Patagonia Argentina Trout Fly Fishing - Testimonials and References

Comments:

Dear Ida y Hector,

Unfortunately I am back at work but I did wish to thank you both for making our first trip to Argentina so memorable.
My wife, not an outdoor person, says it was the best vacation she has ever had and to catch her first trout was a bonus.
San Martin is a little piece of Austria in Argentina and your cabanas are a beautiful example of this both inside and out. To stay in such a beautiful setting, next to a stream, quiet and yet in the centre of town close to shops and restaurants, is remarkable.
There is hospitality and hospitality and both of you put the Hilton chain to shame. We have traveled the world and I can honestly say from riads in Marrakech to 5 star hotels in Rome, never have we had better hosts.
Lending us your personal equipment when Delta lost our luggage to sharing "fish stories" over a bottle of wine, are but two examples of how an innkeeper quickly becomes a dear friend.
The guide services you arranged were like your establishment, excellent and affordable and I will be writing separately to Carlos to thank him. We will see you in March with the whole of my family.
Thank you again, your friend Mike Seddon (11/11/2007).

Testimonial over my fly fishing experience in Patagonia Nov-Dec 2007

I've just come back to cold Europe from a few days fishing in connection to a business trip to Argentina. Before I went I knew nothing about the area and did quite extensive web research and contacted several companies for offers. I made a selection finally based on value for money and flexibility as well as fishing quality. Here is what I can say to you if you have plans to go Fishing in Patagonia.

San Martin de los Andes is definitely the place to go. I would rank it high above Bariloche or any other place in that region for the following reasons. It's nature is much greener due to the micro climate in that valley and around the lake.
There is much more choice of rivers and lakes in the area. The ski tourism during June-Aug has developed the town for the benefit of us fly fishermen in the summer.

There are plenty of shops and restaurants not dissimilar to small villages in Colorado or the Alps. More or less everyone lives of the tourists so everything is set up well. Even so the place is quite affordable and you will find all price ranges. Bariloche is a much bigger town and a centre in the region. It receives much more tourist but also the kind of people who do not have any specific goal to go fishing like us. Your options would be various lodges but then you are tied to that. I would go back to San Martin next time without doubt.

Then Arco Iris Cabins run by Ida and Hector Scagnetti is an excellent choice. I have of course not seen all cabins and hotels in San Martin but I did move around a lot on foot and from this, the area where Arco Iris is located is calm and definitely the best in San Martin. Close to the centre (everything is) and still very peaceful. The Arco Iris cabins have a very good standard that is well represented on their web site. And remember they cater to skiing families during the winter so not the usual all male fishing hut standard. They are well suited to families as well. Hector is a fantastic host and I was very well taken care of. Everything was exceeding my expectations.

And now the best and most important part. Hector is a keen fisherman himself that knows the area well. If you want his advice on where to go fishing he'll give it to you. He is also connected with what I believe to be the best fishing guide in the state of Neuquen, his friend Carlos.I can most certainly recommend that you should stay with Hector and fish with Carlos. It is a safe bet for a fantastic experience.
Thomas, December 12th. 2007

Comments:

Dear Hector,

The trip back was also extremely hectic: changing flights and flight schedules.
By now we are recovered and the only thing that we remain are very nice memories of an extremely fine holday.
Thank you for the organization. Thanks again for all the good services.

Best regards,

Guido Vervoort (January, 2008).

Comments:

We came to Northern Patagonia primarily for the mountains and hiking. We stayed at Arco Iris for the second week of our trip. The cabanas are terrific, in a quiet location. Hector’s knowledge of the local roads, lakes and trails was invaluable. The town of San Martin has all the services a traveler may need. Best of all was the hospitality of Hector and Ida. Our cabana was truly a home away from home.
Laura Osborn and Rick Katz (12/17/2007)

Laura Osborn, Ida (Owner Arco Iris) and Rick Katz

Comments:

Hector and Ida provided us with a wonderful experience of true Argentinean hospitality. The accommodation were wonderful. Our cabin was very clean and spacious.
Their backyard has a trout stream where you can catch trout a few yards from your lodging.
If you wish to visit wonderful San martin de los Andes, Arco Iris Cabins should be your destination. From the 10 "Amigos Americanos"

Mike and Claudia Moffitt (24/01/2006)

Comments:

My wife, daughter, and I spent five days in the San Martin de los Andes area using Cabanas Arco Iris as a base.
We had a fantastic time and Arco Iris and its owners, Hector and Ida Scagnetti, were largely responsible for the success of our trip.
The Arco Iris cabanas are situated in a beautiful setting on a creek walking distance from town, and they are immaculate inside and out.

