Estancia Despedida
Travel & Tackle Guide

Welcome to your Fly Water Travel trip guide. We’re excited to help you prepare for your upcoming adventure! Inside, you’ll find everything you need: your to-do list, travel logistics, destination notes, and a curated tackle guide tailored to your trip.

Getting Ready

We’ve created a quick checklist of essential tasks to make sure you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. If questions come up or you need anything at all, just give us a call, we’re here to help every step of the way.

To-Do List:

✓ Arrange flights to/from Buenos Aires, Argentina

✓ Arrange hotel in Buenos Aires, as needed

✓ Arrange transfers in Buenos Aires

✓ Arrange flights to/from Ushuaia, Argentina

✓ Purchase medical and evacuation insurance

✓ Get travel cash

Estancia Despedida
Travel Guide

From how to get there and what documents you’ll need to tipping guidelines and destination details, this section covers the practical information to ensure smooth travels.

Getting to the Lodge:
To reach Estancia Despedida, guests need to arrange travel to and from Ushuaia, Argentina (USH). All flights connect through Buenos Aires international airport (EZE) or domestic airport (AEP).

Most international flights arrive in the early morning and require an overnight stay in Buenos Aires. The following day, guests need to fly to Ushuaia in time to transfer to the lodge. Alternatively, guests can fly all the way down to Ushuaia after arriving in Buenos Aires, and overnight at a hotel in town before being picked up the following day. Flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia depart mostly from the domestic airport (AEP) but may also be available through the international airport (EZE).

Important Flight Information:
Due to a recent adjustment to the domestic flight schedules through the Rio Grande airport (RGA), it is recommended that guests fly through Ushuaia (USH) on the way in and out of the lodge. If guests elect to fly into Rio Grande, the flight will likely be very early in the morning, require a taxi to town, and a hotel day room until the lodge is able to pick them up in the afternoon.

Arrival Day:
Guests need to arrive in Ushuaia (USH) before 2:00 PM. Guests will be met at the Ushuaia airport and ground transferred approx. 3-4 hours to the lodge. Snacks and drinks will be available during a quick stop in the small village of Tolhuin during the journey.

Departure Day:
Guests need to schedule a departing flight out of Ushuaia after 12:00 PM on the day they leave the lodge. Guests will depart the lodge around 6:00 AM, arriving at the Ushuaia airport by approximately 10:00 AM. There are usually plenty of departing flights from 12:00 PM onward.

Ushuaia Transfers:    
Not included. Transfer cost will be based on the number of guests sharing the transfer and are to be paid in USD cash on-site at the lodge.

Documentation Requirements: 
To enter Argentina, all guests are required to have the following: 

  • Passport: Valid for the duration of your trip. 
  • Medical and Evacuation Coverage: Valid for the duration of your trip.

Recommended Travel Agent: 
The domestic airline carrier in Argentina is notorious for changing and canceling flights, so to make things easier on our guests, we highly recommend using a travel agent when booking domestic flights within Argentina.  

Alicia Regueiro, Holdy Tours 
800-446-1111 or 925-927-6617 
alicia@holdytours.com  

Domestic Flight Note: 
Domestic flights within Argentina fly through either the Ezeiza international airport (EZE) or domestic airport, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP).

All domestic flights within Argentina prohibit carry-on baggage of fishing equipment (rods, reels, lines, flies, etc.) and must be checked. 

Buenos Aires Transfers: 
After arriving at the international airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires, clearing customs and immigrations (45 min – 1 ½ hour process), in most cases guests will need to transfer to the domestic airport (AEP), to make the connecting flights within Argentina. The transfer between airports or to downtown hotels takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic, however we recommend allowing four hours between flights. The following are transfer options:  

  • Tienda Leon – Located just outside of customs through sliding glass doors. Transfers can be pre-arranged online or arranged after arrival for approximately USD $40-$60 per person.  
  • Private Transfer – A private driver and/or driver and guide can be arranged through our recommended travel agent.   

Buenos Aires Hotels (Recoleta District): 
Intersur Recoleta 
Av. Callao 1764 

Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires 
Posadas 1086/88  

Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel 
Vincente Lopez 1955 

Arc Recoleta Boutique Hotel & Spa 
Peña 2155 

Buenos Aires Restaurants: 
La Cabrera  
José A. Cabrera 5127  

Las Violetas 
Av. Rivadavia 3899 

Cabaña Las Lilas 
Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 516  

Don Julio Parrilla 
Guatemala 4699  

Parrilla La Brigada 
Estados Unidos 465 

Currency:  
The official Argentine currency is the peso (ARG) however US dollars (USD) are accepted throughout the country and for gratuities. We recommend exchanging no more than $100 (USD) into pesos (ARG) for small tipping, such as baggage handlers, taxis or tips at restaurants, throughout your travels in Argentina.  

