Patagonia Outdoors Adventures Program by Margaret Hutton
Hutton Fly Expeditionary Travel has hosted fly-fishing experiences around the world for over ten years, often with non-angling spouses. On our most recent trip to Patagonia, we were delighted to experience that El Encuentro has figured out the riddle for non-angling spouses at fly-fishing lodge. Rather than off-water activities being an afterthought, a full Argentinian experience is cultivated based on the interests of the guests.
As we prepared for our trip, Hutton Fly contacted the non-angling guests to learn of their wishes and desires for their adventure. The information was then passed along to El Encuentro to help guide their planning process. What we experienced was perfect. Alun Jones, the Activities Guide, created a bespoke itinerary each day to share the history, geology and culture of Patagonia.
Day 1 - We spent the day exploring Trevelin, hiking to waterfalls, visiting museums and touring a local vineyard.
Day 2 - The beautiful weather allowed us to float the river with our spouses, enjoying the Rio Grand with an amazing riverside lunch experience.
Day 3 - This was the big hike day. A beautiful day hiking to the backcountry Baglitt Lake with spectacular vistas, parakeet viewing and a lovely picnic.
Day 4 - A day trip with an elegant lunch in Futalafu, Chile, getting another stamp in our passports with an afternoon transfer to Valle de Carrileiufu Lodge for the remainder of our week.
Day 5 - We spent the day in Los Alerces National Park with a ferry ride to a private tour of the 2600 year old Alerce trees. A magical day indeed.
Day 6 - For our last day, we spent the morning horseback riding at the base of the mountains through streams and hiking to a hidden waterfall. And no afternoon activity could be more relaxing than a massage followed by a glass of Argentinian wine.
Having a privately curated and guided itinerary for land based activities allowed for an immersive and rich experience for everyone. All guests were able to have full, exciting days and come together for an elegant dinner at the lodge each evening. It was a beautiful week.
Margaret Hutton
Hutton Fly Expeditionary Travel, Owner
