The following is background information on the country of Chile, its fishing possiblilites and more to help you get ready for your trip. For gear informationand what you will need to bring on your trip, click here

Traveling Information- Passports, Immigration, Flights, Places to Stay
US citizens only need to present a valid US passport for entry into Chile. A entry fee of about US$100 will be charged to all US citizens entering the country (subject to change without notice). This is the same for all Chilean citizens entering into the USA. A domestic airport fee of US$15 is charged for flying within the country. A Chilean Tourist Card Application will be handed out by your airline druing your flight. Please fill out the application and present it to Chilean Immigrations upon arrival into Santiago along with your passport. Immigration will take one copy of the Tourist Card, and you keep the other. Do not lose your copy or you may have to pay a $ penalty upon leaving the country. Foreign visitors are generally not hassled upon entry into Chile. You are allowed to bring personal items as well as any fishing equipment. Large amounts of expensive electronics may be questioned. Be well rested and drink lots of water to cope with any jet lag you may experience.

International Carriers that fly direct from the USA and Chile are LanChile and American Airlines. LanChile is an excellent, modern carrier with excellent rates and service. They fly daily from Los Angeles (11 hours to Santiago), Miami (9 hours to Santiago), Dallas (13 hours to Santiago), and New York (13 hours to Santiago). From Santiago to Balmaceda/Coyhaique area with layover time in Puerto Montt is approximately 3 more hours. Domestic carriers in Chile are National, and Ladeco. A Patagonia Drifters representative will meet you upon your arrival.

South American airlines are notorious for overbooking flights by as much as 30%. Therefore, it is critical that you reconfirm your flights constantly. If a flight is missed, it is possible to not make another flight for another 2 days.

You should keep your bags locked when traveling. If your bags are locked, talk immediately with your airline representative. Patagonia Drifters can help with arrangements to get lost baggage out to the lodge. Soft duffel bags and one that will second as a boat bag are best. Your boat bag does not necessarily need to be waterproof.

In Santiago, you may want to stay at one of the following hotels (contact us for more information): Upon arriving into Coyhaique, Patagonia Drifters provides lodging and meals as part of the chosen package.

Hotel Carrera
Teatinos 180, Casilla 2272
Santiago, Chile S.A.
Fax: 011-562-232-7620
Phone: 011-562-698-2011
E-mail: hotelcarerra@chilinet.el

Plaza el Bosque
Edificio Plaza el bosque- San Sebastian 2800
Los Condes- Santiago, Chile S.A.
Fax: 011-562-232-7620
Phone: 011-562-362-1600
std. dbl. room USD$115 per night

Hyatt-Regency-Santiago
US Reservation: 1-800-223-1234
Phone: 011-562-218-1234
USD$ 230 per night for std. dbl. room

Medical Services and Food
There is very little risk of infectious deseas in Chile. Compare it to a trip to Colorado or Montana. Medical Services are good, but may not meet US standards. Hospitals and doctors expect immediate cash payment for health services. US Medical insurance is not always valid outside the US. Supplemental insurance that covers overseas medical costs, and provides for emergency medical evacuation is recommended. It is recommended to check with your doctor to see what shots or vaccinations are needed. For any country (the USA is no exception), hepatis, yellow fever, or malaria shots are recommended as minimum. Stomach problems and colds are common, usually on the 3rd day in Chile. To reduce the risk, always wash your hands, use discretion when eating from open-air stands, avoid dehydration, drink bottled water while in Santiago, take it easy the first few days, take Pepto Bismo, yogurt or Papaya enzyme tablets throughout your stay, ease into local drinking and eating habits. Bottled water is available at all times when with Patagonia Drifters.

Chile is best known for its wide variety of seafood. However, similar dishes to those found in the US such as Chicken or Beef dishes are also common. In general, most Chilean meals are accompanied by a bottle of spicey sauce known as "Aji" derived from aji peppers and garlic. And don't forget to try the famous Pisco Sours! Guests of Patagonia Drifters will enjoy lodge and riverside meals that are a variety of meats, seafood's, and pastas, accompanied by exceptional Chilean Wines. Riverside meals are a sitdown affair and served hot off the fire.

