Lodging

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The infrastructure of El Saltamontes consists of four independent buildings, all constructed of local river-worn stone and rough hewn logs.

It is the creative mixture of rustic building materials and fine furnishings that lends El Saltamontes Lodge its unique charm. Electricity is produced 24 hours a day , on the ranch by an eco-friendly and sustainable, private hydro-electric turbine. 22 0volt outlets are available throughout the lodge and cabins but adapters must be used for North American 120 volt appliances and chargers. The water supply is sourced from a pure mountain spring, gravity supplied to the lodge.

The main Lodge, accessed over a sweeping, curved timber deck, is an impressive building with high ceilings and two immense fire places. The communal living room is furnished with magnificent antiques, cozy leather sofas and rich rugs. The adjoining bar, with a cheery wood stove, offers another option for socializing. It is always open but the focus is more often on fly-tying and card games, rather than the comprehensive array of beverages.

The dining room seats a maximum of 15 people intimately around a heavy, antique table, and a warm fireplace. Set with gleaming candelabra, silverware and crystal, it is a feast for the eyes as well as the pallet. Huge picture windows provide a back drop of dramatic Andean peaks. The kitchen beyond, is always a hive of activity into which guests are welcome. Through the door, waft inviting aromas and friendly laughter and banter from the domestic staff. Although the chef has an array of modern appliances, the big wood stove takes pride of place. If the kitchen is the heart of the lodge, the old wood stove is its soul. A stones throw away, is a 100% organic vegetable garden, providing the kitchen with fresh greens, salads and vegetables throughout the season.

Hidden discretely to one side of this building, is one spacious guest apartment with a super king-size bed, a single bed, wood stove, living room, en-suite bathroom and river views. Returning guests and couples often request this room for its comfort and proximity.The four guest cabins are all within a short walk from the main Lodge and have river views. Built also of river stone, they are solid, roomy and comfortable. Each of the cabins has two bedrooms, accessed from opposite sides of a cozy living room, warmed by a wood stove. All six bedrooms have recently re modeled, en-suite bathrooms. Some have twin single beds, some twin doubles and others a mixture of the two. All rooms are designed to accommodate two guests comfortably but in some instances, single occupancy is an option.

Nestled amongst the cabins and woods is a spa. An open air, wood-fired, hot tub, steams invitingly in the evenings as anglers return after a hard day on the river. Cocktails and nibbles appear spa side to those guests who chose to soak away the day’s exertions. A hot sauna and a massage room complete the little Spa installation.

Just beyond the main Lodge is the “Quincho”, a three sided building with a huge fire place. A traditional structure on all ranches, the Quincho allows outdoor dining in sheltered comfort. Every week guests enjoy a typical Patagonian style barbeque or “Asado”, with a whole lamb and choice, roasted beef. Neighbors arrive on horseback to enliven the atmosphere with local music and it is always a memorable night.

The Ranch
El Saltamontes Lodge is situated within the Gorroño family ranch “Estancia Adelaida”. The River Ñirehuao meanders through this 5,000 acre property, nestled in an Andean valley, surrounded by dramatic mountains.

Initially, the ranch was dedicated to the production of BEEF CATTLE. Jose Gorroño was an innovative grazier and the first in the region to successfully undertake embryo transplants. By introducing fine pedigree Hereford embryos into rustic, local cows, he was able to effectively fast track the improvement of the quality of his herd.

During travels to Australia, Jose and Erica were amazed at the popularity and value of the South American ALPACAS, both “down under” and in the USA. These docile and intelligent “Camelids”, produce a luxuriously soft, warm fibre, which is highly valued. The animals themselves have a special charm and there is a high demand for breeding stock.

This prompted the couple to embark on a new venture. They spent weeks on end, scouring the “Altiplano”, in the extreme north of Chile, bordering with Peru and Bolivia, at over 4,500 metres altitude (13,500 feet), purchasing export quality alpacas from the Aymara Indians.

