Get ready for Rio Palena Lodge.
SUMMER PLANNING GUIDE | 2024
Let’s Get Planning.
Your Eleven Experience Team is here to help you design the perfect adventure. This guide outlines what to expect during your stay and how to prepare for your upcoming trip. We look forward to meeting you at Rio Palena Lodge, but until then, let’s start making some plans.
Getting Here
FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS
U.S. and British citizens entering Chile must have a valid passport. There is no reciprocity fee. U.S. and British citizens traveling to Chile for recreation, tourism, business, or academic conferences do not need to obtain a visa prior to their arrival in Chile. Citizens from other countries, please inquire. Upon arrival in Chile, customs will give you a small piece of paper that is titled “PDI”. Make sure to save that document for the duration of your stay, as you will be asked to hand it back to customs upon departure. We recommend that all travelers make copies of their passports and keep them separately.
By Plane:
With a variety of flight options and the likelihood of multi-day itineraries, our Experience Team is here to advise you throughout the booking process and help reserve any taxis and hotel rooms that your route may require.
Tips for booking international flights to Santiago:
• If you’re visiting Chile from another country, you’ll fly into Santiago (SCL.) LATAM, a Chilean airline, as well as American, Delta, and United offer direct flights from many major cities.
• Most flights are overnight, so be sure to depart at least one day before check-in.
• Before booking, please send a draft flight itinerary to your Experience Team for review. Guests are responsible for booking their final itinerary.
Tips for flights within Chile:
From Santiago, there are a variety of private and commercial routes that are subject to weather conditions
Recommended route: Commercial flight from Santiago to Puerto Montt (PMC).
LATAM or Sky Airlines are recommended.
Please aim to land in Puerto Montt between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, as this window allows for the best availability to book the next flight.
Alternate option: Private three-hour charter flight from Santiago to Palena Airfield, which is 20 minutes from the lodge. This option allows you to bypass all subsequent air travel listed below. Please inquire for details.
From Puerto Montt, there are a variety of routes to arrive at Rio Palena Lodge, all of which we can help book.
Recommended route: Private one-hour charter flight from Puerto Montt to Palena Airfield, which is only 20 minutes from the lodge.
Charters fit up to eight people with limited luggage. For groups of more than six, we recommend two charters.
Alternate options:
Charter flight from Puerto Montt to Futaleufú (then a two-hour drive to lodge) or Chaitén (then a threehour drive to lodge)
Commercial flight from Puerto Montt to Chaitén
From either the Chaitén, Palena, or Futaleufú airport, our team will pick you up and drive you to the lodge.
Details: One round trip ground transfer per group is included. If the group must take two charters, both pickups are included.
Adventures
Explore our guided adventures in Patagonia.
Adventures
NOT INCLUDED WITH YOUR STAY
HIKING
Explore the vast terrain of Patagonia with our knowledgeable guides, from leisurely, waterfall hikes to heli-hiking across a just-discovered glacier. The sheer volume of nature and the diversity of flora and fauna here is for all types of hikers.
WHITEWATER RAFTING
Ranked in the top five whitewater destinations in the world, the Futaleufú delivers an epic rafting experience just an hour away. Outfitted in dry suits and personal flotation devices, you’ll paddle the Futa’s adrenalinepumping Class 3-5 rapids with seasoned guides.
Half-day included in your stay. Full-day charged separately.
INFLATABLE KAYAKING
Whether you kayak the tranquil stretches of Rio Palena right from the lodge, paddle out from our riverfront outpost “Futa Camp,” or take on the Class-3 rapids of El Tigre, each of our kayaking adventures delivers actionpacked fun for all skill levels.
STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING
SUP through a deep canyon surrounded by waterfalls and rainforests, or enjoy the scenery and wildlife from Lago Negro. In addition to exploring a variety of other scenic stretches, you can also add on fishing, hiking, or whitewater rafting for a full day of adventure.
BIKING
Pedal past cattle and sheep on your way to turquoise waters on an easygoing bike ride that starts at our Palena Camp and meanders along a quaint old road to Tranquilo Valley. You can also couple this activity with inflatable kayaking.
