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Estancia Alicura

Eighty Miles North of San Carlos de Bariloche along the Caleufu, Collon Cura, and Limay Rivers.


Estancia Alicura is located approximately one and a half hours north of the beautiful Patagonian ski town of San Carlos de Bariloche. The 200,000 acre property is found in the northern region of Argentine Patagonia between Bariloche to the south and San Martin de Los Andes to the north. Purchased in 1998 by Dallas businessman, Ward Lay, Alicura is without question the most luxurious organized fishing and hunting guest ranch in all of Patagonia. By melding a world-class trout fishing and Red Stag deer hunting operation with Four-Seasons like accommodations and service, Alicura offers a unique and opulent option for anglers and non-anglers seeking the most comfortable Patagonian experience imaginable. However, do not confuse the bonus of intimate five star accommodations as a compromise. Estancia Alicura runs a professional fishing program on some of Argentina’s most famous rivers for the most intensive anglers at a very reasonable and competitive price point.

Argentine Patagonia is an extremely arid and rough country. The best way to envision the terrain in northern Patagonia is to think of northern New Mexico or parts of the high mountain desert in Montana or Wyoming….a mixture of very wide open spaces, rolling hills, and dramatic mountains. The rivers themselves are most often surrounded by cottonwood and willow trees, also similar to drier regions in our Rocky Mountains.

Since the former sheep ranch was acquired ten years ago, Mr. Lay has undertaken a massive conservation minded effort restoring the overgrazed pastures and riverbanks. The result of this financial and emotional investment can be easily seen today. The beautiful property hosts a world renowned and thriving Red-Stag herd, all grasses and vegetation have returned to their native abundance, wildlife is around every corner, and the trout fishing is phenomenal.

The most unique and equally impressive aspect of the Alicura operation is the laid back, service oriented, and personal atmosphere. There is no set agenda, predetermined schedule, or rules to govern your stay. The team of hospitality managers, staff, maids, and of course professional fishing guides are there as guests’ escorts and can accommodate any group dynamics and desires. For this reason, Alicura is the perfect Patagonian destination for couples, families, hunters, and hard-core anglers alike.


Alicura’s nearly three hundred squares miles contains a beautiful and lengthy stretch of the Caleufu River (“Ca-Lay-oo-foo”) until it reaches the property line and the confluence of the Collon Cura River (“Coo-shone-coo-ra”). This windy freestone cuts an absolutely gorgeous valley through the center of the ranch, only a few moments drive from the guest quarters. When conditions are favorable, the fishing on the Caleufu can be astounding, with both walk and wade and floating opportunities for Browns, Rainbows, and the occasional land-locked Atlantic Salmon.

Although no river system in Argentina is truly private (as locals are legally allowed access), Alicura’s remoteness grants anglers on the ranch with complete solitude and rested water. The shallow, riffled, and windy nature of the Caleufu offers easy wading and user-friendly, picturesque dry fly fishing opportunity. In addition to the river fishing on the Estancia, Alicura has its very own 15,000 acre lake equipped with fishing boats and a ski boat. This venue is a great option for beginners of the more casual anglers to chase large lake going fish with spinning gear, go water skiing, or simply on a “booze cruise”.

While driving north from Bariloche en route to the ranch, travelers will follow the Limay River (“Lee-My”) valley draining from Lake Nahuel Huapi to the confluence of the Collon Cura River approximately eighty miles north of town. Various stretches of these two large river systems are representative of the fishing options for guests when not on ranch property. Anglers travel in comfortable four wheel drive vehicles down the main ranch road to the main highway and one of numerous put-ins on the Limay or Collon Cura. Alicura operates traditional fiberglass drift boats on these two rivers… one of the only outfits in Argentina who do not use inflatable rafts. The Collon Cura and Limay offer the most consistent opportunity for truly huge browns and rainbows, with 25 inch plus specimens landed nearly every week. The style of fishing these bigger waters often dictates using anything from traditional dries to streamers, with the biggest fish often taken on wooly bugger or sculpin patterns. Trips down the Limay and Collon Cura are always a float trip there are often areas where anglers can get out to walk and wade during the second half of the season depending on the conditions.

Head guide and Argentine native, Fernando Gonzalez, and his staff of English speaking guides are some of the best in the region. They offer fly-casting lessons to the most modest of beginners, and have a lifetime of experience fishing the local waters around Alicura.


Although guests at Alicura enjoy the finest of amenities, Alicura has not lost its charming or intimate flavor. Visitors at the lodge feel like true guests in a private home. The intimate and tasteful atmosphere of the refurbished 100 + year old colonial ranch house makes for a comfortable and relaxing angling vacation.

The main lodge consists of a dining room, commercial kitchen, numerous social / common areas, outdoor patios, and four double or single occupancy bedrooms with private baths. In addition to the main lodge bedrooms, there is also a separate guest house with three bedrooms that is ideal of a cohesive party or if you are looking for a little additional privacy. The grounds surrounding with ranch house are a full time job for the gardener, who keeps the landscape beautiful all summer.

With all the amenities of a five star hotel, there is no finer accommodation in Argentine Patagonia. From the luxurious bathrooms equipped with terrycloth robes and vanities, to the duvet covered bedspreads, the highest maintenance of guests are comfortable at Alicura. The entire property is also equipped with high-speed wireless internet.

