lodging

Patagonian BaseCamp Lodge is located in the midst of a pristine evergreen forest on the banks of the Rio Palena and within easy striking distance of the best regional waters in the area.

When designing the lodge, Marcel had only two things in mind: maximum comfort and as little impact as possible to the environment. The stylish and comfortable building is completely constructed of wood. The roof alone counts 34,000 wooden shingles. The lodge offers very comfortable accommodation for a maximum of 12 guests, or 8 fishermen. All of the seven double rooms are spacious, tastefully decorated and feature en-suite full bathroom with unlimited hot water showers, sink, vanity and toilet. As a courtesy to guests body soap and shampoo are provided along with plenty of fresh towels and a robe. There is also daily laundry service available at the lodge, which really helps lessen the amount of clothes you need to pack and travel with. If you prefer, subject to availability, you may have your own private room at no extra cost.The main gathering room features a large central 360° fireplace, bordered by a huge bank of floor to ceiling windows that look out at the Palena River and surrounding mountains. There are plenty of comfortable sofas and chairs to relax in and enjoy a cocktail, pisco sour or glass of wine from the open bar. Other amenities of Patagonian BaseCamp include 24-hour electricity, heated wader/drying room, sauna and riverside wood-fired hot tub.

The food at Patagonian BaseCamp is meticulously and lovingly prepared by head chef and co-host Carolina.

The food is a mixture of traditional Chilean cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, homegrown, organic vegetables from the lodge’s huge greenhouse, local meats, homemade bread and pastries, along with lots of fresh fruit. All of the food is grown or raised on the farm or purchased from local farmers. Carolina is a master chef and her attention to detail and tradition along with innovative cooking style is a real treat. Carolina is also very accommodating and adept at cooking any special cuisine, i.e. vegetarians, low cholesterol diabetes, gluten-free, etc. American-style breakfasts are cooked to order and there is always, fresh fruit, cereals, fresh-baked breads and rolls, along with homemade yogurt and fresh raw milk for those who want the real stuff. Most lunches in the field are served streamside and include wine, beer, hot dishes cooked over an open fire with desserts, fruit, sodas and bottled water.

Marcel’s wine cellar is extensive and guests can look forward to fine Chilean and Argentine varietals including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Carmenère, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and others. Marcel also stocks a good selection of spirits that include Bourbon, Scotch, Vodka, Gin, Brandy and Pisco. And finally, a good selection of Chilean beers are always on hand and cold for after a hard day of fishing.