PRICING GUIDE
Heli-Assisted Adventures
Two heli-adventures are included per group, per stay. Additional costs are listed in the pricing guide if a group would like to do more than two.
Angling Experiences
AZUL AND TIGRE WALK/WADE
Helicopter to Rio Azul, a remote alpine river in the Andes with a healthy population of rainbow trout. After a riverside lunch, hop over to the upper Tigre river in Valle California to fish for brook trout. This day is all about dries and nymphs.
TRANQUILLO WALK/WADE
Rio Tranquillo flows clear and clean into the Palena River downstream of the lodge. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and glaciers, the river holds browns and rainbows and in the late summer salmon can be found as well.
LAGO ROSAS FLOAT
A small backcountry lake off the beaten track, Lago Rosas has an unpressured, well-sized population of rainbow and brown trout. This lake should be fished early for best results and to avoid the afternoon winds.
LOWER PALENA FLOAT
Fly down to the rarely fished section of the lower Palena. Here, the trees are big and the fish swell in size. You’ll be picked up on the last cobbled beach once you’ve drifted to the end and fly back up river.
LAGO X
A scenic flight takes you over the glaciers of Ventisquero National Park, just south of the massive Mt Corcovado. Float the rarely touched waters of Lago X, throwing streamers and dry dragonfly patterns for big browns and rainbows. Then, enjoy an asado-style lunch paired with wine on the beach.
Adventure Activities
LOS CONDORES RIDGE
Gear up with helmets and harnesses for a rope-assisted hike and class-4 scramble in the high cordillera, where a spine of solid granite extends to the top of Mt Gabriel. Watch for condors as you take in the panoramic views of the Andes, then rappel back down for your heli pickup.
CATHEDRAL BLUE LAGOON
Accessed only by heli, this little gem of a lagoon is hidden high in the cordillera and is framed by a glacier. Early in the summer, stand up paddleboard amongst still-frozen ice, or hike and swim around the lake later in the season.
PEDRO GLACIER
Perched on steep cliffs, the “Ol’ Pedro” glacier sits high up in the Tranquillo Valley. It’s a great spot to hike in crampons or go for a cold plunge in one of the pools below.
CATEDRAL GLACIER
Ascend high up into the Andes to a remote glacier, where you’ll land on the banks of a small glacier lake and jump into one of our top-of-the-line drysuits. Paddle board the adjacent lake, then hike over the glacier to an emerald ice cave.
Additional Offerings
SCENIC TOUR WITH APRÈS
This flight delivers an expansive view of Rio Palena and the lodge below. An optional hike can be added, complete with a break to enjoy cocktails, wine, and some delicious chef-prepared après perched high up on a mountainside that is accessible only by heli.
SCENIC FLIGHTS
Flying is a mind-blowing way to experience the immensity of Patagonia and the Andes. With a few different route options, you’ll see glaciers and high cordillera lakes untouched by humankind. This can be paired with a peak picnic and a fine bottle of wine.
HELI-APRÈS
Looking to add a special experience to your trip? Take your adventure up a notch by enjoying cocktails, wine, and chef-prepared après on a beautiful overlook high up in the Andes mountains.
CUSTOM HELI-ADVENTURE
If you’d like to mix and match the available heli-experiences, our Guide Manager can customize a personalized adventure for you. Price will be dependent on the size of the adventure.
Angling
With wide-reaching access and an expert guide team, our full- and half-day float and walk/wade trips cater to all levels of anglers. Target big browns, rainbows, and brook trout on a variety of fisheries, like Rio Palena just outside the lodge. Along with many other rivers and lakes, some of which are accessed by helicopter, you’ll enjoy the access and beauty of “Futa Camp,” our private put-in that doubles as a riverside lunch outpost.
WHAT FLIES ARE RECOMMENDED?
Flies are selected and provided by your guides, but here are a few favorites if you’d like to bring your own:
DRIES
• A variety of Chernobyl style patterns and Fat Alberts #6-12. Parachute Adams #12 – 16.
