Tariquía Lodge

Fishing at Tariquía is centred on the Tarija River, a clear, fast-flowing mountain river known for powerful golden dorado and demanding water. The river runs through steep valleys, canyons and rapids, with strong currents and limited access from the bank. The programme is focused more on encountering large fish than producing high numbers, and anglers should expect long periods of searching broken water, current seams and structure for individual dorado.

Around 90 percent of the fishing is done from purpose-built rafts, allowing guides to navigate sections that would be difficult or impossible to reach on foot. Anglers cast while drifting through productive runs and pools, with the raft also providing a practical advantage when a hooked dorado uses the current to move downstream. Wading is limited and generally reserved for suitable river sections or occasions when anglers need to leave the raft while guides negotiate more difficult water.

Each fishing day begins with a helicopter flight from the lodge to a selected section of river. Anglers then fish downstream by raft before being collected from a different location later in the day. This combination of helicopter access and floating enables the operation to rotate through remote stretches of the Tarija while avoiding lengthy overland transfers, with the exact beat selected according to river conditions and recent fishing activity.

Tariquía provides a warm, communal base designed around the daily heli-fishing programme. Anglers stay in private single rooms with air conditioning and heating, offering a comfortable place to rest after long days on the river. The lodge is deliberately small and practical, with shared living and dining areas that bring the group together in the evenings.

All meals and drinks are included, with breakfast served before the morning helicopter departure and dinner prepared after anglers return from the river. Wi-Fi, laundry service and the main lodge amenities are also included, allowing anglers to travel relatively lightly and focus on the fishing. The accommodation is comfortable and well appointed, but the emphasis remains on its remote setting and direct access to the Tarija River.

Tariquía Lodge is located in southern Bolivia within the Tariquía nature reserve, where the Tarija River flows through the forested foothills of the Bolivian Andes. The river forms part of the upper Paraná basin and runs through a remote landscape of steep valleys, canyons and clear mountain water. There is no practical road access to the lodge or its fishing areas, so helicopter transport is central to the programme.

International travel is routed through Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, airport code VVI. On arrival, anglers are met and transferred to a hotel in the city for an overnight stay. The following day, the group travels to the domestic airport for a private charter flight to Tarija, followed by a helicopter transfer to the lodge.

At the end of the week, anglers return by helicopter to Tarija for the charter flight back to Santa Cruz. Day accommodation and an airport transfer are provided before the onward international flight. All flight arrangements remain dependent on weather and operating conditions, so flexible international connections and appropriate travel insurance are recommended.

Rates Per Angler:
Starting from  $16,500.00 per person

What’s Included:

What’s Not Included:

Day 1: Arrive in Santa Cruz
Arrive at Viru Viru International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The remainder of the day is free to rest and prepare for the journey south.

Day 2: Travel to Tariquía Lodge
Transfer to El Trompillo Airport for the private charter flight to Yacuiba. On arrival, continue by helicopter to Tariquía Lodge. After settling into your room, meet the guiding team, prepare tackle and attend a briefing on the fishing programme.

Days 3 to 8: Six Full Fishing Days
Each morning, anglers travel by helicopter to a selected section of the Tarija River. Fishing is conducted in pairs from purpose-built rafts, covering remote stretches of fast-flowing water, deep pools, current seams and canyon sections in search of golden dorado. The group floats downstream during the day before being collected by helicopter and returned to the lodge. The section fished each day is determined by water conditions and recent fishing activity.

Day 9: Return to Santa Cruz
Depart the lodge by helicopter and connect with the charter flight from Yacuiba to Santa Cruz. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for the final night.

Day 10: International Departure
Transfer to Viru Viru International Airport for your onward flight.

How physically demanding is the fishing at Tariquía?
Most fishing is done from rafts, so the programme involves less walking and wading than many jungle fisheries. Anglers still need good balance, mobility and the ability to cast repeatedly while standing in moving water. Entering and exiting rafts, managing uneven banks and spending full days outdoors can still be tiring.

What level of fly-fishing experience is recommended?
Tariquía is best suited to anglers who can cast large flies accurately and manage heavy tackle in strong currents. The fishing often requires quick presentations, effective line control and the ability to fight powerful dorado from a moving raft. Casting practice before the trip is strongly recommended.

Is helicopter access guaranteed every day?
Daily fishing depends on suitable flying conditions. Poor visibility, strong winds or storms may delay departures, alter the selected river section or occasionally prevent flying. The guiding team adjusts the programme around weather and river conditions whenever possible.

What tackle should anglers bring?
A strong 9-weight or 10-weight setup is generally appropriate for the dorado fishing, paired with tropical lines, durable reels and substantial backing. Anglers should also carry abrasion-resistant leaders, wire or bite-resistant tippet, large streamers and essential spare equipment. A current lodge tackle list should be checked before departure.

Are luggage restrictions important?
Yes. Charter aircraft and helicopters have strict weight and space limits, so anglers should pack in soft-sided bags and avoid unnecessary equipment. Rods should travel in compact cases, and heavy hard-shell luggage may not be accepted. Exact baggage limits should be confirmed before international departure.