GPS Coordinates: 44°17’12.02″S 72°21’44.82″W
Trip Questionnaire: Please click on the link below. This will take you an electronic questionnaire form that we ask you to complete and submit to The Fly Shop®. Please be sure to click the “Submit” button at the end of the form. The information provided will help us — and the outfitter best coordinate your trip.
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General Travel Information
Due to strict safety regulations on the flight from Puerto Montt/Santa Barbara, the weight limit of your total luggage (total check-in and carry-on) is 45 lbs (20 kilos). Any overweight will be charged overweight fees, approximately $2.00/kilo. If you might travel with more weight, we offer free and safe storage in Puerto Montt. Please prepare for this. Please don’t use hard-shell suitcases, but soft travel bags only.
At the airport of Santiago and Puerto Montt, Chilean Pesos can be withdrawn from ATMs (Redbanc). Most accepted cards are American Express, Visa and MasterCard. US Dollars and Euros are accepted at certain places only and generally at poor rates. At the Camp, however, US Dollars and Euros are accepted. Credit cards are not accepted.
General Conditions of Visit:
- El Escondido Camp, its subsidiaries, management, staff, personnel, guides, any of its affiliated or associated companies, agents, sub-agents, sub-contractors or anyone, either directly or indirectly, involved in the organization or execution of the programs or services will not become liable or responsible in any way in connection with accommodation, lodge, restaurant, transfer, expedition and guiding services, information supplied, or for any loss, injury or damage to or in respect to any person or property howsoever caused or arising.
- Guests are to be aware that El Escondido Camp is very remote, and that medical support is often hours or even days away. Guests are required to be in good health and sound medical condition prior to and during their trip. The Patagonian BaseCamp Lodge must be made aware of every guest’s personal special medical or dietary requirements prior to and throughout the trip.
Warning! This is a Physically Demanding Trip:
El Escondido is no walk in the woods, and involves hiking 2 – 4 hours per day, a minimum of 3 to 4 miles, depending on the angler’s ability and capacity. This is serious hiking in soggy terrain, up and down steep mountain trails along creeks, tributary crossings, and log jams and through marshes. Expect to hike an average of three hours a day in waders carrying a daypack and your fly-fishing kit.
The camp forms a part of the larger Escondido project, a conservation initiative of The Patagonian BaseCamp and supported by visiting anglers and others interested in a unique outdoor experience.
Contact Numbers
The Fly Shop®
4140 Churn Creek Road
Redding, CA 96002
(800) 669-3474 | (530) 222-3555 | travel@theflyshop.com
Patagonian BaseCamp/El Escondido Camp
011-56-9-79996873
dialed in Chile: 09-79996873
Marcel Sijnesael
011-56-9-56180977
dialed in Chile: 09-56180977
marcel@patagonian-basecamp.com | pbclodge@gmail.com
Land based phone number: 011-56 67 2638316
If you have any problems while in Chile, please call us at any time in the lodge at 56-9-79-996873 or 56-9-87-207694.
Patagonian BaseCamp Transfer Agent – Puerto Montt
Mr.GONZALO PINCHEIRA: transfer driver in Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas
Cell: 011 56 9 733 64469 or dialed within Chile: 73364469
011 56 9 9869 6433 or dialed within Chile: 998696433
E-mail: trans.monteverde@gmail.com | g09pincheria@gmail.com
South America Travel Agent
Holdy Tours
Alicia Regueiro
(800) 446-1111 | (925) 927-6617 | Alicia@holdytours.com
- Can book your air and any additional hotel rooms you may request.
