Argentina
Chimehuin Safaris
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Trip Summary
Chimehuin Safaris creates fully customized fly-fishing itineraries throughout northern Patagonia, combining many of the region’s premier trout rivers, private estancias, and fishing lodges into one seamless program. Based near San Martín de los Andes, the outfitter offers access to everything from float fishing on the Chimehuín, Collón Curá, Aluminé, and Limay Rivers to technical walk-and-wade fishing on waters such as the Malleo and Filo Hua Hum. Each trip is tailored to the group’s schedule, lodging preferences, and fishing goals, with opportunities to target wild brown and rainbow trout using dry flies, nymphs, and streamers across a diverse range of waters.
Who's It For?
Customized northern Patagonia itineraries
Each Chimehuin Safaris trip is built around the group’s preferred dates, fishing style, lodging preferences, and trip length. Anglers can remain at one property or combine several lodges and estancias into a seamless, privately guided itinerary.
Access iconic Patagonia trout rivers
Programs can include many of northern Patagonia’s most celebrated fisheries, including the Chimehuín, Collón Curá, Aluminé, Limay, Malleo, and Filo Hua Hum. River selections are tailored to seasonal conditions and each group’s fishing goals.
Versatile float and wade fishing
Anglers can float broad rivers from a drift boat, stop to wade productive riffles and side channels, or spend full days sight fishing smaller, technical waters. This variety allows each itinerary to incorporate multiple fishing styles and techniques.
Authentic lodges and private estancias
Accommodation options range from full-service fishing lodges and boutique hotels to historic working estancias, private ranch houses, and remote river camps. Each property adds a distinct sense of place to the overall Patagonia experience.
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
WHY BOOK WITH TRIDENT
- No Credit Card Fees
- Same Price as Booking Direct
- Earn Trident Rewards
Trident Travel's expert planning service is free of charge. Our rates are the same as you would pay by booking directly with the outfitter or lodge.
Packages are fully customizable. Contact us for package options and the most current pricing.
What's Included:
- Guided fishing
- Accommodations and meals at each lodge
- Transfers to each lodge
- Transfers to/from San Martin Airport (CPC)
What's Not Included:
- Airfare to/from your fishing destination
- Lodging, meals, and transfers in Buenos Aires
- Fishing License (approximately $80)
- All fishing equipment
- Gratuities for guides
- Gratuities for lodge staff
- Alcoholic beverages (depending on the lodge)
Gallery
Seasonal Fishing
Calendar
The season opens with long days, higher flows, and relatively light fishing pressure. Float fishing is often favored on larger rivers, while side channels, smaller waters, and select private fisheries can provide walk-and-wade opportunities. Streamers, nymphs, and larger attractor dries may all come into play, with dry-fly opportunities generally expanding as rivers settle through December. The multi-day Caleufú River float is also an early-season option, typically available only through mid-January.
Midsummer offers the warmest weather and broadest selection of rivers, with both float and walk-and-wade programs available. Caddis, mayflies, grasshoppers, beetles, ants, and inchworms become increasingly important, creating opportunities to fish dry flies, dry-dropper rigs, nymphs, and streamers. Lower, clearer water can also produce technical sight-fishing opportunities on rivers such as the Malleo and Filo Hua Hum.
March brings cooler mornings, stable water conditions, and fewer visitors throughout northern Patagonia. Terrestrials and aquatic insects can continue producing dry-fly opportunities, while baitfish activity makes streamers increasingly relevant on larger rivers such as the Collón Curá and Limay. The combination of comfortable weather, varied techniques, and access to nearly the entire fishery makes March a versatile time to visit.
Autumn offers cooler weather, changing foliage, shorter days, and a quieter atmosphere. Brown Trout become more aggressive ahead of the spawning season, making streamers an important part of the fishing, particularly where trout are following migrating baitfish. Dry-fly opportunities can still develop during warmer portions of the day. Most fisheries close at the end of April, although select rivers remain open through May under current regulations.
Lodging & Accommodations
Accommodations
Chimehuin Safaris itineraries can incorporate a wide range of accommodations, including full-service fishing lodges, historic working estancias, private ranch houses, boutique hotels, and remote camping or glamping programs. Most lodge and estancia options feature comfortable guest rooms, private bathrooms, and inviting common areas, though room configurations and amenities vary by property. Each itinerary can be tailored around the group’s preferred level of comfort, fishing access, and travel style.
Food
Meals are an important part of the northern Patagonia experience. Lodge and estancia stays generally include hearty breakfasts, streamside lunches, and multi-course dinners featuring Argentine beef, fresh local ingredients, traditional asados, and regional wines. Menus and beverage inclusions vary by property, while remote float and camping programs offer simpler but thoughtfully prepared meals served along the river.
Connectivity
WiFi is available at most established lodges, estancias, and hotels, but service can be slower or less reliable in remote areas. Cell coverage varies considerably and may be unavailable on the river, at isolated properties, or during wilderness floats. Guests should plan to have basic connectivity at many accommodations but should not rely on uninterrupted service throughout the trip.
