Geography:
Chile is located on the southwest side of the continent of South America. It runs from 17 degrees S. latitude in the north to about 56 degrees S. latitude in the south never getting more than about 100 miles wide at any point. Superimposed on the West Coast of North America it would reach from Ketchikan, Alaska to Acapulco, Mexico! Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina border Chile.

• Language: Spanish
• Population: 15 million
• Currency: Peso (about 520 pesos=$1.00)
• Government: Democracy
• Exports: Copper, fish, lumber, wine, fruits and vegetables.
• Interesting Facts: The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is the driest land mass in the world. Chile is the #1 producer of copper in the world and #2 in farm raised salmon. The Chilean economy is the strongest and most stable in Latin America. Easter Island, a Chilean territory, is 1500 miles from the nearest inhabited land making it the most isolated place on earth. 10% of all the active volcanoes on the planet are found in Chile. The Mapuche Indians of southern Chile were the last to be conquered in all of the Americas.

The Lodges
Mincho's Lodge is nestled in a quite corner of Coyhaique. Rooms are spacious and immaculately maintained. Each room has two queen beds and private bathroom. The staff is warm and friendly and eager to hear about the days fishing. The lodge is equipped with a full bar and the best dining in town. Wonderful Patagonian beef and fresh local seafood accompanied by a famous Chilean wine are typical fare. A pine forest surrounds the lodge and the smell of the trees permeate the rooms. The Simpson river flows a short walk away.

The Rio Baker Lodge is conveniently situated on the headwater lake for the Rio Baker, a short five minutes from the best fishing. Built by two Argentinean brothers in 1993, the lodge is an incredible mix of comfort and beauty. The dining room hangs out over the lake with windows on three sides and awesome views of high peaks and glaciers. Your private cabin has the same view! The chef prepares what we request when we request it. A barbecued lamb done in the traditional Chilean style is a popular choice.

Coyhaique
Nobody forgets the view of Coyhaique at night as you come over the hill and see the city twinkling below. Nestled amongst the eastern foothills of the Andes, Coyhaique means, "the joining of rivers", referring to the Simpson and Coyhaique rivers. About 50,000 people live in this city considered to be the heart of Chilean Patagonia. Coyhaique is ideally located for fly fishermen. The Simpson River, arguably the best in Chile, flows practically through town and the Ñireguao is a short drive away. Farming, lumber, mining, and salmon aquaculture are some of the primary industries. While at a latitude similar to that of Portland, Oregon the climate is much more like Alaska. While an 80 degree day is not unheard of 55 degrees and breezy is much more common in the summer.