ELEVEN RIO PALENA LODGE P R E -A R R I VA L P L A N N I N G G U I D E
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TABLE OF CONTENTS ADVENTURE GUIDE
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Information on available activities
ELEVEN ANGLING DETAILS
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Information on available activities
WEATHER & HOW TO PACK
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Climate and Weather | Packing List
NEED TO KNOW
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Communication | Documentation Currency | Gratuities | Electricity Timezone | Eleven Contact Information
NEXT STEPS page 18 What to expect as you get closer to your stay at Rio Palena Lodge
RIO PALENA LODGE CONTACT INFORMATION ELEVEN SALES TEAM
reservations@elevenexperience.com
+1 800.903.7761 (Toll-Free) | +1 970.237.5985 (International) EXPERIENCE TEAM ChileExperienceTeam@elevenexperience.com
ELEVENEXPERIENCE.COM
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ADVENTURE GUIDE SUMMER SEASON ACTIVITIES HIKING
Patagonia takes hiking to a whole new level. The vastness of the terrain, untouched diversity of flora and fauna, and sheer volume of nature’s features are thoroughly mind bending. The guides at Rio Palena Lodge know exactly how to match your ideal slice of it all to a point on the map—whether it be a laid back stroll to a nearby waterfall or heli-hiking on a just-discovered glacier. Variety can include old-growth forest walks, view-laden bluff overlooks, lakeside picnics, granite ridge heli-hiking, ropesassisted glacier mountaineering, and riverside trekking leading to 360-degree views of the Andes.
Activity Duration: 1 – 3 hours. Travel Time: 0-30 minutes. Experience Level: All Abilities. This activity is included in your stay. FLY FISHING
No matter your ability level, the guide team is fully equipped with extensive knowledge and experience to get you on Patagonia’s notorious trout in a way that suits you. To start, the Palena River is right outside the lodge, allowing around-the-clock angling access. The Malito, a small river just a few miles away, is a perfect beginner spot, while the heli-accessed Upper Tigre and Azul offer high numbers of brook trout and scenic views. A large assortment of lakes, some accessed only by helicopter and others surrounded by glaciers, provides another incredible option, while half and full day floats are not to be missed, especially for the more serious anglers. Expect to target big browns, rainbows, and brook trout on a variety of stretches, which can include floats starting from the lodge or our riverside outpost “Futa Camp.” Along with access to a multitude of other fisheries including that of the Tigre and Tranquillo rivers and Lago Yelcho, enjoy endless views of towering peaks, glaciers, pastures, and sandstone cliffs, and tasty riverside lunches.
Activity Duration: Full or Half Day. Travel Time: Dependent on location Experience Level: All Abilities. This activity is included in your stay. WHITEWATER RAFTING
Rio Palena Lodge is situated just an hour drive from the Futaleufú River, which ranks in the top 5 whitewater rafting destinations in the world. Guests will be fully outfitted in dry suits and life jackets, ready to take on sustained Class-4 rapids on every section. Your seasoned guides know the in’s and out’s of this aggressive water, so you can enjoy an adrenaline-pumping experience in safe hands.
Activity Duration: 4 – 5 Hours. Travel Time: Dependent on location Experience Level: Advanced. Public whitewater rafting is included in your stay; private whitewater rafting is available at an additional cost. INFLATABLE KAYAKING
Whether you depart directly 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 an action-packed dose of fun for a wide range of experience levels. Float down tranquil stretches of the Palena, wind in and out of farms drenched in views of Mount Blanco, or navigate fast-paced rapids through sheer canyon walls and waterfalls, experiencing the best of Patagonia’s untamed waters!
Activity Duration: 1 – 6 hours. Travel Time: Dependent on location Experience Level: All Abilities. This activity is included in your stay.
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STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING
From swift rivers to calm lakes, enjoying the water of Patagonia by SUP is a favorite at Rio Palena Lodge. Navigate the home waters of the Palena where it joins the Tigre through a deep canyon filled with waterfalls, cliffs, and rainforests; or opt for a leisurely paddle on Lago Negro, where reeds and grassy waters frame a relaxing scene perfect for spotting wildlife. A variety of other beats feature views of sandstone cliffs, glacier-tipped peaks, and the option to add on fishing, hiking or whitewater rafting for a full day of adventure.
