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Aurelia Lodge (Tierra del Fuego)

Rio Grande and Rio Menendez
Tierra del Fuego


Tierra del Fuego (“Land of Fire”) is literally located at the end of the earth on the southern tip of South America. It is actually an archipelago separated from the mainland by the Strait of Magellan and collectively forms the Cape Horn, only a few hundred miles from Antarctica. It has a rugged yet diverse landscape including mountainous regions, ancient forests and featureless sheep farming country. The Rio Grande is located on a northerly portion of Tierra del Fuego known as the “estepa”, or the region of southern Patagonia signified by its isolation and endless panoramic rolling hills. The Rio Grande River is the most popular sea-run brown trout river in the world, and runs upstream (west) from the Pacific Ocean and the town of Rio Grande for approximately eighty kilometers before entering the Chile.

Aurelia Lodge is located approximately 40 kilometers upstream from the mouth of the river. Fishing on the Rio Grande, without a doubt, is a dream every fly fisherman wants to come true, at least once in his life. With only six lodges on the entire length of the river, Aurelia Lodge is proud to be the only one with both sides of the river, and fewer rods per mile than all of the other lodges. This insures the most secluded experience a person can have on the Rio Grande. The nature of our water allows for some of the best dry-fly opportunities for Sea Run Browns on the Rio Grande. With another 10 miles of the Rio Menendez, Aurelia is the only lodge to have fishing on 2 different rivers, on both sides, from the same lodge. This is a more low-key operation compared to the highly publicized lodges downstream, and offers what we consider the most authentic Argentine experience on this infamous river.


Fishing for sea-run brown trout is very similar to fishing for steelhead in many ways. Similar to steelhead, which are anadromous (sea-running) rainbow trout, the brown trout of Tierra del Fuego actually return to the ocean each season to feed and grow. They return to their natal waters on the Rio Grande river to spawn each year, and offer an incredible opportunity for anglers to catch brown trout that often exceed twenty pounds!

Also similar to steelheading, fishing for sea-runs on the Rio Grande is definitely not a numbers game. Anglers should expect smaller number of true trophy sized browns on a typical week. The character of the water on the Rio Grande is for the most part, wide and slow moving as it meanders down the hill from the headwaters in Chile. It is perfect habitat to swinging flies with heavy single handed or spey rods to fish laid up in pools waiting to push up stream.

Estancia Aurelia is the ONLY lodge with private access to BOTH sides of the Rio Grande. Unlike the more high profile lodges downstream, Aurelia guests are ensured delivery on the expectations that are associated with going to the literal end of the earth to go fishing…total seclusion, solitude, and exclusivity. Equally as important is the fact that the character of the Rio Grande on Estancia Aurelia’s property is a bit smaller, shallower, and more wade friendly. Whereas the lodges downstream spend more of their time fishing technical sink tip lines in deeper pools, Aurelia’s water is more welcoming to anglers with floating lines and even some dry fly fishing. As a result, you are more likely to see surface strikes and boils when the fish ‘grab’ the fly.

The upstream location of Aurelia’s water is also significant. Also unlike the high profile lodge’s downstream, Aurelia enjoys more consistent fishing later in the March / April months when many of the freshest fish have moved up river. Finally, La Aurelia also has about 25 kilometers of the Rio Menendez, which is a little smaller, but much more secluded, and offers the chance for a Sea-Run Brown in a small river. This water is a little less predictable, but when the fish are around it offers a really nice change of pace for the day.


The lodge at La Aurelia is extremely nice, and was built two years ago with the idea of the “Estancia life” in mind. It has all of the relics of the estancia, but has more than enough luxuries to accommodate any client. The chef is your typical Buenos Aires 5-star type, with a menu that goes from Salmon & Steak, to Lamb, with an incredible wine selection from all the best wine cellars in Argentina. Aurelia’s program is much more in the vein of our preferred operations… which is to use local guides and staff to create a warm, hospitable experience.

