Travel
Traveling With El Encuentro
El Encuentro will work closely with you making sure that your travel goes smoothly and you are well taken care of, from the day you land in Argentina to when you depart. We provide detailed Pre-Trip information so you are well-prepared for your Patagonia adventure with us.
All of our great fishing programs are located in the province of Chubut, in Argentine Patagonia. Our main airport is Esquel (EQS). Aerolineas Argentinas provides one to two daily flights to Esquel from Buenos Aires (depending on the day of the week and season). Another option is to fly from Buenos Aires to Bariloche. Bariloche has up to five flights daily from Buenos Aires. The transfer time to Esquel/Trevelin from Bariloche is about five and a half hours. There is an additional cost for us to pick you up at the Bariloche airport (US $350 per vehicle which seats three passengers).
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From the United States
United, American, Delta, Aerolíneas Argentinas. Your flights should be booked from your city of origin to Buenos Aires.
From the United Kingdom
British Airways has a direct flight from London to Buenos Aires.
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Buenos Aires has two airports - Ezeiza (EZE, international) and Aeroparque (AEP, domestic). All international flights arrive and depart from Ezeiza; most domestic flights depart from Aeroparque. You can transfer by private driver or Remis (chauffeured taxi) from the international airport to the domestic airport for your flight to Patagonia or into Buenos Aires if you are staying a night or two.
We recommend staying a night in Buenos Aires on your way down so that you arrive at El Encuentro well-rested and ready to start your Patagonia adventure the following day. Having said that, depending on the time your international flight lands, you might be able to travel directly to Patagonia on the same day. Please keep in mind that you should plan to land in Ezeiza at least three hours before your domestic flight. This gives you at least one hour to clear Immigration and Customs, one hour to transfer between airports, and one hour ahead of your flight time to check in for your domestic flight.
Whether you land in Esquel or Bariloche, our staff will take you to the Lodge or Camp.
On your return, you may need to overnight in Buenos Aires depending on the schedule of the flight from Esquel. You need at least four hours before your international departure to change airports, check in at Ezeiza, etc.
When you depart Buenos Aires, plan on arriving at Ezeiza three hours before your departure.
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Buenos Aires is an incredible city with remarkable culture, architecture, entertainment, hotels and dining, and is the birthplace of tango music and dancing. We have a partner agency in Buenos Aires that can make all the reservations you need including domestic airline tickets, private airport transfers, hotel reservations, city guide, and all other activities. This creates a seamless transition with El Encuentro Fly Fishing. Working with our partner will save you time searching and thinking about travel and ensure you get the absolute best prices and service. They are easily contacted and available to help you with any travel issues you might encounter during your vacation. No matter what, hotel reservations need to be made far in advance.
Currency & Credit Cards
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The Argentine unit of currency is the peso (AR$). Prices are quoted in Argentine pesos unless otherwise noted. The value of the peso fluctuates in relation to the US Dollar (US$). The current state of the currency strongly favors foreign travelers. You should check exchange rates before your arrival.
It is a good idea to bring some US$ spending cash to exchange, as well as an ATM card and credit card. All travelers should use caution when traveling in big cities or small. While staying in hotels, we recommend using safety deposit boxes, but this is not necessary at El Encuentro.
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Paper money comes in denominations of five, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos (AR$).
At El Encuentro, US dollars are preferred for the payment of gratuities. Hundred-dollar or fifty-dollar bills are preferred.
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Cajeros automaticos (ATMs) are found in nearly every city and town. They're the best way to get cash if you're running low, and nearly all of them have instructions in English. Almost all ATMs use Cirrus, Plus or Link systems. The downside to ATMs is that most machines only allow a maximum withdrawal of AR$2000 per transaction, and sometimes have withdrawal fees. Be sure to check with your bank about fees to avoid surprises later on.
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The most widely accepted credit cards are Visa and MasterCard, though American Express and a few others are also valid in many establishments. Before you leave home, warn your credit-card company that you'll be using it abroad or it may put a hold on the card thinking it was lost.
Some businesses add a recargo (surcharge) of 5% to 10% toward credit-card purchases. Also, the actual amount you'll eventually pay depends upon the exchange rate not at the time of sale, but when the purchase is posted to an overseas account, sometimes weeks later.
If you use a credit card to pay for restaurant bills, be aware that tips can't usually be added to the bill. Some lower-end hotels and private tour companies will not accept credit cards. Holders of MasterCard and Visa can get cash advances at Argentine banks and most ATMs.
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US Dollars are easily exchanged into Argentine Pesos in Buenos Aires and Patagonia. ATM machines dispense Argentine Pesos from your credit or debit card for personal shopping (there are several ATMs in Esquel and Trevelin). It is recommended that you take enough US Dollars for gratuities and any additional items you might want to purchase at the Lodge.
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Under limited circumstances, foreign visitors may obtain refunds of the impuesto al valor agregado (IVA; value-added tax) on purchases of Argentine products upon their departure from the country. A 'Tax Free' (in English) window decal identifies merchants participating in this program. Hang on to your invoice and you can obtain refunds in Buenos Aires at Ezeiza or Aeroparque Jorge Newbery.
Before You Travel
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You will need a current passport to travel to Argentina. It is advised that you make copies of your passport and carry those in a separate location from your actual passport. Another handy way of doing this is to take pictures of the important pages on your smartphone. Visas are not required prior to your trip to Argentina, and you will only need to fill out a simple form on the airplane for customs and immigration.
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Travel insurance is not required, but we do recommend that all visitors purchase travel insurance in advance of a trip. Argentina and Chile are safe countries and your hosts take every precaution necessary to ensure your well being — but of course, things can happen. Most people use travel insurance to cover last-minute cancellations and travel issues such as delayed or canceled flights, lost luggage, and medical emergencies. There are also options for more comprehensive travel insurance that include medical evacuations.
Rest assured that throughout your trip, El Encuentro Fly Fishing will be ready to assist so you can enjoy traveling worry-free.
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If your health insurance doesn't cover you for medical expenses abroad, consider getting extra insurance. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures. (In many countries doctors expect payment in cash.)
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Travelers should always pack medication for such common ailments as diarrhea, upset stomach, motion sickness, headache and nausea, along with any necessary prescriptions. Most visitors to Argentina don't experience stomach problems associated, for instance, with Mexico, but it pays to have treatment available just in case. You'll find food to be outstanding and bottled water available everywhere in Argentina.
Insects are not a problem in our region, but be sure to bring and use sun block (40‐60 SPF) even on cloudy days. Also plan to use lip balm, depending on your sensitivity. The sun is very strong!
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Bring medication in its original, clearly labeled container. A signed, dated letter from your physician describing your medical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a good idea. If carrying syringes or needles, be sure to have a physician's letter documenting their medical necessity.
There are very few biting insects including mosquitoes. At some times during the season, there are non-aggressive yellow jackets and horseflies present. If you are allergic to bees, bring your anti-reaction medication. You might find similar allergies to wild grasses, trees and flowers that you do at home during some seasons. Bring your normal allergy medicine if you have hayfever. The water is drinkable throughout Argentina and will not make you sick like you can expect in other Latin American countries.
If you have any existing medical conditions, mobility issues or special needs that we should be aware of, please let us know in advance so any special arrangements can be made.
Let’s Start Planning
We are excited to craft an unforgettable Patagonia fly fishing experience for you and your group.