Activity Duration: ~2 hours. Travel Time: 0 minutes. Experience Level: All Abilities. This activity is included in your stay. BIKING
This easygoing bike ride meanders from our Palena Camp along the quaint old road to Tranquilo Valley. Feel time slow down as you weave through cattle and sheep on your way to striking views and turquoise waters. This biking activity stands alone perfectly as a laid-back way to experience the lodge’s surroundings, or can be tacked onto a paddle adventure in duckies departing from the lodge.
Activity Duration: 1 – 3 hours. Travel Time: 0-30 minutes. Experience Level: All Abilities. This activity is included in your stay.
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ELEVEN ANGLING PATAGONIA
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THE FISHING MAJESTIC PATAGONIAN RIVERS AND LAKES Starting at home base on the Rio Palena there are numerous full-day sections, each with a variety of challenges and surprises, accessed by rafts, drift boats, and motorized boats. For beginners, fishing large dries like Fat Alberts and Chernobyl patterns can produce explosive strikes. Even experienced anglers love that kind of action - twitching and skating a big dry to lure a large brown or rainbow out of the depths. Long riffles are ideal for pulling over and wading, and while a dry dropper combo can be effective, fishing a Beadhead Wooly Bugger or your favorite Pancora imitation on a long swing is truly deadly. For streamer aficionados, you will find the Palena to be one of the best rivers anywhere for big browns. The region’s trout run 12 to 20 inches, with fish between 20 and 24 inches caught most days. Hefty prizes of 24+ inches can be a weekly occurrence. Stepping out and exploring you’ll fish the lower Futaleufú (below the whitewater stretch) through a series of islands and then in long placid runs and pools that open into Lake Yelcho. Or fish the upper Futa near the Argentine border where riffles and runs sweep over swaying aquatic grass reminiscent of the Henry’s Fork. This is classic float fishing with attractor dries and streamers. In renowned Lago Yelcho, a jet boat will whisk you to reed-laden bays and inlets to cast dragon fly and beetle patterns to cruising trout that sometimes sip and other times crush your offering. Flowing out of the lake, Rio Yelcho provides gorgeous views of Andean glaciers and a perfect habitat for big trout and king salmon.
ELEVEN ANGLING GUIDES Our group of highly trained, passionate angling specialists makes your Patagonian experience. They look forward to meeting you, chatting, learning your goals, and helping you improve. Their enthusiasm in sharing the native resources and local culture is infectious. It’s what sets Eleven apart. Our guides live and breathe fishing. They thrive on getting to know you and seeing your excitement while on the hunt for your favorite fish. If really getting after it on some of the best trout and salmon water in the world sounds exciting, our cast of guides will safely lead you to unforgettable experiences.
OUR GUIDES’ ENTHUSIASM IN SHARING THE NATIVE RESOURCES AND LOCAL CULTURE IS INFECTIOUS. IT’S WHAT SETS ELEVEN APART.
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ANGLING DETAILS TRANSPORTATION • •
Rafts with customized frames and comfortable support bars that make standing easy State of the art jet boats
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Drift Boats Catarafts
INCLUDED EQUIPMENT AND TACKLE We provide only the finest fishing gear available, all included in your stay. Please reach out to your Experience Teams to learn more about specifics. • • • • • •
High quality rods and reels manufactured for the region Premium fly lines to match or overline corresponding rod weights Premium leaders and tippets Large selection of dry flies, nymphs and streamers, including specialty dragonfly patterns and streamers. Waders and wading shoes Boat dry bags for each angler
SUGGESTED GEAR LIST We understand that many anglers prefer to fish with their own gear. Here are some suggestions and recommendations on what to bring.
RODS
We recommend medium fast to fast action rods. Patagonia is known for being windy so good to be prepared with a rod that can deliver all sizes of flies on target. If you only bring one all-around trout rod we suggest a 9’ 6-weight 4-piece travel rod. A 5-weight is a good choice for dry fly fishing, and a 7-weight for larger streamers.
REELS
Large arbor reels are best for quick retrieve and less line memory. 75 to 100 yards of 20lb backing.
LINES
Fly lines can get complicated if you let them, so keep it simple. WF floating line for dries and most nymphs. Fast sinking sinktip 12’ to 15’ sinking head. We have a good selection of specialty lines in all appropriate weights.
LEADERS/TIPPET
Your guides will have all the leaders and tippets you need. Stiff butt sections are important to turn over large dries and streamers. 1X – 4X for dries and nymphs. 0X – 3X for streamers.
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RECOMMENDED FLIES ALL OF OUR FAVORITES These are some standard patterns to have handy if you feel like bringing some flies of your own. Your guide will have a complete selection of flies for you, and all flies are included in your trip.
