FISHING ON THE PROPERTY
This Undeclima Region of Aysén is considered by many to be a true paradise for fly fishing. It is undoubtedly a first class destination even by international standards. The Alegria Lodge enjoys 5 Kms of Río Figueroa coastline with numerous spots that are suitable for bait and fly fishing. The species that can be found in the Río Figueroa and in the Palena Watershed include the Brown, Rainbow and Fontinalis Trouts. It is also possible, especially near the end of summer, to catch Pacific salmon of the following varieties: Chinook, or King and Silver or Coho. These can be 20 kilograms or more in weight. During the eighties, Pacific salmon were introduced into the Palena River of which the Río Figueroa is a tributary. These impressive fish that are born in the superior portion of the fluvial system, migrate towards the sea, growing to enormous proportions and returning a few years later to the river where they were born. They orient themselves thanks to an almost legendary system that guides them hundreds and thousands of kilometers to finally arrive to reproduce and die in the same place where they were born.
FISHING ON VESSELS
River descent: The Rivers Figueroa and Palena are especially suited for this form of fishing. It is possible to travel these rivers, descending towards the Pacific Ocean on rubber dinghies or boats.
Lakes: It is possible to travel by vessel on Lakes Rosselot, Verde and Risopatrón.
Lake Rosselot (45 minutes from the Lodge) is a lake that is 21 Kms large, with a longish shape and steep sides. It has the advantage of being protected from the winds and as a result it is possible to fish comfortably under any climactic condition. The Rivers Figueroa and Bordali enter this lake. The lake flows out through the Rosselot River, a copious river that joins the Palena 12 Kms further down, giving birth to the locality of La Junta.
Green Lake (15 minutes from the Lodge) runs parallel to the Sierra of the Media Luna (Half Moon) that is very close to the Argentinean border and runs towards the northeast. It is approximately 14 Kms long and it flows out towards the Río Verde, which is the tributary of the Río Figueroa 4 Kms further ahead.
Lake Risopatrón (2 hours from the Lodge) is 10 Kms large with its main axis going from South to North. It flows out through the Río Risopatrón that is a tributary of the Río Palena.
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Fontinalis Trout
Chinook or King Pacific Salmon
Pacific Salmon, Silver Salmon or Coho
OTHER ACTIVITIES
TREKING INSIDE THE PROPERTY
There are two circuits through which it is possible to enjoy the untouched valley nature: the East Circuit and the West Circuit.
East Circuit: Takes 4 hours in total (can also be covered on horseback).
The circuit travels a path that is approximately 8 Kms long that begins at the Lodge and runs towards the east, initially parallel to the Río Figueroa and subsequently, parallel to the Río Verde (tributary of the Río Figueroa). This path weaves in between the forest following the mountainside and presents several points of interest where it is possible to reach the river coastline for fishing. Along the way, the path comes across beautiful prairies and numerous brooks that come down from the mountains to join the Río Figueroa.
The course of the path goes upwards following the irregular slopes, allowing one to enjoy the different and magnificent views of the river. As the path continues, the vegetation changes progressively and the forest transforms into the initial levels of the Patagonia Steppe. The circuit ends upon arriving to the Lago Verde where the Río Verde flows out. From here, it is possible to board a vessel to travel on the Lago Verde towards the town or towards the rivers that flow into this lake.
West Circuit: Takes 2 days in total on foot (can only be traversed on foot). It is also possible to cover portions of this circuit in shorter periods of time.
The path begins at the Lodge and goes parallel to the Río Figueroa for approximately 5 Kms until a new and recently built refuge is reached. From there, the path turns towards the southwest going along the Valley of Río Gaeter for another 7 Kms.
Approximately 300 meters after its start point, the path crosses a wooden bridge that goes over the Melina Brook. Subsequently, it follows a foresty plain for another kilometer where a small pampa opens up containing the remains of an old building that had a roof built out of canoes (an antique construction technique that empties out tree trunks in the shape of canoes and uses them to build a roof). From there on, the terrain becomes more treacherous with steep ascents and descents, surrounded by a dense vegetation of enormous beauty and incredibly elevated views of the Río Figueroa. Along the way, several hanging bridges, gorges, and waterfalls of over 10 meters in height are crossed in order to reach the previously mentioned refuge located at the entrance of the Valley of the Río Geater. In this portion of the pathway, at least three other paths are encountered that lead down towards significant sections of the Río Figueroa where a variety of fishing is possible. In some of these spots, it is possible to reach large boulders in the middle of the river. In some sectors of the river, water collects forming deep pools.
