Guayascate Lodge

Guayascate Lodge
CORD OBA - ARGENTINA
Thank you for choosing Trek Safaris and Guayascate Lodge as your
next Dove Hunting destination. Please find below information that
will be helpful in planning.
A R R I VA L
Note: This is a standard trip itinerary; should your trip differ from that below, you should have received a
personalized letter from trek outlining your specific trip. Please contact us should you have any questions.
Please note you will now need to pay the reciprocity fee to argentina prior to your trip via online payment at:
https://virtual.Provincianet.Com.Ar you cannot enter argentina without a valid passport and the paid reciprocity
fee. Also make sure that the guns you take to Argentina are the ones that are listed on your Argentina gun
permit. If you take the wrong guns, you will be charged for an additional permit.
The preferred travel route to reach Cordoba Argentina is an overnight flight from the USA to Santiago, Chile,
arriving the next morning. It is best if you can get some sleep on the way down as you will be hunting the next
day when you arrive into Cordoba. Dinner, drinks, and a movie are available on the flight, but you will feel much
better the next day if you get some sleep.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please review your airlines website if you have any questions on baggage. Trek assumes
no responsibility for excess luggage. For any questions regarding what you can bring as carry-on luggage please
visit http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/prohibited-items
C U S T O M S & F I R E A R M S R E G I S T R AT I O N
If you want to bring your shotguns to Argentina, you will need to fill out the U.S. Customs a Form 4457
Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad. This form can be attained at any U.S. Customs
office before your trip by presenting your firearms for this procedure. A copy should be carried in your gun case
and a copy left at home. In addition to the Argentina Gun Information sheet provided in your final paperwork
we do request you provide trek with a copy of the 4457 sheet.
G U N I N F O R M AT I O N
The assortments of shotguns for rent are mostly 20-gauge Benelli Montefieltro semi-automatic and Beretta
Silver Pigeon over and unders. The cost is USD 65 per day, for two guns. There is no hunting lodge anywhere in
the world that has the gun inventory of Guayascate. In recent years Trek and H&H Outfitters have built a large
inventory due to the tightening travel restrictions and the overall ease of traveling without firearms. If you have
any questions in regards to gun rental or traveling with your firearm please do not hesitate to call us at the office.
A I R T R AV E L A R R A N G E M E N T S
For air travel, we recommend LAN Airlines to Santiago, Chile, with a connection to a direct flight to Cordoba,
Argentina. Some passengers choose to fly to Buenos Aires using American Airlines, Delta or LAN but that route
will require changing airports to make your connection to Cordoba. As with all Trek trips, we can handle all of
your airline arrangements from your hometown.
B AG G AG E I N F O R M AT I O N
VERY IMPORTANT: You are limited to two pieces of checked luggage, one carry on and a laptop / briefcase per
person; this includes your gun case. The restriction on size of your luggage is 62 linear inches and 50 pounds per
bag. Be advised that excess luggage (more than 2 bags) is expensive. Please check with your airline to confirm
baggage regulations as they may vary.
2
For any questions regarding carry on luggage please visit : http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm. or your
airlines carriers website. To comply with current airline policy regarding the carriage of firearms, shotguns must
be carried in a lockable hard-sided gun case and you are NOT permitted to bring shotgun shells into Argentina.
FOOD
The food in Argentina is excellent. Argentinean grass fed beef, served to the group, is world-famous for its
quality. In addition, the lodge offers Italian dishes, pork, fish, chicken, salads and other culinary delights
accompanied by the fine South American red and white wine from the Lodge’s cellar. Plan on adding a couple of
pounds on the trip—it’s your vacation, after all! Argentinean wine and beer are also served at each meal. If you
have any special requirements or food allergies, please do not hesitate to tell us.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S
Guayascate Lodge is a luxurious, private lodge in the Churqui Area. The lodge sits on fifteen acres of beautiful,
manicured grounds and roost. There are ten bedrooms, each equipped with private bath and can be used
as single or double occupancy. It has a private dining room, wine cellar, full bar, spacious living room with
a fireplace, a huge swimming pool, spa, and sauna. The view from the porch is of the beautiful lush, green
countryside. It creates a nice space to sit down and enjoy a libation after the day’s activities. In late fall, beautiful
plants and flowers are in bloom in the gardens and it too serves as a pleasant place to unwind. No matter
whether you choose to be outside on one of the well furnished verandas taking in the sunset, or inside on a cool
day soaking up the warmth of the huge stone fireplace, Guayascate is the ultimate in comfort.
Any need you may have will be attended to by the courteous staff of H & H Outfitters. Snacks and drinks are
readily available and quickly replenished. Every essential has been anticipated for your comfort (including Wi-Fi
throughout the lodge) and we strive to make your stay is a memorable one.
