Capital City:
Santiago is the largest city in Chile with 5 million inhabitants. The capital is Valparaiso and is Chile's largest port, located directly to the West of Santiago.

Population:
Total population is approximately 15 million inhabitants. More than 50% of the country's population lives in the Fifth Region and the Santiago Metropolitan Region.

Ethnicity Mix of People:
The majority of Chileans (95%) are of European decent or "mestizos," a mix of European and Indian blood. Three percent are full-blooded indigenous peoples, most commonly called Mapuche or Pehuenche.

Types of Religions:
75% Roman Catholic, 15% Protestant and, 5% Jewish, Muslim and other faiths.

Type of Government:
Chile has been a democracy since 1989. Prior to that time, the country was under the leadership of military dictator, Augusto Pinochet. Transition to democracy has been smooth.

President:
On March 11th, 2006 the new president of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, took office. Michelle Bachelet will become Chile’s first woman president and the second in Latin America.

General Information of Patagonia:
In Patagonia, Chile is defined by a rugged mountainous coastline of fjord islands and temperate rainforests, much like the inside passage of S.E. Alaska. As one moves East, toward the border of Argentina, the land becomes increasingly drier (Pampa) and is quite similar visually to Montana and other areas of the Western U.S.

The region of Aysen is the 11th of the 12 regions of Chile and has a very recent history. Coyhaique is the government center (and sports fishing hub!) of the region and was founded in 1929.

The "Carretera Austral," or Southern Highway, a rugged gravel road running 800 miles south from Puerto Mont to Villa O’Higgins, is the continuation of the "Pan-American Highway”. It is still under construction throughout its southern end, being widened for eventual paving. The main industries in Aysen are lumber, mining, fish farming, government, and tourism.

General History of Chile:
During the 1500's, Spanish conquistadors took control of much of what is Chile today.

However, they were unable to conquer the fiercely independent Mapuche peoples south of the Ninth Region's Río Bío Bío. In 1818, Chile gained independence from Spain during a widespread and united independence movement under the leadership of Simón Bolívar of Bolivia, Argentine José de San Martín, and Bernardo O'Higgins, a Chilean of Irish descent.

Development of Chile's port cities was greatly influenced by the California gold rush of 1849, where the coastal city of Valparaiso served as the first Pacific port of call during the sea journey from the Eastern United States to California. Chileans made up a large number of the first wave of prospectors to reach the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in search of gold.

Chile remained a democracy from time of independence until a violent military coup, led by General Augusto Pinochet in 1973, overthrew the socialist administration of President Salvador Allende. The resulting military dictatorship remained in power until 1989, after being rejected by voters in a plebiscite offered to modify the country's constitution and allow the regime to stay in power until 1997. The first multi-party elections in over a decade subsequently took place and voters elected Christian Democrat, Patricio Alwyn, who served a 4-year term while the country returned to democratic government.

Fishing History of Chile:
Trout and salmon are not native to South America. They were first introduced into Chile and Argentina’s regional rivers beginning in the early 1900's, primarily by European owners of the large estancias in the South who imported the eggs and smolt, by ship, from hatcheries in both the U.S. and Europe.

Subsequent government sponsored introductions into the pristine lakes and rivers of the Lakes Region of Chile were very successful and this area blossomed into a sports fishing Mecca in the 1950's and 1960's. It was made famous by writers such as Roderick Haig-Brown, Ernest Schweibert, and Joe Brooks. However, the fishing quality of the Lakes Region has since deteriorated due to pressure and mismanagement of the resource.

Meanwhile, introductions into Patagonian waters have been highly successful and the Aysen Region of Chile has now overtaken the Lakes Region as the sports fishing center of Chile. Rainbow and Brown Trout are the most abundant species and Brook Trout (trophy-sized) and salmon can be found in a few remote areas.

Health Services:
Medical services are good but may not meet U.S. standards. Hospitals and doctors often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S medical insurance is not always valid outside the U.S.

Supplemental insurance that covers overseas medical costs and provisions for medical evacuation is recommended. There are small outpost health clinics within relatively easy striking distance of our Chilean properties for first-aid and emergency care.

Climate Patterns and Seasons:
The summer (Nov.-April) weather in Chilean Patagonia can most aptly be described as variable. Conditions can range from hot and sunny (80°F+) to cool and rainy (40ºF). Anglers should be prepared for either type of condition.

The People of Chile:
Chileans are overall a very friendly people & welcome foreign tourists. The hospitality of the campesinos (country people) in rural Chile is renowned. One of the first things you may notice about Chilean society is that it is very homogenous. Although minority groups exist, they have either immersed themselves into the dominant culture or, like the traditional Mapuche have maintained their cultural identity while remaining on the edge of mainstream society. Historically, societal divisions have run more along lines of social class than ethnicity. However, as new opportunities have arisen for social mobility within Chile's growing economy, society in general has become, to an extent, less stratified.

