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San Juan Lodge | Mixed Bag Shooting | Uruguay

Overview

Tour code: URU002  
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Perched majestically atop a knoll with a striking 360 degree view of the fertile Uruguayan countryside is Estancia San Juan. Managed by long time shooting hosts Bernardo and Mercedes Barran, San Juan offers the convenience of shooting all game birds in Uruguay, ducks, doves, pigeons and Perdiz, from just one destination and the assurance of a world class outfitter known for attention to detail and quality. Hunting and shooting at San Juan offers a variety of game that makes Uruguay a very unique destination. Hunters can enjoy the pursuit of the upland mixed bag in the same day, each and every day.

Location

San Juan Lodge is situated in the North west region of Uruguay in the state of Paysandú near the river town of Paysandú. The lodge is located approximately 336km or 208 miles away from Montevideo, the Capital and the major metropolitan centre of this small country.

Shooting

Each morning you will hunt wild partridge or Perdiz in short grass pastures, and over pointers and English setters, or ducks and big wild pigeons by decoying in lagoons and ponds nearby. In the afternoons, volume dove shooting is on the shooting schedule, and normally doves are encountered, in large numbers, on a flyway en route to a roost or at a big roost that is very close to the San Juan Estancia. However, when planning your shooting holiday to Uruguay, please consider these seasonal limitations as a guideline:

Perdiz hunting runs 1st May to July 31st/early August, Duck hunting runs from May 1st until September 15th, Pigeons generally run from May 1st to September 15th, Dove shooting is available and productive year round.

Every day you will drive to the Perdiz fields or to the lagoons for duck and pigeon shooting and return for lunch at the lodge, or remain in the field for an asado (BBQ) prepared outdoors.

The afternoon shoot (normally high volume dove shooting, sometimes ducks and pigeon) will start after lunch, and will end at dusk. Each evening you will return to the lodge for cocktails and dinner. Your host and guide, as well as bird boys, will be with you to provide you with challenging shooting, and other necessities such as shotgun shells, refreshments and anything else you may need. Drive time to hunt locations is usually between 10 and 35 minutes for the Perdiz, ducks or pigeon fields, and from 5 up to 35 minutes for the dove shooting.

Additional Activities

Additional activities for the non-hunting companions include City tours, sightseeing and shopping trips.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding our San Juan lodge holidays or any of our shooting destinations, please feel free to contact us on 01603 407596 and our experienced team will be happy to help. Are you looking to explore more of our shooting holidays? Make sure to view all our alternative Mixed Bird Shooting destinations in Argentina and request a free brochure.

Accommodation
San Juan Lodge

The Lodge

Estancia San Juan accommodates up to 8  guests in 5 double bedrooms – each with private bath and fireplace. With plenty of space to relax and unwind, this estancia offers a comfortable living room to socialise and a dining room that boasts a majestic view to the garden and hunting grounds of which you can walk around. You will be served exquisite meals and fine wines to your hearts desire, something to look forward to after a full days hunting. The usual amenities include, telephone, maid and laundry service. On pleasant evenings or before the next hunt, an open air galleria is available, so guests may enjoy the fresh air and Uruguayan countryside. Each room has the most luxurious beds, en-suite bathrooms, heating, and plenty of storage space for clothes.

Food and Drink

Their kitchens come to life through the use of fresh and regionally represented meats and produce. By combining these elements, they create delicious flavours and varied textures that have hidden stories and package traditions on each plate. A top-notch team of experienced national and international chefs, trained in both classic and avant-garde culinary techniques, execute your food. With an artisan’s touch, chefs prepare every dish by scratch to be served at a minute’s notice. Days start with a hearty breakfast that includes a variety of homemade breads, jam, meadow honey, fresh fruit, natural yogurts, and cereals. They also offer eggs prepared any one of six ways, porridge, French toast, or the daily special. Before lunch, delicious appetizers are served accompanied by your favourite drinks. In the main lunch menu, grilled meats prevail and the evening meal is a celebration of fine dining in a casual setting, and it is a chance for the house chefs to really shine. Again, options are a la carte and each day brings a new creation.

