Itinerary:

Please note that the fishing options available are just too varied to predetermine an exact fishing itinerary. Cinco Rios believes that a strict itinerary is counter-productive and will rarely provide the best options 100% of the time. We will discuss personally with each angler on arrival or at breakfast in order to determine their preferences. River levels, existing weather, temperatures and other daily or weekly variations will ultimately determine the best itinerary for their anglers. A sample itinerary for the week, however is as follows :

Day 1: Depart Home on overnight flight to Santiago, Chile.

Day 2: Arrive in Balmaceda and Estancia el Zorro Lodge. Immediately connect (no overnight required in Santiago) to Balmacaeda airport. EDZ transport Staff with meet all guests arriving into Balmeceda and be driven the 90 minutes to the Lodge. On arrival at the lodge, all anglers will enjoy a wine, cocktail or cold beer and snack of freshly-made empenadas, while staff takes all luggage to their allocated rooms. At their leisure, guests can settle in to their rooms and then join the group for evening cocktail hour and orientation. Dinner will be served around 8.00 PM. After dinner, guests are at their leisure to either enjoy the living room or open deck outside. Alternatively, they may retire to their rooms to relax ahead of their guided fishing in the morning. Breakfast is at 7:30, however, fresh coffee is available in the living area from 5:30, set on a timer for the early risers. Lodge staff are on property and in the kitchen around 6:00 am each morning. Guides will arrive well ahead of the at 8:15 am start time and will immediately help with preparing equipment in preparation for the days fly fishing.

Day 3: Rio Nirehauo. One- hour drive to this world famous grasshopper river. Dry fly fishing is exceptional and fish average 16 inches with fish up to 23 inches. The wade fishing on this river is extremely easy with even pebbles and open cut banks. with 12 km of private access, this river easily accommodates four anglers per day. The fish of this river are conditioned to grasshoppers as this insect is prolific in the low valley. Also available is a cabin home where anglers can rest and enjoy their deluxe field lunches.

Day 4: Zorro spring creek. An easy commute of 400 yards puts anglers on the creek itself. The entire length of the best water is on the estancia property and is for their exclusive use for al EDZ anglers. Three main beats generate enough angling all day for up to six rods, however, EDZ prefers to keep it at four rods daily to ensure that areas are rested and the large trout remain active to the fly. Fish in the 22- to 24-inch range are common on this spring creek which again is very open and easily fished from the bank along it's entire length. Anglers however should always be prepared for larger fish as they can appear at anytime and 26- to 28-inch fish are not uncommon. This is truly a unique fly fishing experience.

Day 5: For a change of pace, and if anglers are looking for trophy sized trout, then a float can be arranged in one of the areas best lakes. Guides will hook up one of the lodge's jet rafts drive to the best put-in locations for these trophy fisheries. Fishing both dry and wet, anglers have the chance to catch fish that are into the double digits. Trout of over 15 lbs. have been landed on these lakes.

Day 6: Argentina private water. The border hut is visible from your room and is only a 10-minute drive A quick show of your passport and anglers are in Argentina. A private agreement with their neigbors allows EDZ anglers access to a freestone river that is absolutely choked with trout. The fish average 14 to15 inches, but fish in the 17- and 18-inch range are common. Fish 20 inches or better are a common catch. These fish come readily to the dry fly and 40 or more fish per rod per day per rod is a possibility.

Season:

At the estancia, the fishing strats early, October 1st, because of the great wade fishing on the private spring creek. November 1st marks the start of the peak season, which continues through the end of March. Also available is a combination program with our sister lodge, Cinco Rios, located just 60 minutes away. Please inquire with your Orvis Adventures rep for more details.

Species:

Brown trout and rainbow trout.

The fishing: The Fishing from Estancia Del Zorro encompasses over 100km of private access water with cross border access only a 15-minute drive away. The estancia is surrounded by rivers and streams, full of hungry trout. To complement surrounding waters, the estancia's own spring creek is one of Patagonias finest dry fly streams for brown trout and is only yards from your door. The rivers of this region of Patagonia are a dry fly angler's dream. The microclimate of the pampas creates a drier environment and the open rivers work well for terrestrial as well as aquatic hatches.