Chileans are very dedicated to family life, and most social activity revolves around the family. It is not uncommon for unmarried children of all ages to live at home, and members of the extended family gather daily for meals and conversation.

Language:
The language spoken in Chile is Spanish, although many traditional Mapuche people have maintained their native language, and German may be heard in some areas of the South. Aside from the large hotels in Santiago, very few people in Chile speak English. A good Spanish dictionary and phrase book, or a pocket translator will be useful throughout your trip. All guides speak both Spanish and English. Chilean language is full of slang and unique idioms, and even fluent Spanish speakers will need time to adjust to local colloquialisms. Feel free to ask, as Chileans love to explain their slang.

Staying Healthy in Chile:
In general, there is very little risk of infectious disease in Chile. In the South, the risk would be about equivalent to what it would be for a trip to Colorado. Most people, who have problems, pick up something either during their plane flight to Chile or in Santiago. Commonly, those who do get sick often do so on their third day in Chile. Colds and stomach problems are the most common. To reduce the risk, use common sense and follow these basic guidelines:

• Take it easy the first few days
• Ease into local eating & drinking habits
• Always wash your hands before eating & after using the toilet
• Use discretion when eating from open-air stands
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids & avoid dehydration
• Drink bottled water while in Santiago
• Take Pepto-Bismol, yogurt or papaya enzyme tablets throughout your stay

Insects:
Bugs, generally, are not a problem in Chile, Patagonia. However, horseflies and the occasional mosquito can, at times, be bothersome. Pack a bottle of repellent with DEET as the active ingredient, just in case.

Potable Water:
It is strongly recommended travelers only drink bottled water while in Santiago. In the South of Chile water quality is excellent and generally very safe. However, bottled water is provided at all our lodges, and is recommended for guests.

Precautions:
Chile is, in general, a very safe place to travel, especially in the remote countryside of the South where most anglers will spend their vacation. While in Santiago, travelers should take common sense precautions, as they would in any large city. A high incidence of petty crimes - such as pick-pocketing & luggage theft - have been reported in the city. When traveling after dark, it is recommended to go by taxi. Travelers should avoid the city's parks at night. The Chilean police, or “Carabineros,” are helpful and maintain a very high level of integrity. They are legally empowered to ask for identification at any time. It is always a good idea to carry copies of your passport and tourist card at all times. The original documents can be locked in your hotel's safe (caja fuerte). Stories of bribery of South American police do not apply to Chile. Never attempt to bribe a carabinero.

Currency:
Chile's currency is the Peso. As of May 2006, the exchange rate is 527 Pesos per U.S. Dollar. Coins come in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 Peso denominations. Bills come in 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 Pesos. The higher denomination bills can be difficult to change in many places. Merchants throughout the country accept U.S. Dollars, although exchange rates may vary. Having a small calculator on hand is useful for transactions. Most merchants also accept American Express, MasterCard and Visa, as well as Visa check cards. ATM machines are available throughout cities in Chile, including Puerto Mont, Coyhaique and Puerto Varas, and feature most ATM networks such as Plus System. Outside of Santiago traveler's checks can be difficult, if not impossible, to cash and often require payment of a transaction fee.

Electricity:
220 volts, alternating current. Plugs have two rounded prongs. It is best to bring your own converter. We suggest a Dual-Wattage Foreign Travel AC Converter, it lets you use 120VAC (USA) devices on 240VAC foreign. This device is for electronic/motorized devices up to 50 watts, such as radios and battery chargers.

Food in Chile:
With its vast coastline, Chile is best known for its wonderful variety of seafood (mariscos). However, Chile also has many typical dishes made with chicken (pollo) or beef (carne). Typical cuisine includes; Curanto, a mixture of steamed shellfish, sausages, and potatoes; Cazuela de Mariscos, a delicious seafood stew with a buttery base; Pastel de Choclo, a corn casserole with chicken and beef; Empanadas, fried or baked turnovers with a variety of fillings; and Asado de Cordero, fresh lamb roasted over open coals and traditionally prepared for special occasions. In southern Chile there is an excellent variety of locally produced (artesenal) cold cuts, sausages, cheeses, jams, fruits, bread, and honey. Chilean food is not overly spicy; however, meals are usually accompanied by a bottle of Aji, a spicy hot sauce derived from aji chile peppers. Lovers of spicy food will enjoy its unique taste. Desserts include German-influenced küchen and Celestino, crepes stuffed with a sweet filling called Dulce de Leche and topped with powdered sugar. Guests at our lodges will usually experience at least one traditional “asado,” usually on the last night, as well as a vari