Accommodations
Season
Species
Ideal for
Superior Trout Fishing, Top-Tier Accommodations
Arguably the most complete, comprehensive, high-end, and professional fishing operation in all of Patagonia, Patagonia River Guides’ (PRG) southern program offers first-class accommodations, the best in Malbec wines and gourmet cuisine, and an endless frontier of incredible Patagonia fly fishing. This southern offering is Patagonia River Guides’ original operation, the precursor to the newer PRG North program located in the San Martin area. In 2010, PRG acquired The PRG Lodge at Trevelin, located just outside the small Welsh community of Trevelin, situated about 10 miles south of Esquel. Combined with PRG’s lodge operation in the Rio Pico region to the South, this dual-location program ensures you will be fishing the very best waters in Patagonia at exactly the right times. One of PRG’s greatest strengths is their guide staff – the best in the Chubut Region.
+ Listen to these WAYPOINTS Podcasts: TRAVIS SMITH AND RANCE RATHIE – The Ins and Outs of Fly Fishing in Patagonia Part 1 and Part 2
Accommodation Details
Lodging Details
Located in a stunning mountain valley, PRG’s Lodge at Trevelin has unforgettable 365-degree views of the area and five mountain ranges as well as unbeatable access to both Los Alerces National Park and the Esquel area’s best rivers. The Main Lodge features nine rooms, each with its own private bathroom. Each main level room features a door leading to a deck with a stunning view. Two of the downstairs bedrooms are configured in a suite with a connecting door perfect for friends that want to have a shared-room concept. The Lodge also includes a cabin, which contains three large bedrooms and is perfect for a group of friends. Every guest has the option of enjoying single occupancy – something that is normally unheard of without an upgrade charge!
The main floor houses an office center for guests, a small gift shop, a dining room, two living rooms, and two bar areas. The two living rooms are on opposite sides of the Lodge; one living room is more of a lounge area with a large outside deck, while the other contains a pool table and cigar bar complete with some of the best single malts and whiskeys. The main dining room includes a large table and an indoor parilla (indoor barbeque grill), where guests enjoy gourmet and regional dishes prepared by PRG’s professional staff. The Lodge is ideal for hardcore anglers as well as for non-fishing guests wishing to relax and explore the area.
Food and Beverages
Guests can expect a made-to-order healthy breakfast in the mornings, and gourmet dinners (some of the best in Patagonia) prepared by a very talented chef each night. The meals at PRG are some of the best we’ve found anywhere in the world, and over the years, this operation has become known for its diverse menu and impressive lineup of the finest Argentine wines. The meals are always delicious and prepared with local ingredients.
Typical Length of Stay
Seven (7) nights / Six (6) days at Trevelin Lodge. Guests can complement this package by adding stays of varying lengths at Tres Valles Lodge.
Non-Angling Activities and Options
Patagonia has much to offer the non-angler, and there is a great deal more to explore than just the trout streams. The bi-lingual guides of PRG can arrange fun-filled and interesting activities and experiences for the non-fishing angler. Some of the many activities include flora and fauna tours, horseback riding, hiking, and scenic raft trips. More relaxing pursuits include wine-tasting, birdwatching, local shopping, massage, cultural tours, and photography safaris. The overall level of accommodations, service, food, and overall amenities make Patagonia River Guides a great location for couples’ trips that include a non-angler.
Internet / Communications
There is wireless internet, cell service, and a fixed phone line at both PRG locations in Trevelin and in Rio Pico.
Travel Details
How To Get There
Getting to Patagonia is not difficult. Take an easy overnight flight to Buenos Aires’s Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) from one of several major cities in the U.S., get a good night’s rest, and awaken in Argentina. There are two airports in Buenos Aires. The Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini Airport (EZE) is the international hub where all international flights arrive and depart. From there, you will need to transfer to the Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP), a smaller airport across town that handles the majority of domestic flights. From Newbery you will fly to Esquel (EQS) or to Bariloche (BRC), depending on the day of the week. It is always best to arrange your trip so that you can arrive and depart on days when the domestic Argentine airlines fly directly in and out of Esquel. You can fly in and out of Bariloche, but it is a longer drive to the Lodge, and there is a surcharge and extra transfer fee to shuttle you from Bariloche.
