Comments from some of our 2006 fishing season guests:

“I thought I would drop you a note to thank your entire team for your great hospitality during my recent trip to your fly-fishing paradise. What can I say about the Patagonia River Ranch...the beauty is absolutely unparalleled, the ambiance is authentic and superlative and the trout fishing is truly “world class”. The strength, size and sheer number of these Patagonian fish is legendary. The River Ranch’s expert native fishing guides, having grown up on these rivers, all have a sense and feel for the land and water which really adds to the total cultural package. Since the Patagonia River Ranch opportunity is apparently available to only a few clients each year, we feel fortunate to have been able to make the trip. The mix of unparalleled fishing and natural beauty provided complete satisfaction for my entire group, making my trip there one of the most memorable of my life. If having the best fishing of your life during the day and enjoying gourmet cuisine in the evening, while lounging and relaxing in a spectacular one-of-a-kind setting sounds like a “little piece of heaven”, -- let me tell you, it really is. I hope we can return in ’07.”
- Glenn A. Foster, Jr., D.D.S. (Norman, OK)

“As you know, I originally planned this trip as fishing excursion for my husband and sons. Never in my wildest dreams did I think our stay would turn out to be a life altering experience. We have traveled all over the world, often staying at some of the world’s finest accommodations, but nothing in terms of hospitality compares to the River Ranch. Your staff, Hugo, Antonio, Santiago, Griselda, Marianne, Eduardo -- really everyone -- opened their hearts to us, pampering us at every moment like we were beloved relatives returning after a long journey. My boys adored the guides. Rusty, in particular, feels as if he’s found a mentor in Hugo and I know he plans to stay in touch with him. Having come from the States where so many of our natural wonders are under constant threat of being encroached by development, Argentina offered us a rare glimpse of something genuinely rugged and pristine. All of us were enthralled with the scenery and felt privileged to fish and walk among something that can only be described as monumental. The fishing has spoiled my kids forever. They have commented that fishing in California just isn’t the same. Finally, the fishing has spoiled my kids forever. Both Rusty and Colin have commented that fishing in California just isn’t the same. All three of my men continue to speak of fishing on the Chimehuin and Caleufu as if it were a “religious” experience.” I know that having Hugo and all the other guides by their sides allowed them to grow in stature as fisherman; but, more importantly. it allowed them to see, experience and feel the private Argentina, that part of Argentina that only a, proud, native son ever experiences. The boys and Patrick left Argentina with cherished memories of the fish they caught and the “ones that got away” and every one of their memories was warmed by the presence of the generous, loving, beautiful people, who were willing to share their exquisite country with them. It was the trip of a lifetime and we can’t wait to come back. Please convey our love and gratitude to everyone. ”
- Patricia McVeigh (Menlo Park, CA)

 

“I have fished all over the world and this is the best experience that I have ever had. Fishing was great!! The best part of the experience was the people at the Ranch. The guides were great and the head guide, Hugo, is the best. However, don’t tell too many people about it because it will mess it up for those of us who ventured out and found a great place. We all had a great time and want to go back next year.”
- Robert Underwood (Raleigh, NC)

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“Patagonia River Ranch makes Shangri-La seem like a slum. Alex and Leticia’s services, the wonderful ranch staff--especially the incomparable Salome!--and the Ranch itself was heaven on earth, and my fellow guests couldn't have been nicer. I'm not a very good fly fisherman, but Eduardo greeted my missed strikes with a smile and my casts with cries of "Perfect, Joyce!" and by the end of the week, my flies reached the banks of the river more often than not. Over 100 fish caught, and at least 7 near or over 20 inches. I could go on and on about the food, the dramatic scenery, the crystal clear rivers, but perhaps my desire to repeat the experience next year sums it all up. My calendar is open, so I hope you will be able to shoehorn me in along with another equally compatible group. Thank you, Ken, from the bottom of my heart for providing me with this memorable experience, and thank you, Melanie, for helping it run so smoothly.”
- Joyce C. Ware (Southbury, CT)