DRIES A variety of Chernobyl style patterns and Fat Alberts #6-12. Parachute Madam X (yellow, royal) #814. Muddler Trude/Tarantula (red, yellow, natural) #8-12. Dave’s and Parachute Hoppers #6-10. Royal Wulff, Royal Humpy, Yellow Humpy #10-16. Parachute Adams #12 – 16. Adult Damsel #10-12. Gibson’s Dragonfly #6-10.
NYMPHS Copper John’s (copper, black, red) #10-16. Beadhead Pheasant Tail, Black Hare’s Ear #10-18. Beadhead Prince #10-14. Beadhead Cased Caddis #12-16. Beadhead Squirrel Nymph #-10-14. Rubber Legs (black, brown with black legs) #4-8). San Juan Worm (red, purple) #4-8. Beadhead Stone Fly (black, brown) #6-10. Damsel Nymph (green, brown) #8-10. Crane Fly Larvae #4-8. Pancora #4-8.
STREAMERS It’s hard to beat a classic Beadhead Wooly Bugger (black, olive, black/olive) #2-6. Conehead JJ Special #2-6. Dolly Llama (black/white, olive/white) #2-4. Woolhead Sculpin #2-4. Kiwi Muddler #26. Gummy Minnow (clear, pearl) #2-6. Lynch’s Drunk and Disorderly (white/pearl, olive/gold, black) #2.
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WEATHER AND HOW TO PACK GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE WEATHER CONDITIONS BY MONTH Summer is one of the most enjoyable times to visit Patagonia. While the weather, at times, can be quite unpredictable, with a wide range of extremes in temperature, sunlight, and rainfall, the summer generally offers mild, comfortable days and cool nights. Patagonia is considered a temperate rainforest and can get large amounts of rain during the summer months, so packing footwear that can get wet and muddy is key. The sun in the Southern Hemisphere is far stronger than in the Northern Hemisphere, and it is strongly recommended that adequate protection, like SPF 50, sun hoodies, and other protective attire, be added to your kit.
DECEMBER As Patagonia enters the start of their beautiful summer season, temperatures begin to rise during the day while early mornings and evenings stay crisp and cool. Temperatures can range from the mid 40s to mid 60s.
JANUARY - MARCH Overall the most popular months in terms of weather, these months typically provide the most warm sunny days. Days begin to become longer with early sunrises and later sunsets. Temperatures start to warm up with ranges of mid 50s to mid 70s, and the possibility of reaching the mid 80s on warmer days.
APRIL April brings along the start of the seasonal change. The days are shorter and wetter as the autumn rain moves in and the temperatures drop to the 30’s. The vegetation turns rust red before the first snowflakes fall, and nights see the first freezing temperatures of the season. Autumn in Chile can be sunny and peaceful, but it can also offer howling winds that help relieve the trees of their last leaves.
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SUGGESTED PACKING LIST The following is a travel checklist to use as a guideline while preparing for your trip. Please speak with your Experience Team about additional packing questions.
TRAVEL LIST Passport Wallet with Chilean Pesos, cash, and cards Prescriptions and medication Cell phone and charger International adapter Camera and charger Batteries for devices Personal toiletries
CLOTHING & GEAR LIST Rain jacket and rain pants - Gore-tex recommended Windbreaker Puffy jacket Base layers for top and bottom Fleece or other mid-layer Quick-dry, long-sleeved shirts and pants Sun-protective long-sleeved shirt or hoody Athletic shorts to hike or bike in Gloves - sun gloves and fleece gloves Socks - thin hiking socks and warmer, thicker socks Comfy clothes for the lodge Warm layers for chilly summer nights Bathing suit Muck boots Light hiking boots - Gore-tex recommended Athletic shoes Comfy shoes for the lodge - sandals, clogs, slip-ons Hat or visor for sun protection Polarized sunglasses (2 pair) and Croakies
ADVENTURE EQUIPMENT LIST Hiking boots - Gore-tex recommended Polarized sunglasses and croakies Water bottle Backpack
FISHING EQUIPMENT LIST Waders and wading boots (rubber sole recommended) Spools Extra line Leader and tippet material Waterproof tackle bag Dry/Waterproof bags Pliers, forceps, nippers, hook sharpener, fly line dressing, and cleaning pad
RODS LIST 9ft. #6 weight 9ft. #7 weight or #8 weight * We recommend bringing two rods
LINES LIST #7 floating line for 6 weight rod #8 floating line for 7 weight rod 24ft. fast sinking tip streamer line
LEADERS LIST 9ft. tapered leader 0X — 4X 7 1⁄2 ft. 0X and 1X leaders with tippet Tippet spools of 0X, 1X, 2X, 3X 10lb Clear Maxima for streamers
WHAT ELEVEN PROVIDES •
All activity gear needed for guided adventures except for hiking boots
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Buff
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Insect repellent
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Personal hand sanitizer
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Communal sunscreen
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Lip balm
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Bathrobes and slippers
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Premium bath amenities
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NEED TO KNOW
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The Chilean peso (CLP) is the official currency of Chile. The exchange rate does fluctuate, so please check the exchange rate before your depart for your trip. Don’t change USD or euro before arriving in Chile. You can exchange at the airport, at most hotels, at banks (ATMs available in Santiago and other cities), and exchange houses. Exchanges houses (Casa de Cambio) usually give the best rates.
