PRE-TRIP INFO
Las Pampas Lodge Pre-trip Info This is just a guide for our new guests to read. Please contact AgustĂn or Doug for more info. Can't wait to show you the best of Patagonia and Argentina!! To start, click these links for some cool videos of the experience we provide:
3D Slideshow
Local gauchos
Fun one, Set, set, set!!!
How to get to Las Pampas Lodge: There are a wide choice of convenient, daily flights from Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Miami, and New York. Most flights are direct departing the States in the afternoon or early evening and arriving early the next morning. Airlines that service Buenos Aires daily include American, United, Continental, Delta, LAN, Aerolineas Argentinas, Air France, British Airways, Canadian Airlines, Lufthansa and Varig. Flying Times to Buenos Aires from: Los Angeles: 13 hours, Dallas: 11 hours, Houston: 10 hours, Miami: 9 hours New York: 11 hours, Chicago: 11 hours. Almost all the international flights into Argentina arrive at the Ministro Pistarini (Ezeiza) International Airport of Buenos Aires, 35 Km from the Capital Fedetral. You are required to fill out a customary arrival form, which will be handed out to you on your flight down. First you will clear Immigrations (Passport Control) then you will retrieve your luggage, and clear Customs. The entire arrival process in Buenos Aires should take between 1 and 1 ½ half hours.
Arrival Buenos Aires Getting to Patagonia is not difficult. It is actually very simple: take an overnight flight to Buenos Aires from one of several major cities in the U.S, get a good night's rest and awake in Argentina. If you have so pre-arranged, you will be met by our professional agents at the airport and transferred to your hotel or to the domestic airport for immediate departure to Patagonia. Our agents in Buenos Aires will re-confirm flights, make dinner reservations, share a cocktail, and take you on a city tour if you wish. Buenos Aires has two airports, an international and a domestic. You will arrive from your country of origin at Ezezia (EZE) and depart to Esquel (EQS) from the domestic airport, Aeroparque (AEP). It is necessary to transfer by ground from the international airport to the domestic airport for your flight to Patagonia. Our agents can set up your transfers. Depending on the time your international flight lands, you might be able to travel directly to Patagonia on the same day (If you want to travel directly to Patagonia, you should plan at least on one hour to clear immigrations and customs, one hour to transfer between airports, and to arrive at the domestic airport at least one hour before your flight to Patagonia.). Flying to Esquel and transferring to the lodge in Rio Pico. Esquel has several flights scheduled per week for 2016 departing on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Flight to Esquel departs Buenos Aires normaly around 12:50 am and take about two hours. Flying to Bariloche is possible on all days of the week and there are several options per day; however, there will be an additional charge of $300 for the car, each way (estimate) for the six-hour transfer to Rio Pico. When you arrive at the Esquel Airport, your guide of Las Pampas Lodge will meet your flight, assist you with luggage and provide transfer to the Lodge, 30km away of the town of Rio Pico. The auto transfer from Esquel Airport to the lodge takes about two hours and twenty minutes and is included in your package. When you arrive at Las Pampas Lodge, your luggage will be taken to your room and you will have a chance to get un-packed, settle in and organize your fishing gear. Cocktails and "picadas" will be served beside the main fire-place at approximately 7:00 p.m., and finally dinner will be served at around 9:30 p.m. During cocktail hour, your guide and assistant will provide a comprehensive orientation on the week ahead and answer any questions you might have.
