Even if you have worked with Acute Angling before, please read this guide carefully!

Paraná River Multi-Species Trip Preparation Guide

Everything You Need to Know for Your Argentina Golden Dorado Amazon Expedition

Golden Dorado fishing

Whether this is your first Amazon fishing trip or you’re returning for another thrilling journey with Acute Angling, this guide will help ensure you’re ready for every step of your adventure. From flight planning and packing tips to visa requirements and health information, here’s everything you need to know before joining us on the Xingu River.

Experience immersive Amazon fishing deep within the protected 22-million-acre territories of the Kayapo people—one of the most pristine, culturally rich regions left on the planet. The Xingu River trip blends high-action multi-species fishing with cultural connection, set far off the beaten path in the Southeast Amazon.

Travel Insurance

Acute Angling does not include travel insurance in trip pricing, and many insurers require policies to be purchased soon after making your deposit. We strongly recommend purchasing insurance that covers:

  • Trip cancellation

  • Medical evacuation

  • Emergency rebooking

  • Lost baggage

We have worked closely with Global Rescue for many years. They understand the needs of our anglers and are highly recommended.

For more details, see our full article: Travel, Trip, and Evacuation Insurance.

Travel Dates & Flights

Your trip start date corresponds to the day you board the charter flight from Manaus to the Rio Xingu. You must arrive in Manaus the day before this date and plan your international departure for the day after the trip ends. Weather delays are possible in the rainforest, so this buffer is essential.

Example: If your trip runs Nov 10–16:

  • Arrive Buenos Aires Nov 9

  • Transfer to Paraná River Nov 10

  • Fishing November 11–15

  • Return to Buenos Aires November 16 and depart in the evening or later

Flight Notes

We recommend that you purchase international flights six months in advance when possible and arrive in Buenos Aires at least one day early to allow for smooth connections and to adjust before heading north to the Paraná River region.

Please note that Buenos Aires has two airports: Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also known as Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP)

  • Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) is the main international airport with some domestic flights as well. If you are traveling from North America, Europe, or Central America you will fly to this airport.

  • Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) has domestic flights in Argentina and a few international flights within South America.

If you're unsure about how to time your arrival or how many hotel nights to plan, don’t hesitate to contact us — we’re happy to assist.

Option 1 — Arrive the Day Before (Recommended):

Fly into Buenos Aires one day before the trip starts. After clearing customs, you’ll find several official taxi kiosks in the arrivals area. We recommend using one of these services — English-speaking staff will help arrange a secure cab to your hotel. Have the hotel name and address ready.

Spend the night at a recommended hotel (below) and enjoy the city or rest. The next morning, a private van will pick you up between 7:00–8:00 a.m. and drive you to the mothership on the Paraná River. The transfer takes approximately 4–4.5 hours, depending on the boat’s current location. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy lunch, a short orientation, and a half day of fishing.

Option 2 — Arrive the Morning Of (Not Recommended):

If your international flight arrives early in the morning on the trip's start date, you can meet the transfer van at the airport and head directly to the Paraná River. The drive takes 4.5–5 hours. You’ll have lunch and orientation on arrival. Whether you fish that afternoon depends on your arrival time.

Important: You may miss out on fishing if your flight is delayed or arrives late in the morning. Whenever possible, we strongly recommend arriving the day before.

Argentina Amazon Fishing

Departure from the Yacht

On the last day of the trip, you’ll wake up aboard the yacht and enjoy breakfast. The transfer van will then return you to Buenos Aires airport.

Please ensure your international return flight departs no earlier than 5:00 p.m. to allow for transfer time and airport check-in.

Hotels

If you choose to arrive the day before to relax and enjoy Buenos Aires (which we encourage as it is a great city) here is a list of hotels that we recommend. These are in a very nice part of the city with shops and food nearby. Please note that Alexy Mesa can assist you with booking your hotel.

Need Help Booking Flights?

We recommend working with Alexy Mesa, a licensed travel agent who has helped our anglers for years. His services are completely free to you — he is paid by the airline — and he can:

  • Find the best flight options for your trip dates

  • Rebook quickly in case of delays or cancellations

  • Communicate with airlines in Spanish or Portuguese on your behalf

Contact Alexy:

Once your flights are confirmed, enter your complete itinerary into the Acute Angling WeTravel portal. This ensures our Manaus team can coordinate your airport pickup, hotel reservation, and charter flight.

WeTravel Client Portal

Acute Angling utilizes the WeTravel portal to securely collect trip information and payments from all of our clients. This system ensures that we have everything we need to provide a seamless experience, from airport pickups to charter flights.

How It Works:

  1. Once you reserve your trip and pay your deposit, Acute Angling will create your registration in WeTravel.

  2. You will then receive an email from WeTravel with a secure registration link.

  3. Use this link to log in, review your trip details, and enter all required personal and travel information.

  4. The portal also serves as the platform for submitting your remaining balance payments when due.

Important:

  • All required information should be completed as soon as possible and must be completed in the WeTravel portal at least 120 days before your trip start date.

    • Note that if you book a trip less than 120 days before the trip please provide the required information as soon as possible.

  • Failure to complete your registration may result in logistical complications, such as flight scheduling, hotel reservations, or transfer arrangements.

The WeTravel portal is the only official system we use for gathering your information. Please make sure you keep your login details and complete the process as soon as you receive your registration email.

You can access the portal directly here: Acute Angling WeTravel Portal. If you need assistance with your portal, please contact us at 866-832-2987.

