Destination : Estancia del Zorro – Chile

Quick Facts

Species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout & Brook Trout
Season: Dec – mid-Apr
Capacity:  12 Anglers

2013 Rates (Double Occupancy per person):

7 nights / 6 days:                      $3,950
Non-Fishing:                               $2,000
Saturday-Saturday


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Helpful Hints 

Location:   In the Coyhaique Alto mountain range on the Chilean-Argentine border, 23 miles northeast of 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 however, it is not necessary to exchange a lot of dollars into the Chilean peso. Estancia del Zorro welcomes and prefers US dollars for gratuities, laundry and souvenirs.

Communications:  The lodge communicates with a radio to Coyhaique in case of emergency. Some U.S. cell phones may work throughout Chile depending on your service plan, although there is no cell service on the Estancia.

The lodge does not have Internet access available which is part of its appeal

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

Estancia del Zorro is a 15,000-acre, authentic Chilean working sheep estancia or ranch, that offers the full cultural experience along with some of the best fishing in the region.  This remote, secluded estancia has a private 15-mile spring creek that holds trophy brown trout, just 200 yards from the lodge.  Guests alternate fishing in Chile and Argentina’s lakes, rivers and streams. This full service lodge accommodates 12 guests and is owned by Cinco Rios Lodge. Enjoy Chilean food and local wines. Non-fishing activities include horseback riding, photography and trekking. A bird watchers paradise for ibis and pink flamingos and don’t miss the early morning, viewing the Andean condors! The Estancia is also an up-and-coming equestrian destination that had its first Horse Endurance Race in 2012.

Accommodations and Lodging

Estancia del Zorro is newly updated and a fully renovated historic ranch house. The lodge can accommodate 12 guests, double occupancy. Each spacious room has two king sized beds, tasteful decor, air-conditioning and a private bath. Each room features a private balcony overlooking the ranch, the Spring Creek, and the vast pampas plains. Guests gather in the great room (Quincho) to relax, swap fish stories, and make plans for the next day of fishing. This is an authentic, Chilean working sheep estancia that offers the full cultural experience along with some of the best fishing in the region. 

Dining

The meals are wonderful with a menu featuring international and local cuisine. All meals, beverages and a generous wine list are 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. Guests enjoy dinners of local cuisine including beef and lamb dishes, fresh vegetables, and Chilean salads. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions in advance, before departure.

Beverages : Wine, beer, and cocktails are included in your package.

Fishing Information

Estancia Del Zorro’s 15-mile spring creek is just 200 yards from the lodge, where you can easily walk in, for large, heavy brown trout. You will also have the unique opportunity to explore private freestone streams in both Argentina and Chile, just a 30-90 minute, 4-wheel jeep ride. You may fish small wadeable streams such as the Highlands, Petragosa, Zorro, and Isabela, which are available exclusively to Estancia del Zorro’s guests. Anglers can also float the legendary Simpson and Paloma rivers. You\ may find fish from 12 to 30 inches, depending upon the fishery. Much of the flyfishing is done with terrestrials such as hoppers and ants.

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 or Pesos

Rates

7 nights / 6 days fishing:         $3,950
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
Horseback riding is increasingly more popular and available on the Estancia del Zorro property. Guests can experience a gentle ride within the private working sheep ranch. The Estancia held their first Horse Endurance Race, November 2012.

Hiking
There are some excellent hiking trails close to the lodge, which allows guests to be introduced to the local flora and fauna.

Sightseeing
Scenic drives can be arranged for guests as well. Within an hour and a half guests can experience a wide variety of landscapes from the steppe on the east, to the rainforest and fjords in the west. Highlights of the region include the Cerro Castillo. The Marble caves in the General Carrera Lake, and the Puerto Ibañez hand paintings created by the ancient native Indians.

Condor Viewing
“Waking up with the Condors” is a “Must see” activity, roughly a half-mile away from the lodge. With an early morning departure, roughly 6 AM, guests will drive east to the Punta del Monte Estancia that also belongs to the Galilea Family. There are numerous cliffs to view the condors up close in their natural habitat as they glide by.

Other Information

Small Gift Shop

Souvenirs such as books, shirts, and fishing items are available. For those interested in purchasing local wool products and Chilean lapis lazuli, please arrange with the lodge host to take you to town.

Photo’s by: Brian O’Keefe