Rio Manso Lodge

Tucked in the southwest corner of Nahuel Huapi National Park near Bariloche, Rio Manso Lodge may be the most picturesque fly-fishing lodge in northern Patagonia. Framed by snow-capped peaks, old-growth forest, and a chain of turquoise lakes and rivers, the lodge offers a combination of luxury and convenience—just one hour from the Bariloche Airport.

Before Rio Manso Lodge existed, Fly Fishing Patagonia had been hosting anglers here at the original Hosteria Hess. In 2004, Roberto Pandolfi purchased the aging inn and transformed it into a modern mountain retreat designed for both anglers and non-anglers. Today, the trout fishing inside and outside Nahuel Huapi National Park continues to improve, and space at Rio Manso is limited—advance bookings are strongly recommended.

Now Offering Float Trip Combos
Rio Manso Lodge guests can now add a 2–3-night float expedition to their stay. These mid-summer lodge-and-camp combos feature deluxe, full-service riverside camps and access to additional trout waters for a more adventurous, well-rounded Patagonia experience.

Rio Manso Lodge accommodates up to 16 guests in a mix of double and single rooms, each with private en-suite bathrooms and sweeping views of Lake Hess and the glaciers of Mount Tronador. The main lodge features a welcoming lounge with a stone fireplace, full bar, fly-tying bench, dedicated wader room, and well-stocked fly shop.

A professional chef prepares meals rivaling those of Argentina’s top restaurants, while a dedicated pastry chef consistently delights guests with creations like the lodge’s famed tres leches cake. Wi-Fi, laundry, and phone services are available throughout your stay.

What truly sets Rio Manso apart is how well it caters to both non-anglers and anglers looking to take a break from the water. Guests can enjoy scenic hikes through old-growth forests or up to nearby peaks, explore the Black Glacier and Devil’s Throat waterfall at Mount Tronador, or opt for horseback riding, birding, golf, fly-casting lessons, and shopping trips to Bariloche.

Rio Manso Lodge offers extraordinary variety and beauty for anglers in the Bariloche region. Up to 10 anglers at a time access four distinct sections of the gin-clear Manso River and the Hess, Fonck, Moscas, Roca, and Mascardi Lakes. Most of these fisheries are just minutes away, and Hess Lake sits directly in front of the lodge—perfect for quick, pre-dinner match-the-hatch fishing.

From fast streamer fishing to technical dry-fly presentations, this fishery has it all. The Manso River, flowing through ancient forests and over lava rock, is the crown jewel—its emerald water and super-strong 16–18-inch rainbow and brown trout offer both challenge and reward. Hess Lake produces mayfly, caddis, and dragonfly hatches, while its spring-creek-like channels demand stealth, patience, and precision. Fonck Lake, a narrow alpine gem, is home to excellent brook trout averaging 16–18 inches, with deep-holding browns providing bonus opportunities for streamer anglers willing to get down and dirty.

Whether you’re matching a hatch, sight-fishing to cruisers, or stripping streamers through a lake channel, Rio Manso Lodge provides a wide variety of trout-fishing opportunities in one of Patagonia’s most photogenic settings.

Weekly packages at Rio Manso Lodge are recommended for certain times of the season. A customized itinerary combining Rio Manso with one of our 3-day float trip or four to five nights in another lodge may offer a more dynamic fishing experience.

RIO MANSO LODGE
(5 nights; 4 days fishing)

Day 1:    Arrive Buenos Aires (EZE). Transfer to the domestic airport (AEP) and fly to Bariloche (BRC.) FFP staff will pick you up and transfer you 50 minutes to Rio Manso Lodge. Fish the afternoon.
Day 2-5:   Four days fly fishing rivers and lakes at Rio Manso Lodge.
Day 6:    Check out, transfer back to the Bariloche Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires and home.

Nightly Rate: $1050/angler; $800/nonangler
Weekly Rate: $7000/angler; $5400/non-angler
Included: Lodging, meals, open bar, nonguided activities on the property, license, all fishing gear and waders, guided fishing, guided non-angling activities, and transfers to/from the Bariloche Airport and while fishing.
Not included: Flights, gratuities, additional transfers and 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 two hours south to Bariloche (BRC.) Four hours minimum is required between your international and domestic flights in Buenos Aires.
• Anglers are picked up at the Bariloche Airport and driven 50 minutes to Rio Manso Lodge.
• Anglers are dropped off at the Bariloche Airport for their flight back to Buenos Aires and home.