BOOKING & TRAVEL: FAQ

Fishing              Hunting             Travel & Booking            Our Company, Fly Fishing Patagonia

Fishing

My spouse doesn’t fish or hunt, are there things for him/her to do at the lodge?
Yes.  Most of the lodges offer guided and unguided activities like horseback riding, hiking, biking and spa services.  We also offer guided excursions with local naturalists.

What is the best trout fishing trip?
Best is relative.  But we think our Wilderness Expeditions offer possibly the best and certainly the most fishing of all our trips.  Once we understand your preferences, we can recommend what’s best for you.  Fill out our online FFP Inquiry Form You should get a proposal in 24-48 hours.

When’s the best trout fishing?
When strictly depends on your preferred style of fishing.

When’s the best Dorado fishing?
Good Dorado fishing in our area is dependent on semi-stable river and weather conditions and less so on the time of year.  As a general rule, our Dorado are more active in the summer than the winter.

Who will guide us?
We do not outsource.  We have our own professional, licensed and insured guides.  Fly Fishing Patagonia guides are bilingual, expert anglers and knowledgeable.  They have your satisfaction and well being in mind every moment.  These guys receive high praise from our anglers.

Do you rent fishing gear?
Yes. Fly Fishing Patagonia rents Simms Gore-Tex Waders and boots and 6wt TFO rods with extra spools for different lines.

What’s a good size group?
Groups of 4-6 anglers work well.  A group of 6 usually has more camaraderie and laughs than a group of 4.  And with more flies in the water, more fish are caught increasing the excitement and possibilities.  Please avoid odd number groups so we can avoid charging a single supplement.  Also remember that most of the lodges we use accommodate a small number of people, so a trip with 6 people should be planned at least a year in advance.

Can you accommodate large groups?
Yes. We have done trips as large as 17 people for two weeks. Large groups need to starting planning and making reservations more than a year in advance.  See our Group Leaders page.

Can we arrange for exclusive use of the lodge?
Yes, as long as we have enough notice and you secure the reservation with a deposit.

What are your rates?
Rates depend on the customized itinerary we plan with your guidance.  Our weekly Patagonia trout fishing itineraries can run as low as $2995 per angler and as high as $5000 per angler.

Can I fish in Tierra del Fuego for less than a week?
In some cases, select lodges will allow a half week to be book in December.  Otherwise, only 7 night, 6 day packages are available.

Is there a dress code?
No. Slacks and collared shirt for Buenos Aires and Mendoza.  Jeans and a fleece for Patagonia and Corrientes

What about tipping?
Customary tips in Patagonia are; guides $50 per day with one or two anglers, and lodge staff $10-15 per room, per day.  Customary tips in Corrientes are; guides $40 per day with one or two anglers/hunters and lodge staff $10-15 per room, per day.  Customary tips in Buenos Aires are: host/driver 10$ per person from shuttles to and and from international airport and 5$ for the domestic airport.  At Fly Fishing Patagonia we believe tips are voluntary and depend on your satisfaction. There are a several places you can spin fish in Patagonia, however, you will be restricted to use one hook on your spinner/lure.  On waters that are fly fishing only, we can rig a spinning rod to comfortably and effectively fish a fly. Spinning gear can be rented.  We are a catch and release operation.

How about spin fishing?
Conventional gear can be used for Patagonia trout fishing, but with a fly only.  In Corrientes, Dorado can be caught with flies or lures.

Is there cell phone coverage or internet access at the lodges?
Most lodges have internet access and free local calls. Cell phones work near major towns.  Telephone calls can also be easily made at most lodges ($3.00+/min) and in any town at telephone kiosks called, locotorios. Ask if you need assistance.

Hunting

What’s the hunting season, bag limits and when is the best time?

How much does it cost?
Rates vary depending on the species hunted and length per stay.  Please contact us for details.

My wife doesn’t fish or hunt, are there things for her to do at the lodge?
Yes.  At our hunting lodges in Esquina, we offer horseback rides, nature walks, polo lessons and other ranch type activities.  We can also arrange guided boat excursions in the Paraná Delta.

What’s the procedure for bringing guns into Argentina?
You give us your gun info, our reps in Buenos Aires will be waiting for you with your completed paperwork in the police office at the international airport. You will present the police the gun, the paperwork, and pay $85-$90 for your permit.  Prior to departure to Argentina, you must also obtain Form 4457 from the US Customs office.  For more information, see Argentina gun entry procedures.

What brand of shells do you provide?
Most of the time we shoot Fiocche, 2 ¾ , lead  #5.  This is a high quality, clean shooting load.

Who will be our hunting guide?
Our hunting guides are our own.  They have years of experience with a variety of hunting in the area and will put you on the game.

What about tipping?
Customary tips in Patagonia are; guides $50 per day with one or two anglers, and lodge staff $10-15 per room, per day.  Customary tips in Corrientes are; guides $40 per day with one or two anglers/hunters and lodge staff $10-15 per room, per day.  Customary tips in Buenos Aires are: host/driver 10$ per person from shuttles to and and from international airport and 5$ for the domestic airport.  At Fly Fishing Patagonia we believe tips are voluntary and depend on your satisfaction.

