Arrival in Santiago, Chile (Saturday)
International travelers usually arrive in Santiago, Chile in the morning. Most of our guests transfer to the Ritz Carlton or the Hotel Plaza San Francisco to relax for the day and acclimate.
The hotels are authentically Chilean. The accommodations, restaurant and bar are excellent. They are conveniently located near Santiago's best shopping, restaurants, cultural center, and nightlife. Anglers traveling with The Fly Shop qualify for preferential rates at both hotels. However, there are other wonderful hotel options in the city.

• Day 1 (Sunday)
After a comfortable night in Santiago, guests fly [via jet] to the Balmaceda Air Terminal (Coyhaique). There, they are met by hosts Jose & Erica Gorrono who escort the guest to El Saltamontes. The trip to the lodge is about a 2 1/2 hour van trip. The drive is accented by beautiful roadside streams and waterfalls.

Upon arrival at El Saltamontes, you’ll be introduced to the staff and accommodations. The Gorrono's impressive, single story lodge and ranch house sits in the shadow of the beautiful snow-capped Andes. Each of the lovely guest rooms is well-appointed, with a view and private bath. El Saltamontes Lodge amenities are in stark contrast to the remote Patagonian location. After a brief orientation and a chance to settle in and organize tackle, anglers are free to fish with their guides for the remainder of the day.

El Saltamontes angling is exclusively for Brown Trout. Most fishing is done in the Nireguao River. The rivers oxbow lagoons and excellent water is just a stone's throw from the door of the lodge. The Browns actively feed on grasshoppers, and the grass bordering the stream is infested with them in January, February and March. Anglers often release trophy Browns during the week. Other terrestrials and dry flies are very effective throughout the short Patagonian summer and anglers seldom have to resort to subsurface patterns.

The after angling cocktail reception always includes "Pisco Sour", the Chilean version of a Margarita, along with a complimentary bar and fine domestic wines.

Non-alcoholic beverages are also available. The first evening's dinner is a little later than usual - this is to allow for a full afternoon of fishing. Dinners, like all meals at the lodge, are informal, superb, and accompanied by the finest Chilean wines.

• Days 2 - 6 (Monday through Friday)
These are full fishing days, and the exact schedule will depend on the guests wishes. Breakfast and dinner will be served in the lodge. Fine mid-day meals are served in the field, streamside.

An "Asado", the traditional South American lamb barbecue, highlights the last evening at the lodge. Neighbors often attend the asado, and native folk music is played - providing a memorable accent to the trip.

• Day 7 (Saturday)
Anglers will be transported to the local airport and begin their journey home or to other destinations on their South American itinerary.