Flying To Santiago
You can fly directly to Santiago, Chile (SCL) on overnight flights from several hubs in the US (LAX, JFK, ATL, MIA). From Santiago, you will need to take a flight to Balmaceda (BBA) to reach Coyhaique.
Plan for a minimum layover of 3-4 hours in Santiago to ensure ample time to catch your flight to BBA on the same day. Most flights from the US arrive early in the morning in Chile (between 7:00 to 9:00 AM), allowing plenty of time to catch a midday flight to BBA.
Plan to arrive in BBA Sunday afternoon. Spending a night or two in Santiago on your way to Patagonia is also a good option to catch some rest before the fishing begins and explore the wine country or try a good restaurant in the big city.
It is very important that your ensure your entire group arrives at the Santiago Airport at the same time. Flights typically arrive in the morning with a 4-hour layover. This gives you guests ample time to get through customs, get your baggage, and catch the following flight to Balmaceda . We're dropping off the previous group as everyone is landing, with your group typically arriving between 2-5pm.
Our clients typically fly with Latam Airlines, United, or American Airlines from the US and use Latam or Sky Airlines for domestic flights in Chile, both equally reliable.
Once You Arrive At Santiago Airport
Navigating Santiago Airport (SCL) is fairly straightforward once you know the steps. Here’s a quick guide to make your arrival as smooth as possible:
1) Arrival and Immigration
Once you land at SCL, head to Immigration. Here, you’ll need to complete the SAG (Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero) Affidavit. This form is required to declare any food products that might affect Chilean agriculture. You can fill it out digitally by scanning a QR code or use a printed form.
2) SAG Checkpoint
After clearing Immigration and collecting your baggage, proceed to the SAG checkpoint. Have your completed affidavit ready to show. This step is necessary before you can officially enter the country.
3) Connecting to Domestic Flight
Exit the International Terminal and walk to the Domestic Terminal to check in for your flight to Balmaceda. The two terminals are only a three minute walk from eachother.
4) If You’re Staying in Santiago
If you plan to spend a night or two in Santiago, official taxi services are available inside the terminal (we do not recommend getting taxi services outside of the terminal). We recommend using Transvip for a reliable ride to the city. For accommodations, consider:
Once You Arrive At Balmaceda
It's a direct flight from SCL to BBA (about 1h 45m). The Vista Patagonia Lodge staff will meet you at the Balmaceda airport upon your arrival. We'll help load all of the gear into the vehicles and head to the lodge—enjoying the sights along the way. From this point on, everything is taken care of by our team.
A Scenic Drive To Vista Patagonia Lodge
We have a scenic, 45-minute drive to the lodge. Our drive winds its way along the border of Argentina through open valleys dotted with farms and homes, bordered by the snow-peaked mountains of the Andes—transforming from a flat, arid landscape to a lush mountain environment.
Arrival At The Lodge
Upon arrival at the lodge, our team will help you unload your gear and show you to your rooms. After a long day of travel, you'll be greeted by the lodge staff with a welcome cocktail hour followed by dinner. We’ll go over the plan for the week and get things ready for your first day of fly fishing in Patagonia, Chile!
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
Short answer, no, but we highly recommend it! Vista Patagonia Lodge is dedicated to ensuring excellence in every aspect of your trip, with a strong focus on safety. As part of this commitment, we are a Global Rescue Safe Travel Partner.
Global Rescue is a leading provider of medical and security advisory and evacuation services worldwide. They offer field rescue services from the point of injury or illness. Their operations centers are staffed 24/7/365 with experienced personnel, ensuring that when you contact Global Rescue, you'll speak to a real person immediately to get the help you need.
For your next adventure, consider purchasing a Global Rescue membership for peace of mind. Single trip, annual, and family options are available. Feel free to ask us for more information, or visit their website directly.
Need Help With Travel Insurance?
If you have any questions, you can contact Dan Chomko at Global Rescue directly and he will help answer any questions you have about travel insurance for your trip.
A Note For Our Hosted Trip Partners
It is very important that your ensure your entire group arrives at the Santiago Airport at the same time. Flights typically arrive in the morning with a 4-hour layover. This gives your guests ample time to get through customs, get their baggage, and catch the following flight to Balmaceda . We're dropping off the previous group as everyone is landing, with your group typically arriving between 2-5pm.
Questions About Travel?
We're here to help every step of the way in planning your trip. If you have questions or concerns about getting here, please do not hesitate to contact us. Whether you're coming here on your own or coming with a host, give us a call, shoot us a message, or send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
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