Galilea and head guide Claudio Joost, do things right and we have nothing but praise for their work at Estancia del Zorro.  Located approximately forty-five minutes from the city of Coyhaique in a private ranch setting near the Argentine border, this lodge offers a diverse selection of exciting trout fishing options.  The surrounding open rolling ranch country is tufted with native pampas grass and home to many red fox (zorro) from which the lodge takes its name.

While the 15,000 acre estancia offers a range of interesting fishing venues, its crown jewel is an exquisite private spring creek which holds good numbers of trophy brown trout.  A typical weeklong fishing itinerary may also include another private spring creek just across the Argentina border or, excursions to a selection of other productive regional rivers like the Simpson, Paloma, Azul, Manihuales and Nireguao.

This lodge experience offers guests an exclusive private rural setting, excellent accommodations and meals, as well as some of Chile’s top wade and float fishing venues for quality wild trout.

Location:
Estancia del Zorro is located in the Coyhaique Alto mountain range on the Chilean-Argentine border, 23 miles from Coyhaique, Chile and one hour and 45 minutes from the Balmaceda airport.

Estancia del Zorro Fishing Program
Guests at Estancia del Zorro fly fish a great variety of wild trout waters ranging from five minutes to an hour’s drive from the lodge. Most of these streams are seldom fished and offer exciting dry fly action for trophy fish, some of which exceed 30 inches in size.

The diverse fly fishing program may include anglers taking a short drive across the Argentine border to fish small wadable streams such as the Highlands, Petragosa, Zorro, and Isabela, which are available exclusively to Estancia del Zorro’s guests. Anglers also can float the legendary Simpson and Paloma rivers. Depending upon the fishery you may find fish from 12 to 30 inches. Much of the fly fishing is done with terrestrials such as hoppers and ants, weather permitting.

Non-Angling Activities
Horseback riding: Horseback riding is available on the Estancia del Zorro property and guests can experience a gentle ride within the private working sheep ranch.

Hiking: There are some excellent hiking trails close to the lodge which allows guests to be introduced to the local flora and fauna.

Sightseeing drives can be arranged for guests as well. Within an hour and a half guests can experience a wide variety of landscapes from the steppe on the east, to the rainforest and fjords in the west. Highlights of the region, include the Cerro Castillo. The Marble caves in the General Carrera Lake, and the Puerto Ibañez hand paintings created by the ancient native Indians.

Condor Viewing: Our favorite tour, “Waking up with the Condors” is roughly a half away from the lodge. With an early morning departure, roughly 6 AM, guests will drive east to the Punta del Monte Estancia that also belongs to the Galilea Family. There are numerous cliffs to view the condors up close in their natural habitat as they often glide very close by.

Accommodations and Meals:
Estancia del Zorro is a fully restored and remodeled historic ranch house. With six bedrooms, the lodge will accommodate eight guests maximum. Each spacious room has two king sized beds, tasteful decor, air-conditioning and a private bath. Each room features a private balcony overlooking the ranch, the Spring Creek, and the vast pampas plains.

Meals at Estancia del Zorro are wonderful with a menu featuring international and local cuisine. All meals, beverages and a generous wine list are included in the trip cost. The service and hospitality of the lodge is truly first class, with a team of attentive and dedicated staff ensuring your comfort.

Guests enjoy dinners of local cuisine including beef and lamb dishes, fresh vegetables, and Chilean salads.

Note: The lodge has a small gift shop for souvenirs such as books, shirts, and fishing items. For those interested in purchase local wool products and Chilean lapis lazuli, please arrange with the lodge hostess to take you to town.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart Home
Day 2: Arrive Santiago, Chile. We recommend you overnight in Santiago to acclimate yourself and fly out the next day to the lodge but, flying straight through is also a reasonable option.
Day 3: Depart Santiago for Balmaceda Airport where you will be met by a lodge representative and taken to the lodge. Arrive lodge and prepare for the next fishing day.
Day 4-9: 6 full days of guided fishing
Day 10: Depart lodge for Balmaceda flight back to Santiago and home
Day 11: Arrive back to US
 

"Estancia del Zorro is the ultimate trout destinations. The variety of waters is astounding and the quality of the wild browns and rainbows is truly world class. The spring creek at Estancia del Zorro is the stuff that dry fly dreams are made of. Huge, wild brown trout rising freely to the floated fly and the chance, if you do everything right, to land a fish over 30" on a dry fly. To make all of this even more appealing the Galiea family make it seem like you finally reconnected with old friends in an atmosphere of rustic, but elegant, comfort complimented by fine food and excellent wines. You won't want to come home.”
– Ken Lindsay, owner of The Fisherman’s Spot in Van Nuys, CA

Complete Trip Details