OVERVIEW

Arrival and stay at Estancia de los Ríos

Please plan your flight so that you do not arrive in Balmaceda (BBA) before 1 p.m. and do not book your return flight to Santiago (SCL) before 2 p.m. – this will give you enough time for the transfer to the lodge and back to the airport.

After a relaxing night in Santiago, you will travel to Balmaceda in the afternoon, where you will be met by a guide from the estancia. The approximately 4.5-hour drive to the lodge takes you through impressive landscapes with waterfalls, forests, and the majestic Andes.

The lodge offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms – a place of well-being in the middle of the wilderness. Depending on your arrival time, you can start your first activities such as fly fishing, hiking, or horseback riding. In the evening, cocktails, delicious snacks, and a delicious dinner await you, during which your guide will discuss the plans for the next day with you.

The fishing days are varied and can be tailored to your wishes. With over 60 kilometers of rivers, spring creeks, and lakes right on the estancia, you can enjoy first-class fly fishing every day in spectacular, secluded natural surroundings.

After fishing, we invite you to a cozy reception with pisco sour, beer, and fine Chilean wines, followed by a relaxed, delicious dinner.

On the day of departure, the transfer will take you to Balmaceda Airport in time for your return flight or onward journey.

Estancia de los Ríos – Your private fly fishing paradise in Patagonia

The Estancia de los Ríos encompasses an impressive 1,800 hectares of untouched nature in Chile, with private rivers and streams. Here you can fish all to yourself without encountering other anglers – a real privilege for quiet and undisturbed days by the water.

A stay here is like traveling back in time to the original Patagonia. On the private, still active estancia, you can experience authentic culture and nature without sacrificing comfort. This allows you to start each morning refreshed for a new, unique day of fishing.

The variety of waters is enormous: from small rivers, river hikes, day trips by boat, idyllic spring creeks to sight fishing on lakes – there is a fly fishing adventure to suit every taste. The varied selection ensures that there is never a dull moment.

The Dufflocq family, pioneers of fly fishing in Chile, run the estancia with great passion and respect for the region. Here you will get to know the rural life of Patagonia, where gauchos have been farming the landscape for generations – an authentic experience that will leave a lasting impression on you.

With a maximum of 12 guests, the Estancia is an intimate, personal lodge, not a large commercial resort. Your fishing program will be tailored to your individual needs, and you will return home with unforgettable memories and as part of the Dufflocq family.

PROGRAM

Fly fishing at Estancia de los Ríos

On Saturday, you will take an early flight from Santiago to Balmaceda (BBA). Your guide will be waiting for you there to take you to the lodge along the picturesque Carretera Austral. The approximately 4.5-hour drive takes you through spectacular landscapes. After a short introduction and a light lunch, you will head straight to the first fly fishing highlight of the day. In the evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail and a delicious dinner while the guides introduce the week and the fishing opportunities.

Sunday begins with fly fishing on the legendary Río Cisnes, where brown trout bite regularly. After lunch by the river, you will fish at a nearby spring creek in the afternoon—a slightly more patient but very rewarding challenge. The river sections offer exciting insect hatches and numerous fishing opportunities.

On Monday, you will fish downstream in a narrow canyon with deep pools where large trout lurk. Streamers and nymphs are the best choice here until the fish become active on the surface. A group lunch by the river rounds off the day before you continue fishing and wait for the evening insect flight.

On Tuesday, fishing at the headwaters is on the agenda. You can catch lots of fish in the morning with nymphs and later with dry flies. After a traditional “asado” – a Patagonian barbecue with lamb or beef and the best red wine – you’ll head out again in the afternoon to hunt for big trout.

On Wednesday, you will fish in a small stream in a remote valley full of untouched nature and rare trout. In the morning with nymphs and after lunch with hoppers on the larger section of the river.

On Thursday, you will explore more unknown fishing spots or visit your favorite places before ending the evening with a Patagonian lamb barbecue.

On Friday, you will enjoy a special sight fishing session at a nearby lake, where you can catch active fish right before your eyes with dry flies – a unique experience.

On Saturday, your trip ends after breakfast with a transfer to Balmaceda Airport and your return flight to Santiago.

Magdalena Cabin
For the adventurous, there is a rustic cabin on a remote spring stream offering challenging, technical fly fishing. The cabin can accommodate four guests and is simply equipped – no electricity or internet, but with a wood stove and hot shower. Overnight stays there are optional and can be booked during the week.