Exchange Options:
We recommend the following for exchanges.  

  • Airport Convenience Stores – Purchase something small using a $100 (USD) bill and change will be provided in pesos, which should be enough pesos during your travels.   
  • Hotels  
  • ATMs  

Electrical Requirements: 
A Type I adapter is needed throughout Argentina 

Communications: 
While traveling in Argentina we recommend using WhatsApp as this is the way most lodges and outfitters communicate. Texting through the app will allow you to keep in touch with the outfitter, friends, and family when connected to Wi-Fi.   

Travel Cash: 
We recommend each guest travel with 

  • $2,500 (USD) per week of travel
  • Bills should be new and in larger denominations, such as $50s and $100s   

Credit Cards: 
The lodge does not accept credit cards

Gratuities: 
The following are guidelines, and all gratuities are up to the discretion of the individual guest. Gratuities can be left with the lodge manager at the end of the week for distribution to guides and lodge staff. 

  • Guide: $1,000 (USD) per person
  • Lodge Staff: $300 (USD) per person

Fishing Licenses: 
Not included. They are paid in USD cash on-site at the lodge. Guests will be informed of the cost at the start of the season (estimated $250-$300 USD).

Cell Coverage and Wi-Fi:  

  • Cell Coverage: There is no cell phone service at the lodge
  • Wi-Fi: The lodge has satellite internet

Laundry: 
Laundry service is not available.

Water:
Drinking tap water at the lodge is clean and safe, and bottled water is available.

Beverages/Alcohol: 

  • Soft Drinks: Included  
  • Beer and Wine: Included 
  • Alcohol: Not included. Guests are welcome to bring their own preferred selections.  

Climate:  
The Rio Grande is a classic windswept Patagonian steppe, and despite the fishing season running through the heart of the summer months of January – early April, wind, rain, and sun can be found every day of the season. Be sure to pack a quality rain jacket, which also doubles as a windbreaker. Most importantly, you will want to dress in layers, so you can change with the conditions. Expect daytime highs to range from the mid-50s to low-70s °F, while nights cool into the upper 30s to mid-40s °F. Typically, March and April are cooler and bring a higher likelihood of precipitation as the seasons shift.

Emergency Medical Assistance: 
The closest medical facility is in the city of Rio Grande, about one hour from the lodge. Due to the remote location, we strongly recommend that anglers purchase travel insurance and medical evacuation coverage.

Recommended Medical Evacuation Carrier and Insurance Provider:   
Global Rescue  

Estancia Despedida
Tackle Guide

Here you’ll find everything you need to be ready on the water. You’ll find our preferred setups, favorite flies, recommended packing list, and notes on tackle available at the lodge.

Estancia Despedida Tackle Overview

When we travel to Estancia Despedida we always bring two rod set-ups to best address the wide range of water and weather conditions that can be experienced over the season. The Rio Grande is a long-undammed river and is heavily influenced by rain events in its headwaters that cause the water levels to rise and fall each week over the season.

The guides at Despedida techniques have evolved over the years and in most conditions, they strongly prefer guests to come prepared to fish the Rio Grande with two set ups: a single hand set up with a shooting sinking line system, and a short, lighter spey rod set up with both Skagit and Scandi heads. Their most deadly technique entails fishing a modified shooting head technique that was developed on the estancia and leads to lots of hook ups.

The best single hand rod set up is a 9’6” 7-weight or 8-weight, and a matching reel with 125+ yards of 30-lb backing and 25-lb slick shooter running line. From here, the guides will attach different lengths and weights of level sinking material, most commonly 15-feet of T-11 or T-14, which will vary depending on the flows and specific pool being fished. We also always bring a floating line on a separate reel or spool, which can be used for fishing surface flies in the last hour of the day.

Estancia Despedida Provided Equipment:
We recommend guests bring their own equipment, although the lodge does have a limited number of single and two-handed rods available as backups.

  • Rods/Reels/Lines: The lodge has limited Spey rods with matching Skagit heads and single hand rods available for guests to use as a backup.
  • Flies: The guides at Despedida have a strong preference for their personal fly patterns and are happy to provide them to guests as part of the package. It is strongly recommended that guests bring a box or two of heavy wire hooks in trade for their guide to tie their favorite patterns.
  • Waders/Boots: Waders and boots are not available to rent, guests must bring their own. Felt is permitted in Argentina, but lodge prefers rubber soled boots without studs.

Estancia Despedida Primary Setup

The best single hand rod setup is a 9’6” 7-weight or 8-weight, and a matching reel with 125+ yards of 30-lb backing and 25-lb slick shooter running line. From here, the guides will attach different lengths and weights of level sinking material, most commonly 15-feet of T-11 or T-14, which will vary depending on the flows and specific pool being fished. We also always bring a floating line on a separate reel or spool, which can be used for fishing surface flies in the last hour of the day. Rods between 9’0” – 10’ in length will work, with a preference for 9’6” – 10’ in the 7- to 8-weight category. The extra length is preferred for mending and line control.

