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Patagonia Sur Reserves
Join us for an unparalleled journey that immerses you in Chile's natural beauty. On one spectacular Patagonia Sur Reserves trip, we'll explore two unforgettable environs - from alpine Andean glory to a lush coast and rainforest. Our base camps for exploration are two rustic yet graceful properties newly opened to Americans, each limited to just 12 guests for the ultimate exclusivity. Expert guides help you connect with this magnificent beauty by foot, kayak, and more, and point the way to the best fishing spots. It's a privileged itinerary to one of the last great wildernesses.
Average Customer Rating:
Rating Snapshot (4 reviews)
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4 of 4(100%)customers would recommend this to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Patagonia Sur Reserves
Review 1 for Patagonia Sur Reserves
Overall Rating:
the fish spirits have landed,
August 7, 2012
By: mvtrippers
"The fish spirits have landed in Patagonia Sur, Chile. For the beginner or advanced fly-fisherman or woman, these properties offer a totally natural abundance of fishing, hiking, kayaking, luxury accommodations and cuisine. As an example of the uniqueness of this experience, one day we helicoptered to a rarely visited, newly discovered glacier and toasted to the glacier spirit with fine, single malt scotch, supplied by the guides, who don't miss any opportunity to make each day and adventure seem like once-in-a-lifetime. Then we took off and landed a few minutes later at the confluence of two large rivers coming off the mountains. We fished and caught wild trout while the cooks prepared a gourmet meal with a choice of red pasta with meat or white pasta with shrimp, and of course Chilean wine. Then, more fishing and back home. We were met with a warm fire in the full-wall fireplace and more 5-star appetizers and a lamb roasting in the outdoor fire pit. You are welcome to as much or as little fly-fishing instruction as desired, beginner through advanced. The fishing is always guided by at least one guide per visitor and their concern is safety first, and of course, catching fish. The equipment is all supplied and first rate. For those companions on the trip not as much into fishing, there are tons of other activities to keep one physically fit or alternatively, completely relaxed. This is an incredible family experience, romantic adventure or I would have no problem going alone because the guides and other visitors are incredibly interesting."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 2 for Patagonia Sur Reserves
Overall Rating:
Going back every season,
July 30, 2012
By: ArrayanTrout
from New York, NY
"I have visited Patagonia Sur Reserves’ Valle California every season since early 2008. What attracts me to come back year after year is the quality of the fishing, the stunning landscapes, the great guides, service and accommodation and the fact that on almost all days I won’t see other people fishing (except at Yelcho Lake). I have visited Melimoyu, Valle California’s “sister lodge” four times over the same period.
Valle California is located close to the Argentine border and is thus less exposed to the higher precipitation, wetter climate near the coast (where Melimoyu is located). Valle California’s “house river” is a small/medium size freestone river which offers miles of fishing for brook trout. These tend to be smallish but feisty. Occasionally larger ones are caught. Last season’s record was an 18” brook and supposedly the largest ones in the river reach 5 lb. Further downstream, close to the confluence with another river, rainbows dominate. While most people fish this river with streamers, I have also fished it very productively with dry flies and/or nymphs. The river is perfect for wading a few hours on the day of arrival or departure, for people wanting to take it easy for a day and also for those learning how to fish or wanting to take a class on a specific technique.
A 20 minute truck drive away is the upper run of the Palena River which together with the Futaleufu (more below) are among the nicest floating rivers I know. It offers two different day-long floats through beautiful landscape with very productive brown and rainbow fishing. Depending on the section, the fishing is done with streamers or dryflies. Fish face little pressure and thus are neither too spooky nor leader-shy. Further west, visitors have the opportunity to float the lower section of the Futaleufu River which is larger but broadly similar to the upper Palena. The Futaleufu flows into Yelcho Lake whose reed-edged shores offer very exciting dry-fly fishing, ideally with large dragonfly or hopper patterns (in the second half of the season). The lake offers both browns and rainbows. Days on the Palena and the Futaleufu rivers yield lots of fish and it is a very rare day when the biggest fish does not exceed 20”. The same applies to Yelcho Lake.
A number of other attractive lakes and “secret” lagoons in the region can be very productive but have been less consistent than the waters mentioned above. I would recommend to any visitor to include a couple of days of heli-fishing during their visit despite its relatively high cost. It makes accessible a number of rarely fished and beautiful lakes which can be very productive. This includes very large lakes like Palena Lake as well as smaller mountain lakes in the region.
While some salmon runs exist, Chilean Patagonia is primarily a trout fishery. I fish most waters here with a 6 weight rod and like to use a 4 weight on the Valle California house river.
I have fly-fished on four continents and find Valle California not only a top fishing destination but also an almost ideal spot for the non-fishing companion or family. The first-class fishing guides are complemented by equally experienced adventure guides who will introduce even the complete novice or child to a broad range of outdoor activities (horseback riding, bird-watching, rafting/kayaking, mountain-biking etc). The beautifully done accommodation, service and food will satisfy even a somewhat jaded traveler (even if I personally would be fine with something more basic given my fishing focus).
