Challhuaquen Lodge,
TREVELIN, Argentina

ABOUT CHALLHUAQUEN LODGE

Challhuaquen (pronounced ‘chal-WAH-ken’) means ‘place of fishing’ in Mapuche — a fitting name for a lodge overlooking the Río Futaleufú with stunning alpine views. The property is set in rural country outside Trevelin, facing the mountains and forests of Los Alerces National Park.

The elevated lodge has six individually styled double suites, each with a private bathroom, heating and wide views across the Futaleufú valley. A fireplace anchors the main lounge, while a reading area, fly-tying room, wine cellar and riverside viewpoint provide quieter spaces between fishing sessions.

THE FUTALEUFÚ & A WIDER FISHING CIRCUIT

Challhuaquen’s program is anchored by the Río Futaleufú, one of the largest and most varied trout rivers in the Esquel–Trevelin region. Its cold, clear water moves between broad glides, riffles and deep pools, creating opportunities to fish from both boat and bank with dry flies, nymphs and streamers.

The greater strength of a week at Challhuaquen Lodge is its range and breadth of water. The lodge guides build each day around water levels, weather, hatches and the interests of the group. A float on the Futaleufú might be followed by sight-fishing on a spring creek, wading a smaller tributary or traveling into Los Alerces National Park to fish water flowing between its forested lakes.

THE RIVERS & LAKES

RÍO FUTALEUFÚ
The lodge’s home water and the foundation of its fishing program. The Futaleufú is a substantial, cold and remarkably clear river offering long floats, productive riffles, deep holding water and excellent wading access. Wild brown and rainbow trout can be approached with dries, dry-dropper rigs, nymphs or streamers according to the conditions.

LOS ALERCES NATIONAL PARK
Los Alerces is a landscape of glacial lakes, interconnected rivers, temperate forest and high Andean peaks. Possible fishing days include the Río Arrayanes, Río Rivadavia, Lago Verde, Lago Krüger and the Estrecho de los Monstruos. These waters combine boat fishing with opportunities to wade productive pools and channels between the lakes.

RÍO RIVADAVIA
Short, clear and intensely beautiful, the Rivadavia flows between Lago Rivadavia and Lago Verde. It is one of the signature fisheries of Los Alerces, with sight-fishing, dry-fly and nymph opportunities for strong brown and rainbow trout.

RÍO ARRAYANES & LAGO VERDE
The turquoise Río Arrayanes links Lago Verde with Lago Futalaufquen beneath a canopy of native forest. It provides a wonderfully scenic float-fishing day, while Lago Verde adds stillwater variety around shorelines, drop-offs and lake-fed channels.

LAGO KRÜGER & ESTRECHO DE LOS MONSTRUOS
Lago Krüger lies deeper within Los Alerces National Park and brings a stronger sense of expedition to the week. The lake and its connecting strait offer dramatic mountain surroundings and the possibility of larger trout around structure. Access depends on conditions and the programme selected by the guides.

ARROYO PESCADO
Arroyo Pescado is one of Patagonia’s best-known spring creeks. Flowing through private steppe country, it presents an entirely different challenge from the larger rivers: clear water, selective trout and precise casting with smaller flies.

RÍOS CORINTOS & PERCEY
These smaller rivers provide walk-and-wade fishing through attractive freestone and spring-creek-style water. They are particularly well suited to lighter rods, dry flies and anglers who enjoy covering a river carefully on foot.

RÍO CORCOVADO
The Corcovado begins at Lago Vinter before running west towards Chile, where it becomes the Río Palena. Its faster water, classic riffle-and-pool structure and powerful resident trout make it a rewarding option when conditions align.

RÍO PICO & THE SOUTHERN LAKES
For longer itineraries or carefully selected days, the Río Pico district opens another collection of rivers and lakes holding brown, rainbow and brook trout. These more distant waters can add a genuine road-trip element to the programme, although inclusion depends on access, travel time and seasonal conditions.

ACCOMMODATION & HOSPITALITY

Challhuaquen has six spacious guest suites with private bathrooms and large windows overlooking the Futaleufú or the mountains beyond. Rooms can be set up for double or single occupancy.

The kitchen combines Patagonian ingredients and traditions with broader international influences. Breakfast prepares anglers for the day, lunch travels to the river, and dinner is served back at the lodge with a selection of Argentine wines. Special menus and dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

After fishing, guests can use the mountain spa with its dry sauna, Jacuzzi, Scottish shower and massage room — a welcome counterpoint to six active days on the water.

NON ANGLER ACTIVITIES

We can arrange a wide range of non-angler activities including local winery and vineyard tours, shopping expeditions into Esquel, scenic fixed wing or helicopter flights, horse-trekking, day or overnight hikes, bird watching, and regional tours, all on request.

2026/27 WEEKLY PACKAGE RATE

Seven nights/six days’ guided fishing: US$5,800 per angler

Every Challhuaquen week runs Saturday to Saturday, with seven nights at the lodge and six full days of guided fishing from Sunday through Friday. That sixth fishing day creates room to explore more of the region’s rivers and lakes, revisit productive water, or adapt when Patagonia’s weather changes the original plan.

Ask us to calculate pricing for shorter or longer stays, or for single room / single guide options.

We can also arrange a wider Patagonian itinerary, or include rivers further north in Mendoza, Salta or fishing for other species such as chasing Golden Dorado in clear high country rivers. A visit to Mendoza can also include a winery and vineyard tour, visit to hot pools and excellent rural or central city accommodation.