The name Patagonia is synonymous with adventure, exploration, and discovery. At Estancia del Cielo our mission is to keep that spirit alive by guiding expedition-based vacations in the rugged Andes Mountains of Argentina.

Whether you are a fly-fisherman looking for the premier Patagonia trout rivers, horse enthusiast hoping to rub elbows with authentic gaucho, or a family seeking an adventure vacation, we offer a wide range of exciting vacations in the heart of Patagonia. Let our experienced guides take you into regions unknown to the modern world and take part in life-enriching activities that will amount to the trip of a lifetime.

Join us for a trip down the Patagonian path less travelled...

We are offering a fishing package that consists of 7 nights and 6 full fishing days. Our aim is that our guests get to know Rio Pico area, a remote region with over 20 lakes and different rivers offering perfect conditions for wading or fishing from boat or catarraf. Our package combines different alternatives to fish lakes, streams and rivers as many hours per day as possible.

Day 1
Reception at the airport in Esquel city and transfer to the Lodge by 4x4 vehicles. The lodge is located close to Aldea A.Viglione, 3-hour drive. Dinner at the Lodge.

Day 2
Breakfast and transfer to Lake #1 in the morning. Rainbow and brown trout fishing from belly-boat or raft. Return to the lodge for lunch and going back to Lake #1 for fishing on dries and nymphs in the late hours. Dinner at the Lodge.

Day 3
Breakfast and transfer to Rio Pico, to the area called Gendarmeria. Fishing Rainbows and Browns on dry flies and nymphs in Cajon Chico. Shore-lunch, fishing in the afternoon and return to the Lodge for dinner.

Day 4
Breakfast and transfer to Lake # 5 to fish from belly-boat and raft, surrounded by an amazing landscape. Excellent fishing of large rainbow and brown trout on dry flies, nymphs and streamers. Shore lunch. Fishing until late afternoon and return to the Lodge for dinner.

Day 5
Breakfast and transfer to the confluence of rivers Nilson, de las Pampas and Pico. Fishing Rainbows, Browns and Fontinalis on dry fly, nymphs and streamers. Shore-lunch, fishing in the afternoon and return to the Lodge for dinner.

Day 6
Breakfast and transfer to Lake #3 to fish from raft or belly-boat. Fishing good-size brown and rainbow trout (from 2 to 8 pounds) on dry fly, nymphs and streamers. Return to the Lodge for lunch and transfer to Lake #3 to fish the reeds on dry fly until the late afternoon. Return to the Lodge for dinner.

Day 7
Breakfast and transfer to the fishing spot the guide suggests, considering the results got during the week. Return to the Lodge to have Patagonian lamb (cordero patagónico) for the farewell dinner.

Day 8
Breakfast and return to Esquel city in the morning.

Trout And Salmon Fishing, Patagonia - Patagonia is the world's greatest fly-fishing destination, and The Lodge is its only remote fly-in/ride-in lodge. With privileged access to miles of private water on the Trocoman and Picunleo Rivers, The Ranquilco Lodge is reminiscent of the fly-in lodges of Canada and Kamchatka where modern civilization is left far behind.

The cozy Lodge sits on a bluff overlooking a yawning “S” bend in the Trocoman River. Fly-fishermen and guides depart from the lodge each morning on horseback or on foot with a new destination every day. Days on the river are pristine and solitary, reminiscent of the first day a fly-fisherman thought to tie an imitation fly and float it down the river.

Rio Pico area offers over 20 lakes of water with clear-water rivers and streams which are home to Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout and Chinook Salmon. These species live there or migrate without suffering from any fishing pressure. The fishing in this area is considered one of the best in the southern hemisphere due to the quality and quantity of its fish.

Rio Pico town is located 230 km from Esquel city, in the province of Chubut, Argentina. To get there, you need to take a flight to Esquel and then transfer by 4x4 vehicles. The journey takes about 3 hours along both paved and unpaved roads.


Estancia del Cielo's rivers contain wild Rainbow Trout and native Patagonia perca species. Trout sizes average between 12 and 16 inches, with trophy sizes ranging upwards of 18 inches. The record Rainbow Trout in each of the past five seasons have weighed five pounds or better. Considering fewer than 500 fly-fishermen have seen these waters in three decades – parts of the Picunleo River having yet to see their first – fly-fishing at The Lodge makes for the most satisfying catch-and-release experience in Patagonia.

Nestled at the foot of the Andes Mountains, the Lodge is located 220 km from Esquel and 32 km from Rio Pico town. It has an amazing view and is surrounded by a forest of ńires and lengas, plants indigenous to the area. The Lodge offers the ideal facilities to fulfil the anglers needs. There is a dining room, a bar and a sitting room with a fireplace. The lodge was built out of wood and stone, in perfect harmony with its surroundings. It can accommodate up to 8 anglers in 4 spacious double rooms, each with private bath, hot water, wood stoves and gas heating, and emergency lighting. The Lodge is decorated with different elements used in the Argentine Patagonia in the past, bringing an original touch to every room. The meals are prepared with products grown in the area.

Estancia del Cielo has the capacity to accommodate up to 20 guests. However, except for special large groups, Estancia del Cielo limits reservations to 8 guests per week.

All accommodations include private bedrooms, bathrooms, and stone fireplaces. Most suites have adjoining reading/dressing rooms and private balconies. In addition to the lodge, guests are housed in one of four Manor Homes located on the main grounds.

All buildings are constructed of Patagonian hardwoods, poplar and willow trees felled on the premise, adobe brick, and hand-crafted stone masonry. The Lodge is a particular work of art. The Great Room has a 22-foot cathedral ceiling, an enormous stone fireplace, and three story castle-like spires with spiral staircases that lead to guest accommodations. Situated on a cliff that overlooks a yawning “S” bend in the Trocoman River, the stone veranda invites guests to while-away the evening hours conversing over a bottle of fine Malbec wine.

In addition, Estancia del Cielo is equipped with a wide range of facilities and activities, including: swimming pool, Swedish log sauna, polo field, horse stables, library, volleyball pit, and squash court.

All accommodations include daily maid service to ensure your room or cabin is kept comfortable for the length of your stay.

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Map of Trout And Salmon Fishing, Patagonia