Melimoyu feels a little like a coastal Jurassic Park without the dinosaurs. The shore line and coastal mountains, entirely covered in old growth forest without any roads (only accessible by boat or air) are stunningly beautiful. While it offers many non-angling attractions (glacier tours, blue whale watching, sea-kayaking, beautiful forest hikes etc) the fishing is more technical and there are fewer waters to choose from than in Valle California.
Combining Melimoyu and Valle California in one trip is a great opportunity to experience the dramatically different ecosystems that make up Patagonia. They may only be 75 miles apart but they seem like two different worlds. While both places are very different they are much greener than the typical steppe-like Argentine Patagonian landscape which I find too monotonous.
The unavoidable price to pay for such an experience is the remoteness of Valle California and Melimoyu. It results in stunning, almost empty landscapes and a fishing resource facing very little pressure. However it also implies a longer trip to get there. But year after year I have felt it to be worth it."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 3 for Patagonia Sur Reserves
Overall Rating:
The Excitement of Patagonia Sur,
July 23, 2012
By: Camelback
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"Fly Fishing in Patagonia by any means is wonderful, but staying and fishing from Patagonia Sur Lodges is "over the top."
Begin with the thrill of getting to the most remote of places, having unique and comfortable 5 Start accommodations, the most specially prepared food to the ultimate in fly fishing for Rainbows and Browns with the best guides.
to float some of South America's most famous rivers, remote unknown lakes, arrive at the fishing spots by helicopter make a perfect trip and adventure.
Plus anyone not fishing can horseback ride, hike swim, see whales and on and on.
Go now!"
Begin with the thrill of getting to the most remote of places, having unique and comfortable 5 Start accommodations, the most specially prepared food to the ultimate in fly fishing for Rainbows and Browns with the best guides.
to float some of South America's most famous rivers, remote unknown lakes, arrive at the fishing spots by helicopter make a perfect trip and adventure.
Plus anyone not fishing can horseback ride, hike swim, see whales and on and on.
Go now!"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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Review 4 for Patagonia Sur Reserves
Overall Rating:
Unbelievable Patagonia Experience,
June 14, 2012
By: MarcT
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"I visited both of Patagonia Sur Reserve’s Lodges, Valle California and Melimoyu in January, 2012 for a week of adventure and fishing. I founded a luxury travel company 18 years ago and I’ve spent the last 22 years circling the globe, visiting some of the most exotic destinations and world’s top hotels and resorts. And THIS was truly among the most unforgettable experiences.
First, we had exceptional weather. They explained that it was a warmer and drier summer than is typical in Patagonia and the weather was fabulous. (The staff actually wanted a bit of rain so that we can see the typical Patagonia but we had nothing but sunshine). This made for easy and non-stop use of the helicopter to access remote fishing spots.
How to describe this experience in less than an epic novel…I’ll start with the scenery and surroundings. Patagonia is simply one of the most beautiful corners of the planet and these lodges sit in some of the most pristine spots…both in distinctly different ecosystems and environments. It could not have been more majestic. Turquoise lakes and rivers, volcanoes, glaciers, valleys and a dramatic coastline made the perfect setting.
The fishing was spectacular. We accessed some of the most beautiful fishing spots I’ve ever seen. Everything from wading in perfect waist-deep emerald colored streams, on rushing rivers from our rafts and on fresh alpine lakes from our wooden driftboats. Our guide could not have been better, he was patient, helped with improving on our flyfishing skills and was a perfect Chilean host. While our fishing was fairly productive, our guide explained that the unusually warm weather isn’t great for fishing. The more typical Patagonia conditions yield more fish.
The other experiences were also operated to perfection. Trip highlights include: horseback riding from Valle California, hiking/trekking in deep forest and on a volcano, viewing marine life and penguins and the wild jet boat/helicopter trip from Valle California to Melimoyu.
The dining at each meal was wonderful. Lunch was served daily on shore, using fold up chairs and tables and with great daily creations sent out from the Chef. Dinner each night featured healthy local ingredients, inventive recipes and wonderful Chilean wines. There was nothing overlooked.
I’d say that the most impressive feature of this company is the non-stop effort displayed by the staff. The loading and unloading of boats, the long drives to get a shore lunch together and the general operations it takes to operate successfully doesn’t end. And they do it with a smile, and a desire to go above and beyond.
As a traveler, I’ve discovered just how precious Patagonia is, and I am lucky to say that this is one of the most unforgettable life experiences I’ve ever had. As the owner of a luxury travel company, I can also say that this is one of the most well-run wilderness outfitters I have ever traveled with. I am thoroughly impressed and won’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone who will listen."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
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