Estancia del Zorro

Estancia del Zorro is a sprawling 15,000-acre ranch near the Chilean-Argentine border, renowned for top-tier Patagonian brown trout fishing. The lodge is anchored by the technical, trout-rich Zorro Spring Creek, which winds 15 miles through the property and is complemented by an additional 47 miles of private water access on nearby streams. Guests can even cross the border for a day of fishing in Argentina.

For anglers who love wading and stalking big fish in small water, Zorro delivers in spades. Dry flies—sometimes even mouse patterns—are the norm, and 10-pound brown trout are a real possibility in select creeks and lakes. Set amid the expansive, arid pampas, the lodge pairs world-class fishing with warm hospitality, comfort, and culinary excellence.

Full-week programs at Estancia del Zorro are offered in December and again after mid-March. From January to mid-March, guests experience the Best of Patagonia program, splitting their week between Estancia del Zorro and sister lodge Cinco Rios.

Estancia del Zorro is a century-old sheep and cattle ranch where many traditional methods still endure. The restored ranch house offers 12 comfortable guest rooms, each with two king-size beds, private bathrooms, and balconies or decks overlooking the spring creek and sweeping pampas.

Guests can take in the views from the hot tub—Pisco Sour in hand—or unwind in the lodge’s warm, inviting great room, perfect for reliving the day’s adventures over cocktails. Veteran Patagonia anglers will notice an elevated dining experience, with menus that range from creative salads to hearty dishes like ossobuco and risotto made with wild morels harvested on the estancia.

While enjoying lamb cooked over the cross in their quincho, we encourage you to top off your wine glass and ask your hosts to share stories from years past in the valley, region, and country.

The guiding program at Estancia del Zorro gives anglers access to eight different trout rivers, carefully chosen each day based on conditions. The crown jewel is the lodge’s namesake, Zorro Creek—a 15-mile private spring creek where brown trout average 18–20 inches, with real potential for fish reaching 10 pounds.

Another standout is the Ñirehuao River, a small private stream meandering through the Valley of the Moon**, where grasshoppers scatter** underfoot and hopper patterns are the standard. Guests can also float the nearby Rio Simpson, just an hour away, for a change of scenery and pace.

Zorro’s location near the Argentine border makes cross-border day trips possible, offering a rare chance to fish both Chile and Argentina from one home base. If you enjoy intimate, lightly pressured waters and the challenge of hunting big browns on foot with dry flies, Estancia del Zorro deserves a place on your next Patagonia itinerary.

ESTANCIA DEL ZORRO
(7 nights; 6 days fishing)

Saturday:    Arrive Santiago (SCL). Fly to Balmaceda (BBA), pick up and transfer 1.5 hour to Estancia del Zorro.

Sun-Fri:     Six full days guided fishing on both private and public waters in Chile and Argentina including Zorro spring creek, Rio Ñirehuao River, Richards Creek and Rio Guillermo. Accommodations and meals at Estanica del Zorro.

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

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.

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) possibly overnighting and connect with their flight to Balmaceda Airport (BBA.) A representative from Estancia del Zorro will pick you up and transfer you 2 hours to the ranch.

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