Estancia Maria Behety and La Villa have a long established reputation as being two of the best lodges on the Rio Grande and because of this many rods return to these wonderful lodges season after season. If you are thinking about visiting either lodge now is the time to book at the remaining space before it goes.
No matter how you look at it, the Rio Grande is one of the finest sea trout rivers in the world. Few rivers come close to having the numbers or size of fish. Travelling to far south to this part of Patagonia is about more than giving yourself the opportunity to land the sea trout of a lifetime. It is also about the great food and wine, fantastic lodges and some of the most experienced guide teams anywhere in the world. It is not surprising that rods rarely travel to this great place only once.
Please contact Olly Thompson or phone 01980 847 389 for more information.
Estancia Maria Behety Lodge
While there are numerous excellent lodges spread throughout the length of the Rio Grande, Estancia Maria Behety remains one of the best options. The fact that over half the rods on most weeks are returning is a testament to this. Estancia Maria Behety Lodge sits on a promontory overlooking the Rio Grande. It has spectacular panoramic views of vast pampas and the remnants of the Andean cordillera framing the background. Located upstream from La Villa EMB is part of the same estancia owned by the Menedez family. It is the larger of the two lodges with eight double occupancy rooms that take twelve rods and a maximum of sixteen guests.
Anglers at EMB Lodge rotate through the same water as La Villa, so they have access to over 100 wonderful pools, some of which are the most productive on the river. EMB Lodge offers the complete Rio Grande experience as during your stay there, you will cover a wide range of water types and fishing situations.
The main room is timber-framed and features 20 foot plus high ceilings with banks of tall windows that allow light to flood the room. A roaring fireplace and several sitting areas provide the perfect place to relive the fishing of the day and relax with delicious appetizers and a cocktail. A full bar is well stocked with all the proper libations, including the finest Argentine wines and plenty of cold beer.
Video on Olly’s trip to Estancia Maria Behety HERE
Estancia Maria Behety 2025 Availability
18 – 25 January, 2 rods US$8,500 per person
1 – 8 February, 4 rods US$9,500 per person
8 – 15 February, 2 rods US$9,500 per person
22 – 29 March, 7 rods US$9,500 per person
A single room upgrade is US$700, subject to availability
Prices do not include international or domestic flights, hotels in Buenos Aires or fishing licences which cost US$300
La Villa (Estancia Maria Behety)
Located downstream from Estancia Maria Behety La Villa is part of the same operation owned by the Menendez family. It remains one of the most historic and comfortable lodges on the river. All the rooms at La Villa are private, single occupancy rooms, elegantly decorated and with spacious private bathrooms. The lodge has the feel of a large and comfortable country house, although very much in an Argentine way.
Anglers at La Villa rotate through the premier pools of the lower and middle beats of the river, which have historically been the most prolific. With access to more than 102 pools, the lodge can focus on the best water according to the current conditions. The huge variety of water that La Villa offers also means that rods get a wide-ranging experience of what the Rio Grande can offer. One day you could be fishing the upstream with single-handed rods and small flies and the next downstream with a larger two-handed rod.
La Villa 2025 Availability
4 – 11 January, 3 rods US$8,500 per person
11 – 18 January, 2 rods US$9,000 per person
1 – 8 March, 1 rod US$10,500 per person
1 – 8 March, 1 rod US$10,500 per person
8 – 15 March, 2 rods US$10,500 per person
15 – 22 March, 4 rods US$10,000 per person
22 – 29 March, 3 rod US$9,500 per person
Prices do not include international or domestic flights, hotels in Buenos Aires or fishing licences which cost US$300