“This is my 54th trip to Argentina and probably my most enjoyable ever. Your entire staff is fantastic and even without you being here to supervise. Hugo is the best guide in Argentina as well as a wonderful person. Salome, as hostess, has been a great edition to your staff and just a fun person to be around. I’ll be talking to you soon about bringing a group of 6 - 8 people in February 2007. It has been a fantastic place to spend our 15th wedding anniversary. Thanks a million for what you have established here.”
- Stan & Judy Tuttle (Nashville, TN)

"What a wonderful experience we had at PRR. I caught among other fish, a 27 ½ Brown Trout on the first day – putting me into the famous Blue Label Club at the lodge. The ranch itself is very beautiful and scenic with lovely gardens overlooking the river - a magical spot. The ranch has the best staff I have ever seen at any lodge. They understand what a wonderful place has been created; they love their jobs, appreciate the beauty of the surroundings and couldn’t do enough to make each guest happy. Having traveled throughout the western US and being a student of Western history, I appreciated that being in Patagonia at the PRR was like going back to the old west 100 years ago, when there were very few people in a wild and sparsely settled country. In seven days of fishing we saw almost no one else on the rivers, which were pristine and filled with native fish that had never seen a fisherman. At night the sky was ablaze with stars, including the Southern Cross, and in the evenings, the huge, wild, red deer were calling to each other at sunset.

The PRR guides were outstanding, knew their business and were completely patient, without pretension or attitude –unlike some here in America. They seemed to have as much fun as we did. The food was uniformly excellent, lunches on the river outstanding and the asada barbecue one of the highlights of our visit. Actually, every day was a highlight.

Lastly, I need to add that the most exciting water I have ever fished anywhere, was the Devils Throat section of the Chimehuin River, where the guides had to carry the boats down a steep embankment into the pristine boulder strewn river canyon, the beauty of which is almost indescribable, with huge lurking brown trout. In three days on this river we saw no other fishermen and few signs of any human impact on the land. An amazing experience in the 21st Century to find such a place.”
- Stephen M. Gordon (Jackson Hole, WY)

“I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed our visit to San Martin and specifically the River Ranch. Your staff was wonderful and I want to thank each of them. Hugo and Salome were very special to me. Only two in our party were true fishermen, however the others enjoyed the estancia and going on the river. We had a good friend of my wife’s with us who had never been trout fishing – nor is she an outdoors person – whom I forced to ride on the boat with me. When we stopped for lunch and I got her to shore, Paula said it was the most beautiful trip she had ever taken and was grateful I insisted on her going. My wife who is equally non-outdoors could not tell enough people how much she enjoyed the estancia, the food and how beautiful everyone was. It was a special trip for me. I do not believe there is a better trout fishing stream. It certainly would be in the top ten in the world. On the worst day, I caught 25 trout, 15” or greater. We quit counting at 45 fish on two different days, most of which were over 20”. A high percentage were about 23: - 25”. Due to my inexperience in trout fishing, I lost one that was at least 30”. It literally struck a fingerling that I had caught and snapped my 3-X liter. We are planning our next trip and are really looking forward to coming.”
- John K. Sisk (Jacksonville, FL)

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“Everything was classy and the people/service were better than we've enjoyed anywhere in the world. Leticia has been extremely helpful and has taken a lot of stress out of the travel. We look forward to returning soon. After the ranch, Bariloche was beautiful, but boring. Let's stay in touch.”
- Sonya Parriott & Douglas Reed (Houston, TX)

“The experience of spending a week at Patagonia River Ranch is so complete with excellence that it is hard to point to a particular experience as being more incredible than another during my stay. It starts with the entrance to the ranch and being met by a beautiful herd of horses running free in the field to meeting the greatest staff one will ever have the privilege of being with throughout the stay. The lodge is beautifully designed to accommodate fishermen. The meals are superb both at the lodge and on the river where wine is served daily. The fishing is so unique that I only saw five other rafts during six days of floating. Brown and Rainbow trout in the 20” range were plentiful each day. The guides attend to your every need. A finer total experience of trout fishing can not be found. Thanks for the experience.”
- Bob Corlett (Afton, OK)
 