Arrival and Departure Details / Times
If desired, you will be met by Yellow Dog’s Buenos Aires transfer agent at the international airport (EZE) and transferred either to your hotel or to the domestic airport (AEP) for immediate departure to Esquel or Bariloche. The agent in Buenos Aires can easily re-confirm your flights, make dinner reservations, share a cocktail, and take you on a city tour if you wish. From Buenos Aires, it takes about two hours to fly to Esquel. After landing at the Esquel airport, you will be met by the PRG guides. This transfer is included in your package. If you fly instead into Bariloche, we can also arrange the transfer from the Bariloche airport to the lodge, but keep in mind that there will be an additional transfer fee.
Documents Required
Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and other Western European nations do not need a visa for tourist trips of up to ninety days. You will need a valid passport and will have to fill in a landing card on arrival and you will be given a stamp for stays of thirty, sixty, or ninety days. Staple your duplicate of the landing card into your passport, next to your entrance stamp, as you’ll need it to leave the country. If you do lose it, it’s rarely a serious problem, but you’ll have to fill in a new form at the border control. On entering the country, you will also be given a customs declaration form. Duty is not charged on used personal effects, books, and other articles for non-commercial purposes, up to the value of $300. Make sure you declare any valuable electronic items such as laptop computers, as customs officers can be suspicious that you may be bringing them into the country to sell.
Travel Arrangements
Yellow Dog provides airline reservations ad ticketing assistance through etcTravel Group, and a full-service airline logistics agent that can help book airline tickets, hotels, rental cars, and more. You can click here to request a quote or contact Yellow Dog for more information at 406-585-8667. etcTravel Group offers dedicated support services for all Yellow Dog clients. Service fees may apply when booking or researching tickets, and etcTravel will discuss this with you before sending quotes.
Travel Tools
– Airline Ticketing
– Moon Phases
– Rent This Rod
– Trip Insurance and Emergency Evacuation
– Global Rescue Membership
Fishing
General Information
A typical day of fishing in Patagonia starts with breakfast around 7:30 AM at the Lodge. After breakfast, you will be met by your guide and depart to the fishing area of your choice. You will fish one of the magnificent rivers in the area until around 1:30 PM, at which time you will enjoy a gourmet streamside lunch that includes the finest Argentine wines. The fishing day ends around 7:00 PM, upon which you are transferred back to the Lodge for a hot shower and cold drinks. At approximately 9:00 PM, you will enjoy dinner in the Lodge’s main dining room. Dinner is served late in Argentina, allowing for much longer days on the water. One thing to keep in mind is that all trips are custom designed and structured around your desires, expectations, time of year, and local fishing conditions. You can leave early or fish late, structuring your schedule however you would like. It’s completely up to you!
One of the greatest things about the PRG fishing program is that every fishing day features a different river, spring creek, or lake. Patagonia River Guides utilizes both private and public waters and they have miles of streams and access points under lease for the exclusive enjoyment of their guests. Some waters are floated, some are waded, and some a combination of the two depending on conditions and desires. Most Argentine trout are in the 16 to 23-inch range, with many exceeding 23 inches. Trout species, size, and numbers always vary depending on the watershed fished. Some waters produce numbers, some produce size, and some produce both!
In many ways, the Esquel region resembles fishing in the American West – fifty years ago. This is the gateway to Los Alerces National Park and to the Southern Andes Mountains. The area has many creeks, lakes, and rivers, all of which contain excellent numbers of trout. A short drive offers incredible trout fishing on the Rio Grande, the Corcovado, the Nant, and Fall Waterfalls, the Rio Chubut, the Arroyo Pescado spring creek, and many smaller streams and high mountain and desert lakes. Los Alerces National Park was established to protect one of the last stands of giant redwood trees in South America. It encompasses more than 600,000 acres and is home to over a dozen rivers and lakes. You can catch rainbows, browns, brook trout, and landlocked Atlantic salmon in the area’s emerald waters, and will no doubt enjoy the park as much for the scenery as the fishing. The Los Alerces region offers access to the Carrileufu, the Rivadavia, the Arraynes, the Frey, as well as numerous lakes and small remote streams.
