Seated on the Rio Palena in a hidden corner of the Aysen region of Chile, Patagonian BaseCamp offers one of the most diverse and adventurous fly fishing programs for wild trout anywhere in the world. As the name suggests, Patagonian BaseCamp is just the tip of the iceberg of what owner and operator, Marcel Sijnesael, has developed for his guests. The BaseCamp itself is an over-the-top luxury cottage where guests have their own private room and, when the weather cooperates (which is often), dinners are taken outside overlooking the vibrant Rio Palena. Guests can enjoy the open bar, relax in the hot tub or sauna, or make a few casts on the very productive Palena river literally steps away from the back deck of the lodge before enjoying world-class fine dining each night for dinner.
The fishing program has been meticulously conceived and executed by Marcel to offer a standard of fishing variety likely unmatched by any other lodge in the region…or the world. Creeks, rivers, and lakes are all fished utilizing an array of different watercraft: rafts, catarafts, and jetboats, depending on what the conditions call for. The lodge hires whitewater guides to navigate some of the more technical rivers, putting guests in productive trout water that literally nobody else dares to fish. And then there’s the outpost camps.
Between the IslaLeon Camp, Temple Camp, and Escondido Camp, guests are guaranteed at least one overnight at one of the outpost camps during their stay. But calling these satellite operations “camps” surely feels like an understatement. The crown jewel Temple Camp, for instance, is a paradise in its own right, where guests often request additional nights to stay. With guides and kitchen staff onsite, there is no sacrifice in luxury or service when spending a night away from the main lodge. Temple Camp sits right on the banks of the Rio Figueroa where guests can float in by cataraft after a day of fishing one of the most scenic and adventurous rivers in all of the Aysen region. Wooden trails and decks lead guests to the main outpost building where meals and cocktails are enjoyed. For a truly unique experience, guests sleep in permanently-affixed, igloo-shaped dome tents complete with comfortable beds and bedding for what can only be described as “glamping.”
Perfect for serious anglers, couples, or families, Patagonian BaseCamp’s program offers serious and diverse fishing, a sense of adventure, and a level of luxury and comfort that will leave any guest wanting more…which is why so many of PBC’s guests return year after year. It’s also why so many guests who experience the week-long program return for the ten to fourteen day programs…there’s just too much to do. Book early to ensure availability at this competitive lodge.
Location: Rio Palena, Chile
Species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout
Seasonality: December - March
Rates: $8,495 Per Person (7 Nights / 6 Days)
(extended programs available; see Rates)
Reach out to our team in the travel department to learn more about our experiences at Patagonian BaseCamp.
Phone: (888) 824-5420 or (214) 219-2500
Email: travel@tailwatersflyfishing.com
There are very few places in the world where you can throw massive, foamy dry flies to big, hungry brown trout and rainbows…but this is one of them. Of course, the day’s conditions always dictate what will work best - guides may suggest dry fly changes, a double dry rig, streamer fishing, and - in some cases - a dropper. But straight-up nymphing is uncommon here. Each day presents a new adventure for anglers, and the variety of waters, transportation, and techniques utilized here allow for a truly unforgettable experience for guests. This is likely the reason why so many guests rebook year after year; you simply cannot see it all in a week-long or ten-day stay at Patagonian BaseCamp.
Jet boats, rafts, catarafts, and walk-and-wade programs are all available on a variety of creeks, rivers, and lakes within a short drive from the lodge. Sight fishing is standard when conditions are right. They keep whitewater guides on staff to maneuver high-adrenaline, productive water that others simply can’t and won’t fish. And each guest’s program includes an overnight stay at one of their exceptional outpost camps (at least!).
A beautiful lodge right smack in the middle of paradise, Patagonian BaseCamp feels more like staying in a luxurious, private cottage than a run-of-the-mill fishing lodge. The board-on-board facility has a welcoming front deck, bright and comfortable interior common areas, a lavish indoor and outdoor dining table, and a back patio overlooking the pristine blue waters of the Rio Palena.
Solo occupancy rooms are provided to every angler, each with beautiful furnishings, a private bathroom, sitting and desk area, and private deck. Waders and boots are stored in their mud room, along with all loaner equipment that is complementary to their guests. There is a hot tub overlooking the Palena, and an onsite sauna for the ultimate recovery from a satisfying day of fishing.
The food program at Patagonian BaseCamp is also a highlight, as they source much of their offerings from a garden onsite and through relationships with farmers nearby. With these fresh, organic ingredients, their onsite chef prepares unique dishes that you would expect at a five-star restaurant.
Overnight flights from the United States to/from Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL) are available on a variety of carriers, including American Airlines, Delta, or LAN Chile. Upon arrival in Santiago, guests take a second flight to Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) for an overnight in Puerto Montt or nearby Puerto Varas.
The next morning, guests take a charter flight (included in the rate package) from La Paloma airstrip in Puerto Montt (Aerodromo Marcel Marchant) to Chaiten (Aerodromo Nuevo Chaiten), where representatives from Patagonian Basecamp will be waiting to transfer guests and luggage two hours by road transfer to the lodge. Guests will have time to see their rooms and enjoy hors d'oeuvres and Pisco Sours before a welcome meeting with Marcel to discuss the week’s fishing program.
Patagonian BaseCamp is open from late December through March.
There really is no best time to go during the three+ month season, but there are some generalities that anglers should be aware of when booking their trip.
December is the start of spring in Patagonia, and the “early season” months of December and January generally mean more water in the rivers due to snow-melt. However, runoff is mostly controlled due to the fact that the rivers come out of lakes. The fish are hungry and it is not uncommon to throw very large, foamy dry flies (possibly with droppers) all week.
The “mid season” - consisting of the end of January through February - has similar and consistent fishing, but with somewhat more predictable weather. Wind is a factor no matter the month, and anglers should expect wind to pick up in the afternoons. February is a popular month to throw terrestrial patterns, although streamer fishing can be productive for the larger brown trout.
The “late season” of March is considered the start of fall in Patagonia, where anglers can expect lower rivers and (also) excellent fishing. Typically, anglers will need to size down their dry flies.
Although fishing is the predominant activity at Patagonian BaseCamp, the lodge can assist in organizing several adventurous non-angling activities in the Aysen region. Wildlife tours to the ocean to visit penguins and dolphins, whale watching, glacier tours, white water rafting, canoeing, and horseback riding are some of the popular activities available in this part of Chile. Also onsite for guests desiring a day back from fishing are a hot tub overlooking the Rio Palena, and a custom-built sauna for ultimate relaxation.
Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation policies of the guides, outfitters and lodges which it represents. Patagonian BaseCamp’s policy follows: A non-refundable fifty percent deposit is due at the time of booking to confirm all reservations. No refunds are given unless a replacement angler can be found. Full payments are required at 90 days from departure. No refunds or credits will be given due to fishing time lost to inclement weather. Refunds of deposits/payments made on credit cards will be charged a 3.5% service charge to fully compensate Tailwaters Travel for all bank charges incurred. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses.
Given the strict cancellation and refund policies associated with nearly all fishing packages, we cannot stress enough the importance of obtaining travel insurance to protect your investment. Redpoint Travel Protection / Ripcord offers competitive medical/cancellation/interruption coverage to couple with their industry-leading medical evacuation services. Click here to learn more and contact us to generate a quote.