Sustainability
Fly Fishing with Purpose:
El Encuentro’s Path to Sustainability in Patagonia
At El Encuentro Fly Fishing, we know that our greatest treasure is not just the fish we catch, but the pristine rivers, landscapes, and communities that surround us. For over 40 years, we’ve welcomed guests to experience the magic of Patagonia—and now, more than ever, we’re committed to ensuring that magic lasts for generations to come.
Environmental Stewardship
in all our Destinations
Among all our destinations, Brook Trout Base Camp stands out as a true model of sustainability. Operating entirely off the grid, the camp blends a wind turbine with solar panels to produce virtually all the electricity needed for the wooden casitas and the quincho (our shared space). These renewable sources also ensure a steady supply of hot water throughout your stay.
Life at Base Camp shows that comfort and responsibility can go hand in hand.
Guests enjoy cozy cabins with proper lighting, insulation, and hot water, while every detail is carefully managed to reduce our footprint and protect the wild landscape. In addition, at Base Camp, El Encuentro Lodge, and Valle del Carrileufu Lodge, we place a strong emphasis on sustainability through careful resource management. All waste is separated: organic matter is used to produce compost that nourishes our greenhouses and lodge gardens, while inorganic waste — including plastics, recyclables, and aluminum — is properly recycled. Energy use is closely monitored to minimize consumption, and every detail is carefully managed to protect the landscape and preserve Patagonia’s natural beauty.
Every Step Guided by Sustainability
From Soil to Table: A Sustainable Kitchen
Sustainability at El Encuentro extends to the table. Across our destinations, we’ve developed greenhouses and thriving organic gardens that supply our kitchens with fresh herbs, vegetables, and seasonal produce. This keeps our menus vibrant and ever-changing, while significantly reducing food miles and waste.
We also take pride in serving organic, farm-raised beef and lamb sourced from local sustainable farms. Raised without synthetic hormones or antibiotics, these meats offer guests both exceptional flavor and the assurance that their meals support ethical farming practices and local economies.
And because caring for the land means giving back to it, we compost all organic leftovers. Every meal becomes part of a larger cycle of respect for nature: nourishing our guests while also enriching the soil that sustains us.
Refill, Reuse, Recycle & Reduce
Plastic waste has no place in wild Patagonia. That’s why we’ve replaced single-use plastics with reusable water bottles and refill stations at our lodges. Guests are encouraged to bring their own bottles or use ours. We’ve also reduced printed materials and shifted to eco-friendly practices like towel reuse and dispenser systems. As mentioned above, we carefully separate our inorganic waste including plastics, recyclable paper and cardboard and aluminum cans to recycle in Esquel.
Strengthening Communities
Sustainability means supporting people, too. We’re proud that our activities benefit the local community in many ways: by hiring local people, sourcing products and services from local producers, and providing stable employment opportunities. Through these efforts, we demonstrate the relevance of fly fishing and the positive impact it brings to the area, while encouraging local consumption and fostering economic growth. Our commitment also includes education and community engagement, such as hosting local schools for in-service training to learn about sustainable tourism and the value of preserving Patagonia’s natural resources.
In addition, many of our guides also dedicate time to volunteering in our community, helping more local residents become future guides by sharing their knowledge and experience. Check out our blogpost to know more: https://www.elencuentroflyfishing.com/blog/supporting-education-and-tourism-in-our-community
Through programs like the Euro-nymphing Clinic led by Katka Svagrová for Argentine anglers, we continue to strengthen our efforts in education, training, and connection within our region.
Keep Fish Wet Philosophy
At El Encuentro Fly Fishing, we treasure not only the beauty of our rivers but also the life that thrives within them. That’s why we’ve adopted the practices of Keep Fish Wet, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting science-based fish handling. Their three pillars—minimizing air exposure, avoiding dry surfaces, and reducing handling—are now part of our daily fishing protocols. By following these guidelines, we protect fish health, preserve local populations, and foster a culture of conscious angling.
Giving Back
Our rivers and trails give us so much—so we give back.
We actively support conservation efforts in nearby parks and river access points. Our fishing guides play a central role in this work: they organize trail clean-ups, remove any waste they find, clear fallen branches, and eliminate non-native plant species introduced by human activity. If traces of campfires are found, they are properly cleaned and reported to prevent recurrence. This work has a dual purpose: keeping access points clean and rivers pristine, while also contributing to the broader health of the environment.
In addition, our guides carefully manage the fisheries — including the use, rotation, and preservation of fishing areas — taking into account adverse climatic conditions, to ensure sustainable practices that protect the rivers and support the ecosystem. Every fishing license purchased also helps local wardens protect the waters we fish.
Each year, we also contribute to various organizations and fly-fishing clubs that share our values, including GRTU Troutfest Texas (Trout Unlimited), Fly Casters San Jose, Jackson Hole One Fly, and International Fly Casters, among others. Through these partnerships, we extend our commitment to preserving the places and communities that make fly fishing in Patagonia so special.
A Journey We Take Together
Sustainability is not a destination—it’s a journey we share.
With every cast, hike, and moment spent in Patagonia, you become part of our purpose: protecting its wild beauty while building meaningful connections along the way.
Ready to fish with El Encuentro Fly Fishing with purpose?
Join us and experience Patagonia our way—where adventure, sustainability, and friendship live side by side.