FOOD
Breakfast, lunch, après, and dinner are included and served daily, and we are happy to cater to dietary preferences and restrictions as noted in your guest information form.
Each chef-prepared meal focuses on seasonal ingredients that are thoughtfully prepared and locally sourced. Dishes are served family-style, and deliver an authentic culinary experience true to Chile and Patagonia’s traditions. Guests will also experience two customary Chilean-style asado BBQs, which are special evenings at each lodge that many guests remember as the trip highlight.
DRINKS
Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included in your stay at Martín Pescador Lodge. Guests are treated with local cocktails served by the manager, and there is a self-serve bar with a fine selection of liquor, beer, and wine. If you have a special beverage preference, please discuss it with your Experience Team in the pre-trip planning process.
Preparing for Your Trip
Check out the essential information you need to know before you go.
Packing List
DON’T FORGET TO PACK:
Passport
Wallet with Chilean Pesos, cash, and cards
Prescriptions and medication
Cell phone and charger
International adapter
Camera and charger
Batteries for devices
Personal toiletries
LAUNDRY
If you wish to have your clothes washed, we are happy to launder them for $15 USD per bag.
CLOTHES YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU PACKED:
Long-sleeve fishing shirts
Warm capilene layers
Fleece tops
Windbreaker
Rain pants/bibs and quick dry pants
Comfy clothes for the lodge
Casual dinner wear
Warm layers for chilly summer nights
Puffy jacket
Bathing suit
Wool socks
Socks (lightweight and thicker wool)
Comfy shoes for the lodge (sandals, clogs, slip-ons)
Light hiking boots (Gore-tex recommended)
Sun gloves and fleece gloves
Dependable rain jacket for wet weather (the lodge does not have loaner jackets)
Sun protection (sunscreen, lip balm, sun mask, and gloves)
Polarized sunglasses (two pair) and Croakies
*Guide tip: We recommend wearing light, natural colored clothing (and avoiding dark blue/navy) to avoid bug attraction.
WEATHER
DEC: JAN-MAR:
45° - 65°F
7° - 18°C
50° - 80°F
10° - 27°C
Fly Fishing Gear List
All gear is provided, but here is a list of suggestions if you’d like to bring your own. As a reminder, please complete your guest information form found in the welcome email.
Rods
We recommend two medium-fast to fastaction rods that deliver accuracy in the Patagonia wind.
9’ 6-weight
9’ 7- or 8-weight
Reels
Large arbor reels are best for quick retrieve and less line memory. We recommend 75 to 100 yards of 20-lb backing.
Lines
#7 floating line for 6-weight rod
#8 floating line for 7-weight rod
20–24’ integrated sinking line for your 7wt 200-250 grain
Leaders
9ft. tapered leader 0X–4X
7 1⁄2 ft. 0X and 1X leaders with tippet
Tippet spools of 0X, 1X, 2X, 3X
10-lb Clear Maxima for streamers
Equipment List
Spools
Extra fly line
Leader and tippet material
Waterproof tackle bag
Dry/Waterproof bags
Floatant, pliers, forceps, nippers, hook sharpener, fly line dressing, and cleaning pad
Wearables
Waders
Wading staff
Wading boots, non-studded (rubber sole recommended)
Good to Know
COMMUNICATION SERVICES:
• If you have cell service in the U.S. with Verizon or AT&T you can sign up for a plan specifically for Chile for about $40 USD per month. This should cover your trip for cell and internet/ email service wherever there is coverage. Santiago and most cities and towns have good coverage. At Rio Rosselot lodge, there is cell service and internet available, but weather conditions can interfere with both at times.
Rio Yelcho Lodge does not have cell service but does have WiFi when the internet is working. The lodge has a telephone for use in emergencies.
LOCAL TIME ZONE:
• Time in Santiago, Chile is (GMT-3). U.S. Eastern Time is +1 hour. Chile does change to and from daylight savings time with the U.S.
LOCAL LANGUAGE:
• Spanish is the official language of Chile. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and in most hotels in Santiago. All Eleven hosts and guides speak English.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
• We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. The Sales Team can help you arrange trip cancellation insurance prior to your trip. Please let us know if you would like us to connect you with our preferred insurance partner, Global Rescue, to provide you with a quote.
GRATUITIES:
• While gratuities are not expected at our properties, guests wishing to leave a tip for the lodge team may consider $150.00 USD per guide day and $100.00 USD per night for the lodge staff, per room. This amount will be distributed among all in-house lodge staff who have contributed to your stay. Gratuity can be left via credit card in the local currency on your final bill (preferred) or in cash, CLP or USD.
• General Tipping Standards:
• Taxis in Santiago: No tip or small change.
• Airport transfer drivers in Santiago and Puerto Montt: $10–20 USD per way.
• Porters: $1 USD per bag.
• Restaurants: 10% of bill
ELECTRICAL CURRENT:
• Throughout Chile, the power sockets are type C and L. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. U.S. guests will require a voltage converter for 110 volt devices. Electrical sockets have two or three holes and accept round (European) plugs. You will need an adaptor for your U.S. plugs. We have adaptors at the lodge, but not converters. Please bring them for devices not already equipped. Most laptop computers and cell phones have chargers with converters, requiring only an adaptor.
CASH AND CREDIT CARDS:
• You will need Chilean pesos (cash) to pay for taxis and incidentals around Santiago and other cities and towns since foreign currency is not widely accepted. It’s always good to have $50 to $100 USD in Chilean pesos. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants. Depending on your credit card, this is the way to get the best exchange rate. It is best to use MasterCard or Visa. AMEX is less commonly accepted.
SPECIAL REQUESTS:
• Please take care in filling out the pre-trip questionnaire, which you have received separately via email and other correspondence. It is crucial that our team is aware of any food allergies, physical limitations, and medical needs. Please also share any special requests like favorite food, wine, or alcohol; any celebrations taking place while you’re with us; any requests related to the type of fishing you prefer; or anything else that could make your trip more enjoyable. We do everything possible to meet all special requests.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE:
• The Chilean peso (CLP) is the official currency of Chile. The exchange rate does fluctuate and is currently inflated, so please check the exchange rate before you depart for your trip. Don’t change USD or euro before arriving in Chile. You can exchange at the airport, at most hotels, at banks (ATMs are available in Santiago and other cities), and exchange houses. Exchange houses (Casa de Cambio) usually give the best rates.
