Don Joaquin River Lodge

When Don Joaquin River Lodge owners, Angie and Diego Solanet, first sketched the architectural design for the lodge in the sand in 2013, they were already hosting our guests at their first lodge, Estancia Don Joaquin, just across the road. At that time, their future river lodge on the Corriente River would offer the one missing element at Estancia Don Joaquin—beautiful panoramic views of the Paraná and Corriente River delta.

Completed in 2015, Don Joaquin River Lodge is a pastoral yet elegant Golden Dorado fishing lodge located just outside the rustic pueblo of Esquina, Corrientes. For years, it felt as if we were the only outfitter using the lodge. Fast forward to today, Don Joaquin River Lodge has achieved international recognition as a charming and authentic base for serious anglers and active non-anglers. Anglers appreciate fast access to three distinct Golden Dorado fisheries formed by the union of the Corriente and Paraná Rivers, while non-anglers enjoy birding and a variety of horseback rides with the owner and hostess, Angie Solanet.

Set amid a wild and semi-tropical paradise, Don Joaquin River Lodge offers dependable Golden Dorado fishing, exceptional value, and the warmth of a family-run operation that makes every guest feel right at home.

Don Joaquin River Lodge sits on the banks of the Corriente River, just a few miles upstream from its confluence with the mighty Paraná. This sophisticated country property offers a warm, inviting atmosphere and is tastefully decorated with antiques and reclaimed materials. The open-concept dining and living spaces flow into a spacious veranda, where panoramic views of the river and marshlands stretch as far as the eye can see.

The lodge accommodates up to 17 guests in beautifully appointed single and double rooms, each with a private en suite bathroom and air conditioning. Unless otherwise requested, anglers will enjoy single rooms when available. Meals are a highlight, featuring a variety of barbecued meats, European-style salads, grilled vegetables, cheese boards, and unforgettable homemade pastas, breads, and desserts.

Beyond fishing, Don Joaquin River Lodge is an outstanding destination for horseback riders. For nearly 20 years, the owners have guided novice and experienced equestrians alike on nature rides across their two neighboring estancias and along the Corriente River. Full-day rides often include a traditional gaucho-prepared asado in the field. Guests can also unwind by the pool or join guided wildlife tours into the delta. The setting and attentive staff create a warm, relaxed environment where both anglers and non-anglers enjoy a new adventure each day.

Golden Dorado fly fishing is one of the pinnacles of freshwater angling. Their savage strikes, brute strength, and aerial acrobatics leave even seasoned anglers in awe. Don Joaquin River Lodge sits near the confluence of the Corriente and Paraná Rivers—gateway to thousands of square miles of prime Dorado habitat. Three distinct systems—the Corriente River, Paraná River, and Paraná marshlands—each offering a it’s own ecosystem and character, boosting angling success rates.

In the Corriente and marsh, Dorado average 8 pounds with chances at fish pushing 20. A good day during the October–April peak might bring 20-25 strikes, and anglers often hook fish in the 12–15 pound range. Those seeking trophy Dorado over 15 pounds focus on the main Paraná.

Guiding at Don Joaquin River Lodge is led by bilingual owners Diego and Ramón Solanet, who utilize carefully selected local professionals to round out their guide team. Fishing is primarily blind casting to structure or current seams from 17-foot skiffs with trolling motors and casting platforms. A hungry Dorado crashing baitfish on the surface reveals their presence immediately.

Fly anglers should bring 8-weights, 30 lb wire leaders, and 5-inch streamers on 3/0 hooks. Other exciting species include Palometa, Piranha, Pira Pita, Tararira, Surubí catfish, and more. If needed, Don Joaquin River Lodge can provide quality spinning, casting and fly rods, terminal tackle and lures and flies.

DON JOAQUIN RIVER LODG
(7 nights/6 days fishing)

Day 1:    Fly Buenos Aires (AEP)- one of the regional airports. The lodge staff will pick you up and transfer you 3 hours to Don Joaquina River Lodge. Check in, fish if you have time, cocktails and dinner.

Day 2-7:    Six days Golden Dorado fly fishing at Don Joaquin River Lodge.

Day 8:    Check out, transfer back to the regional airport for your flight to Buenos Aires and home.

Rate: $4844/angler

Included: All lodging in double luxury suite, meals, pre-dinner cocktails, wine, beer, guided fishing with license, loaner gear for specific items such as a line, a reel, or a rod.
Not Included: Air travel, travel insurance, single room/fishing fees, non-angling activities payable on-site, flies ($7/each), complete fishing set ups (entire rod/line/reel), gratuities, Wi-Fi, ground transfers between the lodges and the regional airports ($700/leg), all services in Buenos Aires.

With over 26 years organizing trips in exclusively 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. If preferred, we’ll even have our team in Buenos Aires meet you when you land.

• •After an easy overnight flight, anglers land at the Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), transfer 45 minutes to the Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery Domestic Airport (AEP) and fly 1 hour north to one of 4 regional airports Santa Fe (SFN), Parana (PRA), Resistencia (RES), or Corrientes (CNQ.) Four hours minimum is required between your international and domestic flights in Buenos Aires. We highly recommend you book a private transfer with our travel coordinators in Buenos Aires.
• Anglers are picked up at one of the regional airports and driven 3.5 hours to Don Joaquina River Lodge.
• Anglers are dropped off at the airport for their flight back to Buenos Aires and home.