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

Paraná River Golden Dorado Trip Preparation Guide

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

Golden Dorado fishing

Whether this is your first 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 health information, here’s everything you need to know before joining us on the Paraná River.

The Paraná River is one of South America’s legendary fisheries, famous for explosive Golden Dorado action. Flowing through the fertile plains of northern Argentina, the Paraná combines rich biodiversity with comfortable mothership accommodations, giving anglers access to a range of habitats that few outsiders ever experience. This is both a cultural journey through Argentina and a world-class sportfishing expedition.

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

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.

Special note about the Parana River Trip. This mothership program is designed to be mobile and position itself in the best fishing conditions possible.

Since we can’t predict water levels in advance, we recommend you book your international flights to Buenos Aires and get a hotel for one night. As your trip gets closer, and we have a better idea of water level conditions, we will help you plan your transfer options based on the Dorado Cruiser’s location. Approximately 90-60 days before your trip we will know if the yacht will be positioned in the Lower or Middle Parana River. If it is in the Middle Parana then we can assist you with purchasing a short domestic flight if you chose that option (see Middle Parana Transfer Options).

If the yacht is positioned in the Lower Parana:

Transfers are relatively straight forward. The transfer van will arrive at your Buenos Aires hotel in the morning and drive you out to the Dorado Cruiser’s location. Transfers are generally 3-4 hours depending on the yacht’s location.

If the yacht is positioned in the Middle Parana then you have two options:

1. 8–9-hour private van ride from your Buenos Aires hotel to the Yachts location.

2. Take a flight from Buenos Aires to Santa Fe or Parana plus a 2 ½-3 hour van ride. These domestic flights within Argentina are generally flown out of the Jorge Newbery Airport.

Please note that we work with a travel agent who is Argentinian that can assist with coordinating all your flights.

Sample 6 Fishing Day Package Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Buenos Aires

• Arrive at EZE. Transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 – Transfer to Paraná River

• Follow transfer plans according to yacht positioning (see above)

Days 3–8 – Fishing the Paraná

• Breakfast onboard.

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

• Dinner and overnight on the mothership.

Day 9 – Return to Buenos Aires

• Breakfast onboard

• Van and/or flight transfers back to Buenos Aires.

• Catch international flight (if after 6:00 pm) or overnight at a hotel and depart the following day.

Please do not book international flights home before 6:00 p.m. or there is a chance we will not be able to get you back to Buenos Aires in time. Late evening flights are better.

Argentina Amazon Fishing

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:

  • Van transfers

  • 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

  • Fishing licenses

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 South Americas second longest river, the Rio Paraná, 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

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 as you travel in Argentina.

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 Paraná River for a Golden Dorado fishing adventure of a lifetime!

(866) 832-2987