These were vetted and trucked south the entire length of the country, to form the base of what is now the largest, single herd in Chile. After building their own quarantine station, the Gorroño´s chartered a DC8 and exported 300 live alpacas to New York. There, they were exhibited, bred and sold all over the country, over a period of four years.

Back at El Saltamontes, guests are charmed by the numerous alpacas and their babies that graze freely around the cabins. Along the River Ñirehuao, large herds of these gentle creatures, curiously watch the antics of the fishermen and women.

Local Chilean ladies hand-spin and weave the natural colors of the alpaca fiber into beautiful shawls, scarves, throws and clothing, which are available to the anglers at the lodge.
HORSES are the other passion of the Gorroño family and some sixty head roam the Estancia Adelaida. Having ridden horses to school in their earliest years, the children are all accomplished equestrians. Son Lucas has represented Chile in international junior show-jumping championships and placed second in Australian nationals, in 3 day Eventing.

The Chilean horse is a stocky, chesty, hardy, pony with a willing and dependable nature. These form the basis of the working herd. The family’s interest in equestrian sports has prompted the introduction of other breeds such as Arab, Holstein and Thoroughbred. Some are pure-bred, others are have mixed blood lines. One of the favorite crosses produced on the ranch, is the result of a Chilean/Arab hybrid. These horses are wonderful to ride and ideal for exploring the rough terrain of the Andes.

Many anglers and their companions choose to trail ride whilst fishing at El Saltamontes. Mounts are selected and rides are tailored to suit each individual, from the total novice to the experienced thrill seeker.

Anglers staying at El Saltamontes enjoy the authentic atmosphere of being immersed in a working ranch. Cowboys in goat-skin leggings, ponchos and berets ride by with lean, scruffy dogs at foot. There is always something going on in the corrals or the barn, from branding to shearing and guests are most welcome to observe or even “have a go” at some of these activities.

NEW FOR 2010 - EQUESTRIAN PROGRAM at EL SALTAMONTES

El Saltamontes is nestled in a valley in the Andes mountains. As well as being the home of our flyfishing Lodge, It is a fully working cattle, horse and alpaca ranch. Our guests are always welcome to join in the farm's activities and many have ended up learning how to shear alpacas, work cattle and work horses using rational horsemanship techniques.

We have a herd of around 60 horses; Chileans, Arabians, Holsteins, Thoroughbred's and mixes of these breeds. Our main riding herd of 12 horses is made up of sturdy Arab-Chilean crosses and local mountain ponies. These horses are bred in the wild and are well suited to rigorous mountain riding.

Our family has been very involved in show jumping and eventing in Chile and Australia at both national and international levels. However, here we offer "adventure riding." Our guests enjoy riding through landscapes rarely (if ever) visited by other humans. We can take leisurely scenic rides through valleys or, if you are up for a challenge, tackle the steep Andes mountains and be rewarded with wild riding and breathtaking scenery.

El Saltamontes can tailor riding activities to suit every level of riding competence, from the novice to the experienced rider. Depending on current weather conditions (it is Patagonia after all!) and how long riders are willing to spend in the saddle, these can include:

Day rides in to the surrounding valleys and mountains, joining the fishermen for lunch on the river and riding back to the lodge in the evening for well deserved 'pisco sour' cocktails, a wood fired hot tub, sauna and sumptuous Chilean cuisine.

Cultural rides to visit locals, experience their lifestyle, drink mate and see alpaca and sheep's wool garments being made by hand. Fishermen can join in on horse back or meet us there by 4WD.
Expeditions where we can leave horses at the end of our day's destination over night, return to our friends and comforts of the Lodge by 4WD and pick up where we left the next morning to continue on.
Full day treks to surrounding properties where we will find camp set up and waiting for us, enjoy a hot meal cooked by our chefs, red wine and stories by the fire.

You are most welcome to watch, learn and help in the rational breaking in process of our horses. If there is anything in particular you would like to do please do not hesitate running it by us. Our aim is to provide the equipment, logistics and venue for you to maximize your horsey experience in the Patagonia.

Kind regards,
Natalia and Erica Gorrono
El Saltamontes Lodge