Target Species
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
22-Day Itinerary
Each day is carefully planned to maximize your fishing success while experiencing the best of what this destination has to offer. Itineraries are flexible based on conditions and guest preferences.
Depart home on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires, arriving the following morning.
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, connect with your domestic flight to San Martín de los Andes Airport (CPC). Depending on your flight schedule, this may require transferring between Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP). After arriving in northern Patagonia, you will be met and transferred to Tipiliuke Lodge, where you can settle in and enjoy dinner.
After breakfast, meet your guide and spend a full day fishing the Río Chimehuín. Depending on water conditions and the selected section, the day may combine fishing from the boat with stops to wade riffles, runs, and side channels. Lunch is served along the river before an afternoon fishing session and your return to Tipiliuke Lodge.
Fish another section of the Río Chimehuín, giving you the opportunity to experience new water and techniques. At the end of the fishing day, your guide will transfer you to Collón Curá Lodge, where you will settle in for the next portion of the trip.
Spend two full days floating the broad reaches of the Río Collón Curá. Guides frequently stop along the way to fish productive riffles, runs, islands, and side channels on foot. Riverside lunches are included each day, followed by dinner and overnight accommodations at the lodge.
After breakfast, transfer north toward Estancia Mamuil Malal near the base of Lanín Volcano. You will fish the Río Malleo during the day before settling into the estancia for the evening.
Your final fishing day is spent walking and wading a different section of the Río Malleo. The river offers a contrasting experience from the larger float fisheries earlier in the week, with technical presentations and opportunities to target wild brown and rainbow trout on foot. Return to the estancia that evening for dinner and your final night in northern Patagonia.
After breakfast, transfer to San Martín de los Andes Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Depending on your international itinerary, you may need to transfer between AEP and EZE before boarding your overnight flight home. Arrive home the following day.
Frequently Asked Questions
GET IN TOUCHYes. Every Chimehuin Safaris itinerary can be tailored around your trip length, preferred rivers, fishing style, lodging preferences, and group size. Guests may stay at one property or combine several lodges and estancias to experience multiple fisheries within a single northern Patagonia trip.
Custom packages start at approximately $8,000 per person. Final pricing depends on the length of the trip, selected accommodations, number of fishing days, guide configuration, room occupancy, transfers, and any overnight float or camping programs included in the itinerary.
Chimehuin Safaris offers access to many of northern Patagonia’s best-known trout rivers, including the Chimehuín, Collón Curá, Aluminé, Limay, Malleo, Filo Hua Hum, Traful, Caleufú, Quilquihue, and several smaller tributaries. River selection is based on the season, current conditions, and the group’s fishing goals.
Wild brown trout and rainbow trout are the primary species targeted throughout the Chimehuin Safaris program. Certain fisheries may also offer opportunities for landlocked Atlantic salmon and brook trout, although these are more specialized and location-dependent.
The main northern Patagonia fly-fishing season runs from November through April, with select rivers sometimes remaining open into May. November and December typically bring higher spring flows, January and February offer warm summer conditions and strong terrestrial activity, and March and April provide cooler weather and productive late-season streamer fishing.
Yes. Larger rivers such as the Chimehuín, Collón Curá, Aluminé, and Limay are commonly explored by drift boat, often with stops to wade productive runs and side channels. Rivers such as the Malleo and Filo Hua Hum provide more technical walk-and-wade and sight-fishing opportunities.
The program can accommodate beginners through experienced trout anglers. Guides can tailor each day to the group’s abilities, although practicing accurate casting, line control, and fishing in windy conditions will help anglers make the most of their time in Patagonia.
Chimehuin Safaris works with full-service fishing lodges, private ranch houses, boutique hotels, historic working estancias, and remote camping or glamping programs. Each itinerary can be designed around the group’s preferred balance of comfort, fishing access, privacy, and variety.
Yes. The customizable format makes Chimehuin Safaris well suited to couples, families, and mixed-interest groups. Depending on the selected properties, non-angling activities may include horseback riding, hiking, sightseeing, spa treatments, cooking experiences, and time exploring San Martín de los Andes.
Most guests fly internationally to Buenos Aires and then connect to San Martín de los Andes Airport, also known as Chapelco Airport (CPC). Some schedules require a transfer between Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP). Ground transfers between CPC and the selected lodges are arranged as part of the itinerary.
Most anglers should bring at least two trout setups. A 9-foot 5-weight is ideal for dry flies and lighter presentations, while a 6- or 7-weight is useful for nymph rigs, streamers, larger rivers, and windy conditions. Floating lines, appropriate leaders, quality rain gear, polarized glasses, and layered clothing are also important.
Medical emergencies and evacuations can happen in remote destinations, which is why we strongly recommend enrolling with Global Rescue before your trip. Global Rescue provides industry-leading medical and security evacuation services, and they also offer comprehensive travel insurance plans serviced through IMG. This all-in-one solution allows anglers to secure both emergency evacuation coverage and travel insurance through a single provider, helping ensure you’re protected if something unexpected occurs before or during your trip.