Guests also enjoy spacious rooms, large and appointed private bathrooms, warm and welcoming reception areas, a friendly dining room, bar area and traditional argentine barbeque area (quincho),. There are several casual sitting areas and a spacious lounge with a pool table and fly-tying area, all of which are very well furnished and heated. The lodge can comfortably accommodate 12 guests in 5 twin rooms, one of which is a very large suite ideal for families of up to 4 people. However, the number of rods may not exceed 8 licensed anglers per week.

Aurelia offers wonderful cuisine based on local meats, fresh vegetables, and delicious desserts. A traditional Asado (BBQ) will be held once during your stay, and you can sample different cuts of meat and wonderful local salads. A freshly prepared breakfast will be available together with fresh fruits, yogurts, home baked breads and jams, and a selection of cereals. There is a second small lodge on the ranch that is next to the river, and is used for lunches and siestas from time to time.


The lodge will hold 12 guests, however only offers guided fishing permits for a maximum of 8 anglers per week.


Fishermen fly direct to Buenos Aires, Argentina from Dallas/Ft. Worth, Miami, or New York on an overnight flight arriving the following morning. Fishermen then gather their luggage, clear customs, and are met by a driver who transfers the group approximately one hour to the Domestic Airport for the flight to Ushuaia, Argentina aboard Aerolineas Argentina or Lan Airlines.

Tailwaters uses a very reliable customs assistance and chauffeur service that operates comfortable, air-conditioned vans. Our staff of drivers make sure you are properly checked in for your two-hour domestic flight to Ushuaia. Some travelers elect to spend the day and evening in Buenos Aires prior to departing for Ushuaia the following morning. This is a great way to break up the two legs of the journey, do some sightseeing, and recharge your batteries. We of course facilitate your stay at one of our recommended hotels in the Recoleta (downtown Buenos Aires).

Upon arrival in the town Ushuaia, the group is then met at the baggage claim and driven approximately two and a half hours to the lodge.


Friday
Afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. Arrival into Buenos Aires the next morning.

Saturday
Anglers gather their luggage, clear customs, and are met by a driver who transfers the group approximately one hour to the domestic airport for the flight to Ushuaia, Argentina aboard a local carrier such as Aerolineas Argentina or Lan Airlines. Tailwaters uses a very reliable customs assistance and chauffeur service that operates comfortable, air-conditioned vans. Leticia and her staff of drivers make sure you are properly checked in for your two-hour domestic flight to Ushuaia. Upon arrival in Ushuaia, the group is then met at the baggage claim and driven approximately two and a half hours to the lodge.

Sunday - Friday
Six Full fishing days on the Rio Grande and Rio Menendez doe Sea-Run Brown Trout! Continued overnight at Aurelia Lodge.

Saturday
After breakfast guests are transferred back to Ushuaia for the flight to Buenos Aires. The group is then picked up and transferred back to the International Airport and assisted through check-in for your flight on to the United States. Overnight flight back to USA.

Sunday
Early morning arrival back in the U.S.


Also primarily a fishing destination, Aurelia also provides recreational options for non-fishing guests. Activities such as horseback riding, sightseeing of the abundant local wildlife (numerous flocks of wild geese, plentiful herds of "guanacos" a species of the cameloids, grey foxes, diverse hawks, condors, seagulls and other birds) as well as visits and photographic safaris to beaver lodges and dam sites.


2009 RATES

(based on shared room/guide)
6 Night / 5 Day Fishing Package......................$5690 Per Angler
Non Angling Package......................$2945 Per Person


Guided fishing; Meals; All beverages including Argentine wines and cocktails; Ground transportation to/from Ushuaia Airport; Fishing Licenses


Airfare to/from Ushuaia, Argentina; Ground transfers and accommodations in Buenos Aires; Use of fishing equipment; Staff and Guide gratuity; Airport departure taxes (approximately $25 US); Laundry Service; Phone calls and other items of personal nature


A fifty percent deposit is due at the time of booking to confirm all reservations. Full payments are required at 60 days from departure. Deposits are refundable up to 120 days from departure. Within 120-60 days from departure, an 80% refund will be issued for cancellations. Within 60 days from departure, no refunds are granted unless replacement clients are found. Note that credits of 80% will be granted towards future bookings in the event replacement clients cannot be found.

Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation /refund and responsibility clauses.

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