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Estancia Cerro de los Pinos Tipiliuke Lodge and the Rio Chimehuin
This huge
working estancia of over 50,00 acres is owned by the Larminat
family, descendants of French settlers to this northern region of
Patagonia. This estancia pays tribute to their hard work in a big
land with few people.
Cerro de los Pinos allows the visitor an
inside view of typical estancia life from it's beautifully stone
constructed main house and chapel (reflecting French
architectural influence) to it’s outlying buildings, shearing
sheds, grazing cattle, irrigation systems, red deer raising, tree
nurseries, gardens and colorful gauchos. It is through this
impressive estancia that the famous Rio Chimehuin flows.
 The Rio
Chimehuin has been a favorite fishing river for several
generations of Argentine anglers. It is home to both rainbows and
browns with large browns caught every year and many at the end of
the season in April. The month of April is equivalent to our
October in the States.
The Chimehuin is a very clear river with
various islands and channels that allow for a variety of fishing
techniques to be used by the angler depending on the water type
and conditions. There are over 10 miles to fish and 3 miles of the
nearby Quilquihue, a fun dry fly stream that holds some
surprisingly large fish. The Chimehuin flows through a wide valley
allowing for great vistas and some of the best sunsets to be seen
on any river in the region!
Estancia de los Pinos is an ideal destination for the
non-angler or the non-fishing companion given the beauty of the
countryside. The horseback riding and walking is excellent and the
visitor may have occasion to see varied wildlife such as the red
stag, guanacos, wild boar, armadillo, burrowing parrots, andean
lapwings, buff-necked ibis, and soaring condors.
The March visitor
is sure to hear the roaring of the red deer, much like a visit to
Yellowstone in September to hear the bugling elk. For a break from
this natural setting, the town of San Martin de los Andes is just
30 minutes away and an easy visit for an afternoon.
Accommodations on the estancia are in the Tipiliuke Lodge, a
warm and comfortable stone house situated on the estancia
proper. The bedrooms are tastefully decorated and with private bathrooms. The lodge has spacious living
rooms, dining room, and a bar. Lunch is a grand event at Tipiliuke,
done in the typical Argentine fashion and often served outside in
the shade of huge pines planted by the forefathers of this lovely
estancia.
Lunches can be enjoyed streamside if your angling day is
spent away from the lodge. Your hosts, Maria Jose and Kevin Tiemersma are sure to enlighten you to this area and tend to all
your needs. A stay at Cerro de los Pinos is special whether you
are an angler, horseback aficionado or just a ‘tourist’ there to
enjoy some of the best of what Argentina can offer.
Rates: Average cost of a weekly trip in this region for 7-nights and 6-days is $4,725 per person, based on double
occupancy. Shorter stays are available as is a non-angler rate. Cost includes pickup at airport in San
Martin, local transportation, guided fishing, fine dining, excellent Argentine wines and all beverages. Non-inclusions
are gratuities and laundry.
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