Travel Recommendations Our strongest recommendation is that you contact Alicia at Holdy Travel (Walnut Creek, Ca). Without exception, her service is ‘complete’. Plane reservations, hotels in B.A., transfers are all handled by her. There are no additional fees for Holdy’s involvement and the only compensation Las Pampas Lodge receives is the knowledge that you will be well taken care of. Alicia Regueiro: alicia@holdytours.com Phone: (925)927-6617 - Toll Free (800)446-1111 Associate office in Buenos Aires. AR - Gaia and her team at LOL Argentina: Phone: (011 54 11) 4 777-7879 Passport, Visa, and Reciprocity Fees You will need a current passport to travel to Argentina. Visas are not required prior to your trip to Argentina. NEW!! As of 2012, Argentina is now charging a $160* USD “reciprocity fee” to inbound travelers whose countries charge Argentine citizens a visa fee. This entrance fee is good for a ten-year period and must be paid on-line prior to your departing the U.S. Go on-line to http://www.provinciapagos.com.ar/dnm to complete the registration and print off your receipt. The fee is paid through your credit card. Click on “Abona la Tasa de Reciprocidad” then click on the “How to pay reciprocity fee.” Click on the “sign in” button after entering your username and password, fill out the information, and enter your credit card. Print off the receipt to present at International Customs upon arrival in Buenos Aires. Each member of your party needs a receipt of their own. It is recommended that you make a couple of copies of the reciprocity, as well as your passport, in case the officials take one for their records. *Fee amount is subject to change. Contact Information Argentina: Agustin Fox agustinfox@laspampaslodge.com oggiefox AF Las Pampas Lodge Cel Phone (# from the US): (011 54 9) 2945 412274
North America: Doug Colonel doug@laspampaslodge.com dougcolonel Doug Colonel Phone in USA: (307) 413-3431
To make emergency contact with an LPL guest who lives outside of Argentina, please call Agustin Fox at his cel phone or Gaia at LOL Argentina: Tel.: (011 54 11) 4777-7879
PROGRAMS 2015 - 2016 Las Pampas Experience Program: 7 nights / 6 fishing days Day 1 - Domestic Flight AEP - ESQ (2hs) and Transfer (2:30hs) to Las Pampas Lodge. Day 2 - Fishing the Rio Pico (1st Section) Day 3 - Fishing Lago 5 Day 4 - Fishing the Rio Pampa and Spring creek Day 5 - Fishing Lago 3 or Lago 1 Day 6 - Fishing the Rio Nielson Day 7 - Fishing the Rio Pico (2nd Section) Day 8 - Transfer to Esquel Airport. Depart from ESQ – AEP The fishing options may change order because of weather or angler's fishing preference of wading or floating. Included: Transfers in/out Esquel (ESQ) Airport to Las Pampas Lodge - Lodging - All foods - All Beverages - English speaking, full equipped, Guide - Guide assistance - Daily transfers to fishing areas - All terminals (leaders, tippets and flies) - Private waters fees Fishing license. Not included: Airfares - Buenos Aires hotel and transfers - Gratitude for staff Price per angler: U$D 5000.Extra fishing day: U$D 715.-
LP Exp. + LP expeditions: 9 nights / 8 fishing days Note: Just a sample Itynerary, we will choose the best days, with the best weather for the Expedition during your whole stay. Day 7 - Same as “LP Experience program”. Sleep at LP Expedition camp 01. Day 8 - Float fish secret hog river or hog lake. Sleep at LP Expedition camp 02. Day 9 - Float fish secret hog river or hog lake. Sleep at LP Expedition camp 03. Day 10 - Transfer to Esquel Airport. Depart from ESQ – AEP Price per angler: U$D 6030.All these programs are “all inclusive”: lodging, meals, all beverages, guided fishing, daily transfers to fisheries, all terminals and private access fees. Contact us for more information regarding these 2 new programs that can be easily added to the standard Las Pampas Style one.