As proprietors, Hector and Ida set a very high standard. Not only was the service outstanding, but Hector's knowledge of the area and his willingness to share it and provide suggestions for activities and daily outings were spot on and key to our making the most of our time in this amazing area. We stayed at a number of different places during our 3 weeks in Argentina and Arco Iris was by far the best!
Thanks again. We look forward to seeing you here in Wyoming.
Keith

Comments:

Hola Hector and Ida!

We wanted to send you a thank you testimonial from America.
Ann and I had such a wonderful time staying with you both in your lovely cabins.
You may remember us as two of the crazy ten Americans who were just there.
We have traveled quite a bit in many parts of the world and have never experienced a better host and hostess. Your attention to detail and personal care is, in our experience, unsurpassed.
From advice on the best restaurants in San Martin, reservations when we wished, setting up the guided fly fishing float trip and joining us for the dinner we cooked on your wonderful grill, we really couldn't have asked for more.
You and your wonderful property are the best promotion Argentina and San Martin could hope for.
The trout stream is a treasure! We had never fly fished before and your advice was certainly welcomed.

We were sad when we had to leave and miss you both. It seems odd, we only just got to know you but this shows what kind people you are. Feel free to post our names on your web site if you like. We wish you both the best and will contact you before we visit again. Thanks for everything!

Carl and Ann Gillman (02/01/2006)

Comments:

On my first trip to San Martin in 1995, I stayed with Hector and Ida at Arco Iris Cabins.
I've been back four times since - twice with my wife.
They're great hosts, and San Martin is a beautiful town.
Many excellent restaurants, but none as good as an Asado at Arco Iris.
The fishing on the Chimehuin, Malleo, Caleufu and other nearby rivers is superb. Bravo!

Charles Thacher (03/10/2001)

Comments:

Well, I am finally getting the chance to write to you. I was determined to go on a vacation. My mind and body needed a break, I felt like I was on the "edge ". Total exhaustion was keeping me from enjoying my new freedom, which included a new relationship with the man of my dreams and his boys. He was the one who told me about a place where I could go (with him) to continue the healing process. He told me it had everything I was looking for in a vacation place. I did go for two full weeks.

I found heaven on earth, paradise, a healing place, everything and more that I had heard about and seen in photographs. I found the warm sun, warm hearts, open arms, smiles, kindness, acceptance, safety.
Services for nails, massage, etc, are all accessible.
I drank the wonderful wines, ate the delicious food, hiked the breath-taking country side, floated the beautiful rivers, went fishing and caught 5 rainbow trout one day.
We fished and hiked alone, with a guide, in a lagoon, in rivers, in the most picturesque settings. Slept with the windows wide open (and could see the stars), and warmed myself in the sun. I rode gondola to a mountain top, hiked to a waterfall, saw llamas, red deer, kingfisher birds.
There are restaurants owned by people who take such pride in serving their specialty, shopping for leather, silver, and crafts by the local artisans, chocolate everywhere, and it sure tasted better than home, internet services, breakfast delivered every morning, along with the delicious Argentine coffee, which is definitely better than home.
My love arranged for everything, along with his (now mine) friends, who owned the cabanas where we stayed.

The unit was spotless clean, everyday the maid came in to tidy up after us. I didn't have to think about anything, my brain went on vacation, the tenseness in my body went away, and I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute I was there.
It was the most elegant, relaxing, fun, therapeutic vacation I have ever taken. I can't wait until I can return to this paradise many more times.
Ok, to you both. Thank you so much for being who you are. I smile so often during the day at funny moments, we shared. I miss you guys. I miss the dogs. I'd like to say it's good to be home, but I can't. I miss the warmth of your sun... My love to you both, hugs and kisses.