Also available to anglers is still water fishing for trophy trout that grow to over 10 lbs. Both brown trout and rainbow are present. Cinco Rios and Estancia Del Zorro's guides have over the years isolated a handfull of the very best trophy trout lakes of the many dozens of lakes in the region.

Region/Terrain:

Estancia Del Zorro is on the open pampas area that borders Argentina. This valley has its own microclimate that is generally drier than the mountain regions to the west. The terrain is very open and very few trees interfere with the anglers ability to cast a fly. Therefore this valley is as good as it gets for wade fishing. Open and undercut banks make for perfect dry fly action. Hoppers are a big part of the attraction and with over 100km of cross border private water there is no shortage of action all season long.

Typical Weather:

Daytime highs range from 50°F - 80°F throughout the season. The climate in Chilean Patagonia is similar to that in the western United States, so it can change rapidly. Anglers should always be prepared for variable conditions throughout the day and week. It is best to dress in layers to adequately adapt. The pampas experience less rain than the mountains to the west, but it is important to be prepared for high winds.

Best of Patagonia Program:

$6,500 USD per person
7 Nights /6 Fishing Days

Fly fish Chilean Patagonia’s most comprehensive selection of trout water in a single week. Fly fish the best of it all!

• The most all-around and diverse experience
• Fish spring creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes
• Accommodations at Cinco Rios Lodge and Estancia del Zorro

Intimate Waters Program:

$6,500 USD per person
7 Nights /6 Fishing Days

Walk and wade private spring creeks and small streams at the foothills of the Andes and hunt trophy brown trout on remote lakes.

• For walk and wade anglers who prefer to stalk trout
• Fish spring creeks, small streams, lakes
• Accommodations at Estancia del Zorro

Classic Waters Program:

$6,500 USD per person
7 Nights /6 Fishing Days

Float and fish Coyhaique’s classic trout rivers and take jet boat excursions too hard to access rivers and lakes in lush glacial valleys.

• For anglers who enjoy fly fishing from boats
• Fish rivers with connected lakes, mid-size rivers
• Accommodations at Cinco Rios Lodge

What's Included:

• Transportation to and from Balmaceda Airport
• All meals and beverages
• Scheduled days of guided fishing
• Chilean fishing license
• FliesLaundry

What's Not Included:

• International or domestic airfare
• Fishing equipment
• Guide and staff gratuities
• Trip insurance

Also available is a combination week with time at both Cinco Rios Lodge and Estancia Del Zorro. Please inquire with Orvis Adventures about these special packages.

For a shorter, or custom package please contact Orvis Adventures.

Additional Activities:

Non Fishing activities:
Lodge can take guests on a wide variety of activities, such as:
Sight seeing
Trekking
Kayaking
Mountain Biking
Horseback riding
Different activities can be arranged upon request, such as Spanish lessons or cooking classes. Please inquire with Orvis Adventures if you would like to experience something outside the list above.

What to Bring:

Clothing and equipment:
Heavy rain jacket (wind and rainproof)
Fleece or wool sweater
Fleece hat
Polarized sun glasses
Breathable waders
Wading shoes, full felt on the bottom, studded or cleats are not recommended.
Sun block lotion factor 30 USP, waterproof

Optional:
Drugs and medications are available near the lodge. Check the medication list that you may need for the trip. Even though there are good pharmacies in Coyhaique (45 minutes from the Estancia ), it is always best to bring what you need and extra just in case. Always take medications in your carry-on luggage.

Gear Recommendations:

Fly rods: The most common are 9 foot, 5- or 6-weight. We recommend to always bring extra rods 4-, 5- or 6-weight. There are different kinds of rivers, from the small meandering spring creeks to bigger rivers where we float. You could be using, a 4-wt. on one day and a 6-wt. the next.

Fly Lines: Weight forward/floating. Sinking lines, shooting heads, or full sinking. Range 150 to 250 grains. The most common is 200g or similar.

Leaders: 7½ feet long, 2x diameter and 9 feet long, 3x, 4x diameter. For tippet materials, we use 2x, 3x, 4x and 5x diameter.

Flies: The most common family of flies we use in Patagonia are dries. Streamers and nymphs are necessary too, depending on fishing conditions. For a list of flies contact Orvis Adventures.

