WELCOME TO RIO PALENA LODGE
The luxurious Rio Palena Lodge, set in southern Chile’s magnificent Aysen Region amidst snow-topped volcanoes and glacial lakes, is the ultimate in adventure travel.
Rio Palena offers a range of premium activities in both summer and winter. From fly-fishing and exploring Patagonia’s stunning waters by boat to heli-skiing in the Andes, their expert guides can take you to the most awe-inspiring remote spots where few have ever been.
The lodge itself is intimate – just seven bedrooms – and exceptionally comfortable. It comes with a chef on hand to provide all meals, along with two wood-fired hot tubs and a wood-fired sauna for the perfect end to a day of adventure.
What we love about Rio Palena
- In a region famous for large, wild, brown and rainbow trout, the lodge offers one of the best fly fishing experiences in South America.
- Enjoy a special Chilean asado, the traditional barbecue paired with fine wines.
- Our favourite room at Palena is the lodge’s master suite, complete with a balcony overlooking the Andes.
- Pick from a range of adventurous activities including fishing, mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding and helicopter rides.
- There are plenty of places to unwind after a day of activities. Get cosy by the fireplaces and outdoor lounges, or relax in the wood-fired hot tubs and sauna.
- Ski down unexplored mountains in the winter months, with 85 off-piste runs for an incredible heli-skiing experience.
What to do at Rio Palena Lodge
Rio Palena brims with large wild trout that easily rival the spoils of Iceland and New Zealand.
There is wading and floating right from the lodge. Drift boats and jet boats are used to navigate big rivers and glacial lakes, as well as opportunities to fish smaller streams from the bank.
Specialist guides know the river and its changing conditions and can advise on where to fish the best hatches, which stretch to float and are the prime spots for a day of heli-fishing. Guides cater to a variety of fishing styles, hurling big streamers and casting dries or nymphs in the riffles. Those looking to improve their technique will be assisted.
For those not fishing, there is birding, mountain biking, riding and hiking through the expansive Andean woodland. Try rafting the rapids of the Futaleufu River or row out in a canoe. Picnics are prepared to be eaten shoreside.
Back at the lodge, relax on the veranda or unwind in the games room. Those interested in Chilean produce may try their hand at cookery classes and some wine tasting.
Fly into Santiago and catch a connecting flight to Puerto Montt and then Chaiten. Enjoy a scenic three-hour drive from here to Rio Palena Lodge.
Alternatively, travellers may charter the Cessna Grand Caravan from Puerto Montt to the Palena airfield, leaving just a 20-minute drive to the lodge.
When to Travel
December to March
January and February are the peak summer months and best for dry fly fishing. As the southern hemisphere heads into autumn, river levels lower and the fish are more concentrated.
For mixing streamers, driers and nymphs, early autumn is the best time to visit. April is the beginning of the spawning season for the browns and a good time to search for the largest trout. The hotel is open during the summer (December until March). The heli-ski season is during October and November.
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