LP Exp. + Esquel Waters Program: 10 nights / 9 fishing days Get the best of the Rio Pico area and the Esquel/Trevelin/Los Alerces NP area in one trip. Day 7 - Same as “Las Pampas Experience Program” Day 8 - Fishing Hog lake or the Rio Corcovado. Arrive to Las Pampas North base camp lodge. Day 9 - Fishing the Rio Rivadavia or the Rio Frey (Los Alerces National Park) Day 10 - Fishing the Rio Grande or Futaleufu Day 11 - Transfer to Esquel Airport. Depart to Buenos Aires. Price per angler: U$D 6.700.-
FYI Payment and Cancellation Policies: A 50% deposit is required within 10 days of booking to secure your reservation. Your reservation will not be guaranteed without a deposit. The balance of the trip (full payment) is due 60 days prior to your arrival. All payments are non-refundable, however, a client may reschedule or be replaced. Payments may also be transferred to another client. Las Pampas Lodge reserves the right to charge a minimum handling fee for date changes after the initial reservation has been made. Payment can be made by personal check or wire transfer. Checks: Las Pampas Lodge c/o Doug Colonel, P.O. Box 28, Moose, WY 83012-0028 Wire Transfers: Information provided as requested Clothing, Gear & Things: - Polarized sun glasses. - Breathable waders, clean and dry wading boots without studs. - Argentina is becoming very sensitive about water borne diseases affecting trout, so waders and wading shoes should either be new or freshly disinfected. - Good quality breathable rain jacket. - Capilene fleece pants. - Sweater, fleece jacket, capilene underwear (layering system). - Light wool socks for waders. - Crocs or ‘similar’ for around the lodge. - Long sleeved quick dry fishing shirts and quick dry fishing pants. - Fishing hat, sun block SPF 30+ and lip sunscreen. - Personal medications, ibuprofen, allergy medicines, etc. - US Currency and credit cards. - Digital camera and charger. We have 220 volt to 110 volt converters! Las Pampas weather may be calm, sunny and warm, however, 60 degree days (and cooler) with wind and rain are not uncommon in this area. You should always plan for cooler weather, winds and for rain. Be prepared for any type of weather. It makes no sense to travel this far and find yourself uncomfortable.
Tackle: If you bring two rods, bring a 5wt and a 7wt. If you bring one rod, make it a 6wt. Most of the time, floating line would be preferable. Sinking tip (200 grains) lines can be used too. You will fish many of the same flies in Patagonia that you would fish in the Rocky Mountain region of the US. Having a selection that includes larger dries (foam) and a good variety of terrestrials (foam beetles, ants and hoppers) will serve you well. Parachute Addams, Elk hair Caddis and Goddart Caddis in sizes 8-16 should be included in your selection. White, black and olive bead-head woolly buggers are excellent in sizes 2 - 6. Nymphs are again what you would use in the US, Hare's Ear, Prince, Pheasant tail, red Copper John, Scuds, etc. (all bead heads) sizes 6-10 . You will generally want a bit heavier leader due to the size and strength of the fish. Very often we fish 9' length 1, 2 or 3 X leaders. Yes, there are instances where a 4X or even 5X is helpful. Note: In the event of unexpected problems, the Lodge has a cache of Winston Rods for clients’ use. So, don't bring any extra weight on your bag. Flies: We provide all necessary flies, leaders, and tippet for our clients. The above discussion is for those that want to know what flies you will be using and for those of you who simply want to “fish your own flies.” We really do provide everything that you need. Boots/Waders: While most individuals prefer to fish in their own boot/waders, the Lodge does maintain a Patagonia Inc. inventory of these items for clients’ use. Please let us know if you wish to make use of the Lodge’s equipment. Argentina is quite concerned with ‘invasive species’. Waders/boot coming into the country should be new or freshly disinfected. Recommended Reading: If you want to learn about Argentina prior to your trip, check out the following books for more information on the language, history, geography, culture, and fishing. They can all be easily found online. - Culture Shock Argentina – (easy to read and enjoyable culture guide) - Spanish for Gringos, William C. Harvy, M.S. (good book for beginner Spanish) - NEW! Fly-Fishing in Patagonia: A Trout Bum’s Guide to Argentina ** - Insight Guides, Argentina (general Argentine travel book) - Birds of South America or Aves de Patagonia (bird life is spectacular) - In Patagonia, Bruce Chatwin (a classic Patagonia travel journal) ** ** Very helpful & entertaining!