Reservations, Deposits & Payments

The deposit is 50% of the trip price unless stated differently in the trip proposal and materials (trip planner and confirmation email). In some cases, deposits are non-refundable, this depends on the destination and will be clearly noted in the trip proposal and materials as well. Deposits may be made by check or credit card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Card. The balance of the trip cost is due 90 days before departure, except where specified differently on individual itineraries. The balance will be charged automatically to the credit card used for the deposit, unless otherwise specified. Any changes made to the method of payment after the final balance has been collected are subject to processing fees.

A reservation form and release are required prior to departure.

All prices must be paid in U.S. dollars. Deposits are not transferable from one trip to another.

Prices quoted are based on foreign exchange values and tariffs currently in effect and prices are subject to change. Orvis Adventures reserves the right to adjust prices accordingly until the time of departure.

Planning information

When your reservation is confirmed, you will receive planning information to guide you through trip preparations. Details about arrival and departure, clothing and equipment, trip cancellation insurance, pre- and post- trip extensions, visas and documents and activities are included in the planning information.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Although cancellation fees may be higher for some trips (stated in the trip proposal and materials), the following minimum cancellation fees will apply:

For trips that include an Orvis gift card or Orvis merchandise, the retail value of the gift card or merchandise is non-refundable upon delivery. Cancellation fees cannot be waived for any reason, including health, business or personal emergencies, or weather.

We strongly urge you to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

No refunds will be made for unused portions of a trip, including late arrival or early departure. Guide fees and hotel costs are not refundable if unused as outlined in the itinerary. Orvis reserves the right to modify an itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control. In the unlikely event that Orvis must cancel a tour, all payments received to date will be refunded, which constitutes a full settlement.

Orvis is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation of any canceled trip, including airline tickets and visas fees.

Cancellation Insurance

Your planning information includes information for travel insurance covering cancel for any reason, cancellation for medical reasons, trip delay, medical expenses, lost baggage and medical evacuation. We urge you to obtain this coverage.

Share policies

Trip prices are based on double occupancy. Single rooms & cabins are limited. If you request a single room, a single supplement will apply as noted in the itinerary. We will confirm the single room as early as possible, but in some cases it may not be earlier than 30 days prior to the trip. If you request a roommate, we can usually pair you with another guest of the same gender, and no single supplement will apply. If you request a roommate, and one is not available, we will only charge you the single supplement if required by the lodge or facility used in the trip.

Children under 18 must share a room with a parent or other family member. In some cases this may be waived.

Passports and documents

International trips require a passport. Check your passport early and make sure it has six months validity at the time of travel. A visa is needed in some countries and we will send you complete details and instructions.

Arrival and Departure

Group transfers from a central location such as an airport are described in the itinerary, and are included in the land cost.. Transfers are not included in the land cost if you arrive early or leave after the scheduled departure day.

Equipment & Clothing

You will receive a detailed list of appropriate gear with your trip planning information.

Airline reservations

The land cost of your trip does not include airfare.

Limitation of liability

This section defines Orvis Travel’s responsibility with regard to all travel arrangements made by Orvis Travel, including individual travel and pre- and post- trip extensions. Please read it carefully.

Upon sending your deposit to Orvis Travel, you acknowledge that you have read and understand all the terms and conditions outlined here, and agree to be bound by them.

All trips that involve outdoor sporting activities such as shooting or fishing, or travel through remote places by vehicle, boat, small plane or on foot, put you at risk for accidents and serious injuries in the normal course of the activity. That is the nature of travel to such destinations and you acknowledge that you accept these hazards as a condition of participation.

Orvis Travel, its Owners, Employees, Associates and Agents give notice that they act only as the agent for the owners, contractors and suppliers providing means of transportation and/or other services and assume no responsibility howsoever caused for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service resulting directly from: acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays, expenses arising from quarantine, strikes, thefts, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, terrorism, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or changes in transit or hotel services over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the passengers.

Baggage and personal effects, including items purchased, guns, fishing equipment or sporting goods are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times and no employee/agent of Orvis Travel, its subsidiaries, affiliated or associated companies is authorized to accept these for storage, safekeeping, or transportation.