NORTHERN PATAGONIA HOSTED WEEK AT LA PILARICA LODGE
LA PILARICA LODGE HOSTEd WEEKS: DECEMBER 2026 OR FEBRUARY 2027
TWO HOSTED WEEKS AT LA PILARICA LODGE
Join Isolation Outfitters for a small-group fly-fishing week based at La Pilarica Lodge in Villa Lago Rivadavia, near Esquel and Los Alerces National Park in Argentine Patagonia. We have ring-fenced two dates at excellent times within the Northern Patagonia trout season:
04–11 December 2026
27 February–05 March 2027
Each week is built around pursuing wild brown, rainbow and brook trout, with a flexible fishing program and a maximum of six rods (plus your host) for the week. Accommodation, meals, drinks, guiding, Esquel Airport transfers, fishing licenses and national park fees, plus support in Buenos Aires is all included, leaving you free to focus on the fishing and enjoying the incredible scenery of Patagonia.
DESTINATION & WATER
La Pilarica’s home river is the Carrileufú, with several floatable and wadeable sections within reach of the lodge. The program may also include the Río Rivadavia, Río Arrayanes, productive lakes, spring creeks and Laguna Larga or other lakes. Guides will select our fishing locations each day according to river levels, weather, hatches and the group’s objectives rather than following any contrived fixed rotation.
TARGET SPECIES & FISHING STYLE
Wild brown and rainbow trout are the main targets, supported by brook trout and landlocked salmon. Expect a blend of drift-boat fishing, walk-and-wade sessions, lake fishing and selective spring-creek presentations. Dry flies, nymphs and streamers all have their place.
The December week offers early-summer conditions, fewer visitors and a varied fishery as the season settles. The late-February week falls at the end of the peak summer period, with established dry-fly opportunities and the season beginning to turn toward the productive autumn brown-trout window. Exact fishing plans always remain conditions-dependent.
This region of Patagonia retains excellent cool water temperatures throughout the season, whereas further north the rivers can become too warm for fly fishing after December.
HOST & GROUP DETAILS
Isolation Outfitters will coordinate and host both weeks. The lodge’s small capacity supports an easy group rhythm and gives guides room to adapt. Standard fishing is based on two anglers sharing a boat and guide. Solo anglers are welcome, and a single-room option with a shared boat and guide is available subject to room capacity.
LA PILARICA LODGE
La Pilarica has five double rooms with private bathrooms, mountain views, welcoming shared spaces, a substantial fireplace and a fly-tying corner. Starlink Wi-Fi is available, while mobile service in the surrounding valley is limited.
Chef Iñaki leads the kitchen, serving Patagonian lamb, seasonal produce, homemade dishes and desserts, and Argentine wines. Breakfast is served before departure, lunch travels to the water, and dinner brings the group together at the lodge.
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
Pack your favorite 9 ft 5 or 6 weight rod, with a quality high-floating weight forward or double tapered line, bring some sinking tip leaders in case we get into deeper water or for big streamers, plus pack clean and reliable waders and boots, quality rainwear, warm layers and sun protection.
We will provide a detailed packing list and season-specific fly recommendations after confirming your booking. Like New Zealand, Patagonia can deliver warm sunshine, cold wind and rain in the same day, so prepare for fast-changing conditions.
HOSTED TRIP DATES & AVAILABILITY
4–11 December 2026 — places available subject to confirmation
27 February–5 March 2027 — places available subject to confirmation
Both weeks are strictly limited by La Pilarica’s five-room capacity. Contact us early with your preferred date and room choice. We can take a maximum of two-three single room bookings for each of our hosted weeks and we operate on a ‘first in, first confirmed’ policy for fairness.
HOSTED TRIP DETAILS AT A GLANCE
Destination: La Pilarica Lodge, Villa Lago Rivadavia, Chubut, Argentina
Hosted week 1: 4–11 December 2026
Hosted week 2: 27 February–5 March 2027
Nearest airport: Esquel (EQS)
Target species: Wild brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout
Fishing style: Drift boat, walk-and-wade, lake and spring-creek fishing
Group size: Maximum six anglers plus host
Guiding: Typically two anglers sharing a boat and guide
Accommodation: Five ensuite rooms; shared or single-room options
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Accommodation at La Pilarica Lodge (six nights)
All meals, snacks and beverages
Guided fly fishing (five days)
Return ground transfers from Esquel Airport
Fishing licenses and Los Alerces National Park fees
Isolation Outfitters hosting and pre-trip planning, plus dinner in Buenos Aires
NOT INCLUDED
International flights to Argentina
Domestic flights to and from Esquel
Buenos Aires accommodation and airport transfers
Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
Comprehensive travel and medical-evacuation insurance
Personal fishing equipment
Optional non-angling activities and itinerary extensions
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Most guests will route through Buenos Aires before taking a domestic flight to Esquel. We recommend allowing enough time for the airport change between Ezeiza (EZE) and Aeroparque (AEP), and often suggest an overnight stay in the city. If you arrive with an overnight stay, we’ll head out to dinner with you and show you around the city.