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Estancia Despedida Secondary Setup

Our second setup is a 12’6” 7-weight Spey rod that is prepared with a matching Scandi line and Skagit line. We always bring a line wallet with a variety of interchangeable tips from floating to fast sinking, and this will cover most fishing situations. The guides lean on the side of shorter and lighter spey or switch rods with floating lines, preferring rods in the 12 – 13-foot lengths and 7 – 8-weight categories. Rods greater than 8-weights are not recommended, as they have found they lose more fish with heavier rods, and rods over 13’6” and longer are not recommended because they get pushed around a lot in the wind.

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Support Your Local Fly Shop

If you need assistance with assembling your gear for your upcoming travels, we encourage you to support your local fly shop. This curated list of tackle is handpicked for your destination by our experts and can serve as your shopping list to get your ready for your next adventure. Find your local Far Bank dealer.

Estancia Despedida Top 5 Flies

Estancia Despedida guides prefer to provide and select flies for guests and have a very strong preference for their personal patterns. We recommend bringing hooks, thread, and feathers in exchange rather than purchasing a large inventory of pretied patterns, almost all of which will likely not be to the guide’s liking. The guides will select and tie on the most appropriate patterns based on the water and fishing conditions at the time you are there. If you were to bring your own flies, we recommend rubber leg nymphs in sizes 10 – 16, Copper Johns with rubber legs in chartreuse, copper, and black similarly sized, along with some black conehead string leeches, San Juan worms, and sunray shadows in 1-inch to 3-inch lengths. All flies must be tied on stout hooks that are 2X - 3X heavy wire. 

However, for guests that enjoy tying their own flies or wish to bring a selection of their own patterns, here's a list of our top 5 recommended patterns.

Top 5 recommended Estancia Despedida Sea-Run Brown Trout Flies 

  • Rubber leg nymphs in sizes 10 - 16 
  • Copper John nymph / rubber leg nymphs (copper, chartreuse, and black) 
  • Rubber leg conehead wooly bugger / yellow yummy (black, yellow, olive) 
  • Black conehead string leech 
  • Sunray Shadow (1-inch to 3-inch in length) 

Suggested Packing List

We understand packing for an adventure is not easy. On a trip like this it is very important to have everything you need and nothing you do not. As the climate is extremely changeable and a wide range of temperatures and conditions can be expected, we recommend layering clothes. Anglers should be prepared with thermal underwear, fleece/soft shell jacket, and a rain jacket. Synthetic fabrics are preferred to cotton. Dress at the lodges/camps is neat but casual.

Documents: 
Passport, plane tickets, itinerary, credit card, cash, business cards 

Waders:
Breathable stocking foot waders are recommended. For anglers prone to cold (especially feet), boot foot waders are excellent. 

Boots: 
Felt soles are permitted in Patagonia, but please ensure all gear is clean and completely dry before travel to prevent the spread of invasive species. Rubber soles without cleats are also a great option.

Forceps: 
We like the Dr. Slick scissor pliers for crimping barbs, releasing fish and trimming flies 

Clippers: 
One line clipper 

Wading Staff:
One wading staff and belt 

Socks: 
Four pairs of wool or synthetic socks to wear under your waders. Two pairs of camp socks.

Base layers: 
One to two pairs of synthetic or merino wool long underwear (tops and bottoms) to wear beneath your waders. One mid-weight and one heavyweight. These can be worn alone or together depending on conditions.  

Shirts: 
Two or three long sleeve fishing shirts. One or two lodge shirts. 

Warm Layers: 
One or two warm insulating layers. Down, synthetic or fleece mid layers are good options. Avoid cotton. 

Rain Jacket: 
One high quality rain jacket.

Hats: 
Two fishing/baseball hats. One warm cap.

Lodge Shoes:
One pair of shoes for around the lodge.

Buff: 
One “Buff” facial sun protector (good for bugs too).

Sunglasses: 
One pair of polarized sunglasses. It is great to have a lens cleaner and a soft cleaning cloth as well. Always pack clear lenses for the evening light. Cheap hardware store glasses are an easy option to protect your eyes.

Sunscreen: 
One bottle SPF 30+ 

Lip Balm: 
One tube of SPF 30+ lip balm.

Backpack: 
One waterproof backpack or boat bag for day gear.

Headlamp: 
One small LED headlamp with batteries.

Contact Jake Crawford

Jake Crawford is Fly Water Travel's sales manager and specializes in destinations across Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, and Pacific Northwest steelhead destinations. Originally from Colorado, he moved west with the single goal of chasing steelhead with a fly rod around the Pacific Northwest. He is a big fan of anadromous fish and looks forward to helping anglers find the right destination for their fishing goals.

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