The Lodge
The infrastructure of El Saltamontes Lodge consists of four independent buildings, all constructed of local river-worn stone and rough-hewn logs. It is the creative mixture of rustic building materials and fine furnishings that lends El Saltamontes Lodge its unique charm.
Electricity is produced 24 hours a day, on the ranch by a private hydro-electric turbine. 220volt outlets are available throughout the lodge and cabins but adapters must be used for North American 120volt appliances and chargers.
The main Lodge, accessed over a sweeping, curved timber deck, is an impressive building with high ceilings and two immense fireplaces.
The communal living room is furnished with magnificent antiques, cozy leather sofas and rich rugs. The adjoining bar, with a cheery wood stove, offers another option for socializing. It is always open but the focus is more often on fly-tying and card games, rather than the comprehensive array of beverages.
The dining room seats a maximum of 15 people intimately around a heavy, antique table, and a warm fireplace. Set with gleaming candelabra, silverware and crystal, it is a feast for the eyes as well as the pallet. Huge picture windows provide a back drop of dramatic Andean peaks.
The kitchen beyond, is always a hive of activity into which guests are welcome. Through the door, waft inviting aromas and friendly laughter and banter from the domestic staff. Although the chef has an array of modern appliances, the big wood stove takes pride of place. If the kitchen is the heart of the lodge, the old wood stove is its soul.
Hidden discretely to one side of this building, is one spacious guest apartment with a super king-size bed, a single bed, wood stove, living room, en-suite bathroom and river views. Returning guests and couples often request this room for their comfort and proximity. The three guest cabins are all within a short walk from the main lodge and have river views. Built also of river stone, they are solid, roomy and comfortable. Each of the cabins has two bedrooms, accessed from opposite sides of a cozy living room, warmed by a wood stove. All six bedrooms have recently re-modelled, en-suite bathrooms. Some have twin single beds, some twin doubles and others a mixture of the two. All rooms are designed to accommodate two guests comfortably, but in some instances, single occupancy is an option. Nestled amongst the cabins and woods is a spa. An open-air, wood-fired, hot tub, steams invitingly in the evenings as anglers return after a hard day on the river. Cocktails and nibbles appear spa side to those guests who chose to soak away the days exertions. A hot sauna and a massage room complete the little Spa installation. Just beyond the main Lodge is the Quincho , a three-sided building with a huge fireplace. A traditional structure on all ranches, the Quincho allows outdoor dining in sheltered comfort. Every week guests enjoy a typical Patagonian style barbeque or Asado, with a whole lamb and choice, roasted beef. Neighbours arrive on horseback to enliven the atmosphere with local music, and it is always a memorable night.
