BARRACO LODGE
barraco originally came on to our radar by way of some deep internet searching by our friend and pro-trip-planner adam. he found the lodge and was immediately convinced this place was made for us based on a brief description and a few photos. it was a splurge, for sure, but it's a splurge worthy spot that will leave you changed and in awe of the natural beauty of northern patagonia.
this place is out there – i'm talking a 3 hour drive from puerto varas, to a long dirt road, to another dirt road then finally a boat ride across lake tagua tagua. from there it's an UPHILL climb to the lodge or a ride with the oxen, but the reward is a feeling of pure tranquility. originally a vacation home to the owner's, jaime and marcela, they built the lodge 30 years ago when the land was virtually uninhabited other than the native locals. only a few years ago, the lodge as we know it, was born to share this raw and unique part of the world with travelers seeking authentic outdoor experiences, a taste of patagonian culture & hospitality, and the opportunity to slow down for a bit.
THINKING OF HEADING TO PATAGONIA? HERE ARE THE DETAILS:
WHERE: rio puelo, {northern patagonia} chile
TIME OF YEAR: march - april [warm days with plenty of sunshine and clear nights for star viewing]
HOW TO GET THERE: 3 hour drive from puerto varas, then a short boat ride across the lake
PRICE PER NIGHT: all inclusive pricing (meals, activities, drinks and transportation) depending on how you want to spend your days, reach out on their website
ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE: horseback riding, SUPing, heli-fishing, fly fishing, hiking, heli-adventures, waterfalls, cooking classes, boar hunting... you name it and they will try to make it happen.
THE EXPERIENCE: you arrive, are greeted by two of the cutest dogs on earth [reina and titan], and welcomed with pisco sours and a tasty snack. from there, you settle into your cozy lake-view room, and later choose activities for your stay [however, it's better to arrange your activities before you arrive]. we only had 2 nights (recommend 3 at minimum) and chose to spend our adventure day fishing on the lake – luckily we were successful and ended up eating fresh salmon & roe for dinner!
AROUND THE LODGE:
our time was spent enjoying the wood fired hot tub, delicious food, unforgettable views and warm-by-day, chilly-by-night weather. we caught a clear night with thousands of stars and a clear milky way that is still a very vivid memory. barraco is one of those places where you can do everything or nothing and feel equally satisfied with your time here because of the surroundings.
FISHING ON THE PUELO RIVER
fishing on the puelo or lake tagua tagua is an experience that is hard to find in most places. the backdrop is wild and the crystal clear water is loaded with trout, salmon and other native fish. whether you decide to troll or fly fish, there is a good chance you will hook something and even if you don't, it will be a day well spent.
to help your odds, barraco staffs many of the native fly fishermen who grew up and still live in this remote land, where they have relied on these waters for hundreds of years. for the adventurous fly fishermen, you can have them helicopter you into glacial streams and rivers where only a few humans have ever been. we didn't get the opportunity to do this, but heard many fishing tales and even a few photos to prove it.
Y O U M I G H T A L S O L I K E:
