Lodge

Best Of Patagonia

Best of Patagonia is a Chilean Trout fishing program combining Estancia del Zorro and Cinco Rios Lodge. Anglers fish a wide range of trout scenarios available in Patagonia with minimal travel. In 2025, Best of Patagonia’s fishing got even better with even more private trout water acquired.

Quick Facts

Season: Nov-Apr
Fishing: Rivers, creeks, lakes
Capacity: 12 anglers
Program: 7 nights
Travel: Arrive Balmaceda, 45 min transfer to the lodge
Rate: $7,950/angler
Included: Lodging in double occupancy, meals, open bar, transfers to/from Balmaceda, license, all gear and flies and guided fishing.
Not included: Flights, travel insurance, services in Santiago and gratuities.

Overview

The Best of Patagonia program is a two-lodge combo featuring Cinco Ríos Lodge & Estancia del Zorro. This superior program showcases the finest trout waters in central Chilean Patagonia stalking large Patagonian brown trout on private waters that span a variety of stunning landscapes. Anglers start in the quaint town of Coyhaique, spending four nights at Cinco Ríos Lodge, located on the banks of the Río Simpson. They will float-fish for three full days, accessing classic trout waters such as the Mañihuales, Paloma, Aysén and Azul.
On day five, guests will be transferred one hour to Estancia del Zorro, spending three nights and wade-fishing for three days on countless private streams, including a 15-mile spring creek within the estancia’s 15,000 private acres. In 2025, they added even more private waters to their half-million acres of private access, and there are still many waters yet to be scouted.
This is a truly unique opportunity to fish world-class brown trout streams with excellent guides and enjoy warm hospitality with delicious cuisine at two top-notch Chilean trout fishing lodges.

Accommodations

Most guests begin their trip at Cinco Ríos Lodge. Each of the six spacious guest rooms features two king beds, ensuite bathroom, a sitting area, and a private deck overlooking the river. The lodge itself is a true fishing destination, complete with a magnificent great room, cozy couches, a striking stone fireplace, a fly shop, and an expansive deck offering panoramic views of the Simpson River valley. Guests gather in the large family-style dining room, relax in the bar room, and enjoy a rotating selection of craft beers.
Mid-week, anglers travel about an hour east to Estancia del Zorro, a historic working sheep and cattle ranch nestled on the Chilean pampa. The recently renovated ranch house includes twelve well-appointed guest rooms, each with two king beds, private bathrooms, and balconies that open to sweeping views across the ranch and its namesake spring creek. The lodge’s inviting great room is a favorite spot for cocktails and swapping stories of the day.
Guests rave about the professionally prepared cuisine at both lodges. Menus feature Chilean lamb, beef, chicken, and fresh-caught tuna, salmon, or ceviche from the southern fjords. Much of the produce is from local gardens, and fresh wild morel mushrooms are harvested for rich sauces and risottos. Each lunch and dinner is thoughtfully paired with top-tier Chilean white and red wines.

The Fishing

The Best of Patagonia trip captures the essence of fly fishing in Patagonia by showcasing the full diversity of the region through two distinct landscapes in Chile. In just one week, anglers can experience nearly every trout fishing scenario found across both Argentine and Chilean Patagonia.
The owners of Cinco Ríos Lodge and Estancia del Zorro have secured access to more private water than most anglers could fish in a month—and they’re adding even more for the 2025–26 season. While the public rivers in the famed Coyhaique region offer great fishing, it’s the outfitters with the best private-water access that steals the show.
At Cinco Ríos, you’ll fish both sides of the Andes—from large coastal rivers to classic freestones tucked into the inland valleys. The intimate Río Simpson, which flows right past the lodge, is a dry fly paradise where terrestrials and classic mayfly patterns consistently produce results.
At Estancia del Zorro, anglers fish a vast stretch of private land on the Chilean steppe near the Argentine border. Here, you’ll wade along meadow streams teeming with big, eager browns that are keyed into the countless grasshoppers that scatter at your every step.
Brown trout dominate at both lodges, and dry flies are the norm. With access to coveted waters, above-average trout, and some of the region’s most experienced and loyal guides, the Best of Patagonia isn’t just a once-in-a-lifetime trip—it’s one worth repeating year after year.

Itineraries


BEST OF PATAGONIA – Cinco Rios Lodge & Estancia del Zorro

(7 nights/6 days fishing)

Saturday:     Arrive Santiago (SCL). Fly 2 hours to Balmaceda (BBA), pick up and transfer 45 mins to Cinco Rios Lodge. Prep gear, maybe walk down to the Simpon to catch a couple trout before dinner and cocktails.

Sun-Tues:     Three full days fishing private and public waters in the Coyhaique region including the Simpson and Manihuales, and Paloma and a network of trophy trout lakes. Overnight and meals at Cinco Rios Lodge.

Wed-Fri:     After breakfast, transfer 1 hour to Estancia del Zorro. Fish 3 days in Chile and Argentina including Zorro Spring Creek, Ñirehuao, Richards and Guillermo. Overnight and meals at Estancia del Zorro.

Saturday:     Relaxing morning, transfer back to the Balmaceda Airport to fly back to Santiago and home.

Rate:   $7,950/angler in dbl occ $11,925 in single occ
Included: Lodging in double occupancy, meals, open bar, transfers to/from Balmaceda, license, all fishing gear and guided fishing.
Not included: Flights, travel insurance, services in Santiago and gratuities

Travel

With over 26 years organizing trips in Chile and Argentina, we make travel planning efficient and worry free. We’ll give you the domestic flights you need for your lodge dates and our travel team ensures your international flights connect smoothly.

• After an easy overnight flight, anglers land at the Santiago International Airport (SCL) and connect with their flight to Balmaceda Airport (BBA.) A representative from Cinco Rios Lodge will pick you up and transfer you 45 mins to the lodge.

• After check out, you’ll be transfer back to the Balmaceda Airport for your flight to Santiago and home.

Our Take

  • While not for everyone, Best of Patagonia provides the most comprehensive Chilean Patagonia fishing experience possible during a 7-night trip – with the option to include a day or two chasing King Salmon.
  • We see exceptional value in their expansive portfolio of private water, and their high caliber staff of loyal guides and chefs.
  • It’s not the reason to go, but the average trout here is noticeably larger than average trout across most of Argentina and Chile.
  • Our 25+-year relationship with the owner often opens doors, one which lead to a client we sent to land 7 Permit in a single day (yes, Permit).
  • Right for your group?  Let Fly Fishing Patagonia help you choose wisely. Email or call, 434-249-1783.
Just returned from a magnificent trip to Cinco Rios for a week of incredible fly fishing. I have been fly fishing for over 30 years and this is my BEST trout trip. I had an incredible time and caught a lot of fish---some quite large, and saw some incredible scenery, and met some wonderful people. If you are just going to fly fish, you will have a trip of a lifetime. The bar is open, the food is excellent, and they take any request. Before I left, I signed up to return next year.
Brodie G.

Stay In the know!

Get FFP Monthly News on highlighted trips, reports, peak availability, travel strategies, FFP hosted trips, worthy promotions & more. No spam. No AI-generated content. All hand-tied by FFP.