What Is Included?

• All meals and accommodations in double rooms
• All beverages, including Argentine wines, soft drinks & limited spirits
• Guided fishing (2 anglers per guide)
• Fishing permits
• Non-angler packages include guided tours & nonangling activities listed in materials, other than fishing
• Laundry
• Transfers from Bariloche/Esquel to Carrileufu River Lodge and transfer from Rio Manso to Bariloche airport

Meals & Dining

Carrileufu River Lodge: A hearty breakfast is served between 8:00am and 9:00am (this is Patagonia, you can fish till late in the evening); lunch is usually on the river; there’s an open bar for drinks in the living room after a day of fishing; and a three-course dinner is served late, in the Patagonia style, with an emphasis on the famous local grass-fed beef and lamb. The food is great: homemade bread, fresh salad, fruit, vegetables, cheese and sausages reflect the European immigrants who settled the region in the 20th century. Great Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, select spirts, and other Argentine wines are included, as are soft drinks and beer.

Rio Manso Lodge: The food is wonderful. You’ll enjoy a wide variety of dishes that reflect both the cultural diversity of the area and the worldly influence of today’s culinary landscape. All meals are served with complimentary Argentine wines. The chef is also happy to prepare vegetarian entrees or accommodate other special dietary requests.

Species

Rainbow, Brown, & Brook Trout.

Region/Terrain

Carrileufu River Lodge is located on the border of Los Alerces National Park.

Rio Manso Lodge is located on the bank of Lago Hess and the Manso River in the Nahuel Huapi National Park.

Typical Weather

Their summer air temperatures average around 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit. February is the warmest and driest month with temperatures that may reach the mid to upper 80s – 90s during the day. The climate is very similar to Montana’s Rocky Mountains.

How Many People Can Go On This Trip?

6.

What Fly-Fishing Experience Do I Need For This Trip?

All skill levels welcome.

What Am I Responsible For?

• International and domestic flights
• Fishing equipment (Gear rentals available for $50 a day)
• Gratuities
• Fishing Licenses
• Phone calls and items of a personal nature
• Optional transfers or extensions

Gear Recommendations

Fly rods:
The most common are 9 foot, 5- or 6-wt. We always recommend bringing extra rods, 5-, 6-, or 7-wt. There are different kinds of rivers, from the small meandering spring creeks to bigger rivers where we float. You could be using a 5-wt. on one day and a 7-wt. the next.

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

Leaders:
7½ ft., 2X and 9 ft., 3X, 4X diameter. For tippet materials, use 2X, 3X, 4X and 5X.

Flies:
The most common family of flies in Patagonia are big foam dries. Streamers and nymphs are necessary too, depending on fishing conditions.

What Else To Bring?

• Heavy rain jacket (wind and rainproof)
• Fleece or wool sweater
• Fleece hat
• Polarized sunglasses
• Breathable waders
• Wading shoes, full felt on the bottom, studded or cleats are not recommended.
• Sunblock 30 USP, waterproof

How Strenuous Are The Activities?

Not strenuous.

Is This a Child Friendly Trip?

Children are permitted.

Additional Activities

Although this trip is designed for the bucket list angler, both lodges do have non-angling opportunities that include horseback riding, guided hikes, local park tours and bird watching.

This trip is offered starting at both Carrileufu River Lodge and Rio Manso. The itinerary below may be reversed depending on which trip you book. Please contact Orvis Adventures if you have questions about availability or planning your trip. Max people: 12.

Arrival:

Your trip begins at Esquel Airport (EQS), where a representative from Carrileufu River Lodge will gather you and your group to drive you to the lodge. The drive from the airport to the lodges is around 2.5-3 hours. After you arrive at the lodge, you will settle into your room and have time to explore the property before enjoying a great dinner while guides talk to the group about what to expect for the next few days.

3 nights and 3 full days of fishing at the Carrileufu River Lodge

Eat an energizing breakfast and then you’re off! During the course of your stay, you will work with your guides to decide which waters you will fish based on water levels, weather, and individual interests. Only four miles long, the Rio Rivadavia is floated for a full day and will provide you with frequent opportunities to sight-fish. You may also have the chance to visit one of the river’s small spring creek tributaries before finishing your day on the shores of Lago Verde. The Rio Carrileufu is home to wild trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon and is best fished by rafts, although there are opportunities to get out and wade productive runs and riffles. The Rio Chubut, along with other rivers and lakes nearby are also daily options. Each day, you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch on the bank of the river or lake your fishing to fuel you through the afternoon. Following fishing, you’ll return to the Lodge to freshen up and enjoy appetizers and drinks with the rest of the group. Dinner will be served each evening in the dining room.

Groups Switch Lodges:

After a full fishing day, you will head to the town of El Bolson (about an hour's drive) where you will meet the staff for the Rio Manso lodge. The total transfer takes about 2 1/2 hours and you will be at the lodge in time for dinner. The transfer is included in the package.

4 nights and 3 full days of fishing at the Rio Manso Lodge

Breakfast is served around 8:00 AM, you will leave the lodge and fish various waters within a short drive from the lodge. Throughout the next couple days you can enjoy floating stretches of the Manso River, Lake Fonck and many other smaller rivers and lakes. This is prime time for dragonflies, caddis flies and other exciting hatches! Each day you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch on the bank of the river or lake your fishing to fuel you through your afternoon. After fishing, through the afternoon, you will typically get off the water by 7:00 PM or so, and return to the lodge to clean up, take a sauna, or perhaps get a massage. The staff will serve drinks and hors d'oeuvres before dinner in front of the fireplace. Dinner is usually served between 9:00 and 10:00 PM.

Depart for Home:

After breakfast or lunch, you will gather your gear together for the drive to Bariloche Airport (BRC) and your afternoon flight back to Buenos Aires and connections to the US.

*Please note that this itinerary is subject to change.

This special departure mixes the best fly-fishing opportunities of Northern Argentina. While at Carrileufu, you will fish the world-famous Rio Rivadavia, Carrileufu, and other secret lakes and spring creeks. Most of the fishing is by boat, but there are opportunities to wade fish as well. At Rio Manso, you will concentrate on dry-fly fishing in the lakes and fish different beats on the Rio Manso by boat. Generally, at this time of year, the fish consistently "lookup" for dragonflies, mayflies, and caddis.

Carrileufu River Lodge:

The new lodge was finished in 2014 and is managed by Pancho Panzer, a friendly, professional fly-fishing guide with an infectious enthusiasm for fly fishing this scenic mountain valley. The lodge was built to make anglers feel comfortable. There are 6 spacious double rooms with queen-sized beds for 12 guests. While intimate when you want it to be, there is also a large gathering room offering beautiful views of the Tres Picos Mountains and space for sharing stories from the day. The lodge has Wi-Fi internet access, so you’re not entirely isolated.

Rio Manso Lodge:

Just 90 minutes from Bariloche, where the Rio Manso meets Lake Hess, Rio Manso Lodge provides the perfect luxury oasis in the middle of pristine Patagonian nature. Lose yourself in the outstanding views of Mount Tronador, a towering Andean peak that defines the border with neighboring Chile and is visible from every guest room. The view is one of the most famous in Argentina. The lodge accommodates up to 12 anglers in comfortable, cozy rooms with private bathrooms, Jacuzzi tubs, full-size beds, and international-level comfort. Telephone and Wi-Fi access is available, as well as a small fly shop that serves as a good backup for those items you mysteriously forgot to bring. Rental gear is also available.

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.