The Lodge
Rio Palena Lodge is a small lodge that caters to only six guests per week. This ensures personal service, and a relaxing atmosphere that is hard to find in the larger lodges of Chile. We specialize in serving the best of Chile's traditional cuisine, combined with gourmet North American dishes, paired with excellent Chilean wines.The true atmosphere of the Lodge is best experienced in front of an open fire over a four course evening meal as the day's activities are recounted- with stories getting taller as the evening wears on.
The riverside lodge is nestled on fifteen acres of secluded grounds, with mature gardens and trees surrounding the accommodation, and it boasts a sensational view of the river. Guests at Rio Palena Lodge are able to choose from a diverse range of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, rafting, and spectacular hiking trails. Lodge staff are friendly and attentive, and our guests always leave as friends on a first name basis.
If you've fished with a guide, outfitter or lodge in North America, our daily schedule will feel quite familiar. However, if our guests select longer days we are happy to be out on the water for 9 -10 hours. For those who consider fishing just one part of a great Patagonia experience, were happy to bring you in whenever you're ready.
While there is no such thing as an ordinary day at Rio Palena Lodge, one begins most days with breakfast at 8am. After hot coffee, eggs, cereal, fresh fruit or whatever else you need to get going, you meet your guide and driver and are off. With the exception of a trip to the Rio Yelcho, none of our waters are more than 25 minutes from the lodge which allows you to spend more time fishing and less time driving around. When departing for the Rio Yecho, or Beat 1 up river, you will have breakfast at 7:30am.
We fish until mid day, then stop for a streamside lunch which can be either hot or cold, and might include such items as steaks, quiches, sandwiches, salads, cheese, and fresh bread. Some of our guests enjoy taking a siesta after lunch, but we're not surprised if you want to get right back on the water!
After fishing through the afternoon, you would normally get off the water between 6 and 7 pm, and return to the lodge to clean up, or perhaps get a massage. We serve drinks and hor d'oevres before dinner in front of the fireplace. Dinner is usually served between 8 and 9 o'clock, although we've been known to eat much later if the fish are rising and you just can't tear yourself away.
We are very flexible when it comes to arranging your day. If you have a special request, just let us know and we will do our best to accommodate and give you the best experience possible.
Located in northern Patagonia near the border with Argentina, Rio Palena Lodge offers a host of activities led by exceptional fly fishing, elegant yet comfortable lodging, and extraordinary cuisine. Nestled in in the midst of virgin waters and lush forests, our caring staff will make your Patagonian experience a very special one.