Patagonia River Guides South sister operation, Tres Valles, is located in the Rio Pico area three hours south of Esquel. This area offers anglers the chance to explore a very remote and untouched fishery and to catch large fish and is known for its high desert lakes stacked full of large rainbows and browns. This type of stillwater fishing is exciting because of the size of the trout and the opportunity to sight fish. There are also several rivers and spring creeks in the area which provide plenty of action. If you plan on fishing the Rio Pico region, make sure that you enjoy the wild country and are prepared to live like a gaucho – in style of course! We strongly encourage guests traveling to Trevelin to add on a trip to this area.
Boats and Equipment
Patagonia River Guides utilizes a large “fleet” of NRS self-bailing rafts outfitted with swivel seats, anchor systems, and dry storage in each boat. Four-door, 4×4 turbo diesel Toyota trucks (all in excellent condition) are used to transfer anglers to the fishing areas each day. PRG has plenty of back-up Winston rods, Hatch reels, and Simms waders and boots for loaner or demo use. The use of this equipment is included in your package. They also boast the largest selection of professionally tied local patterns in Argentina to ensure that you will always have the right pattern for the right time. Flies are also included in your package.
Rates and Terms
Remember that Yellow Dog’s services are completely free! When you book a trip with Yellow Dog, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge or outfitter. All prices listed below are per person, based on double occupancy, and quoted in US dollars. Trips of any length can be arranged, so please call Yellow Dog for details and custom package pricing.
2023 Package Rates
PRG’S TREVELIN LODGE
Rates are per person for a seven (7) night/ six (6) day package based on double occupancy.
Dec 28 – May 1 = $8,400.00
Add 50% for Single Occupancy Fee.
What’s Included:
- Accommodations and meals
- All beverages including house wine, beer, and alcohol
- Fully guided fishing (2 anglers per guide)
- Transfer to/from Esquel airport and the lodge
- Fishing license
- All fishing equipment including waders/boots, rods/reels, flies, leaders, and tippet
What’s Not Included:
- International and domestic airfare
- Transfers, hotel, and food in Buenos Aires
- Laundry services
- Premium wine, alcohol, and cigars
- Gratuities for guides and staff
Patagonia River Guides (Trevelin, Rio Pico and San Martin de los Andes, Argentina)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS – CANCELLATIONS
A non-refundable deposit of 50% per person is due at the time of booking for all lodging and fishing packages, and final payment if due 90 days prior to arrival. For cancellations, all deposits and payments are non-refundable. In no event will the lodge or Yellow Dog 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 poor weather, or if arrival flights are cancelled or airline connections are missed. Additionally, the lodge and Yellow Dog are not responsible for covering costs associated with alternative travel arrangements including flights, hotels, meals or any other expenses incurred. For all of these reasons, and because of the no refund and no credit policy, Yellow Dog strongly recommends 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 Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, then a full refund will be issued minus a $100.00 per person fee charged by Yellow Dog. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the deposit, cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses for these packages. Once again, Yellow Dog strongly recommends that anglers and guests purchase travel insurance all Argentina packages.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW YELLOW DOG GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND CANCELLATION POLICIES
Payment Terms For All Yellow Dog Trip Bookings
In order to lock in your trip reservation, we ask that you please remit payment at the time of receipt of invoice. For your convenience, Yellow Dog accepts on-line payments via a direct and secure ACH platform – a quick and easy way to complete your trip reservation. Note that all Yellow Dog invoices include a live link that takes you directly to the Yellow Dog ACH platform for fast and easy payment. For open and existing invoices with a remaining balance, payment reminders also include this easy link to the ACH page.
Other customary forms of payment that are accepted are checks or wire transfers. If you would like to pay in a different way or have any questions about alternate payment methods, please contact Yellow Dog at (888) 777-5060 or (406) 585-8667. We are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Beginning September 1st, 2020, Yellow Dog will apply a 3% convenience fee for all credit card transactions.
Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures Standard Forms For Payment
- ACH online payments (for US banking institutions only).
- Traditional checks (sent via mail)
- Electronic wire payments (client is responsible for any wiring fees)
*Please contact us if you prefer or require a different payment option. Convenience fees may apply for other payment methods.
**Please be aware that the ACH platform is only available for US financial institutions and bank accounts. International payments can be made via wire or with a credit card.