What's New

Now open for the 2019/20 fishing season, Eleven Experience introduces Rio Palena Lodge, set within the Andean Valleys of the Lagos Region on the banks of the magnificent Rio Palena, Patagonia. Far off the usual tourist trail, the lodge offers guests the ultimate fly-fishing and adventure retreat, a chance to truly switch off and disconnect from modern day life. Sleeping up to 14 guests in 7 en-suite bedrooms, Rio Palena allows guests to fish in a region that is famous for large brown and rainbow wild trout. These special super-charged trout thrive in the glacial waters of the myriad lakes, rivers, and streams in this far-flung and remote part of Patagonia. With Eleven’s superb team of highly professional guides and experience managers, guests of all ages and skill levels will be encouraged to join in fishing adventures, alongside stand up paddle boarding, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and cooking classes, for non-anglers.
AN ENCHANTING & CHALLENGING FISHING LANDSCAPE
The lodge’s unique location offers anglers a fishing trip of a lifetime, a pristine landscape of stunning wild scenery with a vast river system with plentiful strong and powerful fish. From tranquil float and wade fishing to exhilarating helicopter fishing, there is something for everyone. The Rio Palena is one of the best rivers in the world for large brown trout, and Eleven’s highly qualified, professional and enthusiastic guides know each stretch of the river, and as experts on the regional waters, will ensure that guests are fishing the best water at the time of their trips.
Rio Palena Lodge offers guests numerous sections of the Rio Palena for full and half-day trips – each with a variety of challenges and surprises, accessed by wading, rafts, drift boats or Hyde motorized Power Drifters. The region’s trout average 14- to 20-inches, with fish between 20 and 24 inches caught most days – and it’s not uncommon for 25 or more fish to be caught in one week. For those that enjoy classic float fishing, guests can fish the upper Futaleufu River with classic riffles and runs that sweep over swaying aquatic grass. On the upper section of the river guests will fish through a series of islands and long placid runs and pools, ending in Lake Yelcho. Here, a jet boat will whisk anglers to reed-laden bays and inlets to cast dragon fly and beetle patterns to cruising trout. For the serious adrenalin junkie angler, a day of helicopter fishing will put guests on water rarely fished.
A BUCKET LIST NATURE & ADVENTURE DESTINATION
With a legendary reputation for raw, staggering beauty and magnificent wilderness, Patagonia is a true bucket list destination for adventurers. Guests will have one of the most remote and pristine landscapes on their doorstep, surrounded by lush Andean forests, rugged snowcapped volcanoes and mountains, majestic fjords, abundant wildlife and a collection of national parks. Eleven’s experience managers are on hand to arrange all sorts of fantastic active adventures outside of fishing. Whether it is biking and hiking the Andes, or rafting or paddle boarding on a world-class river, guests can know that few have come before them. For more relaxing moments, sightseeing picnics and horseback riding can be arranged, or back at the lodge, cooking classes, wine tasting and relaxing massages await.
A RELAXING HOME FROM HOME
Set within 13 acres, right on the banks of the river, Rio Palena Lodge has been newly remodeled and designed in Eleven Experience’s signature style. The relaxed design of Rio Palena Lodge is in keeping with its surrounds, offering guests unparalleled Eleven service and seriously comfortable accommodation. The 7-ensuite bedrooms, with king or double beds, each has a stunning view of the valley. The lodge’s private chef will prepare a delicious breakfast to set guests up for a day on the river, sending them off with a packed lunch, drinks, snacks and local wine to keep energy levels up throughout the day. Evenings are spent by the wood-burning stove or on the deck overlooking the river whilst enjoying fine Chilean or Argentine wine. Guests can also relax in the wood-fired sauna and two hot-tubs. Gourmet dinners include local beef, homemade pasta, salmon and locally grown produce or a special Chilean asado – a traditional BBQ accompanied by fresh salads, home baked bread and fine wines.
In addition to the main lodge, Eleven has two fully decked-out riverfront outposts on the lower Futaleufu River and in the Rio Palena Canyon. Each outpost provides a secluded haven for quick access to magnificent stretches of the Futaleufu and lower stretches of the Rio Palena.
The season runs from November to April. During the early season the lack of run-off means the rivers are crystal clear. January and February are the prime summer months with warm days and excellent dry fly-fishing.