Additional Information Gratuities: Your guides and staff at Las Pampas Lodge will always work hard to ensure you have the most memorable fly fishing vacation. All members of Las Pampas Lodge pride themselves on personal service, work ethic, and attention to details. We take pleasure in the fact that 95% of our staff are Argentine and most from our local area. A nice tip to show your gratitude for their efforts is greatly appreciated. A general gratuity guideline is +/- 15% of the cost of your stay at the lodge (not including airfare, licenses, etc.). The tip pool is divided between assistant guides, kitchen staff, and housekeeping staff who serve you throughout your trip. Additionaly, fishing guides receive an average of $100.- per day for each guided trip (1 or 2 anglers). Bring US Dollars for tips. Please, remmember these are simple guidelines, you should tip what you feel appropiate. Travelers Checks, US Dollars, and Credit Cards: US Dollars are easily exchanged into Argentine Pesos in Buenos Aires and Esquel. Credit cards are accepted at some locations and ATM machines dispense Argentine Pesos from your credit or debit card for personal shopping. (There are several ATM’s in Esquel, but there is a limit of about $200 USD per transaction). Traveler’s checks are nearly impossible to exchange in Argentina. Cash or credit cards should be used. It is recommended that you take enough US Dollars for gratuities and any additional fees. Remember, Rio Pico and Las Pampas are located in an area much more rural and refreshingly authentic than other areas in Patagonia, including Esquel. No banks, ATMs, or opportunities to exchange monies for many a kilometer.
Allergies, Special Needs, Medical Conditions: There are very few biting insects including mosquitoes. At certain times during the season, there are non-aggressive yellow jackets and horseflies present. If you are allergic to bees, bring your anti-reaction medication. You might find similar allergies to wild grasses, trees, and flowers as at home. Bring your normal allergy medication if you have hay fever. The tap water is drinkable throughout Argentina and will not make you sick like you might expect in other Latin American countries. If you have any existing medical conditions, mobility issues, or special needs of which we should be aware, please let us know in advance so special arrangements can be made. Las Pampas Lodge is located in a remote area with immediate medical attention being minimal. Low cost travel and emergency evacuation insurance is readily available and should be considered as part of your pre-trip planning. Communications: Internet/Phones: Most of our guests enjoy the remote-ness of our location. However, this translates into quite ‘spotty’ internet and phone connections. Individuals who know they need to be “available” during their stay are encouraged to contact their ‘provider’ to sign up for either an international “voice” or “voice/data” plan for the duration of their travels. The lodge does have a satellite phone available for use. There is a $3/minute charge.
WATERS In addition to the world wide known small lakes and lagoons (Lago 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) of Rio Pico which are fished by the guests of Las Pampas Lodge looking for real trophy fishing, there are abundant options involving ‘moving waters.’ Following is a description of each of the rivers, streams and spring creeks that are utilized by the Lodge. Many of the accesses to these fisheries are “exclusive” to the guests of Las Pampas Lodge.
Rivers Rio Pico: This is the largest river in the immediate area and in itself offers a variety of options. It is comparable to a medium size Western U.S. river. That is, it is floatable in several sections; it can also be very successfully fished by wading. In many places, the river braids into several channels, thus offering options for multiple anglers. The Pico begins as a small spring creek, gradually increasing in volume as additional springs join in and is of good size where we begin to fish it. The upper section we float is characterized by slower water, willow-lined banks and large Browns and Rainbows taking big dries cast near the banks. This water is exclusive to Las Pampas Lodge guests. Immediately below this section this large spring creek divides into 4-5 “channels” and flows swiftly through mostly open pasture land. The channels range in width from 3 to 20 feet with a depth of 2 to 6 feet. The abundant food available to these Rainbows and Browns results in 20+” fish on dries throughout the Argentine summer. Below the channels, the Pico is joined first by the Rio Pampas and a bit further on, the Rio Nielson. The next 10 miles of the Pico offer several different float/wade sections. Rainbows are abundant and occasionally large. Browns are fewer, most often near the banks and/or ‘structure’. Guests have taken Browns up to 27” and approaching 10 lbs in these sections. Although these sections of the Pico are “public” water, they are very difficult to access without “keys” and “permission” to drive on private tracks. The Lodge has both. In total, there are five floatable sections on the Pico prior to the river crossing into Chile on its way to the Pacific. Seldom will another boat be on the water, and it is not unusual to see no other anglers over the course of the entire day. There is also a ‘lower canyon’ section of the Rio Pico, very remote and close to the border with Chile. The canyon itself prevents a ‘float’ and the topography limits those who can access the water. Having stated the limitations, a day fishing the ‘canyon’ will be a day to remember. Rio Pampas: This free-stone stream offers walk/wade fishing for both Rainbows and Browns. Action is usually fast with fish in the 10” to 20” range. It is close to the Lodge and a good choice for wading day full of Action! Again, we have access to two stretches not available to others.
