Wondrous Argentina Destinations with traveling angler Rebekka Redd
Upon my arrival in Buenos Aires, I was amazed by the stunning building structures of the city. The streets and buildings have a mixture of European and South American vibes.
I met up with friends (Felix who co-owns the lodge we are heading to, and Sam who is a video creator) and we embarked on the six hour adventure by car to the lodge. During that lengthy road trip we had a few theatrics, including a case of food poisoning for Felix. We switched drivers and Sam took over the wheel and quickly remembered the basics of driving stick. I grew up driving manual, but I lost the coin toss to drive. Between the 3 of us, we had a lot of comic relief and the jokes and stories made the time fly by. Felix’s food poisoning had faded by the time we arrived at the lodge.
The Argentine landscape is truly breathtaking. From the city scape to the grassy plains of the countryside to the towering peaks of the Andes Mountains, there is no shortage of natural and manmade beauty to behold.
During the trip, I had the opportunity to explore a variety of different environments, each with its own unique charms. The Don Joaquin river lodge is situated in a lush, verdant region populated with greenery and bordered by rolling hills. The air was fresh, and the sound of birds and frogs serenading was music to my ears.
The lodge is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and I spent many hours exploring the surrounding areas and snapping photos of the abundant birds, reptiles including caiman, and other animals that I encountered. From colorful parrots to graceful anacondas, the Corrientes Province is teeming with life.
One of the highlights of my trip was observing the gauchos as they worked their stock near by the lodge. These skilled horsemen are an integral part of Argentine culture, and it was fascinating to watch them in action. I also had the pleasure of seeing Rheas, the largest flightless birds in South America, on several occasions. These cousins of the ostrich are truly majestic creatures, and I couldn't resist photographing them every time I spotted one. We had pulled the boat to a sand bar to fish, and in the same moments we spotted approx. 8 Rhea, and off I went camera in hand to check them out (at a respectful distance).
Of course, the main attraction of the trip was the fishing. The lodge’s location is close to 2 main rivers that hold a plethora of fish, and I was able to catch numerous species during my stay. From the elusive and feisty Dorado, the Surubi catfish, the ominous Chafalote, to the fierce Pirahna. I was thrilled to catch these bucket list species, some I have caught before on previous trips to South America! Pacu are also popular to catch in the same waters, but at different times of the year.
Each morning was a full breakfast in the main dinning area, and shortly after it was time to leave for the day. The boats conveniently awaited out front the lodge in the river. Fishing new locations each day. At the time of our stay, the rivers where much higher than normal, causing the water levels to be unusually high and coloured. We adjusted to the elements, and our tenacity was in full force seeking fish and every day we found them, but not with out great commitment and time casting! Whew! All that effort worked up an appetite! Good thing every day included a fire cooked lunch and a siesta in hammocks! Our guides created some incredible lunches , including open fire cooked rib eye and all the trimmings. When in Argentina one becomes a meat-aterian or starve! When I’m home I rarely eat red meat, however one must indulge a little from time to time.
The fishing days ended at about 4 pm with an hour (or more) boat ride back to the lodge.
Arriving exhausted yet feeling content from a full day of fishing, it was time to freshen up and get ready for dinner. Thats right, more prime cuts of local grass fed beef, cooked in true Argentine fashion, smoked and seasoned on open fires almost every night. Let’s not forget the empanadas, chicken stew, fresh stuffed pasta, cheeses, garden greens, fruits and fine locally grown Malbec wine. There is no going hungry at this place! The lodge itself was luxurious, with comfortable rooms and all the amenities one could ask for. The central hub of the lodge is the outdoor veranda and a large elegantly decorated dining and living room with leather sofas, antique and reclaimed furniture and chandeliers.
There was plenty of unique opportunities during this trip and as luck would have it, I had the amazing chance to spend a portion of my time on my friend's polo ranch. They own a breeding stables with 350 head of polo horses and regularly compete in tournaments in locations such as Florida, California, Argentina and Alberta. Polo in Argentina is a highly competitive and popular sport. I was able to join in on a few matches and even played a bit of polo myself. And the highlight of my time on the ranch was attending a championship game that was won by my good friend's team. It was an incredible experience and a great balance to my trip, which had mostly been centred around fishing.
After a successful week at the lodge and time at my friends polo ranch, my crew and I decided to cap off our Argentine travels in Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina. This vibrant metropolis was a feast for the senses, with its European-inspired architecture and rich cultural offerings. We spent a couple days touring the city, taking in the art, music, markets, food, and enjoying the lively nightlife.
As our trip came to an end, I couldn't help but feel inspired and grateful for the amazing experiences I had in Argentina. From fly fishing for bucket list species, to playing polo, drinking fine Argentine wine, and enjoying our cultural immersion, this destination offered a perfect blend of adventure and enjoyment. I left feeling content and already planning my next trip back. Stay tuned for the next destination.
Lodge Info:
The Don Joaquin river lodge is a true paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The lodge comprises of 13 Suites, 2 Living Rooms, 3 Dining Rooms, BBQ Terrace with Wood Oven and a 14m swimming pool. Every suite has its own bathroom, air conditioning, daily maid service and free wi fi.
The Estancia country garden surrounds the lodge, with native Palm, Lapacho and Timbo trees and numerous species of other native Argentine fauna.
The central hub of the lodge is the outdoor veranda and a large elegantly decorated dining and living room with leather sofas, antique and reclaimed furniture and chandeliers.
With it’s panoramic views of the beautiful Corriente river and large open spaces it is a great venue for corporate events and retreats in addition to families, honeymooners and groups of anglers.
But it's the outdoor attractions that really make the Don Joaquin river lodge stand out.
The lodge is located on the banks of the Don Joaquin river, which is home to a wide variety of fish. From the elusive Dorado to the fierce Pacu, anglers will have no shortage of opportunities to test their skills.
The lodge has a staff of excellent and passionate fishing guides with years of knowledge of the local waters.
In addition to the natural attractions, the lodge also offers a range of on-site amenities and activities. The food is truly world-class, with incredible meats cooked and smoked on open fires almost every night. And there are plenty of opportunities for relaxation, from spa treatments to evening fireside gatherings.
https://www.donjoaquinriverlodge.com
Did You Know:
Argentina is home to the largest dinosaur ever discovered. The Argentinosaurus, which lived around 100 million years ago, was believed to be over 100 meters (328 feet) long and weigh over 100 tons. Its fossil remains were found in Patagonia, a region in the southern part of the country known for its rugged landscapes and abundant dinosaur fossils.