Coming for the 2010-2011 Season

In conjunction with one of our favorite partners in the States, NM Outfitters/Brazos River Ranch, The Patagonia Journal will be hosting a limited number of exclusive adventures in Argentina and Chile. Fly Fishing, Stag Hunting, and Wingshooting destinations are being arranged now.  Join Memo Stephens, Managing Editor of The Patagonia Journal on an outdoor adventure at the End of the World. All of the Hosted trips will be captured in Photo-Essays and published in future issues of The Patagonia Journal

For more information, contact us directly at: info@patagoniajournal.com.

Hosted Fly Fishing Trips

Hosted group trips will include up to 8 guests, and all events will be hosted by Memo Stephens, Managing Editor of The Patagonia Journal; and possibly another guest host. Guests will be asked to sign a Photo-Release, as these events will be photographed and included in a Photo-Essay to be published in the future.

Accommodations and Services Included

The Hosted trips will all be held at first-class Estancias and Lodge facilities. Both private and double occupancy rooms should be available upon request. All transfers from and to Bariloche airport, lodging, meals, beverages, and guide services are included. Most of these lodges have full telephone and internet services available, but there may be a small charge. Rental rods, waders, wading boots, etc; are usually available for a fee, however Guests are encouraged to bring their own equipment (please see: What do I Really Need?). Meals are gourmet quality, and the schedule usually includes a traditional Argentine Asado (Bar-B-que).

Guides employed by these high-end locations typical have a good command of the English language as well as their native Spanish.

Not-Included

Air and ground Travel to and from final destination airport (Bariloche, Argentina) including transfer from Ezeiza Airport to the National Airport in Buenos Aires, license fees, Country Entry and departure fees, meals or accommodations during travel to or from Bariloche airport, insurance, personal items and clothing, gratuities.

Equipment Needs

Fishermen are encouraged to bring their personal fly rods, reels, waders, and wading shoes, as the fit and feel of these items can dramatically affect your comfort and enjoyment. Also recommended: A quality hat with sun-brim, polarized sun-glasses to aid in spotting fish (the waters in this part of the world are often gin-clear and allow sight fishing), sun-screen, good quality raingear and rain hat, sufficient clothing for the length of stay to provide dry clothes daily to accommodate any weather variant from near freezing up to shorts and tee-shirt (this is Patagonia, it’s extremely unpredictable). Also, a good quality digital compact camera, and any personal grooming items and medications.

We recommend 9 foot fly rods with a minimum weight of #6 up to #7, with a Fast action; and both a good quality weight forward floating line, and a sinking line of at least 250gr weight. You will frequently encounter winds in Patagonia that require a fast action rod to punch out casts; a light weight or mid-flexing rod won’t cut it. You should also have a good quality reel with a solid adjustable drag system. Put as much backing as allowed on the reel; you may run into big fish here…

Fly recommendations may be sent out 30 days prior to your trip departure, to account for local conditions and fish activity.

Travel 

A valid Passport is required to travel to Argentina or Chile. US Citizens do not require any special Visa prior to travel to enter Argentina or Chile. A small entry fee may be charged at Customs in Buenos Aires (these fees are continually changing), and Chile charges a one-time fee of approximately $100 USD (also subject to change) for a tourist Visa that will be good for the life of your Passport. Non-stop flights are usually available from L.A., Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, and Miami to Ezeiza International airport in Buenos Aires. There will be a transfer to the National Airport and about a two hour flight to Bariloche, Argentina. All guests will be picked up in Bariloche and transported to the lodge being used to host the event (1.5 – 3 hours driving time, depending upon location).

We recommend reviewing the U.S. State Department website for current Travel information and Advisories.

(Air travel details will be forthcoming for Hosted trips to Chile)

Climate/Culture

Patagonia has a very unpredictable nature, and the weather during the summer months (December through early March), can change almost by the hour from 80 degrees and sun-shine to freezing rain driven by heavy winds. You should come fully prepared with sufficient clothing for any and all conditions.

Argentina is a unique blend of Latin and European cultures, with a significant portion of the locals having origins in Italy, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland. They are friendly, curious, and love to talk to visitors. You will find Argentines to be some of the most hospitable people you will ever encounter.

* If you have special Food requirements, you must notify the outfitter at least 60 days in advance.

Weapons for Stag Hunting Trips

It is possible to bring your own rifle to hunt in Patagonia Argentina. Forms and conditions will be sent in advance of travel. Most Estancias also have an inventory of fine quality hunting rifles available for a rental fee, and many quests find this to be an easier alternative.