Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Lodge near Puerto Ramírez, Chile.

0 out of 5 Customer Rating
  • bvseo_sdk, dw_cartridge, 21.1.0, p_sdk_3.2.0
  • CLOUD, getAggregateRating, 0ms
  • reviews, product
  • bvseo-msg: SEO SDK is disabled. Enable by setting seo.sdk.enabled to true.

Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Lodge near Puerto Ramírez, Chile.

0 out of 5 Customer Rating
  • bvseo_sdk, dw_cartridge, 21.1.0, p_sdk_3.2.0
  • CLOUD, getAggregateRating, 0ms
  • reviews, product
  • bvseo-msg: SEO SDK is disabled. Enable by setting seo.sdk.enabled to true.
Have Questions? 
Live Chat is Available

Seth Berger

Matapiojo Lodge


Phone icon(800) 547-4322 Email iconorvistravel@orvis.com Link iconmatapiojolodge.com
Ruta CH 231 Km 4, Futaleufú
Los Lagos, Chile

Item #3KJJ0000

The Story

Matapiojo Lodge was built by dedicated anglers with the objective of cultivating a fully-contextualized fly fishing experience for other anglers, whether they’re beginners or veterans – anglers for anglers.

Our team has sought out some of the best-kept secrets of Chilean Patagonia and fished them frequently in all seasons to ensure that we have an option which suits every angler, every day, regardless of water and weather conditions.

Matapiojo Lodge is located on the banks of the Futaleufú River in the Lake District of northern Patagonia. Our home waters include, naturally, Rio Futaleufú as well as Lago Yelcho, a large lake only a few minutes’ boat ride from the launch point below the lodge. We also fish the Palena River, Tigre River, Espolón Lake, Lonconao Lake, and more, and we rotate through a circuit of seven “secret” lagoons. In many cases, our clients have exclusive access to these waters, and it’s rare to see other anglers even on the well-known rivers.

In Chilean Patagonia, “matapiojo” means “dragonfly”, and fishing for exceptionally large trout when they’re voraciously chasing dragonflies on the surface is one of the rare and unique opportunities offered by our lodge. In addition, many of our fisheries are diverse in terms of trout species; it’s sometimes possible to catch the “trout grand slam” of Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout on the same day.

We also regularly throw large streamers on sinking lines in search of trophy brown trout, and we sight fish in a variety of settings with nymphs, streamers, mouse flies, and dry flies both large and small.

Beyond the angling, our backyard is truly extraordinary. It’s one of the most pristine, unpopulated, and utterly stunning locations on earth. If wading and floating cold, clear rivers surrounded by vertical cliffs with snow-capped peaks in virtually every direction sounds good to you, Matapiojo Lodge should become your home base for exploring Chilean Patagonia!

Throughout your adventure with us, you’ll interact with authentic Patagonian culture. Our staff and professional guides are locals, and their focus is on providing a safe, comfortable, and altogether remarkable experience for our guests. We offer warm hospitality, a spacious lodge located across the river from a massive cliff, a hot tub, private restroom and shower facilities for each group, and extremely comfortable bedding in the “glamping” style afforded by our large, permanent wall tents. You’ll have all the comforts you need to explore Patagonia!

Highlights:

  • Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, perch (native), Chinook salmon, Atlantic salmon, coho salmon
  • More than 30 full-day fishing options: lakes, lagoons, rivers, spring creeks, streams
  • Our guides are qualified in various fishing techniques, food preparation, local history, and are proficient in languages
  • USD $4,900.00 per angler, double occupancy (shared room, shared guide)
    *Per angler, single occupancy: call for pricing
    *Per non-angler, double occupancy: call for pricing.
  • Fishing season runs November through May

Orvis is pleased to offer our travel customers access to two valuable services: Global Rescue travel membership and IMG Signature Travel Insurance℠.

Learn More

Glamping, Patagonia-Style

We've spent years adapting the “glamping” concept to the rigorous reality of Chilean Patagonia in the conviction that it’s a more harmonious way to interact with nature. We have been honored by the Chilean tourism industry as being one of the best glamping sites in all of Patagonia.

Our spacious, semi-permanent wall tents are located on a high bank across the Rio Futaleufú from an absolutely stunning vertical cliff of black basalt rock which rises over 1,000ft (~300m) from the azure waters of the river and is home to a large community of Andean condors.

Each tent room features a wood-burning stove (and supply of firewood), wooden floors, a wardrobe and dresser, comfortable beds, ample lighting, and full service. A fully equipped private bathroom is attached to each tent and provides hot water and a modern shower.

