Lodging

Estancia Despedida Lodge lays at the head of the Rio Menendez Valley, tucked tight behind an undulating pressure ridge, and is a short drive from the river.

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The inviting, spacious log lodge was shipped by rail and sea from Montana seven years ago replacing an exhausting schedule that had previously shuttled sea run trout fishing addicts to the nearest lodging in Ciudad Rio Grande.

Despedida Lodge accommodates only a half dozen fly fishermen each week during the 14 week long season. The lodge features four tastefully decorated and spacious guest rooms each with two double beds, nights stands, dressers and a full closet. Each guestroom has its own private and full bathroom complete with sink and vanity, shower and toilet.

The great room at Despedida Lodge offers panoramic views of the countryside and is the gathering spot for cocktails and hors'dourves after a full day of fishing. The dinning room sits right off the great room and as does the bar and “Wall of Fame” where if you land a sea-trout over 20 pounds you will get your framed picture put up. Great detail has gone into the design and decoration of the lodge, a reflection of the owner’s deep history in the country, love of Tierra del Fuego and admiration of the sea-trout that draw fly fishers from every corner of the earth to fish the Rio Grande.

The team at Despedida Lodge is unique on the Rio Grande. This is a family run operation with an intimate atmosphere that permeates every aspect of the place. Danny and Helen Lajous, along with their side-kick Ozzie have been hosting fishermen on the Rio Grande and Rio Menendez for nearly two decades. They are committed and serious fly fishermen, fly tiers and dedicated sportsmen, preferring and encouraging guest to switch to surface flies, lighter lines and small streamers whenever appropriate.

Returning guests at Despedida have come to appreciate the “club-like” atmosphere of the lodge as well as the incredibly warm and genuine hospitality that comes from the Lajous Family and their dedicated team of professionals.

Meals at Despedida Lodge center around two fishing secessions per day fishing schedule. Usually anglers are up at 7:00 a.m. and fresh coffee and hot tea is available. In the dinning room a sideboard is topped with fresh fruit, hand-squeezed juices, yogurt, cereals, toast and pastries. For those that prefer a more traditional American breakfast, cook to order eggs, omelets, potatoes, bacon and ham are available from the kitchen. As is typical in South America the midday meal is grand, a full sit down meal with great wines, delicious desserts and good strong coffee. Dinners are served later than what most are accustomed to in order to accommodate the late evening fishing secession typical on the Rio Grande Dinners are usually lighter than the midday meal and a perfect night-cap before heading off to bed and starting all over again the next morning.