Lunch by the river

Chile the Country

Chile in the language of the indigenous peoples, means "where the world ends". It stretches futher south than any other country. Chile is located along the southwestern coast of South America. The Andes define the eastern border with Argentina and stretch the entire length of the country. Peru and Bolivia lie to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west.Chile is politically divided into 12 areas known as "regions". The north holds the worlds driest desert, the Atcama Desert. The central area is similar to California, with a long "Central Valley" which produces fine wines. The south or 10th region, has beautiful lakes and majestic volcanoes. Further south is the Patagonia, with vast uninhabited wild lands, temperate rain forests, rugged mountains, glaciers and fjords.

Chile is 2,400 miles long. It is only 150 miles wide at its widest point. The total land area is roughly twice the size of Montana.

Chile has over 15 million Spanish-speaking inhabitants. Santiago is the capitol city and largest with 5 million people. The majority of Chileans (95%), are of European decent or "mestizos", a mix of european and native indigenous blood. 3% are full blooded indigenous peoples, either Mapuche or Pehuenche. 90% are Roman Catholic, 10% Protestant, and a small Jewish Population.

Chile has been a democracy since 1989. Prior to that it was under the leadership of military dictator Augosto Pinochet. The transition to democracy has been smooth.

Chile's Fishing History
Trout are not native to South America. In Chile and Argentina, they were first introduced into rivers in the early 1900's, primarily by European owners of the large estancias or ranches in the south who imported the eggs and smolt by ship from hatcheries in both the US (Salmo Shasta from California is famous for this), and Europe. The government of Chile subsequently introduced trout into the pristine lakes region and this area blossomed into a spot fishing mecca in the 1950's and 60's. It was made famous by writers such as Rodrick Haig Brown, Ernest Schweiber, and Joe Brooks. However, the fishing quality of the Lkes Region has since deteriorated due to pressure and mismanagement of the resource. Meanwhile, introductions into thePatagonian waters have been highly sucessful and the Aysen Reion of Chele has now overtaken the Lakes Region as the sports fishing center of CHile. Roin bow and Brown Trout are the most common speices and Brook Trouth (trophy size), can be found in a few remote areas. In addition, due to the rapid growth of commercial unregulated fish-farming and the occasional storm, fish pens are peridically destroyed releasing tens of thousands of salmonids to the wild. Most of the coastal rivers of Patagonia now have seasonal runs of Brown and Rainbow trout, Coho, King and Atlantic salmon.

Social Customs
A gentle kiss on the right cheek is common for a man greeting a woman, or for between women in South America in an informal situation. Hand shakes between men. Drinking a local tea called "Matte" is common. The mix is packed into a gourd, with hot water poured over the top. A silver straw is inserted to drink the matte. The gourd is passed around. Also, when entering a room where people are eating people say "Bon Provecho", which roughly translated means "happy or good eating" (enjoy the meal).

Gratuity
Tipping is a personal decision and should be based upon the level of service you received during your stay and your satisfaction. Generally, each satisfied client will leave a gratuity between 5 and 7% of the total cost of the fishing package. Gratuities can be left with Monte or Paola or at the front desk of the lodge, and will be divided between the entire staff.

Other Items- Money, Mail, Telephones, Electricity
Electricity is 220 volts, alternating current. Plugs have 2 rounded prongs. You should bring your own converter for computers and appliances. Chile is fairly modern in most respects.

Telephone service is very modern throughout most of Chile.

Mail takes about 2 weeks to go from Chile to the United States and vice versa. The service is reliable. Cost for a letter to the US is about US$.55.

Shopping Information
Wine and liquors in Chile are among the worlds best. Pisco is a grape-derived liquor is the most popular hard liquor in Chile. The national drink, Pisco Sour, is made with Pisco, lemon juice, and sugar. It is delicious and available everywhere. There is an outdoor artisans market in the central part of Coyhaique. There you can find knit goods, carvings, pottery and more. Cile is also known for it's Lapis Lazuli jewelry an dther arre many shops inthe Bellavista area of Santiago. Lapis is available in the airport shops as well. Wood carvings and some weavings are also common.

The currency is the Peso. Major hotels often discount the 18% VAT tax if your bill is paid in $USD. Click here to see the current exchange rate. Most major credit cards are accepted throughout Chile establishments. There are ATM's in Coyhaique and in the aiports for cash withdrawals as well.