Embassy of the USA in Chile
Avenue Andrés Bello 2800, Las Condes Santiago, Chile
PH: (56-2) 330-3000 | FAX: (56-2) 330-3710, 330-3160 | https://cl.usembassy.gov/
- Embassy hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For U.S. citizens solely inquiring about passport, citizenship and other consular services not related to visa matters, please E-mail at SantiagoAmCit@state.gov
Recommended Equipment
A note on equipment: Although selling fly fishing tackle and flies is part of what The Fly Shop® does, it is not our main concern. Our main concern is that people have a great trip. Over time, however, we’ve found that properly prepared and outfitted anglers have the highest chance of having a great trip. Taking care to insure you have the correct gear in the correct line weights and that you are familiar and comfortable using it is often the key to success. Our staff has fished, guided, and lived in Patagonia extensively over the past 30-plus years and we feel there is no one better suited to outfit you for your trip than The Fly Shop®. We know what works, but more importantly, we know what works best. We’d love to have your business if you need to purchase new or upgraded equipment.
One thing that we’ve all learned from years of fishing in Patagonia, and the word that we as anglers must always keep in the back of our minds is “ADAPT.” It is almost impossible to tell what kind of lines and flies are going to be most successful on the river at a given time. Conditions can change without warning, and we must be able to adapt to what is at hand. Thus, you’ll want to bring a wide selection of fly tackle and enough flies to meet the various conditions you may find during your angling travels.
Fly Rods:
Multi-piece, 6 weight fly rods will cover most of the fishing situations you’ll encounter in Chile. We strongly recommend a multi-piece travel rod (3, 4 or 5 piece). Top-quality rods you might consider are: Winston, Sage, or Scott. For great value options, consider The Fly Shop’s Signature H2O series.
Fly Reels:
Good quality, lightweight fly reels, with simple disk drags, are the best choice. Reels should be filled with fresh 20-pound backing. Reel models to consider include: Ross, The Fly Shop’s L2A, Galvan, Abel, Hatch, and Hardy reels. Extra spools are a definite advantage. 75 – 125 yards of backing is more than adequate.
Fly Lines:
You will basically need two fly lines at El Escondido Camp: a weight-forward floater and a 15’ sink-tip to match your rod size, like Scientific Anglers Sonar Sinking Tip lines.
Leaders & Tippet:
For a week’s fishing, you will need no less than three tapered leaders – 9 ft. 2X and 3X for your floating line, and some straight 15 pound Maxima Ultragreen for the streamers. For tippet, bring fresh spools of 4X, 3X and 2X. Fluorocarbon is great tippet and leader material and we highly recommend it. Seaguar, Trout Hunter, and Scientific Anglers make some of the best tippet and leader material available.
Fishing Vest/Tackle Pack:
For vests we like a high quality product, in a shorty model. Choose one that has room for a rain jacket or camera in the back. Simms vests are great choices. If you prefer a tackle pack, take a good look at the Fishpond and Patagonia products.
Boat Bags:
These hold extra gear, clothes, flies, camera, snacks, etc., and keep them safe and dry during floats and boat rides. We recommend Patagonia and Fishpond boat bags.
Tools:
Nippers, flat jawed hemostats, a hook file, floatant. These are essential on any fishing trip.
Wading Staff:
If you use a staff at home, bring it along. They can be handy, particularly the collapsible models. While Patagonian rivers are considered easy to moderate wading, there will always be a fish that likes to hang out in swifter deeper water, tempting you into position.
Polarized Sunglasses:
Good quality polarized sunglasses are a must both for seeing fish and for safety. Brown, amber and copper are the best lens colors. Costa and Smith make excellent fly fishing sunglasses, and even offer prescription options. Bring a spare pair!
Camera & Case:
Waterproof or splash-proof Digital cameras are handy. Canon or Nikon digital SLR cameras with a good zoom lens (28 – 80) are the best. Almost all camera battery chargers these days can accommodate a 100 – 240 volt range.
The best hard plastic cases to protect expensive camera equipment are made by Pelican Products, www.pelican.com
Headlamp:
Headlamps are great for late night gear fiddling and trips to the loo. We prefer a model with LED bulbs and that can be recharged.