“We 6 Michiganders had a fabulous time at PRR! Your staff there is wonderful, helpful folks, and Salome kept everything running smoothly. She is a great asset to your program. Also, enclosed is a picture of Hugo with the beautiful Brown I caught on Caleufu. He wanted me to hold the fish while he took the picture, but I was shaking so hard I was afraid of dropping the fish before we had proof! I have fished and hunted in various parts of the world, but never had a more wonderful week than we had at PRR. Terrific in every way! Thanks again for a wonderful fishing experience.”
- James Vogt (Ada, MI)

“I have visited the Patagonia River Ranch twice…once in 2003 and again in 2005…and cannot wait until I get the opportunity to return! The accommodations were perfect and the fishing was grand. Guides were knowledgeable and helpful, and the entire group had a memorable time. I wouldn’t hesitate sending someone to PRR!”
- Steve Lauck (Ross, CA)

“This was the fly fishing trip of a lifetime. The attention to detail by all the members of the staff from dining to guides was outstanding. I have never before experienced such a combination of beautiful water, extraordinary setting, large fish and excellent service.”
- Gary C. Rawlinson ( Norman, OK)

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“All of us had just a great time at your beautiful ranch. We enjoyed everything about it. The scenery, the fishing, the people, etc. I would love to come back and look forward to it if it fits your plans. The rest of our group shares in wanting to come back as well.”
- Gary P. Skinner (Grand Rapids, MI)

“This is by far the biggest, most extraordinary and pleasant surprise I’ve ever had. Pretty overwhelming too. Your staff is very professional, warm, kind and friendly, we love them. I hope you don’t mind, if I call you my friend, after this marvelous invitation of yours and the way we’ve been pleased.”
- Victor Giovine & Lucia (Argentina)
 

“Our family of four, joined by our friend's family, stayed at PRR for a week in January 2006, making a group of eight. The ranch is absolutely lovely and the service and food superb. The staff is friendly and attentive, and very talented as fishermen, chefs or guides. Most of us fished every day, but on several days a few would break off to spend time reading, walking, and horseback riding or visiting nearby San Martin de los Andes. Our group had some experienced fly fisherman, and even a novice like me caught 85 fish in five days of fishing (I actually counted). The stay was completely relaxing and for someone who likes to fly fish strongly recommended. And you can bring someone who doesn't fish and they will enjoy it as well.”
- Barry Taylor (Atherton, CA)

“It’s difficult to sum up such a wonderful event in a few words, but here is my testimony…It is that Patagonia River Ranch is a labor of love for its owner, Ken Gangwer. Beautiful setting, terrific facility, wonderful food and accommodations and the staff treats all like royalty. First class operation in every way and the fly fishing is world class. In the words of General Mac Arthur, I shall return.”
- Hugh G. Adams (Guthrie, OK)

Our Patagonia River Ranch week of fishing was unlike any hospitality event we have ever experienced anywhere from the very moment of arriving at the front gate welcomed by the entire staff and the three adorable dogs to the tear in our eyes as we waved good bye a week later with who knows how many dozens of glorious trout caught and released into the magnificently beautiful and productive Chimehuin River on which we spent many unforgettable hours on our own requested schedule, lovely sandy beach luncheons along the way, to return to scrumptious fine wining and dining at the end of the day finally to retire to the most inviting quiet and decor of our wonderful rooms. From charming hostess to dining staff, chef to housekeepers and groundskeepers, and wranglers and of course the most incredibly able and willing fishing guides/oarsmen we were extravagantly served and charmed by their loving attention to hospitality. Oh my goodness need we say more.....what fishing, what elegance, what freedom and what hospitality...please refer any guest inquiries to us for kind words from totally awed guests....Bill and Adrian Norris.
- Bill & Adrian Norris (Sun Valley, ID)
 

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Copyright 2006 Patagonia River Ranch