Estancia Rio Quillen
The Estancia Rio Quillen is located in the unspoiled region of Lanin National Park.
It is a two hour drive north from the town of San Martin de los Andes to the valley of the Quillen. The valley lies on the transitional edge from lush forests of the Cordillera to the open Patagonia steppe to the East. Aptly named for the Volcano Lanin, this Park is very much dominated by the presence of this majestic mountain. Here in the far north corner of the Park, the outline of Lanin is ever present from Lago Quillen. Araucaria Trees, also known as the Monkey Puzzle Trees, grow in this remote region. This ancient and protected tree is found in very specific latitudes along the Andes in both Chile and Argentina.
The Rio Quillen flows from Lago Quillen whose far western shore is the border with Chile. The estancia is owned by the Lagos-Marmol family and consists of 49,000 acres. It is truly a stunning property and one can feel exceptionally removed from the rest of the world in this impressive setting that at the same time offers all the comfortable amenities and welcoming Argentine hospitality.
The Quillen valley offers several different fishing waters with spring creeks, small rivers and lagunas, the Rio Quillen and the lovely Malalco Creek. The transparent waters of the Rio Quillen are home to rainbows and brown trout, and this area is known for good dry fly fishing. December and January usually see a dragonfly hatch and the fish can go into a feeding frenzy along the edges of the lake and even on the smaller waters. This is some of the most exiting fly fishing you will see anywhere, imagine fish coming 3 feet out of the water with your fly in their mouth before you even have a chance to set the hook!
Accommodations are in the main house of the ranch that is constructed of wonderful woodwork. There are accommodations for 10 guests in bedrooms with private baths. The lodge overlooks the valley of the Quillen and a stay here is private and enjoyable. It is a lovely place for the non-angler as there is a multitude of things to do including horseback riding, hiking, birding, and just relaxing in a gorgeous place on the planet!