Sun Protection:
The summer weather in Chile Patagonia is generally pleasant. Average temperatures range between the low 50’s and mid 80’s. Though usually not hot, the ultra-violet rays of the sun in this part of the world are very intense and will burn even the most sun-seasoned anglers. Wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and frequent use of a strong sun block (SPF 30 UVA/UVB+) are highly recommended. Sun gloves will save the backs of your hands.
Flies for El Escondido
Browns and rainbows in the Palena region love terrestrials. Beetles abound and patterns that imitate them should dominate your box. But opportunities for classic streamer fishing abound too. The camp will provide all flies needed for the week – if anglers want to bring their own, here are some patterns we have had success within previous seasons.
We also offer an easy way to know you have the correct flies for your trip. We offer a Chile Trout Selection that can be customized for your specific dates during your visit to El Escondido. This selection comes with a great assortment of the below flies loaded into the perfect fly box.
List of essential patterns and quantities that you should have in your fly box:
- Chubby Chernobyl – #8; gold & peacock (5 each)
- Rance’s Gypsy King – #2 & #8 (4 each)
- Fat Albert – #6; tan & black (4 each)
- Pat’s Rubberlegs – #8; brown, yellow/brown & coffee (5 each)
- Sparkle Minnow – #4; gold (4 each)
- GTC Autumn Splendor – #4 (4 each)
- Chilean Rubber Bugger – #8 (4 each)
Other patterns that you may have in your trout fly boxes that have proven to be successful at El Escondido.
Dry Flies:
- Carl’s Cicada – #10
- Double Dutch Bug – #10
- Mercer’s Missing Link – #14 & #16
- Parachute Ant – #16 & #18
- Black Foam Beetle – #14 & #16
- Parachute Adams – #14 & #16
- Hopper Grande – #10 & #12; tan
Streamers:
- Beldar Rubberlegs – #4; olive/brown
- Home Invader – #2; black or olive
- TFS King Smolt – #2
- Dali Lama – #2 or #6; black/white or olive/white
Nymphs:
- GB Flashback PT – #14 & #16
- Prince Nymph – #14 & #16
- Copper Johns – #14 – #18; green, black, & red
- Mercer’s Micro Mayfly – #14-18
- Lightning Bug – #14 & #16; green & black
- Mercer’s Poxyback Golden Stone – #10 & #12
- P.T. Prince – #12 & #14
Recommended Clothing
The weather in Patagonia is constantly changing. One afternoon it may be 70°+ and sunny, downright hot; then only a few hours later it may be rainy, damp, windy and in the low 50°s or cooler. It is not uncommon to have morning temperatures in the mid to low thirties, especially when clear weather prevails, warming to a balmy 50° or 60° degrees by the end of the day. Clothing strategies should be based on the “layering system.” By using the “layering system,” anglers can adapt to whatever Mother Nature dishes out. The whole idea behind layering is to trap heated air (generated by your body and stored between the different layers of insulation), thus keeping you warm.
Here is the formula preferred by the staff at The Fly Shop®:
Base Layer:
Start off with a synthetic fabric next to your skin. This often is a pair of thermal underwear (tops and bottoms) and they usually come in three weights: light, mid and expedition or heavy. According to your individual metabolism, pick what is best for you. Synthetic (non-cotton) materials retain little moisture and “wick” moisture away from your skin. This is very important when you are walking in waders or when outside temperatures heat up. 1 set of midweight Simms or Patagonia (tops and bottoms).
Thermal Layer:
Your second layer of insulation should match the weather and conditions you are going to be fishing in. Lightweight insulation for cool weather, mid-weight for colder conditions and heavy weight for really frigid days. Fleece is an outstanding choice here in either tops and bottoms or overalls. Merino Wool is also a good choice as it stays warm when damp, though dries very slowly. 1 set fleece pants – Simms or Patagonia. 1 Fleece jacket – Simms or Patagonia.
Waterproof Shell:
The final layer on your upper body should be a rain jacket. High quality Gore-Tex type products are the best. Your rain jacket should be 100% waterproof and breathable, multi-layered, with sealed seams. Buy the best rain jacket you can afford, as it is one of the most important pieces of equipment you can own. The Simms, Skwala, and Patagonia are high quality jackets designed specifically for fly fishermen.
