Destination : Cinco Rios – Chile

Quick Facts

Species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout & King, Chinook & Coho salmon
Season: Mid Dec – Mid Apr
Capacity:  12 Anglers

2013 Rates (Double Occupancy per person):

Dec 15 – Dec 31           $3,620
Jan 1 – Mar 31             $3,975
April 1 – April 15        $3,620
Non-Fishing:                 $2,000

Saturday-Saturday

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Helpful Hints 

Location:   In the heart of Chilean Patagonia on the banks of the Simpson River, 10 minutes away from Coyhaique, Chile

 Closest Airport:  Teniente Vidal Airport in Balmaceda, Chile (BBA)

Local Time:  GMT -3 hours or PST + 3 hours

Currency:  The local currency is the Chilean Peso. Cinco Rios Lodge also accepts Visa, Master Card and US Dollars but you may need Chilean Pesos outside the lodge

Communications:  Some U.S. cell phones may work throughout Chile depending on your service plan, although there is no cell service on the Estancia.

Wi-fi is available at the lodge.

 Water:  Bottled water is available everywhere in Chile. There is no problem drinking this water from the lodge faucets however bottle water is always available.

Laundry:  The housekeeping staff at the Estancia will be happy to wash clothes for you, for a small fee, which will be added to your bill, payable at checkout or as a gratuity.

Power:  The lodge has 220-volt power and takes the rounded two-prong plug. Please bring a (110v to 220v transformer) to power any small electrical items you bring.

Documents Required:  Passport

Destination Overview

Built with the finest wood from local forests and designed to provide guests with maximum comfort. The location on the banks of the Simpson River gives a unique view of the Simpson River valley and the towering snow-capped mountains of the Patagonian Andes. Cinco Rios Lodge can accommodate 12 guests at a time, with six luxurious rooms providing two king beds in separate quarters, a sitting area with comfortable chairs, a private bathroom, climate control and a beautiful balcony view, overlooking the Simpson Valley.  A large fireplace adds ambience to the main living room with comfortable reading chairs and sofas. Gazing through the large windows of the dining room, provides the backdrop for each of their delicious meals.  There is a television lounge upstairs. While the bar has the charm needed to liven up a good conversation with various cocktails available downstairs.  There is also an outdoor locker area to store you fishing gear and wet waders.

Accommodations

Built with the finest wood from local forests and designed to provide guests with maximum comfort. The location on the banks of the Simpson River gives a unique view of the Simpson River valley and the towering snow-capped mountains of the Patagonian Andes. Cinco Rios Lodge can accommodate 12 guests at a time, with six luxurious rooms providing two king beds in separate quarters, a sitting area with comfortable chairs, a private bathroom, climate control and a beautiful balcony view, overlooking the Simpson Valley.  A large fireplace adds ambience to the main living room with comfortable reading chairs and sofas. Gazing through the large windows of the dining room, provides the backdrop for each of their delicious meals.  There is a television lounge upstairs. While the bar has the charm needed to liven up a good conversation with various cocktails available downstairs.  There is also an outdoor locker area to store you fishing gear and wet waders.

Meals and Beverages

The meals are wonderful with a menu featuring international and local cuisine that is exquisite, including beef and lamb dishes, fresh vegetables, and Chilean salads.  All meals, beverages and a generous wine list, featuring a large variety of local wines, included in the trip cost. The service and hospitality of the lodge is truly first class, with a team of attentive dedicated staff ensuring your comfort.

Please inform us of any dietary restrictions in advance, before departure.

Fishing Information

Cinco Rios is located in the well-known, sport fishing region of Patagonia.  Take in the beauty of the glaciers, fjords and canyons and, as you’re transported in four-wheel drive jeeps, to Chilean and Argentinian rivers, streams and private waters.  Dry fly fish the famous Simpson River where you can catch 14”-22” rainbows and 30” King Salmon.  Drift the crystal clear, Paloma River in search of 14”-23” brown trout.  Take the jet boat to the remote Rio Azul and Desaque River, than drift fish for 17”-21” browns.  The Emperador Guillermo River has many pools and riffles holding hungry trout as well.  Other rivers include the Mañihueles, Ñirehuao, Mogote, Río Blanco, Río Aysén, Río Coyhaique, Lago Elizalde, Lago Azul among many others.

 Fishing License
You may purchase your fishing license directly from the lodge for approximately US$65-75 per person. This is not included in your package and can be paid in US dollars, Pesos or by credit card

Rates

Dec 15 – Dec 31                       $3,620
Jan 1 – Mar 31                          $3,975
April 1 – April 15                    $3,620
Non-Fishing:                             $2,000

Saturday-Saturday
Two anglers per guide

Remember Fishermen’s Spot Travel services are always FREE to you!  You never pay more than what you would pay if you booked directly with the lodge.