At San Juan Lodge, the kitchen is particularly varied with preparations in different styles, from Asados to the classical Perdiz a la cordon blue and grilled duck breasts in mustard. Appetizers like hare loin carpaccio or mini dove brochette with bacon are a specialty. Home-made bread cooked in an old clay oven accompanies every meal and desserts go from mascarpone flan and sliced fruit plates to the more sophisticated samplings paired with homemade ice creams. All dietary needs are catered for and they will ensure that you enjoy a varied selection of meals.

Wine

Their inspired lunch and dinner menus are paired with some of Argentina’s— and the world’s—best wines, from Bodega Catena Zapata. They celebrate their Argentine heritage with a wine partnership that brings truly world class wines to their lodges. They feel that the food they present and the wines they serve should mirror the sporting opportunities they offer—and be the very best available. Boasting many accolades from the wine community at large, a Bodega Catena Zapata wine recently received a “number four in the world” icon ranking from Wine Advocate. These are truly great wines that compete on the world stage. In addition to enjoying your sporting holiday and their excellent menus, they hope you will also take note of their wines. They hold a special place in their culture and they are proud to serve them to you.

 

Board: Full board
Rooms: Twin rooms
Telephone: Chargeable
Internet: Free WiFi
Laundry: Chargeable
Power: 220 volt
Air Conditioning: Throughout
Meals: Lodge dinning room
Alcohol: Included
Equipment Hire: Gun rental available
Cards Accepted: Debit & credit cards
Cash Accepted: US Dollars
Quarry Information
Ducks
Season: April to August
Peak: May to July
Perdiz
Season: May to August
Peak: June to July
Doves
Season: All Year
Peak: All Year
Pigeon
Season: 1st May to 15th Sept
Peak: June

Itinerary

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There is no set itinerary and the below is only for a guide purpose, you can have as many or as little number of days shooting as you wish. We also have daily flights departing from the UK with British Airways, therefore should you wish to either extend your stay with additional days at the beginning or end in Buenos Aires, or add on some fantastic fishing, the itinerary below can be tailored to suit.

Day 1:

Depart UK

Day 2:

Arrive Buenos Aires International Airport.

After you have picked up your luggage and cleared customs, walk out of the terminal building where a Sportquest Holidays representative will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Buenos Aires.

Overnight Accommodation: Buenos Aires Hotel (Twin room) B/B.

Day 3: Shooting Day

In the morning our staff will transfer you to San Juan Lodge in Uruguay which takes approximately 4.5 hours. Once you have had time to settle in, you will depart with your guides for your first afternoon’s shooting.

Overnight Accommodation: San Juan Lodge (Twin room) F/B

Days 4 to 7: Shooting Days

The program generally starts at 8:00 AM with a hearty breakfast and a short drive to the shoot. In the field, you will be assigned a blind or hide and you’ll be attended by a bird-boy, who will provide you with shotshells and refreshments at your shooting stand. Every day you will drive to the perdiz fields or to the lagoons for duck and pigeon hunting and return for lunch at the lodge, or remain in the field for an Asado prepared out of doors. The afternoon shoot (normally high volume dove shooting, sometimes ducks and pigeon), will start after lunch and end at dusk. Each evening you will return to the lodge for cocktails and dinner. Your host and guide, as well as bird boys, will be with you to provide you with challenging shooting and other necessities such as shotgun shells, refreshments and anything else you may need.

Drive time to hunt locations is usually between 10 and 35 minutes for the perdiz, ducks or pigeon fields, and from 5 up to 35 minutes for the dove shooting.

Overnight Accommodation: San Juan Lodge (Twin room) F/B

Day 8:

In the morning our staff will transfer you by road to your hotel in BA, which takes approximately 4 hours. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore.

Overnight Accommodation: Buenos Aires Hotel (Twin room) B/B.

Day 9:

In the morning our staff will transport you to the International airport for your return connection flight to London.