Outside from the accommodations is an authentic quincho house, where weekly Barbeques, or Asados are organized for guests weekly. Meals and fine wine are a huge part of any trip to Argentina, and the team of professional chefs and staff at Alicura ensure you will not lose weight or go thirsty! Alicura also owns their own winery, Andeluna, in the Mendoza region, and a wealth of their own excellent Argentine wines is available for guests.

Don’t forget your swimsuit as Alicura’s heated pool is a nice place to relax after a long day on the river.


- 8 guests in four double occupancy bedrooms in the main house
- 6 guests in the three bedroom guest house for cohesive parties


Guests of Alicura fly direct to Buenos Aires (EZE) from Dallas/Ft. Worth, Miami, or New York on an overnight flight arriving the following morning. Fishermen then gather their luggage, clear customs, and are met by a driver who transfers the group approximately one hour to the Domestic Airport (AEP) for the flight to Bariloche, Argentina aboard Aerolineas Argentinas or Lan Argentina Airlines.

Tailwaters uses a very reliable customs assistance and chauffeur service that operates comfortable, air-conditioned vans. Our staff of drivers make sure you are properly checked in for your two-hour domestic flight to Bariloche. Some travelers elect to spend the day and evening in Buenos Aires prior to departing from Bariloche the following morning. This is a great way to break up the two legs of the journey, do some sightseeing, and recharge your batteries. We of course facilitate your stay at one of our recommended hotels in the Recoleta (downtown Buenos Aires).

Upon arrival in Bariloche, the group is then met at the baggage claim and driven north up the Limay River Valley approximately one hour to the entrance to Estancia Alicura. From the turn-off, guests then drive approximately a half hour down the main ranch road to the ranch headquarters and main lodge.

NOTE: The town of Bariloche is also a wonderful place to visit, and many of our clients elect to spend a night or two in town prior to departing for the ranch. Bariloche is a beautiful little mountain town with excellent shopping, dining, golf courses, etc…. Argentina’s answer to Aspen or Jackson Hole.


Day 1
Afternoon departure on overnight flight to Buenos Aires. Arrival into Buenos Aires (EZE) the next morning.

Day 2
Anglers gather their luggage, clear customs, and are met by a driver who transfers the group approximately one hour to the domestic airport for the flight to Bariloche, Argentina aboard a local carrier such as Aerolineas Argentinas or Lan Argentina Airlines. Tailwaters uses a very reliable customs assistance and chauffeur service that operates comfortable, air-conditioned vans. Leticia & Alex and their staff of drivers make sure you are properly checked in for your two-hour domestic flight to Bariloche. Upon arrival in Bariloche, the group is then met at the baggage claim and driven approximately 1.5 hours to Estancia Alicura.

Day 3 - ?
Fishing Days!

Departure Day
After breakfast guests are transferred back to Bariloche for the flight to Buenos Aires. The group is then picked up and transferred back to the International Airport and assisted through check-in for your flight on to the United States.


The weather in the Argentine Patagonia is very unpredictable. Although seasons are well defined, anglers should come physically and mentally prepared for all types of weather on a daily basis. Conditions are frequently windy (unless you’re lucky), rain can occur at any time, and temperature variations are enormous no matter the month you visit.

December is similar to our June season, the water levels are typically high on the Limay and Collon Cura dictating more float fishing versus wading. This can be a productive month for fish, large and numerous, because the fish have not yet been pressured. We find this to be the time to fool the tough ones. Temperatures range from 35° to 75°. Rain gear and warm clothing are strongly recommended.

January and February is summertime in Patagonia. Wet wading is possible, but waders are always a good idea. Dry fly fishing is better as river flows have dropped, and the climate is typically comfortable to warm. Temperature will range from 45° to 85°, however it is very possible to have a heat wave with temperatures reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the peak of the summer.

March and April are Patagonia's 'Fall' fishing months. Weather conditions are less predictable. But fish behaviors are easily predicted.


2009 RATES

Fishing Packages
U$D 750 per person, per night (1 guide for 2 anglers) based on double occupancy

U$D 850 per person, per night (1 guide for 1 angler) based on single occupancy

Non-Angling Packages
U$D 375 per person based on double occupancy


Double occupancy accommodations; Guided fishing; Three meals daily; Beverages (Argentine Wines and Cocktails); Ground transportation to/from Bariloche, the lodge, and fishing areas; Fishing gear and tackle


Round-trip Airfare to/from Buenos Aires; Round-trip airfare to/from Buenos Aires and Bariloche; Hotel Accommodations in Buenos Aires; Ground transportation in Buenos Aires to/from the International Airport (EZE) to the domestic airport (AEP); Fishing licenses ($50 per person / week); Gratuities; Items of personal nature including telephone calls; Laundry service; Airport departure taxes; Meals in Buenos Aires and other travel expenses


A fifty percent non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking to secure your reservations at Estancia Alicura. The remaining balance is due 60 days from arrival. Please note that Tailwaters Travel is subject to the cancellation policies of the guides and lodges which it represents. Note that all deposit payments are non-refundable unless a replacement angler / guest is found. Refunds or credits cannot be issued for fishing time lost due to inclement weather. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation/refund/responsibility clauses.

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