The main lodge building is separate from the rooms and includes a large dining table, living space, and kitchen area. This is where we gather for meals and to share the experiences of each day. We also have hot tubs located on the riverbank.

Our maximum capacity is eight (8) anglers at any given time.


Patagonia Gastronomy

It’s very important to us that your experience at Matapiojo Lodge is loaded with Patagonian heritage and culture. The local cuisine plays a central role in our lives, and our dedicated professional chef will blend traditional Patagonia gastronomy with the dietary needs and preferences of each guest.


Chilean Wines

We offer a world-class selection of Chilean wines from different regions of the country, often featuring medium-bodied Carmenère wines made from a grape grown almost exclusively in Chile. We also regularly serve other varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and many blends.

Sample Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at El Tepual Airport in Puerto Montt (usually from Santiago) and transfer to Puerto Varas; spend one night in a hotel in Puerto Varas overlooking the lake.

Day 02: Transfer to La Paloma Airport in Puerto Montt and fly to Chaitén; transfer to Matapiojo Lodge. Welcome and settling in at Matapiojo Lodge, plus a half-day of fishing.

Day 03 to 08: Six (6) full days of fishing (other activities are available at additional cost – see below).

Day 09: Return transfer from Matapiojo Lodge to Chaitén, then take a local flight from Chaitén to Puerto Montt; arrive at La Paloma Airport in Puerto Montt, then transfer to El Tepual Airport for your flight back to Santiago.

The Palena Province offers the greatest diversity of fishing scenarios imaginable: rivers large and small, majestic lakes, and countless lagoons – many of which are still unnamed. The diversity of our waters, surroundings, and species (trout and salmon) allows you to fish using multiple techniques and styles, either floating or wading. Our home waters are home to resident brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout, all of which reproduce naturally. Since the distance from the Andes Mountains to the Pacific Ocean is not great, at certain times it’s also possible to catch migratory species like Chinook salmon and sea-run brown trout. We even offer a (separately priced) saltwater option to fish for tuna near the coast! Our goal is to offer the most diverse fly fishing program in all of Chilean Patagonia.

Throughout the season, you can fish with a floating line and dry flies. In November and December, when our waters are high, you have good chances of catching large brown and rainbow trout with streamers. During these initial spring months, the sight fishing is spectacular, and trout are less selective as the season is just beginning. The dragonfly hatch usually begins in mid-December, creating a spectacle of leaping fish that often exceed 22 inches. This hatch usually intensifies during January and February, making these months the perfect time to fish with large dragonfly imitations or attractors. Dry fly fishing reaches its peak during this period when it’s possible to sight-fish with a variety of different patterns and sizes. Although dry fly fishing decreases in March and April, fish can still be caught on the surface. It is these last two months of the season when movements of Chinook salmon and large brown trout occur, both from the sea and upstream from Lake Yelcho. The largest browns often become active on the darkest days, and we seek them out in the Palena and Futaleufú Rivers with large articulated flies.

What does the basic program include?

  • Transfer from El Tepual Airport (Puerto Montt) to La Paloma Airstrip (Puerto Montt). Round trip
  • Local flight from Puerto Montt to Chaitén. Round trip
  • Transfer from El Tepual Airport (Puerto Montt) to Hotel in Puerto Varas. Round trip
  • Hotel transfer from Puerto Varas to El Tepual Airport (Puerto Montt) or La Paloma Airstrip (Puerto Montt). Round trip
  • One night hotel stay in Puerto Varas
  • Accommodation: Wall Tent (Glamping): Equipped for the Patagonian weather
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Open Bar: Available options from our bar
  • Fishing guides and boats
  • 4WD A/C vehicles
  • Transfers: Chaiten Airstrip to Matapiojo Lodge. Round trip + Fishing locations
  • Hot Tub
  • Wi-Fi
  • Laundry service

What else could it include?

  • Heli-fishing: Helicopter
  • Activities: Rafting, trekking, canopy, horseback riding, massages, rural tourism, bird watching, photographic safari, and kayaking
  • bvseo_sdk, dw_cartridge, 21.1.0, p_sdk_3.2.0
  • CLOUD, getReviews, 0ms
  • reviews, product
  • bvseo-msg: SEO SDK is disabled. Enable by setting seo.sdk.enabled to true. SEO SDK is disabled. Enable by setting seo.sdk.enabled to true.