Depart Buenos Aires International Airport

Day 10:

Arrive UK.

Prices

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Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.

Start Date End Date Days Nights Shooting Gun Bag size Availability Notes
01/01/2021 29/12/2021 10 9 4.5 £6,958 Unlimited Enquire Now N/A
01/01/2022 29/12/2022 10 9 4.5 £7,109 Unlimited Enquire Now N/A

Price Notes

Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, shooting and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharge.

ATOL
Holidays or flights booked with Sportquest Holidays Limited are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority by our ATOL bond (Number 6371). ATOL protects you from losing your money or being stranded abroad. It does this by carrying out financial checks on the firms it licenses and requiring a guarantee, called a bond.

What's Included

  • All flights
  • All transfers
  • 2 nights Buenos Aires
  • 5 nights San Juan Lodge
  • 4 Days guided shooting
  • All drinks at San Juan Lodge

What's Excluded

  • Personal insurance
  • Meals in Buenos Aires
  • Gun Licence
  • Gun Hire
  • Shells

Options

  • Flight upgrades

  • Additional shooting days

  • Additional nights in BA

  • Add on Sea Trout or Golden Dorado Fishing

Price Supplements

  • Gun Licence (approx $395 pp per total stay)

  • Gun Hire (approx $95 pp per day)
  • Shells (approx $18.50 per box)

  • Non- Hunters $650 per night ( Minimum party of 4 people)

Price Match Promise

We are so confident that our packaged prices are the best available and offer great value for money.

If, however, you find an identical holiday available with any other fully bonded Tour Operator at a lower price, we will match that price.

Financial Security

Holidays or flights booked with Sportquest Holidays Limited are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority by our ATOL bond (Number 6371). ATOL protects you from losing your money or being stranded abroad. It does this by carrying out financial checks on the firms it licenses and requiring a guarantee, called a bond.

Tour Notes

Visa

A machine-readable passport with at least 6 months before expiry, no visa for UK citizens required.

Medical Requirements

No vaccinations currently required

Please Note

All details of visa and medical requirements are correct at time of press however please check these requirements for changes.

Departure tax

There is no additional airport departure tax when leaving Argentina

Flight Route & Flight Time

UK – Buenos Aires (approx 14hrs)

Baggage Allowance

Your actual allowance is based on both which airline you are flying with and also what class of seat you are travelling in. Normally in economy it is 1 checked bag, Premium Economy / Business 2 checked bags, First 3 checked bags. In addition to your checked bags you are also allowed 1 cabin bag and either 1-laptop bag or ladies handbag. The actual size and weight limit for bags is dependent on the airline. We therefore recommend that once your flights are booked you check on the airlines website for the up to date allowances.

If your itinerary includes private light aircraft or helicopter flights we will advise you on your baggage and weight allowance.

Transfer Time

Buenos Aires – San Juan Lodge by Minibus (approx 4.5 hours)

Questions & Answers

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Where is the lodge?

San Juan Lodge is located in the northwest region of Uruguay in the state of Paysandú. The lodge is situated approximately 208 miles from Montevideo, the capital and major metropolitan centre of the small country.

How long does it take to reach to drives?

It will take anything from 5-45 minutes to reach the shooting areas.

Where do they shoot?

The hunting fields are in the surrounding hunting areas of San Juan lodge where you will be shooting the marshes, ponds and fields.

What quarry will I shoot?

You will be shooting Non-Migratory Eared Doves, Perdiz, Duck and Pigeon depending on what you are interested in and the seasons.

How does the day work?

The program generally starts at 8:00am with a hearty breakfast and a short drive to the shoot. In the field you will be assigned a blind or hide and you’ll be attended by a bird-boy, who will provide you with shot shells and refreshments at your shooting stand. Everyday you will drive to the Perdiz fields or to the lagoons for duck and pigeon hunting and return for lunch at the lodge, or remain in the field for an asado prepared out of doors. The afternoon shoot (normally high volume dove shooting, sometimes ducks and pigeon), will start after lunch and end at dusk. Each evening you will return to the lodge for cocktails and dinner. Your host and guide, as well as bird boys, will be with you to provide you with challenging shooting and other necessities such as shotgun shells, refreshments and anything else you may need. Drive time to hunt locations is usually between 10 and 35 minutes for the Perdiz, ducks or pigeon fields, and from 5 up to 45 minutes for the dove shooting.

