Tres Rios Lodge commands a spectacular view from the northern slope of Volcan Calbuco, the snowy volcano in the backyard. In front is imposing 8700' Volcan Osorno and 860 km2 Lake Llanquihue, the second largest in Chile. This remote upland setting offers utter peace and privacy in a natural environment yet it's only 15 minutes from the Rio Petrohue. There is no better location to appreciate the astonishing beauty and world-class fishing in this area of mountains, lakes and forests in the foothills of the Andes.
- Why Tres Rios Lodge
- Who Stays at Tres Rios Lodge
- Activities for Non-Fishing Companions
We can accommodate up to a family of 5 in the cabin. Each of the two bedrooms in the main house has a queen size bed and a twin bed, private bath and plenty of space for gear. We like to have only 6 anglers at a time. We know we can do a superb job only for a limited number of anglers, and that's the only way we want to do it. A big plus for a small lodge is that we don't have to do it by the numbers. With a flexible itinerary, we can decide the morrow's venue over evening cocktails when we have a reliable forecast in hand, that day's experience to draw on, and all other pertinent information. You get very personal attention and a consistent effort to get you on the right water at the right time...either the only boat on that stretch or way ahead of any other.
The cabin is comfortable for a couple or even a family of four. Each of the two bedrooms in the main house has a queen size bed and a twin bed, private bath and plenty of space for gear. We like to have only 6 anglers at a time, but we have often entertained larger groups. We know we can do a superb job only for a limited number of anglers, and that's the only way we want to do it. A big plus for a small lodge is that we don't have to do it by the numbers. With a flexible itinerary, we can decide the morrow's venue over evening cocktails when we have a reliable forecast in hand, that day's experience to draw on, and all other pertinent information. You get very personal attention and a consistent effort to get you on the right water at the right time...either the only boat on that stretch or way ahead of any other.
Meals are delicious, healthy, bountiful, and always interesting and creative. Due to lack of connectivity it's hard to get fresh food in Chile south of Puerto Montt, but given our location, 40 km from Puerto Varas and km from Puerto Montt, we have ready access to the best of the bounty that Chile has to offer. We always serve a wide selection of superb wines, export grade fruit, crisp produce of the season, fresh seafood and shellfish personally selected on nearby wharfs, as well as succulent beef and lamb for which the region is famous. Teresa's deep green salad combinations are extraordinary! And then there are homemade pastas and her wonderful sauces. It's a truly amazing array of dishes that she prepares, using only whole natural foods and cooking from scratch. Desert lovers will be delighted with her crepes, mousses, parfaits, and fresh baked pies with cherries, blueberries, blackberries, or boysenberries from our orchard and gardens. Our chef has a lot of experience preparing special diets and that's never a problem.
For the non-anglers there is whitewater rafting on the upper Petrohue, sea kayaking in Reloncavi estuary, horseback riding in Ensenada or Cochamo, zip lining at Las Cascadas and there are two volcanoes to climb, Osorno starting at Petrohue and Calbuco starting at the lodge. Most of these activities are within 20 minutes of the lodge. There is an extensive handicraft fair in Puerto Montt and many boutiques in Puerto Varas for curiosity or shopping. A great way to spend the day is driving around the 870 sq. km. lake Llanquihue with postcard scenery all along the route. One can do part of Lakes Crossing to Bariloche on Lake Todos Los Santos only as far as Peulla and return in the afternoon. And finally, if one wanted nothing more than to relax in a quiet, peaceful, beautiful place with a good book, no better place can be found but the lodge itself.
- Fishing
The lodge is well located for efficient access to the best fly fishing in the region. The Petrohue River, Lago Llanquihue and Lago Todos Los Santos are minutes away. The rivers Maullin, Coihueco, Rahue, Pilmaiquen, and Yelcho are not far.
- Personnel
The guides at Tres Rios have been there for over 20 years, seasoned professionals with intimate knowledge of the fisheries, possessing the necessary skills for all situations. They are local, bilingual, good humored, fun loving, patient, enthusiastic, confident, and competent.
The same could be said for the household staff who are also meticulous about their work. No worries, you'll be in good hands.
- Scenery and Serenity
The lodge commands a million dollar view of glacier-capped Volcan Osorno that dominates the area and looms over the immense Lago Llanquihue which extends to the horizon. All around there's untamed nature with forested mountains and more snowy peaks and volcanoes. Tres Rios has 5 acres of gardens, woods, and meadow to roam.
