Estancia Maria Behety Lodge

Estancia Maria Behety Lodge in Tierra del Fuego and its Sea Run Brown Trout fly fishing on the Rio Grande in Argentina is recognized as one of the world’s premier fly-fishing destinations. Estancia Maria Behety (EMB) has an impressive 32 private miles on the lower Rio Grande with access to both banks. More than 100 of the finest Sea Run Brown fishing pools on the lower river are accessible within minutes of the lodge.

After almost three decades, Maria Behety Lodge holds many records for both pounds and numbers. During the short 14-week season, every week provides opportunities to hook into a giant sea trout. Most anglers utilize their First Right of Refusal, returning each year on their coveted week. Those who cannot return leave their valuable space open to eager anglers. If you are serious about experiencing Tierra del Fuego Sea Run Brown Trout fishing at EMB, contact us a year in advance to reserve your space. We have been fishing Argentina’s Rio Grande since 2000 and can help you decide if the historic Estancia Maria Behety is the right choice for you.

Estancia Maria Behety Lodge in Tierra del Fuego sits on a high bluff on the north bank of the lower Rio Grande, with panoramic views over the valley. Only 12 anglers per week occupy the lodge’s eight rooms; each room has double or single beds, a private bath, and a deluxe walk-in shower.

The spacious great room centers on a fireplace and an open, well-stocked bar. Additional amenities include a small tackle/gift shop, a cigar/smoking room and WiFi throughout.  Their mid-day asados in their new “quincho” is a highlight for everyone, guides included.  All meals at EMB are celebratory and well-paired with fine Argentine wines.

The lodge lies within the 275,000-acre Maria Behety ranch, whose fences border roughly 32 miles of the north bank of the Rio Grande. The estancia alternates daily use of more than 50 kilometers (about 102 named pools) with lodges on the opposite bank, ensuring a private, well-organized beat rotation.

Anglers seeking a more intimate and luxurious alternative should consider the family’s sister property, La Villa de Estancia Maria Behety, located downstream within the same ranch.

Estancia Maria Behety boasts more river miles and pools than any other fly-fishing lodge in Tierra del Fuego. With access to the lower and middle sections, anglers can intercept trophy Sea Run Browns from early to late season. In January, guests have first crack at fresh, aggressive fish that are more likely to take skating flies. Late January to mid-March is mid-season and typically offers the best weather and consistent fishing. That said, the tail end of the season has produced some of the best weeks on record and should not be overlooked.

EMB guides are bilingual Argentines with multiple years on the Rio Grande. Their experience is matched by their friendliness and commitment to your success, and they’ll take you to the pools that are fishing best. Guests fish with a different guide each day, allowing anglers to absorb the tips, techniques, and expertise of each professional.

The EMB schedule mirrors other Sea Run Brown Trout programs: a morning session, lunch and a siesta at the lodge, followed by an evening session that ends at dark. Late dinners are the norm.

Before your trip, we’ll provide a gear list detailing appropriate rods, lines, flies, and clothing.

ESTANCIA MARIA BEHETY
(7 nights/6 days fishing)

Saturday:    Arrive Buenos Aires (EZE). Transfer to the domestic airport (AEP) and fly to Rio Grande (RGA) or Ushuaia (USH.) The Estancia Maria Behety staff will pick you up and transfer you 45 minutes or 3 hours to Maria Behety Lodge. Cocktails and dinner.

Sun-Fri:    Six days fishing for Sea Run Brown Trout on the Rio Grande at Estancia Maria Behety Lodge.

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

Rate: $7,900-10,300/angler
Included: Lodging, meals, open bar, guided fishing, loaner rod, and transfer to/from the Rio Grande Airport.
Not included: Flights, terminal tackle, license (estimated $300/rod), single rooms ($700) if available, transfers to/from Ushuaia (~$250/passenger/leg, paid onsite) and services in Buenos Aires, Ushuaia and Rio Grande.

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) on Friday and transfer 45 minutes to their hotel. If you have at least four hours between your international and domestic flights in Buenos Aires a hotel overnight is unnecessary.
• On Saturday, anglers will transfer to the Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery Domestic Airport (AEP) and fly 3 hours south to Rio Grande (RGA) or Ushuaia (USH) depending on flight schedules.
• Anglers staying at Estancia Maria Behety are picked up at either the Rio Grande or Ushuaia Airport and driven 1.5-4 hours to the lodge.
• On Saturday, Maria Behety Lodge will transfer you back to the regional airport for your flight to Buenos Aires and home.