W E AT H E R
Remember that Argentina is south of the equator and therefore seasons are opposite of the northern hemisphere.
- Summer (December 21st – March 21st) is usually hot, with temperatures averaging 65F (18C) in the morning
up to 92F (33C) at midday.
- Autumn / Fall (March 21st - June 21st), the temperatures average 57F (14C) in the morning up to 79F (26 C) at
midday.
- Winter (June 21st – September 21st), is cold in the morning and late afternoon; temperatures will average from
34F (1C) to 59F (15C) respectively.
- Spring (September 21st – December 21st), is warm, with temperatures averaging between 55F (13C) in the
morning to 82F (28C) at midday.
For your convenience, near your trip departure, please check the following link for a local weather forecast:
http://www.weather.com/weather/today/Churqui+Canada+ARXX1337:1:AR
DOVE HUNTING IN CORDOBA
The Lodge is located in the northern part of Cordoba (found in central Argentina), where you will find the best
Dove Hunting in the world. Cordoba is a fertile and productive agricultural area, and Doves thrive in its mild
climate. Hunting season is open year round for these non-migratory birds. Eared Dove roost in the surrounding
hills and mountains, but each morning will leave the roost to feed in the nearby fields. A population of about
3
30 million Doves can clean out a 100-acre field of corn, soybeans and sunflower in short order. The shooting will
commonly be over cut wheat, sunflower, sorghum or corn. Normally, the Doves come in low and are in groups
of 5 to 30. This is heaven for anyone wanting to shoot doubles, as flock after flock of Doves pour in all morning
long. At times you can expect to shoot a minimum of 1,500 rounds per day. H & H Outfitters control over
20.000 acres of the best land in the heart of the prime roosting areas in Cordoba, Argentina.
Guayascate is the most luxurious lodge in South America, and the only one that received the Three Trident
rating from the Beretta Trident Program. You will be able to find additional information on Guayascate at www.
treksafaris.com. The driving distance from the airport to the lodge is 1-½ hours. The driving distance to the field
ranges between 10 to 50 minutes in our Mercedez Benz passenger van with air conditioning and refreshments.
TRIP ITINER ARY
Although your itinerary may differ, the typical trip itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Depart the USA on Overnight flight.
Day 2: Arrive into Cordoba and transfer to the lodge with a half day of shooting.
Day 3-4-5: Shoot morning and afternoon.
Day 6: Shoot in the morning and transfer back to Cordoba City to catch your flight out.
Day 7: Arrive home into the USA.
If you have any questions regarding your specific itinerary please refer to your personalized trip letter or give us a
call at the office.
A typical day begins with a wake-up call at 7:00 a.m. and a full breakfast is served. You will depart for the shoot
around 8:00 a.m. Wake-up calls and departure times may vary a little, depending on the time of year and where
you will be hunting that day. Most drives to the dove fields are 5-40 minutes from the lodge. As to how many
shells each hunter will shoot, it depends on the hunter; most hunters can expect to shoot three to four cases of
shells per day. Some days might be a little better, some days slightly less so.
Once the group arrives at the selected field, each hunter will be issued a pick-up boy and a case of shells. You
will also have a dove stool stocked with cokes, beer and water to keep you refreshed. Most mornings will be very
steady shooting over a harvested field or pass shooting.
Where the group goes for lunch depends on how far the drive is to the field, weather conditions, and how much
everyone wants to shoot. Obviously, the more time spent in the field, the more doves can be shot. Many days,
you will enjoy lunch in the field. A nearby shady area is set up for an Argentinean-style barbecue, and past
visitors know that one thing the Argentineans can do is have a cookout. You will enjoy grilled steaks, sausage,
pork, fresh salads, bread and desserts. Water, soft drinks, and excellent local beers and wines round out the
meal. If the group stays in the field, there are hammocks where hunters can lay down for a nap. On some days,
you will return to the lodge for lunch and there will be time for a nap afterwards.
Depending on how the birds are flying, your afternoon shoot will be in the same field. However, if the birds are
not coming in to feed, it is possible that the group will change locations. Some afternoons, you will shoot the
doves going back to the roost. Again, shooting should be very good, with the birds coming in flocks. Shooting
lasts until late in the afternoon, generally between 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. After the shoot, the group will drive back to
the lodge where there will be time for a drink and a hot shower before dinner.
This is the itinerary followed on the full hunting days. The last day in the hunt area, the group will shoot all
morning and return to the lodge for lunch. There is time to pack and rest up before we transfer to the Cordoba
4
airport and catch an early evening flight back to Santiago. You will then fly to the Santiago airport. Then you
will again be in transit and connect with the late evening flight back to Miami, arriving in Miami the following
morning.
