A Firsthand Look at Trek’s Argentina and Uruguay Programs

By Colin Feller
Director of Sales and Operations

Having joined Trek International Safaris this past December, I had been looking forward to my first opportunity to get into the field and experience our destinations firsthand. This trip through Argentina and Uruguay provided exactly that, an introduction not only to the landscapes and lodges we represent, but to the people, logistics, and experiences that define what we offer our clients.

Over the course of 10 days, I traveled through Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and into Uruguay, visiting several of our premier lodges, meeting with trusted partners, and spending time in the field alongside clients. Here is a recap of my first journey with Trek.

Arrival in Buenos Aires
My trip began with a flight from Jacksonville to Miami, followed by an overnight flight into Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, I transferred to the Loi Suites Hotel, located in the heart of Recoleta, an ideal base for exploring the city and one we frequently recommend to clients for its location and comfort.

Exploring Buenos Aires and Aviation Logistics
On the first full day, I visited one of the regional airports used for our charter operations. It was valuable to see firsthand the aircraft that support many of our programs, including several of the charter planes we regularly utilize and a new Pilatus PC-12 Pro. Understanding these logistics is critical, as they play a major role in ensuring seamless travel for our clients across Argentina.

Later that day, I explored the city with my coworker Tanner Palmore. Buenos Aires is a fascinating blend of European influence and South American culture, with architecture that reflects Spanish, French, and Italian design. Wide boulevards, ornate facades, and historic buildings give the city a distinct character that sets the tone for any Argentine itinerary. The evening concluded with an excellent dinner at Rufino in Recoleta, showcasing the city’s renowned culinary scene.

Couples Trip and Historic Buenos Aires
The following day, I met up with a group participating in one of our couples trips. We spent the day on a guided city tour, visiting several of Buenos Aires’ most iconic landmarks. Highlights included Plaza de Mayo, the historic central square of the city, along with the grand Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires and the presidential palace. Each of these sites offers a deeper look into Argentina’s history and culture, and the tour serves as a great introduction before heading into the field. The evening was rounded out with an outstanding Italian dinner at Sottovoce, with one of the best authentic Italian dishes I have ever had, the Pappardelle con Hongos.

La Boca and Tango Culture
Day three continued with further exploration of the city, including a visit to the colorful district of La Boca. Known for its vibrant buildings and lively atmosphere, it offers a completely different feel from the more refined neighborhoods like Recoleta. That evening, we attended a traditional Argentine tango show at Rojo Tango, an essential cultural experience that adds depth to any stay in Buenos Aires.
Córdoba and Guayascate Lodge

On day four, I flew from Buenos Aires to Córdoba, where I was met by representatives of Guayascate Lodge, operated by H&H Outfitters. The lodge is one of Trek’s signature destinations and immediately impresses with its setting, service, and overall atmosphere.

After settling in, we explored several nearby hunting fields. The volume of birdlife was remarkable, with steady streams of dove moving throughout the day and strong pockets of pigeon activity in the right areas. The consistency, numbers, and accessibility of these fields make Córdoba one of the premier wing shooting destinations in the world, where high volume shooting and quality opportunities go hand in hand.

Rio Seco and La Porteñita
The next day was spent visiting additional properties, including Rio Seco Lodge and La Porteñita Lodge, along with a private airfield that supports quick and efficient access between locations. Each lodge offers its own unique style while maintaining the high standards our clients expect.

That afternoon, I joined the group for a hunt. The shooting lived up to expectations, with strong dove numbers and opportunities for pigeon as well. The combination of volume, accessibility, and well managed fields makes this region incredibly consistent for high quality shooting.

Escondido Lodge and Aerial Views
Day six included a flight from the Guayascate private airfield to Escondido Lodge. The property is beautifully situated and offers a more secluded, refined experience. After a fantastic lunch, we visited nearby fields where another group was actively shooting, providing further insight into how operations are managed across different lodges and the flight patterns.

Peanuts were in full harvest as South America rolls into their fall season, and the pigeons were out in full-force. It was often joked throughout the day that you could shoot until your shoulder told you to stop, and I quickly realized this was as true as it was comical.

On departure, we were treated to a unique sight, flying over a regional South American rally race taking place in the mountains. Seeing the course from the air added an unexpected and memorable element to the day.
We returned to Guayascate, where we were welcomed back with drinks followed by a fantastic dinner and a lively musical comedy show to cap off the evening.

Uruguay and La Lagunita
The following day, I traveled from Córdoba to Buenos Aires and onward to Montevideo. There, I was met by Franco from La Lagunita Lodge, and we drove up the coast toward Chuy, Uruguay.

Chuy is a unique town that sits directly on the border of Uruguay and Brazil, blending influences from both countries. That evening, I enjoyed dinner with Franco, his family, and their dogs at the lodge, an experience that reflects the personal hospitality that defines many of our Uruguay operations.

Duck Country and Santa Cristina
Day eight began with a visit to local duck ponds near Chuy before continuing inland to Durazno. We stopped at the Santa Cristina Hotel for lunch, a property that Franco and the team partner with to host clients during their perdiz and dove programs in central Uruguay. The hotel is well positioned for accessing multiple shooting areas and offers a comfortable, practical base that complements the surrounding hunting opportunities. It also features private areas reserved exclusively for hunters, creating a more tailored and relaxed experience for groups in camp.

That afternoon, I was picked up by Luis from Estancia Santa Clara and transferred to the estancia.

Estancia Santa Clara
Estancia Santa Clara is a truly unique and historic property that offers a completely different experience from the lodges in Argentina. The estancia is over 200 years old and centers around a European style castle built in the early 1800s by an English privateer, giving it a character and history that is immediately evident upon arrival.

Luis, who hosts the estancia, is a seventh-generation descendant of the original founder, and his deep connection to the property adds a personal element that enhances the experience. The scale of the ranch is equally impressive, encompassing roughly 30,000 acres of farmland and supporting around 20,000 head of cattle.

After settling in, I enjoyed a great dinner with Luis and spent the night in the historic estancia, an experience that feels as much like stepping into the past as it does a hunting destination.

Ranch Life and Montevideo
The following morning included learning more about the history of the estancia, followed by time in the field scouting and even participating in some cattle work. It was a unique opportunity to see the operational side of a working ranch.

After lunch, I traveled back to Montevideo and checked into the Sofitel in Carrasco, a historic Monte Carlo style Casino and Hotel that is one of the nicest in South America. The Carrasco area is one of the most desirable parts of the city, known for its coastal setting, upscale feel, and relaxed atmosphere. Dinner that evening was at Nuevo García, a well-known local favorite.

La Bellaca and Departure
On the final day, I explored Montevideo in the morning before meeting up with Patrick Brown of River Plate Outfitters. We traveled to La Bellaca Lodge, a property that feels more like the Italian countryside than central Uruguay.
After touring the estate and scouting fields, we visited a nearby Catholic monastery where we picked up farm fresh eggs, another small but memorable detail that reflects the authenticity of the region.

The day concluded with a fantastic BBQ dinner before returning to Montevideo for a late night flight back to the United States via Panama City.

Reflections on the Trip
This trip reinforced the importance of firsthand experience in what we do at Trek. From understanding travel logistics and evaluating lodges to building relationships with our partners and seeing the hunting in action, there is no substitute for being on the ground.

What stood out most was the consistency across every destination, the people, the hospitality, and the quality of the experiences we are able to offer our clients. It was an invaluable introduction, and one that I look forward to building on in the years ahead.