Waders:
Stocking foot, breathable chest waders are the only way to go. You will experience little or no moisture build-up inside the waders, even after a long hike; they wear like iron, pack down very well, and are comfortable to be in all day. For safety we strongly recommend wearing a wading belt at all times. The Simms, Skwala and Patagonia makes a product that is equally durable and comfortable.
Rain Pants:
Several still-waters form part the El Escondido program. For safety and comfort reasons waders are not preferred on those lakes and wearing rain pants is strongly recommended for rainy days.
Socks:
For a week’s fishing trip, three pairs of heavy socks will be adequate. Wool, polypro or a combination of both are the best choices in sock material. Try on your socks with your waders and wading boots before you go to insure you have plenty of room to move your toes. Being unable to move your toes and cramping your feet in your wading boots are the biggest reasons for numb toes and cold feet. Simms and Patagonia synthetic and Smartwool are the way to go.
Wading Socks:
Consider bringing neoprene wading socks to use in your wading boots if you like to wet wade.
Wading Boots:
If you bring your own boots, the lodge will disinfect them upon arrival. Either rubber-soled or felt bottomed are best. The Camp prefers you not wear studded boots, but if you do, you’ll be asked to take them off before walking on the wooden boardwalks and tent platforms, and when fishing in their boats.
Hats:
Bring a hat with a good brim for sun protection, and a warmer stocking hat for cold days (which can occur anytime during the season.)
Gloves:
Fingerless insulating gloves are great for boat rides and cold days. We have had the best success with synthetic or wool gloves, rather than neoprene which retain water. Simms fleece fingerless gloves are great, or TFS fingerless fleece gloves are an economic way to go. Sungloves are a great idea, to protect your hands from the intense Patagonia sun.
General Lodge Information
Beverages:
During your stay with us, all drinks, snacks and meals are included in the Camp rate. If, however, you have a specific preference on beverages you are more than welcome to bring your own choice, as your preferred drink might not be available in Chile.
Wi-Fi:
As with most Patagonia lodges, Patagonian Basecamp El Escondido has limited WiFi available for clients who would like to bring their own WiFi-enabled electronic devices. It is satellite-based and not completely predictable – some days it works better than others – but generally speaking it is more than adequate to send and receive emails, albeit slowly. There is not adequate bandwidth to support sending images or for streaming videos. There is very limited cell service there – you would need an international plan with a US provider which accepts the Entel network – but this service is very spotty and really only for texting.
Electricity:
The camp has 12V power provided by solar, and USB ports for those wanting to charge their phones, etc.
CPAP Machines:
The camp’s power system is not adequate for running a cpap machine. But they are able to provide a fully charged 12V “car battery” – if you have the appropriate device that allows you to run your cpap off this battery, you can use your machine.
Potable Water:
Being in this remote part of the world guarantees us the best possible drinking water. Our drinking water has been chemically and biologically tested and is of excellent quality.
Meals:
During your stay at El Escondido Camp all meals will be provided at high standards. Should you have special wishes or preferences (e.g., allergies or vegetarian diet) please report these before arrival and we will do our utmost to accommodate them.
Tipping:
Our staff and guides will do everything to make your stay and fishing as comfortable as possible. Your appreciation of their work and efforts will be very welcome. Like in all of North and South America, gratuities and tips are customary though not required in Chile. Tips should be an accurate expression of your feeling about service received. To guide you, Chilean standards are in line with an international standard of 10 – 15% of package cost.
Non-Anglers:
Non-angling guests should be prepared for a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking, birding and photography are some of the activities available. Non-angling guests should bring good rain gear (jacket and pants) hiking boots, a warm fleece, camera, binoculars, daypack, and a good sun hat.
The elevation of El Escondido is barely above sea level, though you would guess higher as the surrounding mountains and glaciers reach 2,300 meters or about 7,500 feet.