What’s a good size group?
Groups of 4-8 hunters work well.  A group of 8 usually has more camaraderie and laughs than a group of 4-6.  And with more guns firing, more birds fall, increasing the excitement and everyone’s possibilities.

Can you accommodate large groups?
Yes. We have done trips are large as 17 people for two weeks.  Large groups need to starting planning and making reservations more than a year in advance.  See our Group Leaders page.

Can we arrange for exclusive use of the lodge?
Yes, as long as we have enough notice and the reservation is secured quickly.

Is there a dress code?
No.  Slacks and collared shirt for Buenos Aires and Mendoza. Jeans, camo shirt and a fleece are fine in Corrientes.

Is there cell phone coverage or internet access at the hunting lodge?
Yes, however it can be intermitten.

Travel and Booking

Are Argentina, Uruguay and Chile safe for foreigners?
Yes, very safe, especially in the areas where you’ll are hunting or fishing.  In Buenos Aires and Santiago, you will need to take the same precautions that you would in New York, Paris or Tokyo.

When is the best time to visit Argentina?
Typically visitors will come during the South American summer which is Dec-mid March.  The time you come will depend on what it is you wish to experience, and we can help you decide.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking a year in advance will assure you get the week and/or the lodge you want.  Lodges have limited space and we only have a certain number of guides.  Usually the lodges and we have limited space 6 months prior to the start of the season.

Is the water safe to drink?
Yes, however, we serve bottled water for your comfort.

Is there cell phone coverage or internet access at the lodges?
Most lodges have internet access and free local calls.  Cell phones work near major towns. Telephone calls can also be easily made in any town in the telephone kiosk called, locotorios.  Ask if you need assistance.

Do I need a visa or other document to get into Argentina or Chile?
No visas are required to visit Argentina, just a current passport.  However, you will need to pay an entrance fee of $130 at the Santiago International Airport and the Buenos Aires International Airport.

How should I book flights?
Our travel agents can assist you with domestic or internal flights.  Should you do it on your own, we suggest figuring out the flights you want, then only reserve the internal flight, then book your international fight, and then complete the booking for the internal flight.  That way you’ll be sure you have a seat when you want to purchase the internal ticket.  Flights should be booked far in advance.

Do I have to go through Buenos Aires to fly between Argentine cities?
Most likely you will as BA is the major hub.

Can you accommodate single travelers
We can accommodate single travelers but a single traveler supplement may apply.  Please see our section on Single Travelers.

Will there be somebody to meet me when I land in Buenos Aires?
Yes, most of our guests request this service, but it’s not mandatory.   We recommend that our representatives receive guests at the Ezeiza International Airport to facilitate the mandatory 45 minute transfer to their hotel or to the Jorge Newberry Domestic Airport for their internal flight (this private transfer is available on the return as well).  Their 2010-2011  rates are about $60 per person each way, with a lesser charge with large groups.  Be aware that if the van has to wait for you, there may be a $50 charge per hour.  Our representatives are independent of Fly Fishing Patagonia and must be paid directly in cash.

Do I need electric converters? What’s the voltage?
The current is 220v and the sockets are for two round European prongs.  You will need converters and adapters for your appliances.

How can I combine fly fishing, hunting, wine tours, Buenos Aires and maybe Iguazu in the same trip?
We help travelers arrange multiple destination trips in Argentina all most everyday. Each destination means a different flight and we recommend on average a 3 night minimum in each area.  Give us a call, and we’ll help you put this adventure together.

What is the deal on money and paying for things while traveling?
The Argentine money is the peso, which is also noted with a “$” and fluctuates around 3.6 to the dollar.  Personal purchases can be made with cash pesos, dollars or credit cards.  Currency exchange houses and banks will exchange your dollars.  Some merchants offer discounts for cash.  Personal or travelers checks should not be used.. Also ATMs are sometimes out of cash, so we recommend carrying a back up stash of $300.

Fly Fishing Patagonia, The Company

Why should we book with Fly Fishing Patagonia?
Fly Fishing Patagonia gives you access to over 200 private river miles with world class fishing in majestic settings.  Our extensive experience and relationships in Argentina allow us to accurately design itineraries for the most discriminating and diverse groups.  All guests wish to return to fish with us again and we guarantee you will too.  Read more reasons to book with FFP.

What is your most popular fishing trip?
Our most popular trip is a Wilderness Expedition and Lodge Combo were anglers spend 3 nights, 4 days  camping on a remote river and then 3-4 nights in a lodge.  Fishing in Tierra del Fuego and Dorado fishing come in a close second.

May I request a reference on Fly Fishing Patagonia from previous guests?
Please do.  Our previous guests would be more than happy to speak with you.

Will I get a better price booking direct than with your agent?
Your rate will be the same no matter who you book with.