Chile
Estancia De Los Rios
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Trip Summary
Located in the remote Cisnes Valley of Chilean Patagonia, Estancia De Los Rios is nestled within a 360,000-acre private working ranch. This is rural Patagonia at its finest, reminiscent of Montana more than 50 years ago. With over 60 miles of freestone rivers, spring creeks, and alpine lakes at your fingertips, the angling possibilities feel nearly limitless, with new water to explore each day.
The lodge itself is a spacious log structure that features charming guest suites, inviting communal areas, and a warm dining room where exquisite meals are served daily. Non-anglers can enjoy horseback riding and world-class photography opportunities across the vast ranch property. From the diverse fishing to the authentic gaucho culture, Estancia De Los Rios is one of the most fascinating and immersive lodge experiences in all of Patagonia.
Who's It For?
Diverse trout fishing opportunities
From freestone rivers and spring creeks to alpine lakes and float trips, Estancia De Los Rios offers one of the most varied trout fishing programs in Patagonia.
Vast private ranch waters
Spanning 360,000 acres, the estancia provides access to an enormous network of private fisheries where anglers rarely encounter other fishermen.
Authentic Patagonian estancia experience
Beyond the fishing, guests experience traditional gaucho culture, horseback travel, incredible scenery, and life on a working Patagonia ranch.
Exploratory trout fishing adventures
With new water to discover throughout the week, every day feels like an expedition into a different corner of Chilean Patagonia.
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
WHY BOOK WITH TRIDENT
- No Credit Card Fees
- Same Price as Booking Direct
- Earn Trident Rewards
2026 Fishing Packages
Trident Travel's expert planning service is free of charge.
The rates below are the same as you would pay by booking directly with the lodge.
Rates and inclusions are subject to change at any time. Contact us for the most current pricing.
Double Occupancy / Shared Guide (Per Person)
7 Nights / 6 Days = $7,400
Single Occupancy / Shared Guide (Per Person)
7 Nights / 6 Days = $8,400
Single Occupancy / Private Guide (Per Person)
7 Nights / 6 Days = $9,200
What's Included:
- Guided fishing with a professional, English-speaking guide
- Accommodations and meals at Estancia De Los Rios
- Select beer and wine in the evenings
- All non-alcoholic beverages
- One night at Magdalena Cottage or Lake Camp
- Transfers to/from Balmaceda airport (BBA)
- StarLink WiFi
- Chile fishing license
What's Not Included:
- Airfare to/from Balmaceda airport (BBA)
- Lodging, meals, and transfers in transit
- Liquor
- All fishing equipment & rentals
- Laundry
- Gratuities for guides
- Gratuities for lodge staff
Gallery
Seasonal Fishing
Calendar
The season begins with cool temperatures, green landscapes, and aggressive trout eager to feed after the winter. Higher water levels open up portions of the larger freestone rivers and create excellent conditions for nymphing, streamers, and large attractor dry flies. Fishing pressure is virtually nonexistent, and anglers often enjoy some of the year's most active trout.
Summer brings warm weather, stable river conditions, and outstanding dry fly fishing. Hatches become increasingly consistent, while beetles, hoppers, and other terrestrials play a major role across much of the ranch. With access to a diverse mix of freestone rivers, spring creeks, and lakes, guides can tailor each day to prevailing conditions, making this the most versatile time of year to visit.
As autumn arrives in Patagonia, cooler temperatures and lighter angling pressure combine with some of the season's most beautiful scenery. Brown Trout become increasingly aggressive ahead of the spawn, creating excellent opportunities for larger fish on streamers and terrestrials. Dry fly fishing can remain productive during warm afternoons, while the combination of trophy potential and stunning fall colors makes this a favorite time of year for many experienced anglers.
Lodging & Accommodations
Accommodations
Estancia De Los Rios is tucked deep into one of the most remote and scenic corners of Chilean Patagonia. Set on a sprawling 360,000-acre working ranch, the lodge offers guests a chance to experience total solitude, far removed from crowds or any signs of modern development. It's the kind of place where time slows down, and the only sounds are the wind through the grass, the rush of the river, and the calls of local birds. The lodge sits just 300 yards from one of the property's many rivers and is built in the style of a traditional Patagonian log house. Inside, you'll find six spacious double rooms, each with a private bathroom and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. The common areas are warm and welcoming, including a large mud room, comfortable lounge, dining area, and outdoor terraces that make the most of the lodge's incredible setting. In addition to the main lodge, there's a separate barbecue house known as the quincho, where guests enjoy a classic Patagonian asado at least once during the week. Asado night is always a relaxed and social highlight of the trip. The lodge hosts a maximum of 12 guests per week, making it an ideal fit for small groups or families looking for a quiet, well-appointed base in the heart of Patagonia. With easy access to over 60 miles of private water, combined with professional bilingual guides, thoughtful service, and excellent meals paired with Chilean wines, Estancia De Los Rios delivers a truly immersive fly fishing experience in one of the most unspoiled landscapes on Earth.
Food
The cuisine at Estancia De Los Rios is authentic, fresh, and thoughtfully prepared. Most meals feature locally sourced meats and vegetables, with a focus on hearty, satisfying fare that reflects the region's character. Each day begins with an early breakfast that includes coffee, tea, juice, fresh eggs, and bacon. Lunches are either packed for a day on the water or served back at the lodge, typically featuring sandwiches or wraps along with fruit and a cookie. Dinners are a highlight of the day and may include homemade pasta dishes, classic Patagonian asados, and regional specialties, all paired with excellent Chilean wines.