What’s Included:

  • Gourmet Meals
  • Beverages including wine, cocktails and bottled water
  • Transportation to and from Teniente Vidal Airport in Balmaceda (BBA)

What’s Not Included:

  • Air transportation to and from Teniente Vidal Airport in Balmaceda (BBA)
  • Chilean Entry Fee $140 (one-time payment for the life of your passport)
  • Airport departure taxes
  • Hotels (if you stay overnight in Santiago, Chile
  • Fishing License
  • Gratuities for guides and staff

How to get there

Fly into Santiago, Chile – Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL).  Then fly to Teniente Vidal Airport in Balmaceda (BBA).

Once you arrive in Balmaceda a driver for the lodge will be there to take you to the lodge

Santiago is the capital of Chile so many guests stay the night or a couple of nights in Santiago before heading to the lodge.

Non-Angling Activities

“Horseback riding on the pampas, sheepherding with trained dogs, getting to see the majestic Lake General Carrera and wandering around the marble formations and their surroundings, or trekking in the Queulat National Park, a place where according to the legend is the Lost City of the Caesars, are some of the options open to you.

Queulat National Park Tour

Located about 220 km north of Coyhaique, we find the Queulat National Park, discovered in 1767 by a Jesuit monk Jose Garcia Alsue, who sought the mythical lost city of the Caesars. According to the legend, in a remote part of the Patagonia, a city full of gold, silver and diamonds, known as the City of the Caesars would be found. There are many theories about how this city was formed and how many died trying to find it. To date, there is no indication that it ever existed. However, Queulat National Park remains one of the areas most untouched by human hands in our country, making itself into a natural treasure of incomparable wealth.  The journey by car is about 4 hours on the Austral road, crossing rivers, lakes, fjords, and waterfalls … the most beautiful views of the North Patagonia in our region. Once we arrive at the park we will see a preview of our main objective: the Queulat Hanging Glacier, where you can appreciate the beauty of these ancient glaciers located in the Patagonian Andes at 2,255 meters above sea level. Henry Simpson discovered the glacier in 1875.  Henry wrote in his reports that the ice reached 100 meters from the shore of the Pacific Ocean, but over time due to climatic changes, has receded. The ice is now being found about 8 kilometers from the seashore. The trail from the lookout point to the point closest to the glacier is 3.3 km, medium difficulty, taking about 2 1/2 hours. The climate is humid and the ground is in good condition. It is recommended that you have trekking shoes, trekking poles, a water bottle and snacks. Oh, and of course a camera or video camera to capture the beauty! Walking the path to the Queulat Hanging Glacier is an unforgettable experience.

 General Carrera Lake Marble Caves Tour

They are found on the General Carrera Lake, located in the town of Puerto Tranquilo, 223 kilometers (139 miles) South of Coyhaique. General Carrera Lake is shared by Chile and Argentina, but in Argentina the name is Buenos Aires Lake. The trip in vehicle is approximately 3 hours from Coyhaique, South on the Carretera (Highway) Austral.  The trip across the Lake takes about an hour. The Lake’s turquoise water transforms this body of water into a natural gem, captivating every visitor with its beautiful colors, thus leaving the memory of an unforgettable trip.

Waking up with the Condors

Cinco Rios Chile invites you on a journey to see a variety of birds in the wild. The beautiful flight of the Condor gliding through the Patagonian heavens captivates every visitor.  The tour is called “Waking up with the Condors.”  The tour begins at 5 am and from Coyhaique it is approximately 1:30 hrs.  You’ll ride driving east towards the “Estancia punta del Monte” where you will observe the awe-inspiring flight of one of the largest birds in South America. This is definitely a captivating experience.

Day out in the country, Estancia del Zorro

Located 45 kilometers from Coyhaique and in the Coyhaique Alto sector, the Estancia del Zorro allows visitors to enjoy a day out in the country where you can engage in different activities from our region.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding around the ranch on beautiful and gentle horses with all of the security measures necessary to enjoy galloping through the plains surrounded by flora and wildlife.  This activity is suitable for the whole family.

Sheepherding: If you prefer to enjoy a day as a “gaucho” we recommend you to opt for sheepherding. While riding a horse, you will see how the sheep dogs help you to care for the flock.

