LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONS

There are many local hotels and hosterias (inns) that provide comfort and quality services while allowing guests to choose varied daily activities. A day's guided fishing or a round or two of golf or a hike or horseback riding or even bird watching can be organized for full enjoyment of the spectacularly scenic region. The fishing guides we represent live in San Martin or Junin, so there is easy access to public water on the Chimehuin, Malleo, Collon Cura, Quilquihue, Quillen, Alumine and Caleufu. Guide bookings and hotel reservations should be made at the same time to be assured of compatible dates.

SAN MARTIN de los ANDES is delightful, up-scale, mountain-valley town of approximately 25,000 inhabitants located at the east end of the glacially formed, 15-mile long Lago Lacar. Art galleries, fine restaurants, fashionable shops and sidewalk cafes along tree shaded streets attract tourists from all over the world. San Martin is casual, laidback and family oriented; it is very user-friendly.

Hotel La Cheminee: A four star hotel with 16 rooms and three apartments is located in the heart of town and is within easy walking distance of the lake front, shops and the town's best restaurants. Room rates from $125/night, breakfast and taxes included.

Hosteria Monte Verde: This modern inn has all the comforts of home. Strategically located a few blocks from the main street in a quiet area of town. It offers large double and triple rooms, plus apartments that will accommodate four. All rooms are elegantly decorated. Room rates from $70/night, breakfast and taxes included.

JUNIN de los ANDES, with a population of 18,000, is 20 miles farther north and has a distinctly drier and warmer climate. Here the famous Rio Chimehuin runs along the western edge of town. Good fishing is within walking distance of local accommodations. Junin is not as upscale as San Martin and does not have as wide a selection of restaurants or shops. This is true gaucho (Argentine cowboys) country. Gauchos, colorfully dressed in traditional bombachas (bloused pants), botas de potro (black boots), sombrero (flat-brimmed hats or floppy berets), faja (red waist band) and silver-handled facon (a sheathed knife) tucked in the middle of the back, are a common sight. The annual fiesta del puestro in mid-February is a gathering of the regions gauchos, akin to the Calgary Stampede, with a parade, riding competitions, and vender stalls of all things gaucho, with plenty of beer for social lubricant.

Spring Creek Lodge: Located only 20 minutes from the Chapelco Airport, this lodge with a stunning view of the Lanin Volcano features double bungalows with kitchenettes, club house for breakfast and other meals, 2.5 km on-property spring creek fishing with 3 km fishing on the Rio Chimehuin only a short walk away. This lodge is perfect for individuals who want unstructured fishing time or who would like to include a variety of non-fishing activities.

Hosteria Quillahue: This modern, 3 star hosteria is located on the on the sparsely populated south side of Junin on the Rio Chimehuin river bank. All local services, shops and restaurants are within a 10-15 minute walk from the hosteria or a short taxi ride. Rates start at $60/night with breakfast and taxes included.