A family-owned, 100-year old cattle ranch and lodge offering some of the best fly-fishing in Patagonia with world-class hospitality.
Estancia Pilolil offers an authentic, personalised, home-from-home experience.
There are six bedrooms – four in the main house, and two in the small house – allowing for different groups to be hosted at the same time. Activities are always separate, but dining is communal. The owners love food and travel, and produce is home-grown or locally sourced.
Estancia Pilolil is among the premier destinations for fly fishing adventures in the heart of northern Patagonia, Argentina. It is a working ranch, bordering over 10 miles of the west bank of the scenic and trout-filled Aluminé River.
What we love about Estancia Pilolil
- The fishing, which is some of the best in Patagonia.
- An authentic experience which comes from this 9-hectare working farm being family-run, with the same owners for 25 years.
- Outstanding food, grown on the farm and prepared by a team headed up by a chef who worked with Francis Mallman
- The bar in the the stables – a perfect place to enjoy a cocktail around the fireplace after a fishing day, while a gaucho prepares the asado.
Fly-fishing in one of the most prolific trout rivers in Argentina alongside experiencing Patagonian traditions on this privately-owned estancia.
Fly fishing in the crystal clear waters of the Aluminé River, in the Pilolil valley, is an incredible experience for floating and wading.
All forms of fly fishing are offered in this river abundant with rainbow and brown trout. The surrounding landscape features incredible rock formations, vegetation and wildlife.
The estancia has 20km of river for fishing in boat (2 people to 1 guide), offering catch and release fishing on the river, and there is an option to go to Lago Tromen.
A typical day excursion begins at 8am, with a break at midday for a picnic and siesta, followed by afternoon fishing.
Other offers at Estancia Pilolil include trekking, horseback, mountain biking or 4×4 adventures, as well as participating in gaucho activities on the farm. Further afield head to Los Condoreras (the condor nests) for a BBQ, visit the ancient cave paintings, or go trekking on Volcán Lanín. Bird watching can also be arranged.
Domestic flight from Buenos Aires to San Martin de los Andes, Chapelco Airport, located in the Province of Neuquén, Argentina in northern Patagonia.
From here, a driver and guide with transfer you to Estancia Pilolil, passing through indigenous landscapes full of history.
When to travel
Estancia Pilolil is open from November to April, however bookings for other dates can be requested (the fly fishing season runs into May).
Each year, around 8th May they move the cattle to winter pastures and the farm has a huge BBQ on the weekend closest to this date.
Pilolil has a micro climate, with reliably good weather throughout the season.
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