“The first Horse Endurance Race of the Aysén Region of Chile, was born big November, 17th, 2012 will be remembered as a very special date for Aysén Region horse back riding fans; that was the date of the first horse endurance race that took place at Estancia del Zorro and Punta del Monte, on the Coyhaique alto mountain range… and what a way to begin!  Over 75 riders came along with their horses and did not quit; the race took them through the most marvelous landscapes of Patagonia, from the Lenga and Ñirre forrests; lagoons filled with pink flamingos; Pampas and glacier valleys. It was the perfect frame in one of the most beautiful places of the planet.” By Sebastian Galilea.

Trekking

For those who prefer to walk and take pictures, Estancia del Zorro provides trails of medium difficulty trekking where visitors can enjoy the natural surroundings accompanied by the wildlife, flamingos, geese, queltehues, pheasants, alpacas, and sheep, among others.

Patagonia BBQ Roast

Because good food is a must on an unforgettable day, Estancia del Zorro, along with its chef and staff will share with you a delicious “Asado de Cordero al palo” (spit-roasted lamb on a stick), cooked over an open fire. The “stick” has roasted meat that is set up within inches of a fire where it is cooked for about 3 hours along with potatoes, homemade bread, tortas criollas, (fried bread) salad and obviously a good red wine. Truly exquisite, unique and our own regional cuisine.

Estancia del Zorro is pleased to share with its visitors the essence of our region, the daily life of the “gaucho”, enjoying the spirit of the Patagonia.

Hiking

Cinco Rios Chile, may provide the visitor different trekking routes for the day, in which you can enjoy beautiful views of the region. Each of the routes to travel is unique and special.

Aiken Park

About 45 minutes from Coyhaique in the direction of Puerto Aysén, we will find one of the major parks in the region, where there is an abundance of ferns and big leaved nalcas (giant rhubarbs), plus the intermittent typical rain that accompanies the visitor. You will experience beautiful views, waterfalls, and the shores of Lake Riesco will delight the eyes and soul. The trek is medium difficulty.  Hands Cave Paintings -Cerro Castillo- Puerto Ingeniero Ibañez: About 100 km (62 miles) south of Coyhaique, we find the town of Cerro Castillo, whose name is derived from the helpless mountain ridge that bears its name, beautiful hiking and photographic tour that captures every visitor, different paths lead to unique, beautiful views of the Region. Puerto Ibañez is on the shores of Lake General Carrera, and is a small town where you can appreciate the beauty of the lake water and have access to regional crafts. The trip may include going to the Hands Cave, where you can find cave paintings made by the Tehuelches Indians who inhabited this area.

Route 6 Lagoons

On the outskirts of the city, about 20 minutes by car one can access this trail where the roads take visitors to see beautiful lakes in the region, nestled in between the mountains, the Lake Atravesado and gorgeous views of the Simpson Valley (leaving early it can be done in half a day)

Coyhaique Natural Reserve: At 5 km(3 miles) north of Coyhaique we find the Natural Reserve with beautiful trails that penetrate the regional flora, moist fragrant forests, and the sound of the birds is the perfect travel companion. In the park there are some lagoons, the most famous ones being the Venus Lagoon and Green lagoon. (can be done in half a day)

Bike Tours

For those who love bikes, we can offer equipment renting as well as show you the best routes in our city or region in order to perform this sport.  The Carretera Austral is recognized worldwide as one of the most attractive destinations for biking, every summer athletes and enthusiasts around the world travel the 1,240 kilometers (771 miles) of road between Puerto Montt and Villa O’Higgins. Our strategic location in Coyhaique, allows the Road to be divided into two portions: North Carretera Austral- from Coyhaique to Futaleufu – Chaiten.  Or the South Carretera Austral- from Coyhaique to Villa O’Higgins. Each tour is unique and special. If your passion is for this sport, our region invites you to see each one of its hot spots. Excellent Choice!

City Tour and shopping

Coyhaique, with more than 50,000 habitants charms its visitors. Founded in 1929, makes it one of the youngest cities in our country. It is nestled in the mountains of the Patagonian Andes, near Cinco Ríos Lodge. The tour begins with panoramic views from around the region, beautiful views of the Divisadero Mckay hills, the Coyhaique and Simpson Rivers, and the hospitality and friendliness of the Coyhaiquinos who love visitors. The tour includes a visit to a microbrewery, a small local beer brewery. And in the main square you can buy souvenirs and handmade crafts made by local craftsmen.  In addition, you can always enjoy a good coffee, hot chocolate or a piece of dessert in one of the many cafes and restaurants found in the region.”

Other Information

  •       Fly shop on the premises
  •       Gift shop on the premises
  •       Fly tying room
  •       Meeting and conference area
  •       Their facilities have the necessary space for corporate conferences or seminars, cocktails and weddings

Photo’s by: Brian O’Keefe, Ben Edmonson, Guías y Huéspedes