Patagonia River Guides North - The River Ranch

Trip Overview
Set directly on the banks of the Chimehuín River in northern Patagonia, The River Ranch by Patagonia River Guides combines an extensive fly fishing program with an intimate, high-end lodge experience. Anglers can explore different waters each day with vetted Argentine guides, while non-angling guests enjoy outdoor adventures and time at the ranch. Beautifully appointed accommodations, thoughtful hospitality, Argentine cuisine, and an exceptional wine program make this an appealing base for couples, families, and groups.

Lodging Details
Set along the Chimehuín River, The River Ranch is a native stone-and-timber guest ranch with accommodations in the main lodge and three separate cottages, including a riverside cottage and private honeymoon cabin. The property can host up to 20 guests but currently limits weekly occupancy to 18. Guest rooms combine classic fly-fishing-lodge character with upscale comforts, including 500-thread-count sheets and L’Occitane bath products. Grounds feature more than 4,000 rose bushes, lavender fields, orchards, a berry patch, organic vegetable gardens, greenhouses, and trails along tree-lined ranch roads. The lodge also features indoor and outdoor dining, wood-fired ovens, an outdoor asado area, and a wine cellar.

Food and Beverages
The River Ranch places a strong emphasis on Argentine cuisine, with an experienced culinary team, a pastry kitchen, and a fully accredited sommelier. Breakfast includes homemade pastries, granola, yogurt, seasonal fruit, and hot dishes prepared to order. Fishing-day lunches are generally three-course meals served along the river, while lunches are also arranged for guests on non-angling outings. Each evening begins with cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres around 7:00 p.m., followed by a gourmet dinner featuring Argentine specialties, desserts, and thoughtfully paired wines. The wine cellar features selections from Argentina and Chile. The bar is stocked with Argentine beer, wine, spirits, and common mixed drinks, and guests may help themselves throughout their stay. Guides bring drinking water, soft drinks, wine, and beer on the river; guests can request preferred beverages. Much of the food draws from the ranch’s own organic gardens and greenhouses.

Typical Length of Stay
The River Ranch offers a seven-night, six-day fishing program, giving anglers the opportunity to explore a variety of Northern Patagonia's premier trout fisheries. For those looking to extend their trip, The River Ranch can be combined with other Patagonia River Guides lodges and programs to experience additional fisheries and regions throughout Argentina.

Non-Angling Activities and Options
The River Ranch is particularly well suited to couples and families. Activities include horseback riding, bird watching, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, cooking classes, gardening, day cruises on Lago Lácar, and shopping or guided tours in San Martín de los Andes. The ranch’s rose gardens, orchards, vegetable gardens, and trails provide plenty to explore on-site. Guests may also combine their stay with other Patagonia River Guides programs or lodges.

Internet / Communications
Starlink Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge, including guest rooms and common areas, and is generally fast enough for video calls. There is no cellular signal at the property. Electricity is supplied by generators at 220 volts. Argentina uses Type C and Type I outlets; adapters are available at the lodge.

How to Get There
Getting to Patagonia is not difficult. Take an easy overnight flight to Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) from one of several major cities in the U.S. and awaken in Argentina. Many travelers opt to spend the day in Buenos Aires before traveling to the lodge the following day via a two-hour flight to San Martin de los Andes (CPC). On arrival at Chapelco, a Patagonia River Guides representative meets guests for a 45-minute transfer to The River Ranch. 

Arrival and Departure Details / Times
The River Ranch operates on a Saturday-to-Saturday schedule, with guests arriving on Saturday for seven nights and six full days of guided fishing before departing the following Saturday. Guests are met at Chapelco Airport (CPC) in San Martín de los Andes and transferred to the lodge. Return airport transfers are provided on departure day, coordinated with outgoing flight schedules.

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

General Information
The River Ranch provides access to some of Northern Patagonia’s most celebrated trout fisheries, with a diverse mix of freestone rivers, smaller streams, and lakes. Anglers can float larger rivers like the Aluminé, Collón Curá, and Chimehuín, wade waters such as the Malleo, Curruhué, and Filo Hua Hum, or explore lakes and other fisheries throughout the region. This variety allows for everything from technical dry fly fishing and sight fishing to nymphing and streamer fishing. Guests fish alongside an experienced local guide and assistant guide, with each day tailored to conditions, individual preferences, and skill level. The program is well suited to both beginners and experienced anglers.

Boats and Equipment
Patagonia River Guides provides quality rafts or drift boats, trucks, trailers, and fishing tackle. The standard gear includes 6-weight fly rods, reels, floating and sinking lines, leaders, tippet, and a broad selection of dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. Waders and wading boots are available for guests who prefer not to bring their own. 

Package Rates
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.

2026/27 Rate: $9,900 per person, per week (double occupancy)

What’s Included:

• Ground transportation to and from the San Martin de los Andes Chapelco Airport (CPC)
• Accommodations and all meals
• Alcoholic beverages
• Professional guided fishing
• Non-angling activities
• Fishing license and private water fees
• Supplemental flies, leaders, and tippet
• Use of waders, boots, rods, and reels
• Starlink Wifi at the lodge

What’s Not Included: 

• Airfare to Buenos Aires (EZE)
• Airfare to either San Martin de los Andes (CPC) or to Bariloche (BRC)
• Transfers, hotel, and food in Buenos Aires
• Ground transfers from the Bariloche Airport (if applicable)
• Laundry services (charged per load)
• Special liquors and cigars
• Gratuities for guides and staff
  
  

Payment Terms for All Yellow Dog Trip Bookings:
Unless otherwise noted on your invoice, full payment is required for trips departing within 90 days of booking. For trips departing more than 90 days from booking, a 50% deposit is required to confirm your reservation.

Accepted Payment Methods

• ACH (Preferred) – No processing fee. Fast, secure and allows future payments to be scheduled.
• Credit & Debit Cards – 3.5% processing fee.
• International Wire Transfers – Available for international customers only. Customers are responsible for any applicable wire fees.

If you have any questions about alternate payment methods, please contact Yellow Dog at (406) 585-8667 ext. #3. We are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM MT.