Kau Tapen ("House of Fishing" in the Ona language) is the original fishing lodge in Tierra del Fuego and the standard of elegance by which other lodges are measured. What started as the brainchild of Jorge Donovan and Jacqueline De Las Carreras over twenty years ago, Kau Tapen has revolutionized the way in which the fishing world views big trout. The Kau Tapen lodge has made the Rio Grande a household name for fly anglers the world over. The lodge owns 10 miles on both banks of the river that many of its legion of return guests consider to be the finest holding water on the entire Rio Grande river system with over 70 runs on multiple beats. Fish over 20 lbs are common and the lodge holds many records over the 30lb. mark. Tierra del Fuego is at the southern end of South America and is home to outstanding wildlife viewing that include a flamingos, foxes and guanacos.
The lodge boasts impeccable accommodations, plenty of elbow room on the Río Grande, passionate guides, select vehicles and equipment, and Argentina's best wines and menus. The quality of the lodging experience combined with a multitude of fishing records have helped to make Kau Tapen a legend among the international fly fishing community since 1984.
Rates
Fishing
Accommodations
Rates
Rate: $13,950-$14,950 per person depending on week
Included:
Transfer from Rio Grande Airport to Kau Tapen, Lodging, Hotel in Buenos Aires on arrival night into Argentina, Meals, all wines, beer, and local spirits at the Lodge, Professional guide services
Not included: Gratuities for guides and house staff, Airfares, Fishing License, Laundry service
Payment Terms:
*A deposit of 50% confirms a reservation. Deposits are non-refundable, unless client replacement is found. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. At this point, participants are responsible for total land costs and no refunds will be made for unused land transportation, accommodations, or included meals.
*Non-fisher rates: 40% off depending on availability
Fishing
Fishing Program
Every morning you will depart after breakfast for a morning of fishing with an expert guide in one of their four wheel drive trucks complete with rod holders. The fishing is conducted on over 10 miles of the Rio Grande's best waters with over 70 productive runs on multiple beats. After a lunch and long siesta guests will return to the river for an evening of more fishing to catch the productive dusk angling. The average size fish is an astounding 12 lbs with records of 30 lbs possible.
- Sea-Run Brown Trout with an average weight of 12 lbs. and go up to 30+ lbs.
- 10 miles of the Rio Grande with private access. The lodge has private access to both banks of the Rio Grande.
- The river offers easy wading on fine gravel bottom.
- Tackle: Single-handed (7-9 wts., 9-10 ft.) and two-handed rods (9-11 wts., 13-15 ft.).
- Flies: small salmon dry flies, nymphs, and traditional salmon and Sea Run Trout wet flies for the main river
- Lines: floating lines and sink tips or quick sink tips-- depending on water conditions
Fishing schedule:
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am Depart for fishing
1:00 pm Lunch and Siesta
4:00 pm Fish till dusk
* The schedule will depend on the season and can be tailored to meet the preference of our guests.
* Kau Tapen is strictly a catch and release fishery.
* Guides are equipped with nets and will assist guests in weighing and releasing fish, without harm.
Accommodations
Accommodations
Kau Tapen was designed from the ground up by its owners to be a world class fishing lodge. The rustic yet elegant setting is a welcome respite that provides a relaxing environment when you are not chasing monster browns. The main lodge has a well appointed sitting and gathering area that provides a popular setting for trading stories of the days adventures with like minded anglers from around the globe. Built in 1983, Kau Tapen lodge was designed to offer rods maximum comfort during their fishing trip, as well as easy accessibility to the pools. It accommodates up to 12 guests with 9 bedroom suites. A large living room area opens up to vistas of the Menendez Valley and Rio Grande valley. A roaring fire and well stocked bar will welcome you after every fishing session. The lodge has a tackle shop with a good selection of Sage rods, good quality reels, flies, lines, and clothing equipment, especially selected to suit the needs of your trip. In addition, guests have the full use of the lodge's fly tying table and equipment. The lodge has 2 wading rooms, a sauna, Finnish steam bath and Massage room.
o Capacity: 12 rods.
o Rooms: 9 suite bedrooms (single and double occupancy)
o Dining room, sitting room, bar, wade gear room, and fully equipped fly-tying table.
o SPA: sauna, therapeutic shower, relaxation and massage area.
o Telephone and internet access.
o Maid and laundry service
o Unparalleled bird watching and rich wildlife (flamingos, Foxes, and llama-like Guacos).
o First class, professional, international and Argentine guides. All of our guides are able to give casting instruction with single and two-handed rods (Spey casting).
o Comfortable 4-wheel drive trucks fitted with rod racks and VHF radios.
o Fly shop fully equipped with flies, rods, reels, lines, fishing apparel, and Argentine crafts.
Dining
The dining experience at the lodge will make you quickly forget that you are in one of the most remote locations on the planet. The chef goes to great lengths to prepare memorable meals each evening. Kau Tapen offers an A la Carte menu of wonderful cuisine based on local meats, fresh vegetable and delicious deserts. A traditional Asado (BBQ) will be held once during your stay, and you can sample different cuts of meat and wonderful salads.
Location
o Kau Tapen is located on the Rio Grande in the Province of Tierra del Fuego.
o The lodge is located on the Estancia Retranca in the heart of Patagonia.
o Anglers fly into Buenos Aires International Airport and take a 3 hour flight to Rio Grande.
o The transfer from the Rio Grande Airport to the Lodge, by four wheel drive, takes 1 hour.