SUGGESTED CLOTHING
The clothes you need depend on the season in which you are traveling. We recommend that you bring regular
tennis shoes or lightweight hunting boots for walking. The area does not get much rain, but it is a good idea to
bring rain gear. Camouflage is permitted in Argentina, and we recommend that you bring it for hunting though
colors such as light green, green or brown work as well. Depending on the types of shotguns you use, a good
recoil pad is essential. Light gloves to protect your fingers and hands from loading so many shells are a good
idea as well; even a golf glove will work. We also recommend bringing tape and Band-Aids, as your hands tend
to get blisters from so much shooting. Ear protection is also a must have as well as bring a good hat, sunscreen,
sunglasses and insect repellent. Evening Dress Code: Clothing is casual, slacks and sport shirt is all you need.
MEDICAL INFO
We suggest that you consult with your physician for medical advice on travel to Argentina. Do not forget your
personal medication; sometimes it’s difficult to find the same medication here, without a medical prescription.
You may also visit the CDC’s Web site at: www.cdc.gov
INSURANCE
We highly recommend that you consider purchasing trip insurance. Travelex is one option for customers who
wish to purchase insurance. In your Trek paperwork we have included a pamphlet outlining the coverage the
insurance provides.
CURRENCY
The currency in Argentina is the PESO; it is not necessary to change money, as Dollars are widely accepted. To
inquire about the exchange rate at the time of your travel, please visit: http://www.dolarhoy.com/indexx.php
The total amount due from your trip plus shells and incidentals can be fulfilled with a personal check or cash.
G R AT U I T I E S
You will have the same pick-up boy for the entire trip, unless he should fail to satisfy your requirements,
the standard tip is $55.00 per day. Our pick-up boys are hard-working and will do anything to make you
comfortable. They have all worked with Trek for a number of years, and speak and understand some English.
Generally the group leaves a tip to the staff (maids, cooks, servers, etc.) at the lodge. Usually, $130.00 per hunter
for each trip is fine. Head guide and his assistant you may tip at your discretion.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
For your convenience you can pick up your favorite type of drink at the Duty Free upon departure from your
country or when you arrive in Argentina. Despite import restrictions we usually manage to carry: Absolut
Vodka Blue, Ballantine’s Scotch Whisky, Jack Daniels, Bacardi Rum, White Jose Cuervo Tequila, Campari,
Martini and Beefeater Gin. Other imported liquor is not readily available in Argentina so please bring it with
5
you.
ELECTRIC CURRENT
One thing to keep in mind, all electricity in Argentina is 220 volts. Most of the modern electronics like
cellphones, iPad, iPod, camera chargers...etc can handle the 220v current but in Argentina the plugs are two
round holes as apposed to our two vertical rectangluar ones. We reccommend grabbing a couple plug adapters
that can be purchased at Radio Shack or other retailers. If you are unable to find any we do have a few at the
lodge.
L O D G E C O N TA C T I N F O R M AT I O N
Guayascate: +54-9-3525-441802 (from Argentina: 03525-15441802)
Mariano Boetti (Hunting Guide) +54-9-3525-457847
Trek USA Number: (904) 273-7800
Trek Reservations: (USA Number) (800) 654-9915
E-MAIL: [email protected]
For any other request, please contact Larry or Joe in the Trek office, at [email protected] or Joe@treksafaris.
com, or at the Trek Office telephone numbers.
MOST IMPORTANT RELAX & HAVE A GOOD TIME!!
6
BACK TO INDEX
CHECK LIST
Lockable Travel Gun Case (stainless steel or heavy duty
fiberglass) if you are bringing guns
Chokes: full chokes, modified, improved cylinders, or
improved-modified
Cleaning Equipment you might need
Soft Protective Gun Case for daily use
Recoil Reduction Equipment. Shoulder pads, Kevlar lined
vests, or other
Hearing Protection: Earplugs
Shooting Gloves
Shooting Glasses
Side carry Shooting Pouch for shells, or shell vest
Hunting Clothes: Dark colored, or camouflage hunting
clothes and hats
Hunting Boots or Sneakers
Rain Suit, and Waterproof Hat.
Comfortable clothes for relaxing around the hunting lodge.
Converters & Adaptors: Electricity is 220 in Argentina
Shaving Kit, Mylanta, Advil, Neosporin, Band-Aids,
vitamins, prescription medications, 30spf sunscreen or
stronger, Chap Stick, insect repellent, and Cutter’s Cream.
Camera & Memory Cards, if you are planning on taking
photos, do not forget extra film or memory cards—they
are hard to find in Cordoba. Bring extra batteries as well.
Small Field Bag to carry personal items into the field.