What’s Included & Not Included

Included:

  • Transfers between Buenos Aires and Paraná River

  • Mothership accommodations and meals

  • Daily laundry service

  • Beverages including wine and beer

  • Conventional tackle and bait

Not Included:

  • International and domestic flights

  • Hotel nights in Buenos Aires

  • Gratuities

  • Travel insurance

The Panará River Experience

Your base of operations is a fully outfitted mothership that moves with the fishing. You’ll enjoy the comforts of air-conditioned cabins, chef-prepared meals, and daily laundry, while fishing remote stretches of the lower Paraná River, one of the world’s greatest freshwater rivers.

Panara River Fishing lodging

Your trip includes double-occupancy lodging with modern amenities, air conditioning, and private bathrooms. Meals are prepared by on-site chefs, blending traditional Argentine flavors with hearty fare for hungry anglers.

The lodge provides:

  • Comfortable sleeping quarters

  • Daily maid service

  • On-site chef and dining area

  • Wi-Fi access (in most cases)

  • Complimentary wine and beer with dinner

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 – Arrival in Buenos Aires

  • Arrive at EZE. Transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 – Transfer to Paraná River

  • Morning van pickup at your hotel.

  • 4–4.5 hour drive to the mothership.

  • Lunch and orientation. Afternoon half-day of fishing.

Days 3–7 – Fishing the Paraná

  • Breakfast onboard.

  • Full days fishing lagoons, side channels, and backwaters for Golden Dorado.

  • Dinner and overnight on the mothership.

Day 8 – Return to Buenos Aires

  • Breakfast onboard, van transfer back to Buenos Aires.

  • Depart after 5:00 pm or overnight at a hotel and depart the following day.

What to Pack

We provide all conventional tackle (rods, reels, and lures). You only need to bring fly gear if you plan to fly fish.

We also provide daily laundry service, so there’s no need to overpack. Just bring personal essentials, appropriate clothing, and any medications or health items you may need. Watch our video, Clothing for Your Amazon Fishing Adventure, for more helpful information!

We included links to some of our favorite products that we’ve tested out ourselves. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some of our favorite recommended products are linked below for your convenience.

Clothing (light colors recommended):

Golden Dorado Fishing

Medical & Personal Items:

  • 2 pairs polarized sunglasses

    • Please bring two pairs in case you break or lose a pair! You must have eye protection when fishing.

    • You might consider clear safety glasses for early morning or evening fishing, especially if your eyesight is weak.

    • HUK Sunglasses

    • KastKing Sunglasses

  • Lens wipes (good for glasses, smart phones, and cameras)

  • Insect repellent with DEET

  • Anti-itch cream

  • Medications (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, allergy meds, etc.)

  • Prescription meds (keep in carry-on)

  • Electrolyte mix

  • Waterproof sunscreen (SPF 30+) and lip balm

  • Basic toiletries

  • Waterproof day pack or dry bag

  • Flashlight/headlamp

  • Zip-loc bags or trash bags (for wet items or gear)

  • Passport and visa and two photocopies of each

  • Travel documents, cash (for tips), and credit card

  • Smartphone/tablet with charger

  • Apps for smartphone:

    • Google Translate (download Brazilian Portuguese language before arriving)

    • WhatsApp (remember to have loved ones back home download as well. We recommend sending a few initial messages at home to ensure your numbers are connected.

  • Universal power adapter

Optional:

  • Waterproof camera and charger

  • Books or Notebook

  • Binoculars

  • Goggles (check with guide before swimming)

  • Hook sharpener

  • Fishing knot app (e.g., Grog Knots)

Golden Dorado Fishing

Health & Safety

Vaccines

No vaccines are required to enter Argentina from the U.S., Canada, or most European countries.

Medical Needs

If you have serious health conditions, please let us know in advance via your trip portal. Though remote, our operations have internet access for emergency communication. In a medical emergency, evacuation flights are possible but may take several hours or more. Bring any allergy medications or EpiPens, and share your emergency contact info with the host upon arrival.

If you can’t swim, notify your guide and host at the beginning of the trip.

Drinking Water

Do not drink tap water in Argentina — use only bottled water, even for brushing your teeth. Avoid ice and juices unless provided by our operations. This helps prevent serious digestive upset that could sideline your fishing.

Dietary Needs

If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please notify us via your WeTravel portal in advance. We’ll coordinate with the operation to ensure suitable meal options are available.

Insects & Pests

While the Paraná River region is not heavily infested with insects, there may be mosquitoes, especially near vegetation. DEET-based repellent and light, long-sleeved clothing are the best prevention. We have never had a case of mosquito-transmitted disease, but if you're concerned, consult your physician.

Allergies to stings?

If you are allergic to bees, wasps, or horseflies, bring an EpiPen and notify your guide and host as soon as you arrive.

Currency & Payments

Argentina has unique currency conditions. We recommend bringing a few U.S. dollars in small bills ($20s, $10s, $5s, and $1s) for incidentals in Buenos Aires.

Tipping for the guides and staff is done in cash — please do not plan to use cards or rely on ATMs once you’re at the lodge.

Golden Dorado fish

Tipping Guidelines

Tips are not included in the rates of the lodge. Our Argentine staff and guides are experienced, hard-working professionals who go above and beyond to ensure a great experience. Tipping is customary and appreciated.

Suggested minimums (per angler, per week) of the rate paid:

  • Guide and Lodge Staff (shared):

    • Good: 8%

    • Very Good: 10%

    • Excellent: 12-15%

Please bring U.S. dollars for tipping.

Fly Fishing Gear

All spinning and baitcasting tackle is provided. If you plan to fly fish, please bring your own gear. Airlines do not allow rods or lures with hooks in carry-on luggage, so pack accordingly.

Contact Information

📧 [email protected]

📱 (866) 832-2987

We look forward to welcoming you to the Kayapo Reserve in the Amazon jungle at the Xingu River multi-species lodge for the Amazon fishing adventure of a lifetime!

(866) 832-2987