Private Andean Fly-Fishing Day from Mendoza: Uco Valley Rivers and Asado
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–9 hours (full day)
Fitness Level
Comfortable walking uneven riverbanks and standing for extended periods at altitude; no strenuous hiking required.
Overview
Follow a fast, clear Andean river through the Uco Valley on a private ranch where rainbow and brown trout wait in pocket water beneath condors. This full-day guided trip from Mendoza blends small-stream fly fishing with an Argentine asado and big-mountain scenery.
Private Andean Fly-Fishing Day from Mendoza: Uco Valley Rivers and Asado
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Dawn spills over the Uco Valley as the Andes stretch awake, their ridgelines sharpening against a cobalt sky. The road rises toward La Carrera, a high pass where wind hums through poplars and the river moves with intention—quick, glassy, and cold. Here, on a private ranch two hours from Mendoza, the day’s task is clean and focused: read the current, place a fly, and let the river decide. Condors cruise the thermals. A fox studies from the thorny scrub. The water hurries you along, then pauses in emerald pockets that dare you to cast again.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress for high-altitude sun
UV is intense at ~2,000 m—long sleeves, a brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses are essential for comfort and safety.
Footwear that grips
Wear sturdy, quick-dry shoes with good traction for cobbled, brushy banks; ankle support helps on uneven ground.
Hydrate early and often
Dry mountain air sneaks up—start the day well-hydrated and carry a refillable bottle for sips between runs.
Keep casts short and accurate
These are tight, fast creeks—aim for controlled 15–30 ft casts and clean drifts rather than distance.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean condor
- Culpeo (Andean fox)
History
La Carrera served ranch traffic between high pastures and the valley; today the Uco Valley blends gaucho traditions with a modern wine boom that began in the late 20th century.
Conservation
These are fragile riparian zones on private land—stay on established paths, use barbless hooks, and pack out all waste to keep access open and trout healthy.
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Adventure Hotspots in Mendoza
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Polarized sunglasses (amber or copper lenses)
Cuts surface glare to spot fish and protect eyes from errant flies.
Quick-dry footwear or light hiking shoes
Grips rocky banks and dries fast after splashes along the creek.
Lightweight windproof layer
Mountain gusts are common; a packable shell keeps you comfortable between casts.
spring specific
Sun hat with neck shade
High UV exposure makes broad coverage valuable during long afternoons.
summer specific