Do the guides speak English?

All the guides and lodge staff speak very good English.

Who is best suited to this destination?

A keen and well-seasoned wing shooter would appreciate this destination due to the opportunity for a selection of challenging birds. However, at the same time it would be an ideal place for the beginner and intermediate gun to try his hand at plentiful well-presented birds whilst being well looked after.

What skill level is required?

Both experienced and beginner wing shooters can fully appreciate the delights of this trip. With the high and testing birds for the more well-seasoned gun down to the countless opportunities to improve their skill on the copious amounts of low incoming targets for the less experienced. Due to the mixed species, there will be something for everyone.

How physically demanding is this trip?

This is a fairly low key affair with regards to the amount of walking and lugging equipment about. However, be prepared to be shooting an incredibly hefty amount of shells through your gun during the day’s sport as this can in itself be very punishing on the shoulder by the end of the day. A decent shoulder pad and/or a shooting vest should help with this.

When to go?

Ducks- May-July
Perdiz- May-July/early August
Doves- Year-round
Pigeon- Mid April- Mid October

How to get there?

Depart UK on route to Buenos Aires Airport and from there you will be greeted and transferred to a hotel over night before being transferred to the lodge in the morning with a journey time of approximately 4 hours.

What is the accommodation like?

Estancia San Juan is perched majestically atop a knoll, with striking views of the Uruguayan countryside. It is an elegant family home with 5 comfortable bedrooms each with a private bathroom and fireplace. The lodge can host up to 10 guests with lots of space to relax including an open-air galleria so you can enjoy the fresh Uruguayan countryside at any time.

What is the food like?

The food at San Juan uses regionally represented meats and fresh produce in which the experienced chefs work wonders with. There will be beautiful salads, breads and the finest wine to accompany the delicious meats. At San Juan lodge pride itself in different creations, such as asados to the classical Perdiz a la cordon blue and grilled Duck breasts in ustard. For breakfast, there will be a variety of homemade breads, jam, meadow honey, fresh fruit, natural yoghurts and eggs to have any which way you desire.

Does the lodge provide hunting/shooting equipment?

The lodge provides a choice of guns for hire.

Is Internet and phone signal available?

San Juan Lodge provides Wifi/Internet at no extra cost.

What method of payment is accepted at the Lodge?

Cash (US Dollars) Credit and Debit Cards.

Are there other activities available?

Additional trips can be arranged for historical tours, sightseeing and shopping trips.

How much does it cost?

Sportquest Holidays offers you a complete package including all flights and transfers to view all prices & availability click the “Dates & Prices” Tab above.

Alternatively, if you wish to arrange all our own travel arrangements Sportquest Holidays can book just the lodge and shooting for you.

Reviews

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Kris

Everything on this trip was excellent.

The hosts were extrodinarily accomodating, the lodging was spotless, the food world class and the hunting was perfect.

We could not have asked for a better experience so thank you to everyone.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

Kris

Thank you for taking the time to share your review of your trip. glad everyone had such a good time.

Mel

Don

Bernardo and Mercedes are wonderful hosts and their attributes are extended to all staff.

The quality of service and food exceeded all my expectations, we will have to return very soon.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

Thank you so much for the destination review both Bernardo and Mercedes certainly do take special care of all customers so its very nice of you to say so.

Kind Regards Peter

William

We had an outstanding experience; the shooting was terrific not to mention the food and intimate atmosphere of the lodge.

The staff was friendly and the guides were very efficient. No detail overlooked!

Thank you!

Regards William

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

Will thank you for the review and kind comments about the lodging staff.

Regards Peter

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