NYMPHS
• Copper John’s (copper, black, red) #10-16. Rubber Legs (black, brown with black legs) #4-8).
STREAMERS
• Beadhead Wooly Bugger (black, olive, black/olive) Dolly Llama (black/ white, olive/white) #2-4. Gummy Minnow (clear, pearl) #2-6.
IS FLY FISHING GEAR PROVIDED?
We provide all equipment, including industry-leading rods and reels, waders and boots, nets, and flies. Our fleet of gear includes: Thomas and Thomas Fly rods, 6-weight and 7-weight Avantt, 7-weight Zone, 200gr and 250gr Excosset, Abel Vaya fly reels 7/8s; Fishpond and Rising nets, Simms waders and boots, Simms Taco wading bags, and Montana Fly Company flies and custom-tied flies.
If you’d like to bring your own gear, check out our packing list for recommendations.
WHAT IS YOUR GUIDE TEAM LIKE?
Eleven’s group of highly trained, passionate guides makes your Patagonia experience. We ensure that our guides deliver the highest level of safety, experience, and industry knowledge. Beyond their qualifications, their enthusiasm in getting to know your angling style and sharing the native resources makes your trip not only dialed but also personal.
Wellness
Take relaxation to the next level by adding our renowned wellness treatments to your trip.
Massages & Speciality Treatments
All wellness offerings are priced separately.
SWEDISH
Slow, rhythmic strokes calm the nervous system and release stagnant toxins, creating balance and tranquility in the body, mind, and spirit.
60 minutes | 90 minutes
DEEP TISSUE
A targeted variety of therapeutic massage techniques restore blood flow and alleviate chronic pain, injuries, soreness, and fatigue.
60 minutes | 90 minutes
YOGA
Eleven’s in-house yoga classes are highly customizable. Our knowledgeable instructors will adapt the practice to align with guests’ abilities, needs, and comfort levels.
60 minutes
Food & Drink
Enjoy an all-inclusive experience that focuses on locally sourced ingredients and traditional Patagonia cuisine.
FOOD INCLUSIONS
Breakfast, lunch, après, and dinner are included and served daily, and we are happy to cater to dietary preferences and restrictions as noted in your guest information form.
Each chef-prepared meal focuses on seasonal ingredients that are thoughtfully prepared and locally sourced. Dishes are served either plated or family-style, and deliver an authentic culinary experience true to Chile and Patagonia’s traditions. Guests will also experience one customary Chilean-style asado BBQ, a special outdoor evening that many guests remember as the trip highlight.
DRINK INCLUSIONS
Rio Palena Lodge offers a fine selection of liquor, beer, and wine included in your stay. Our on-site bartender is also happy to also make you a cocktail from our Chilean-inspired cocktail menu, and pull separately priced reserve labels according to your preferences. If you have a special beer, wine, or liquor preference, please discuss with your Experience Team in the pre-trip planning process.
Preparing for Your Trip
Check out the essential information you need to know before you go.
Packing List
DON’T FORGET TO PACK:
Passport
Wallet with Chilean Pesos, cash, and cards
Prescriptions and medications
Cell phone
International adapter
Batteries and chargers for devices
Personal toiletries
CLOTHES YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU PACKED:
Comfy clothes for the lodge
Casual dinner wear
Warm layers for chilly summer nights
Thermal base layers
Long sleeve fishing shirts
Fleece tops
Puffy jacket
Windbreaker
High-quality rain jacket
Rain pants and quick-dry pants
Bathing suit
Small backpack
Socks (thin hiking socks and thicker wool socks)
Comfy shoes for the lodge
Light hiking boots (Gore-tex recommended)
Sun gloves and fleece gloves
Sun protection (sunscreen, lip balm, sun mask, and gloves)
Polarized sunglasses (two pair) and Croakies
Angling Gear List
All gear is provided, but here is a list of suggestions if you’d like to bring your own.
Rods
We recommend two medium-fast to fastaction rods that deliver accuracy in the Patagonia wind.
