VILLA MARIA
The sister lodge to Kau Tapen, Villa Maria was opened in 1994 and sits perfectly on the lower section of the Rio Grande giving anglers first crack of the whip to catch fresh sea run brown trout.
Location
Rio Grande, Argentina
Fish
Sea trout
Season
Late December to March
Information
It is the perfect lodge for small groups as it only takes 6 rods and is ideal for those wanting to fish double handed fly rods and long wide pools. The service matches its sister lodge and has over 80% repeat guests!
The lodge is part of the Estancia Jose Menendez village and lies withing striking distance of the tidal influence and well situated to reach the 20km of water that it fishes of the lower section of the Rio Grande. The average weight of the fish is around 12lb and each year fish of 25lb are caught and it is not uncommon for at least one 20lb fish to be caught on a weekly basis.
In order to maximise your time on the river, there is a cabin on the river bank for lunch and siesta, a stunning setting in the wilds of Tierra del Fuego which allows anglers to fish more and drive less.
ACCOMODATION
Villa Maria Lodge has a maximum capacity for six rods per week, all accommodated in spacious, well appointed, en-suite single or double rooms with maid and laundry service in the renovated ranch house. The Estancia is still a working estancia of 40 000 sheep 1500 heads of cattle on its 120 000 acre property. The lodge includes a spacious living area with lounge and dining room. Guests will also find a fully equipped tackle shop with flies, rods, reels, lines, and clothing. There is also the possibility to hire rods on request. If you should lack anything, the lodge will do its utmost to attain it.
The large living room with fireplace as its centre stage, opens up to a serene vista of the Menendez and Rio Grande valleys. Guests also have full use of the lodge’s fly tying table, should one find time to tie up a fly that the lodge might not stock in its vast number of flies.
After an enjoyable day on the river, you will be served lunch at the lodge’s day cabin riverside, where it also has 3 double bedrooms allowing you time to have a well-earned siesta to prepare for the evening session. In the evening, you will be welcomed back at the lodge to a roaring fire and hot drink in preparation for your evening meal. During your time there, you will be served regionally representative meals including Argentinian beef, Patagonian lamb, seafood, including the king crab. Fine Argentinian wines from the renowned Bodega Catena Zapa, are served at both lunch and dinner, carefully chosen to match the meals. One thing that can be guaranteed is that you will not go hungry!
Non-Angling Activities and Options
This is a fishing-focused destination with very few non-angling options.
Internet / Communications
The lodge has Wi-Fi available for guests.
FISHING
The fishing schedule, of approximately 9 hours; is split in to two sessions – a morning session and an evening session. The morning session typically starts just after breakfast and you will fish until around 13.00 where lunch will be taken at the purpose built resting cabin situated on by the river. After lunch, you may enjoy a siesta and prepare for the evening session which will typically start around 17.00 and fish until dusk. In the months of December and January this will normally be a little later to capitalise on the magical dusk fishing hours. With only 6 rods and 3 guides; this is the perfect place for an intimate group.
The lower sections of the Rio Grande, work best with a double handed rod in the 13-14foot range – especially in the beginning and end of the season, complemented with a shorter rod to cover most eventualities. Even though the wind can be ferocious on Tierra del Fuego, with gusts easily reaching over 100km/h, you will be reminded that the wind is your friend and having so many pools to fish; it means that even on the windiest of the days the guides can place you in pools where the wind is not straight in your face.
You will meet guides, both local, Argentinian and also international. Each will have different tips and tricks to guide you through the week. They will be equipped with nets and will assist guests with weighing and releasing their catches.
TRAVEL
Guests fly into Buenos Aires International Airport and we highly recommend at least one overnight stay in the city, giving yourself time to relax after a long flight and acclimatise to the fabulous country. Commercial airlines typically fly out from the domestic airport in Buenos Aires to the airport of Río Grande in Tierra del Fuego in about 3 hours. From there, the lodge will collect you and transfer you to the lodge. It is only a 30-minute transfer to the lodge. Alternatively, one can fly in to the larger airport and city of Ushuaia. From there it is a 3-hour journey. Transfers to/from Rio Grande airport are included for in the standard rates.
When is the best time to visit?
The Rio Grande season starts in late December as the Sea Trout begin to enter the river in small numbers. January, February and March are considered the prime months. Due to being so close to the estuary, the season at Villa Maria finishes the end of March.
Typical Length of Stay
The typical length of stay at Villa Maria Lodge is seven (7) nights with six (6) days of fishing.
Typical Itinerary
Wednesday: Depart home
Thursday: Arrive Buenos Aires and overnight
Friday: Fly from Buenos Aires to Rio Grande and transfer to the lodge
Saturday – Friday: Six full days of guided fishing on the Rio Grande
Friday: Depart the lodge. Fly from Rio Grande to Buenos Aires
Saturday: Arrive home
Documents Required
Valid passport. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and other Western European nations do not need a visa for tourist trips of up to ninety days.
Travel Insurance
Prior to booking, please ensure that your travel insurance covers for travelling to remote areas and for the type of activities you are planning. We highly recommend also considering a Global Rescue Membership
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
We have worked hard to be able to provide you with the best prices possible. If you are quoted a lower price we will endeavour to beat it.
