Fishing the Río Mayo at Estancia La Angelita was an experience defined by discovery. From the very first moment, it was clear we had arrived somewhere truly untouched—no footprints along the banks, no signs of recent activity, just a pristine river flowing through an endless Patagonian landscape. That first cast set the tone: within seconds, multiple trout were chasing the fly, and soon after, a powerful rainbow confirmed what we had all hoped—this was going to be an unforgettable day. As the hours passed, the fishing exceeded every expectation. We lost count of the fish, switching techniques and patterns with consistent success, fully immersed in one of those rare moments every angler dreams of but seldom finds. Having fished in remote locations across North America, I can say that few places still offer the feeling of casting to fish that may have never seen a fly before. Río Mayo is one of them—a place that reconnects you with the essence of fishing in its purest form. Beyond the river, the experience was enriched by the land and its stories. Exploring the estancia with Nelson revealed a landscape shaped by time, where wildlife moves freely and ancient traces of human presence still remain. From archaeological sites to the history preserved within the estancia itself, everything contributes to a deeper understanding of Patagonia. It is not just a fishing destination - it is a journey into a wild, timeless place that stays with you long after you leave.

Tierra Salvaje began as a dream around the year 2000, when we observed nature at its most pristine, with fauna in its natural habitat and flora preserved despite the harsh climate. We enjoyed a place that held the very beginnings of the Earth, and we discovered in Tierra Salvaje a project that embodies energy, the central symbol, the compass for this challenge. This sense of belonging, demonstrated by our love for the land, confronted us with the challenge of working according to our own values, highlighting the importance of our project by restoring nature, the environment, history, and its social imprints. Tierra Salvaje represents a paleontological corridor between the Ruta Azul and National Route 40, the backbone of the Jurassic period, recognized as a place of cultural and historical value, full of sites of geological and paleontological interest.

My connection to Patagonia stems from a profound fascination with its untamed geography, its silences, and the traces of time. In this seemingly endless territory, I found not only landscape, but meaning. The Wild Land project is the concrete expression of that passion: an invitation to inhabit Patagonia with respect, experience, and authentic connection. Initiatives like Rancho Patagónico Los Toldos and La Angelita are not just destinations, but living narratives where nature, history, and culture intertwine. I believe in a Patagonia that is shared without losing its essence, that is discovered without taming it, and that transforms us with every step.

I was born in Chubut and raised in Santa Cruz, where I learned about rural life from a young age. I started working shearing sheep with my family and, over time, made my way among ranches, horses, and tough seasons, until life also led me to work for more than 30 years in the oil industry. However, the countryside was always present: it's in my blood, a way of life that you never truly leave behind. When it was time to retire, I returned to what I'm truly passionate about. I tried raising my own animals, facing the challenges inherent to the region, until the opportunity arose to join the Tierra Salvaje project at Rancho Patagónico. Thus began a new chapter, learning from the inside what it means to welcome visitors and share this very special place with them. Today, as hosts alongside my life partner Susana, what we enjoy most is showcasing the real life of Patagonia: horseback riding, exploring the countryside, working with our hands, and sharing that deep connection with the environment with our guests. Tierra Salvaje is not just a destination; it's a way of experiencing rural life, and being able to share it with those who come from so far away is, without a doubt, a unique experience.

After spending several days at Tierra Salvaje, accompanied by a diverse group of travelers of different ages and backgrounds, one feeling stood out above all: everyone left deeply satisfied with the experience. Beyond the quality of the service and the warmth of the team, it is the setting itself that makes the difference. This is a truly unique place, naturally protected by its isolation—free from noise, pollution, and the pace of modern life—allowing guests to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters. The estancia offers more than disconnection; it invites a conscious pause. While connectivity is available for those who need it, the environment encourages guests to embrace silence and stillness, creating a profound sense of relaxation. There is also something intangible, almost like traveling back in time—an opportunity to experience Patagonia as it once was, with just the right balance of authenticity and comfort. Surrounded by extraordinary landscapes, with access to ancient rock art, petrified forests, and striking formations like the Sierras Blancas, every moment feels rare and unforgettable. As both a photographer and a traveler, it was an experience that exceeded all expectations. Tierra Salvaje is not just a destination—it is something truly one of a kind.

Fishing on the Mayo River, from Estancia La Angelita, is an experience that goes far beyond technique. The river meanders freely through the vastness of Patagonia, with the wind as a constant companion and an open landscape that makes you feel part of something much bigger. Every bend invites you to try your luck, to read the water, and to be surprised. The conditions are ideal, and it shows: the river remains steady, alive, and bountiful. What appears on the other end of the line does not disappoint. Large, strong rainbow trout, the kind that truly challenge you, along with other species that add variety and excitement. It's clear that the ecosystem is rich, that there is plenty of food, and this translates into active, opportunistic fish. Here, you don't just fish: you experience an intense, authentic day, the kind that stays with you and makes you want to return.

It had been a while since I'd been here, and returning was like revisiting a cherished memory. That experience—sharing fried cakes in a shearing shed transformed into a cozy dining room—remains vivid in my mind. We had a truly wonderful time. It's a place that has always captivated me: the vastness of the Patagonian plateau has something magnetic, almost hypnotic. The ranch is immaculate, with authentic, unpretentious stalls, preserving the genuine essence of the surroundings. Located in a strategic spot, it beckons adventure: very close to the petrified forest and just a few kilometers from the caves with rock art in Los Toldos, the surroundings enhance every experience. It's one of those destinations where landscape, history, and emotion intertwine naturally.