- Personal Attention
You'll have a firm mattress and quality linens, a hot shower and hot coffee, cold beer and cool pisco sours, fine dining with fine wine, great fishing with great guides. Need something a little different? No problemo, we are flexible and accommodating on just about everything.
- Equipment
We will get you to the fishing destinations in safety and comfort, and spend the day fishing the same way, in comfort and safety. Our cataraft drift boats are made to handle rapids and they offer a stable platform for fishing without line snags. We have loaner waders, rods, reels and lines of the highest quality brand names.
- Fishermen
Fishing fanatics that look for that special environment where the main language is fishing, the guides are professional and good natured, and everyone is dedicated to making your visit as pleasant and memorable as possible, on the water and off. They come in groups of 2, 4, 6, and even 9 once, but singles are welcome, too.
- Families
Many families have chosen Tres Rios since maybe not everyone wants to fish every day, and the non-anglers can find plenty to do while others go fishing.
- Friends
Some of the liveliest times at the lodge occurred when several couples came together, and the good times certainly rolled. And great friendships started when meeting at Tres Rios. Privacy, yes, with just six people you can have the lodge to yourselves.
- Couples
The "honeymoon" cabin is at a distance from the main house, over where you hear the creek and can see deer on occasion. All rooms have queen size beds and a twin. Whether both fish or one doesn’t, it's all good.
- Curious
Every season we get anglers heading to Coyhaique who want to add on a few days with us. We welcome the opportunity to show them our fishing, knowing full well it’s second to none. It’s easy to stop in Puerto Montt and later continue to Balmaceda.
- Business & Academics
People who need to go Santiago for international business or conferences can’t resist, having come so far, adding a few days of fishing onto their official itinerary. There are many cheap flights at all hours between Santiago and Puerto Montt.
- Travelers
Folks on a wider travel itinerary that might include other parts of Chile or South America are welcome to spend a few days with us even if they can’t manage a longer stay. We also don’t have specific arrival and departure days.
- Hiking
Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, only 15 minutes from the lodge, has hiking trails at Saltos del Petrohue (Petrohue Falls) and on Volcán Osorno down to Lago Todos Los Santos. The trail on the volcano offers a panoramic view including 4 volcanic peaks and much of the lake. Trails in Parque Nacional Alerces Andino are more extensive and wind mainly through rainforest featuring the Chilean equivalent of the redwood tree, the alerce. The Cochamó valley is another option, often called “the Yosemite of Chile”.
- Rafting
Whitewater rafting on the Rio Petrohue is popular year round and there are many professional operators based only minutes from the lodge. It’s a wild ride through wild country.
- Kayaking
Sea kayaking excursions on Reloncaví estuary start near the delta of the Petrohue and cover many kilometers of a scenic fjord where there are sea lions and dolphins. You can also request to paddle on Lago Todos Los Santos.
- Riding
Horseback riding is available from various outfitters and geared towards different levels of experience from beginner to expert trekking.
- Cycling
Bikes can be rented nearby for unguided riding or you can join a group ride. There are over 60 km of bike path on route 225 on the south edge of Lago Llanquihue and tours often take riders to other scenic, low-traffic routes.
- Touring
There are organized tours up the volcano to the ski slope, Petrohue falls, Cascadas falls, around Lago Llanquihue, Cascada Falls, to the colorful fish market in Puerto Montt, and as far as Chiloé island where penguins nest. There’s a scenic catamaran ride from Petrohue to Peulla and back on Lago Todos Los Santos. One can easily rent a car and tour independently as it’s safe to do so and the roads are good.
- Hot Springs and spa
Termas del Sol hot springs are just under 2 hours to the south and can be visited while anglers fish the Rio Puelo. Termas de Puyehue and Aguas Calientes are just under 2 hours to the north and can be visited while anglers fish the Rio Pilmaiquen.
- Summit Ascent
For those begging for a challenge, there are mountaineers that will guide you to the glacial top of either Volcán Osorno or Volcán Calbuco, weather permitting.
- Nothing
Maybe what the doctor ordered was just to take it easy, read a book, do some yoga, walk in the gardens, raid the blueberry/raspberry patch … No problemo!