Susan (03/05/2004)

Leon Stout
698 Clarkson Drive
Sparta, Michigan 49345, USA
Home phone 616-696-1390
Work phone 616-866-3300
e-mail: outdoorconnection@hotmail.com

Fred Gaul
4910 13 Mile NE
Rockford, Michigan 49341, USA
Home phone 616-822-8078
Work phone 616-653-5130
e-mail: fgaul60175@yahoo.com

Comments:

San Martin is an excellent biking base, as both beautiful day rides as well as multi-day rides of most abilities are accessible.

Being in the heart of the 7 Lakes district affords meandering rides along lakeshores as well as the Andes looming just to the west with everything that comes with the continental divide.

The options are limitless for both loop and out-and-back rides.
The folks at Arco Iris are very friendly and helpful in arranging everything from deluxe, comfortable accommodations.

Taxis into town and shuttles out of town for rides and touring, to laundry, a relaxing grassy riverside to ease away the day's biking pains to arranging scrumptious, plentiful barbeques Argentine style!

They did everything possible and went overboard to make it a wonderful Patagonian bike vacation.
Thanks again Hector and Ida. Look forward to seeing you again in the future!

John Donner(11/20/2001)

John Donner with friends in the Andes mountains.

John Donner
Vice President of Tuff Shed, Inc.
Mountain Region Manager
2407 S. Promontory Dr.
Salt Lake City
Utah 84109 - USA
Phone: (888) 320-8833
Cell: (801) 865-8833
E-MAIL: jdonner@tuffshed.com

Comments:

The best place in the world for fly-fishing (many rivers and lakes in less than 30 minutes drive). Really nice living at Arco Iris Cabins with the owner Hector and his wife Ida. San Martin is a beautiful town for the whole family.

Jacques Guay (02/15/2001)

Jacques looking the mouse of the Chimehuin river

Comments:

San Martin de Los Andes was in a setting that reminded me of a child's picture book--a gleaming lake set down like a gem surrounded by gorgeous mountain peaks. Then we came to what would soon become our home away from home Arco Iris. This idyllic setting is like a Hansel and Gretel cottage (only much larger) with a large creek out back a garden full of the largest purple lupines I have ever seen. But what made this trip unique were our hosts Ida and Hector . They were the most gracious host and hostess that we have ever met and we have traveled throughout the world. We were in Argentina for three weeks and used Arco Iris as our home base. Each time we returned Ida and Hector were so welcoming and accommodating that it really felt like being home--they took very good care of us. The town was gorgeous, the accommodations beyond repute and we look forward to returning again and again.

Katie and Rob Rice (11/20/2001)

Katie and Rob ready for the 'argentine asado'

Katie and Rob Rice
Tahoe Trips and Trails
P.O. Box 6952
Tahoe City, CA 96145
California - USA
Voice (800) 581-HIKE
Phone (530) 583-4506
FAX (530) 583-7765
e-mail: rob.rice@varianinc.com

Comments:

Arco Iris was the perfect accommodation for our stay in San Martin. The beautifully appointed cabins contained every imaginable amenity we could desire and were meticulously maintained by our friendly, helpful hosts, Hector and Ida. Situated on a lovely property, which offered inspirational views of the surrounding hills, the apartments are surrounded by a sprawling lawn extending to the river, and well tended gardens bursting with flowers. In addition, the town, a short stroll away, provided abundant shopping opportunities with unique locally produced arts and house wares. There is a wide variety of excellent restaurants as well as a convenient supermarket. It was difficult to leave picturesque haven in San Martin.

Patrice Donner (11/20/2001)

Patrice Donner
2407 Promontory Drive
Salt Lake City - Utah
UT 84109, USA
Home phone 801-486-9217
e-mail: p_jdonner@msn.com

Comments:

Dear Hector and Ida,
Our second trip to San Martin was better than the first.
The fishing, biking, and scenery were world class. I have never visited so many National Parks in my life. We hope to be back next year.

Tanya and Jeff Wolfe (11/20/2001)