Beyond the refuge, the Río Geater channel continues along a narrow ascending valley (400 meters wide) that ends where the Río Geater originates, and where a number of unexplored lagoons can be found along the border of the Queulat National Park. Most of this region has never been exposed to mankind.
RAFTING
The Río Figueroa can be navigated in rubber dinghies or white water rafts, with difficulty levels ranging from 3 to 5. The views on the way down the river are spectacular, traversing diverse areas: some where the river is boxed in, others where intense rapids are encountered and finally, others where beautiful calm portions can be enjoyed.
KAYAKS OR CANOES
It is possible to travel in a canoe on Lakes Rosselot, Verde, and Risopatrón. In addition, the Palena River can be navigated all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
HORSE BACK RIDING
A number of short rides can be taken inside the property following the Eastern Circuit. Outside of the property, longer horseback rides that last all the way from hours to several days can be enjoyed. These go along the Río Quinto Valley, which runs northwards and parallel to the Río Figueroa and is separated by a chain of mountains.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Mountain biking
Tirolesa
Rappel
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
NAVIGATING RIO PALENA AND RAUL MARIN (1 day)
It is possible to navigate down the majestic Río Palena starting in La Junta and going all the way to where it meets the Pacific Ocean 72 Kms later. Another alternative is to drive this same road, starting at the Austral Highway in La Junta and going west for about 40 Kms. At that point, it is possible to board a vessel and sail down to where the Palena ends. In this location, one can find the Raul Marin Town where it is possible to have a meal and even stay the night.
PUYUHAPY Y TERMAS (THERMAL WATERS) (1 day)
Driving south along the Austral Highway starting at La Junta, one reaches Lake Risopatrón, the Pacific Fjord and the small village of Puyuhapuapi. In this community one finds their traditional rug factory. About 15Kms south from here, one can find the thermal waters of Puyuhuapi where the water is heated by volcanic lava and the temperatures reach 80 degrees. It is possible to swim in these waters looking out directly onto the southern Pacific Ocean, its fjords and the foresty vegetation that grows on the surfaces that surround the waters.
CHAITEN AND THERMAL WATERS OF AMARILLO (1 day)
Continuing northwards from La Junta along the Austral Highway, one drives past the impressive valleys of Río Palena and Río Frío, the Village of Santa Lucía, the beautiful Lake Yelcho, the ventisquero Yelcho Chico –small hanging glacier- (where it is possible to hike for 7 Kms). Finally, after going across a striking hanging bridge that stretches over the Río Yelcho, one arrives at the rustic thermal waters of El Amarillo where it is possible to take a dip. Continuing on this road, one arrives at Chaitén, which is on the edge of the Pacific and has a population of 7100 inhabitants. Here, it is possible to board a vessel and go to the Island of Chiloe. In Chaitén one can enjoy the shellfish and fish that are distinctive of the south of Chile.
NATIONAL PARK QUEULAT AND COYHAIQUE (1 day)
50 Kms south from Puyuhuapy, one finds the National Park Queulat with its impressive Ventisquero Colgante (Hanging Glacier), which can be reached by going across the hanging bridge that is over the Río Ventisquero and walking along a path (4 hours). On this walk, is the Lagoon of the Tempanos (Icebergs) with its greenish coloring caused by the melting of ice, finally reaching the waterfall at the base of the hanging glacier. This is one of the most spectacular views that nature can offer us.
ESQUEL, TREVELIN AND THE RIO FUTALEUFU VALLEY (1 to 3 days)
To reach Esquel, one travels north on the Austral Highway along the beautiful Valley of Palena and Río Frío until reaching Santa Lucía. There, a shift to the east is made, driving by the Yelcho Lake and afterwards traveling the impressive valley of Río Futaleufú (“large river” in Araucano language) where high level rafting is available. Subsequently, the frontier is crossed, going into Argentina where the first community that is encountered is Trevelin, an old Welsh colony, that has a century old flour mill and where one can enjoy a classic tea and welsh cake. 27 Kms further ahead one finds the City of Esquel. 38 Kms from Esquel, the Los Alerces National Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the Argentinean Republic where one finds the Futulaufquen, Verde, Rivadavia, Menendez, and Amutuy Quimey Lakes and the famous Arrayanes River, the Torrecillas hanging glacier and the antique Alerce trees that are over 4000 years old are located.
LAS PAMPAS AND RIO PICO CROSSING: 4 BY 4 EXCURSION
Heading East from the Lodge, going by the Community of Lago Verde one ends up in the picturesque frontier crossing with neighboring Argentina that can be crossed in one’s vehicle by opening and closing a gate. After negotiating a few small water courses, one reaches the Río Pico which can be crossed in a 4X4 when the water level is low. Continuing along this route, one reaches the frontier post and town of Las Pampas.
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