Connectivity
Complimentary WiFi is available in the lodge. Although it is generally a reliable service, it can be affected by adverse weather conditions. Cell service may be available depending on your service plan and provider.
Target Species
10-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.
A week-long trip to Estancia De Los Rios typically runs from Saturday to Saturday. The journey begins with a Friday flight to Santiago, Chile (SCL). From Santiago, you'll take a Saturday domestic flight to Balmaceda (BBA), where you'll be greeted by a representative from EDLR upon your midday arrival. The drive from Balmaceda to the lodge takes about five hours, so keep your camera handy as you wind through the Andes and head northeast toward the Chile-Argentina border. Some travelers choose to spend extra time in Santiago on the front end of their trip, to break up the travel and enjoy a taste of Chilean culture before continuing on to Balmaceda.
Each fishing day at Estancia De Los Rios follows a relaxed yet well-structured rhythm. The generator kicks on at 6:30am, and early risers can help themselves to fresh coffee starting at 7:00. A full breakfast is served at 8:30, followed by gear-up and departure with your guide around 9:30 to 10:00am. Depending on the day's location, lunch may be a riverside picnic or a sit-down meal back at the lodge. After an afternoon session on the water, you'll return to the lodge with time to unwind, clean up, and share stories over cocktails or a glass of Chilean wine. Appetizers are served around 8:00pm, followed by a regional dinner and dessert at 8:30. It's customary in Patagonia to dine later in the evening, and the pace of life at the lodge reflects that tradition. The generator remains on until midnight, giving you time to relax, recharge electronics, and rest up for the next day.
After your week of fishing, you'll enjoy breakfast on Saturday morning before beginning the five-hour transfer back to Balmaceda Airport (BBA). From there, you'll catch your domestic flight to Santiago (SCL), followed by your international connection home. Some travelers may choose to spend one or more nights in Santiago to break up the return trip and enjoy a bit more of the city before heading home.
Frequently Asked Questions
GET IN TOUCHEstancia De Los Rios can accommodate anglers of all experience levels, from first-time fly fishers to seasoned Patagonia veterans. The diverse portfolio of rivers, spring creeks, and lakes allows guides to tailor each day to the angler's skill level and goals. Guests should be prepared for an active week, however, as much of the fishing is done on foot and may involve hiking over uneven terrain or accessing water by horseback.
Brown Trout are the primary target and are found throughout the ranch's rivers, spring creeks, and lakes. Rainbow Trout are also present in select waters. Depending on the fishery, anglers may encounter everything from eager 12-inch trout to large, mature Browns measuring over 22 inches.
Unlike many Patagonia lodges that focus on a single river system, Estancia De Los Rios offers access to a vast network of private fisheries spread across a 360,000-acre working ranch. Guests can fish freestone rivers, spring creeks, and lakes throughout the week, often exploring entirely different water each day. Combined with horseback access, authentic gaucho culture, and extremely light fishing pressure, the experience feels more like an expedition than a traditional lodge-based fishing trip.
Yes. Dry fly fishing is one of the highlights of the program, particularly during the summer months from December through March. Trout readily feed on mayflies, caddis, and terrestrials such as beetles and hoppers. Depending on conditions, anglers may enjoy everything from technical spring creek fishing to exciting freestone river dry fly action.
No. While horseback access is commonly used to reach certain fisheries, no prior riding experience is required. The horses are well-trained, and the lodge staff is accustomed to assisting guests with little or no riding background. Many fishing locations can also be reached by vehicle and hiking.
Guests should expect a moderate level of physical activity throughout the week. Most fishing is done while wading, and some locations require hiking over uneven ground or horseback rides to reach the water. The guides can often adjust daily plans to accommodate different fitness levels, but anglers will get the most out of the experience if they are comfortable spending a full day outdoors and hiking/wading throughout the entire week.
Estancia De Los Rios hosts a maximum of 12 guests per week. Given the size of the property and the extensive network of private waters, anglers rarely encounter other fishermen during the day. The result is an uncrowded and highly personalized fishing experience.
The season runs from November through April, and each period offers unique opportunities. Early season features aggressive trout and higher water levels, summer brings excellent dry fly fishing and terrestrial action, while autumn is favored by many experienced anglers for its beautiful scenery, lighter pressure, and increased opportunities for larger Brown Trout.
Weather conditions can vary considerably throughout the season. Summer temperatures often range from 60-85°F during the day, while mornings and evenings can be much cooler. Wind is a common part of Patagonia fishing, and anglers should be prepared for everything from bright sunshine to rain showers during the same day. Layered clothing and quality rain gear are essential.
Estancia De Los Rios is primarily designed as a fly fishing destination. While non-angling guests can certainly enjoy the spectacular scenery, wildlife viewing, photography, and the authentic estancia atmosphere, there are no structured non-angler programs or nearby towns and attractions to visit. Because of the lodge's remote location and fishing-focused operation, we generally recommend this trip for anglers.
We recommend bringing a 4wt, 6wt, and 7wt fly rod to cover the full range of fishing opportunities on the ranch. Anglers should also pack breathable waders, wading boots, rain gear, polarized sunglasses, and a variety of dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. Trident provides all guests with a detailed packing list and equipment recommendations prior to departure.
Yes. Gratuities are customary and greatly appreciated by the guides and lodge staff. Tips are typically given in cash at the conclusion of the trip and may be paid in either U.S. dollars or Chilean pesos. We provide current tipping recommendations in our pre-trip materials.
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.
Trip Resources & Downloads