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 says 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.
CASH AND CREDIT CARDS You will need Chilean pesos (cash) to pay for taxis and incidentals around Santiago and other cities and towns as foreign currency is not accepted in many of these places. It’s always good to have 50 to 100 USD in Chilean pesos. Credit cards are widely 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 widely accepted.
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Entry requirements are constantly evolving due to COVID regulations. Your Experience Team will be able to provide the most up-to-date information.
LOCAL LANGUAGE Spanish is the official language of Chile. English is widely spoken in resort areas and in Santiago at international chain hotels. All Eleven hosts and guides in Santiago and Puerto Varas speak English. At the lodge, all hospitality staff and guides speak English.
LOCAL TIMEZONE Santiago, Chile is on Chile Standard Time which is U.S. Eastern Time +1 hour. Chile does change to and from daylight savings time with the U.S.
COMMUNICATION SERVICES If you have cell service in the U.S. with Verizon or AT&T you can sign up for a plan specifically for Chile for about 40 USD per month. This should cover your trip for cell and internet/email service wherever there is coverage. Santiago and most cities and towns have good coverage. At the lodge, there is cell service and internet available, but weather conditions can interfere with both at times. When the internet is working there is Wi-Fi in the lodge. The lodge has a telephone for use in emergencies. The nearby town of Palena has cell and internet service.
ELECTRICAL CURRENT Throughout Chile the power sockets are of 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 adapter for your U.S. plugs. We have adapters at the lodge, but not converters. Please bring them for devices not already equipped. Most laptop computers and cell phones have chargers with converters, so for those you only need the adapter.
SPECIAL REQUESTS Please be sure to fill out the pre-trip questionnaire, which you have received separately via email, and other correspondence. Most importantly we need to know if you have any food allergies, physical limitations, or medical needs that the lodge manager and staff should know about ahead of your arrival. Please share any special requests such as: favorite food, wine, or alcohol; if you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary; 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.
DEPOSIT AND CANCELLATION POLICY Please refer to our website for updated information regarding our deposit and cancellation policy: https://elevenexperience.com/cancellation-policies
TRIP INSURANCE The purchase of trip cancellation insurance is required. The Eleven Team can help you arrange trip cancellation insurance prior to your trip. Please ask your sales representative for more information.
GRATUITIES AND TIPPING Tipping the Eleven staff, guides, and representatives is always optional, but if you decide you would like to, here are a few standard courtesies. Tips for all members of the guide and hospitality team can be paid on your final invoice during checkout. Please ask your Experience Manager or Lodge Manager if you have any questions. Tips to drivers in Santiago and Puerto Montt should be paid directly to the driver. General Tipping Guidelines: 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. For lodge staff: We suggest 275-375 USD per guest, per week to be left with the lodge manager. Guides: We suggest 100 USD per guide/per day split with your fishing partner, paid directly to your guide.
ELEVEN CONTACT INFORMATION ELEVEN HEADQUARTERS +1 800.903.7761 (Toll-Free) +1 970.237.5985 (International) reservations@elevenexperience.com
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NEXT STEPS Your Experience Manager will continue to work with you to customize your dream itinerary and will be available for any pre-arrival questions. They will be onsite throughout your stay should you need anything at all. We are thrilled that you have decided to stay with us at Rio Palena Lodge! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We are looking forward to hosting you and making your trip to Chile an unforgettable experience.
CALL US: +1 800.903.7761 (Toll-Free) +1 970.237.5985 (International)
EMAIL US: ELEVEN SALES TEAM reservations@elevenexperience.com
EXPERIENCE TEAM
ChileExperienceTeam@elevenexperience.com
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