9’ 6-weight
9’ 7- or 8-weight
Reels
Large arbor reels are best for quick retrieve and less line memory. We recommend 75 to 100 yards of 20-lb backing.
Lines
#7 floating line for 6-weight rod
#8 floating line for 7-weight rod
20–24’ integrated sinking line for your 7wt 200-250 grain
Leaders
9ft. tapered leader 0X–4X
7 1⁄2 ft. 0X and 1X leaders with tippet
Tippet spools of 0X, 1X, 2X, 3X
10-lb Clear Maxima for streamers
Equipment List
Spools
Extra line
Leader and tippet material
Waterproof tackle bag
Dry/Waterproof bags
Floatant, pliers, forceps, nippers, hook sharpener, fly line dressing, and cleaning pad
Good to Know
CHECK-IN/CHECK OUT:
• Check-in time at Rio Palena Lodge is 3:00pm and check out time is at 10:00am.
• Please note: Access to your room outside these hours is not guaranteed. Please communicate with the Experience Team to coordinate any conflicts with check-in and checkout times.
GRATUITIES:
• While gratuities are not expected at our properties, guests wishing to leave a tip for the Rio Palena Lodge team may consider 10% to 15% of their total stay cost. Tips for the lodge team must be paid by credit card, and the amount will be distributed among all staff who have contributed to your stay. Adventure and fishing guides accept cash tips.
General Tipping Standards:
• Taxis in Santiago: No tip or small change. Airport transfer drivers in Santiago and Puerto Montt: $10–20 USD per way. Porters: $1 USD per bag. Restaurants: 10% of bill.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE:
• The Chilean peso (CLP) is the official currency of Chile. The exchange rate does fluctuate and is currently inflated, so please check the exchange rate before you depart. Don’t exchange USD or euro before arriving in Chile. You can exchange at the airport, most hotels, banks (ATMs are available in Santiago and other cities), and exchange houses. Exchange houses (Casa de Cambio) usually give the best rates.
LOCAL TIME ZONE:
• The time zone in Santiago, Chile and throughout the country is (GMT-3), which is U.S. Eastern Time +1 hour. Chile does change to and from daylight savings time with the U.S.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
• We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. The Sales Team can help you arrange trip cancellation insurance prior to your trip. Please let us know if you would like us to connect you with our preferred insurance partner, Global Rescue, to provide you with a quote.
ELECTRICAL CURRENT:
• Throughout Chile, the power sockets are type C and L. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. U.S. guests will require a voltage converter for 110 volt devices. Electrical sockets have two or three holes and accept round (European) plugs. You will need an adaptor for your U.S. plugs. We have adaptors at the lodge, but not converters. Please bring them for devices not already equipped. Most laptop computers and cell phones have chargers with converters, requiring only an adaptor.
LOCAL LANGUAGE:
• Spanish is the official language of Chile. English is widely spoken in resort areas and in Santiago at international chain hotels. At the lodge, all hospitality staff and guides speak English.
TAXIS AND GROUND TRAVEL:
• To ensure safety and avoid being overcharged, always take official taxis from the Santiago airport, which will charge you inside at the counter before your ride. Uber is not recommended due to legal stipulations.
SPECIAL REQUESTS:
• Please take care in filling out the pre-trip questionnaire, which you have received separately via email and other correspondence. It is crucial that our team is aware of any food allergies, physical limitations, and medical needs. Please also share any special requests like favorite food, wine, or alcohol; any celebrations taking place while you’re with us; any requests related to the type of fishing you prefer; or anything else that could make your trip more enjoyable. We do everything possible to meet all special requests.
CASH AND CREDIT CARDS:
• Since foreign currency is not widely accepted in Chile, you will need Chilean pesos (cash) to pay for taxis and incidentals when you’re not at the lodge. It’s always good to have 50–100 USD in Chilean pesos. Credit cards are generally accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants. Depending on your credit card, this is the way to get the best exchange rate. It is best to use MasterCard or Visa. AMEX is less reliable.