On arrival at Esquel, the included road transfer to La Pilarica takes approximately 90 minutes.
Fishing days begin with breakfast and a briefing on conditions. Guides then select the strongest option from the Carrileufú, Rivadavia, Arrayanes, lakes and spring creeks. Lunch is served on the water before returning to the lodge for drinks, dinner and the following day’s plan.
At the end of the hosted week, the lodge provides the return transfer to Esquel Airport. Isolation Outfitters can also arrange additional Patagonia travel, Buenos Aires stays or a Mendoza wine/fishing extension.
HOSTED WEEK RATES
Shared room, shared boat and guide: US$4,600 per angler
Single room, shared boat and guide: US$5,700 per angler
Rates are quoted in US dollars and include the services listed above. Once your hosted trip package is reserved with us, each angler will receive a detailed itinerary, invoice, payment schedule and booking terms.
CONCIERGE & TRAVEL SERVICE
Isolation Outfitters can coordinate your complete journey, including Buenos Aires hotels, domestic flights, airport transfers and pre- or post-trip extensions. We’ll meet you in Buenos Aires and can show you around the central Recoleta area if you’re new to the city.
Non-angling partners are welcome and can enjoy horseback riding, kayaking and trekking near the lodge, with wine touring available as part of a wider Argentina itinerary.
WHY FISH NORTHERN PATAGONIA WITH US?
La Pilarica offers the variety that makes a hosted week work: several sections of the Carrileufú, access to the Rivadavia and Arrayanes, and alternatives on nearby lakes and some secret spring creeks. Our guides make the call each day, so the program follows the fishing and the weather, rather than a fixed timetable.
Isolation Outfitters hosts the group on the ground. You gain the camaraderie of a small team, the flexibility of a boutique lodge centre around you, and practical support from us from your first enquiry through to your return journey!
BOOKING & TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOSTED TRIP ENQUIRIES
Contact Isolation Outfitters with your preferred hosted week, number of anglers, room choice and fly-fishing experience. We will confirm availability, discuss whether the date suits your goals and provide the full booking pack.
AIRLINE ROUTING
International guests generally arrive in Buenos Aires before connecting to Esquel Airport (EQS). The international and domestic airports in Buenos Aires are separate, so allow generous connection time or plan an overnight stay.
We can recommend flight timing, hotels and transfer arrangements. Please ask us for advice.
LODGE TRANSFERS
Return ground transfers between Esquel Airport and La Pilarica are included. The drive takes approximately 90 minutes through Chubut’s stunningly beautiful mountain and ranch country.
CONNECTIVITY
La Pilarica has Starlink Wi-Fi. Mobile service in Villa Lago Rivadavia and along the rivers is limited and carrier-dependent. Treat reliable river connectivity as unavailable and plan accordingly.
TRAVEL & MEDICAL COVER
All guests should hold comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical treatment and emergency evacuation. Carry your policy details and emergency contacts throughout the trip. Medical cover is required for all anglers visiting Argentina.
RATES & BOOKING
Hosted-week rates are quoted in US dollars per angler for the selected date and room configuration. Three options are offered:
Shared room with two anglers sharing a boat and guide
Single room with two anglers sharing a boat and guide
Single room with single boat/guide, subject to guide availability
Once your final package and rate is confirmed, Isolation Outfitters will provide a detailed invoice, inclusions, payment schedule and booking terms. Online card payments are possible to confirm your booking. Your place on our hosted weeks is secured only after the required deposit is received by our office.
SINGLE ANGLERS
Solo anglers are welcome. We will match you with a compatible boat partner and can arrange either a shared room or a single room, subject to availability. The five-room lodge means early enquiries are strongly recommended.
NON-ANGLING PARTNERS
Partners who do not fish can enjoy horseback riding, kayaking, trekking and the lodge’s food and setting. We can also arrange a broader Argentina itinerary, including Buenos Aires excursions or Mendoza wine touring before or after La Pilarica.
HOW TO RESERVE
Send us your preferred week, room option and passenger details. We will confirm space with the lodge and issue a full booking proposal to you.
FOR BOOKINGS & ENQUIRES
USA & CANADA Toll Free +1 (888) 404 1390
Bozeman MT +1 (406) 404 2419
Wānaka, NZ +64 27 223 6796
Mendoza, ARG +54 9 261 546 5084
Email: hi@isolationoutfitters.com

