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Patagonian BaseCamp - Chile, Patagonia
Marcel traveled the world for several years before settling in this hidden corner of Patagonia, choosing to build his dream lodge in an area as remote as it is beautiful. From his comfortable lodge on the banks of the prolific Rio Palena, Marcel and his guides can access an amazing array of fisheries.
One of the beauties of Marcel's location is the dearth of anglers on many of the waters ­ on most you will see few, or no other fishermen during your stay. In addition, using state-of-the-art inflatable rafts and catarafts, he is able to organize two and three day overnight float trips into wilderness rivers, spending the nights at either small riverside cabins, or camping out under the Southern Cross. These are truly a highlight of most guests' trips, and an opportunity to cast over virgin fish in spectacularly scenic surroundings. As well, the lodge has access to a small lake, full of heavy-shouldered trout, accessed via a short oxcart-pulled carriage ride, or horse ride. Rounding out the menu are a variety of smaller float streams and larger jet boat rivers.
The fish you'll see in this area are wild, and largely untouched ­ moderate-length, accurate presentations usually assure success. You need to be prepared for all types of fishing here. At any given time, on any of the fisheries, fish may be looking up and smashing skated dries, cruising deeper, requiring sinking tip lines and streamers, or sipping drifting terrestrials off the banks. Plan on using boats a lot here, whether actually casting from them, or simply using them for transportation to wading areas, as they are a necessary component to accessing the generally wilderness waters.
The fish you'll see in this area are wild, and largely untouched ­ moderate-length, accurate presentations usually assure success. You need to be prepared for all types of fishing here. At any given time, on any of the fisheries, fish may be looking up and smashing skated dries, cruising deeper, requiring sinking tip lines and streamers, or sipping drifting terrestrials off the banks. Plan on using boats a lot here, whether actually casting from them, or simply using them for transportation to wading areas, as they are a necessary component to accessing the generally wilderness waters.
Rainbow Trout - photo courtesy of Patrick Pendergast Patagonian BaseCamp is a small occupancy lodge, with a fishing package that has made it popular and well-known in the fly fishing world. Handling up to 8 guests, the two-story facility is warm and inviting, with spacious, well-appointed rooms overlooking the river. Your hostess, Carolina, cooks up amazing and sumptuous meals every morning and night, the latter capped by desserts you won't soon forget!
Patagonian BaseCamp Itinerary
Flight arrangements: When making your domestic airline accommodations, please arrange to arrive Puerto Montt in the morning or early afternoon in order to connect with one of the two scheduled charter flights to Chaiten. We recommend the following flights from Santiago to Puerto Montt (see below).
Available flights from Santiago to Puerto Montt. The Patagonian BaseCamp Homepage
There are two charter flights from Puerto Montt to Chaitén. One flight departs at 11:00 a.m. and the later flight at 2:00 p.m. The flight is short, approximately 40 minutes and flies over some awesomely beautiful and rugged landscape ­ have your cameras ready. The charter flight will be arranged by Marcel Sijnesael, your host at Patagonian BaseCamp, and costs $375 per person, round trip, paid in advance and part of your angling package.
Day of Arrival: After a comfortable night in Santiago (optional), guests will arrive at Puerto Montt Airport in the morning (make sure to arrive no later than 10:45am, if possible) in time to connect with their charter flight. Upon arrival at the Puerto Montt Airport , after collecting your luggage, there will be a Patagonian BaseCamp representative with a sign with the Patagonian BaseCamp Logo (picture of a dragonfly) on it waiting for you, who will drive you to the local small airport of Paloma by minivan, a twenty minute drive. Show the Cielo Mar Austral agent your passport and refer to Patagonian BaseCamp Lodge and you will be confirmed onto a specific flight (arranged in advance by the lodge). Maximum allowed baggage weight before overweight charges are levied is 27 kilos (60 pounds). Overweight charters are $1.50 per kilo (2.2 pounds).
Upon arrival in Chaitén or La Junta you will be met by Marcel Sijnesael or a representative of the lodge and transferred via vehicle to the lodge. The very scenic road transfer will arrive at the lodge on the banks of the Río Palena by early afternoon. Just in front of the lodge the river flows, and you are welcome to wander down to the water in search of your first Patagonian trout of the week. If, however, you would like to relax from your journey knowing that you will have another 6 days of fishing, the hot tub and sauna are heated up and the pisco sours (typical Chilean cocktail) will be cold. Carolina will have a wonderful dinner ready at approximately 8:00 p.m..
The Angling Week: These are full fishing days, and the exact schedule will depend on the guests' wishes. Breakfast and dinner will be served in the lodge and fine mid-day meals are served in the field, streamside.
The assortment of rivers, lakes, lagoons and angling experiences at Patagonian BaseCamp is somewhat overwhelming, but Marcel and his guides will help with your daily angling decision.
The after-angling cocktail reception always includes Pisco Sour, the Chilean version of a Margarita, a full, complimentary bar, and fine domestic wines. The first evening's dinner is a little later than usual to allow for a full afternoon of fishing. Dinners, like all meals at the lodge, are informal, superb, and accompanied by the finest Chilean wines.
Departure from the Lodge: After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Chaiten or La Junta airport for your flight to Puerto Montt and onward connections. Your flight from Puerto Montt to Santiago or another locale in Chile must be scheduled for departure after 4:00 pm.
Species of Fish: Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. Releasing a beautiful brown - photo courtesy of Patrick Pendergast
Travel Arrangements: Anglers will fly to Puerto Montt and then catch a charter flight from Puerto Montt to Chaiten. You will be greeted in Puerto Montt by a lodge representative to assist you in making your charter flight. You will then be greeted again upon your arrival to Chaiten by a lodge representative or Marcel Sijnesael.
Length of Stay: Friday through to the following Friday morning.
Season: November through April.
Occupancy: Patagonian Base Camp can accommodate 8 guests.
Rates
Interior photos courtesy of Patagonian BaseCamp Non-Angling Activities:
Inclusions: The rate does include: Accommodations; daily guided fishing based on two anglers sharing one guide; six days of fishing, and a fishing license. All meals and liquor are included.
Non-Inclusions: The rate does not include: Gratuities, tackle and items of a personal nature are not provided.
Reservations, Deposits and Final Payments
Cancellations and Refunds
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance:
Photo courtesy of Patagonian BaseCamp

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