Rio Nielson: Similar in size to the Rio Pampas, yet quite different in character. It is more “meadow like”. Not easily reached, the Nielson is a small river with surprisingly large Browns and Rainbows. Two sections are fished by us. The lower Nielson is accessed first at its confluence with the Rio Pico and can be fished for miles upstream. This is walk/wade fishing on a smaller stream, often sight casting to big fish. The upper Nielson is reached following a bit of a drive from the Lodge and only after opening and closing a “locked” gate or two. This is smaller water and produces great hopper fishing for both species. Pools and pocket water abound as you spend a day fishing water not often visited. Rio Corcovado: This ‘outlet’ (Boca) of Lago Vinter will likely produce the next world record Brook Trout. It is less than an hour from the Lodge via a good road. This river is well known within both Argentina and U.S. fishing circles and success is dependent upon the movement of the large Rainbows & Brook Trout between the lake and the Boca. Generally speaking, the Corcovado becomes a better choice in mid-March through April (fall in Patagonia). Rio Tigre: This area, north of Lago Vinter, was fished by us for the first time last season (2014). It is a long day and requires clients who are physically fit and willing to walk a distance before fishing. The experience is almost spiritual and overwhelming. In addition to fishing water that is virtually untouched, the area and surroundings are as remote and untouched as anywhere in the world. The lodge is ‘home base’ to a film crew working on a documentary of this area with the objectives of featuring the fishing and preserving the untouched landscape. It is possible to arrange an “overnight” to this area. This option would permit two days of fishing, a night in the Patagonia “Outback” and a more leisurely experience. We offer this to groups who would like a little added adventure to their stay at the lodge. If you have any interest, we can offer this ‘side trip’ in 2016 and be confident that it will be the same high quality experience that we provide at the Lodge itself.
Arroyos (a.k.a. Spring Creeks) Within the Rio Pico watershed there exist numerous Spring Creeks. They vary a bit in size; however most are 20 feet or so wide and vary in depth between 1 and 6 feet. A couple are slow and meandering, the others are swifter. All of them offer challenging fishing and big fish. (Browns & Rainbows). Some of them are: *Arroyo Negro: Small and a tributary to the Rio Pampas. It is close to the Lodge and can be fished in conjunction with time on the Pampas. Good size fish, mostly on terrestrials. *Arroyo Gendarmeria: Dumps into the Rio Pico and offers good fishing for about 1/2 of a mile. One spot offers a good shot at sight fishing for ‘sipping’ trout. A nice change is to fish up this short creek while spending most of the day on the larger Rio Pico. *Arroyo Terremoto: This is a crazy, short Spring Creek near the confluence of the Rios Pico and Pampas. The water is seldom clear, the terrain resembles a ‘moonscape’ and the fish usually take large dries. Even in water less than crystal clear, sight fishing is often possible. We have worked diligently to make sure everything is accounted for so your focus can be on catching fish. We are happy to help along the way with anything you might need to make your trip more enjoyable. Please review this material and let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you in Las Pampas! Fish On!
Las Pampas - Rio Pico - Chubut PATAGONIA ARGENTINA www.laspampaslodge.com Facebook: Las Pampas Lodge Phone: (#US) 011 54 9 2945 412274