Where is Tuku Lodge located in Argentina, and which are the best flight routes?
Tuku Lodge is located 2 hours from Salta, in northwest Argentina. In fact, it is Argentina’s closest-to-the-USA hunting lodge, 1h25min shorter flight than Cordoba, and 2 hours shorter way than Buenos Aires.
Avoid the hassle of unnecessary flying south to go through Buenos Aires’s two crowded airports (Ezeiza International and Aeroparque Domestic, which are 1-hour distant one another) only to have to bounce back and fly back up north again 2 extra hours to finally reach Salta.
There are no direct flights into Salta from the USA. These are the 2 current best connecting options to save time (flight schedules might change without prior notice):
• LIMA (PERU) > SALTA – with LATAM AIRLINES
LATAM Airlines flight #2441 (2h54min flight time)
Departs Lima, Peru (LIM) 11:58pm. Arrives Salta (SLA) 05:02am
• PANAMA City > SALTA – with COPA AIRLINES
COPA Airlines flight #122 (6h2min flight time)
Departs Panama (PTY) 4:10pm. Arrives Salta (SLA) 00:15am
How do I book my hunting trip with Tuku Lodge?
Simply write to info@tukulodge.com or call us at our local US number (210) 399 9684 and in no time we will inform you how to book your preferred dates and how to send your deposit (we request a non-refundable 50% down payment of your lodging fee to seal your dates and trip). Then, you will receive all necessary info to plan your perfect stay at Tuku Lodge.
Do I need a VISA or special vaccines to visit Salta or Argentina?
No vaccines are required to visit Argentina. However, you are free to consult a specialist before travelling.
Is Argentina a violent country?
Argentina is not a violent country at all. Only make sure you don’t walk around wearing expensive jewelry, watches or collars. If you don’t leave you belongings unattended while in bars or restaurants, you’ll be fine!
What travel documents do I need?
No VISA is required to visit Argentina, only your valid passport (it should not expire within 6 months of your departure date).
Canadian and Australian passport holders must pay a ‘Reciprocity Fee’. It must be paid at home, before travelling to Argentina. You can do it here, it’s simple and fast: www.visatoargentina.com
What’s the weather like at Tuku Lodge?
Weather is awesome most of the year. Some summer days might be humid.
Check live weather reports near Tuku Lodge here: Accuweather or WindGuru
How far is the lodge from Salta Airport, and who will pick me up upon arrival?
Salta’s airport (SLA) is located 2 hours from Tuku Lodge. A Tuku Lodge representative will meet you at Arrivals and take you straight to the lodge in one of our comfortable private pick-up trucks or van.
How many hunters can the lodge accommodate?
The lodge accommodates up to 20 guns in very comfortable rooms, with private bathroom, air conditioning and heat. Remember that Tuku Lodge also offer wonderful golden dorado fishing near the lodge, inside private grounds.
How does connectivity and adaptors work at Tuku Lodge?
Argentine voltage is 220V (USA is 110) therefore, it is necessary to bring a convertor and/or adaptor for appliances that are not equipped with a 110-220V range. You might also need a universal adapter to accommodate the plugs and sockets.
Can I bring my own guns or is it best to rent at the lodge?
Yes, you can bring your guns.
But it is a ‘painful’ process as you might have to travel to an Argentine Consulate in the US (depending on your gun model), and then of course show up earlier than usual at airports to clear guns and have them inspected. We believe that this implies unnecessary delays at every airport.
However, if you still need or want to bring your guns, please send us a quick email here and we will send you very clear and specific instructions about the whole process.
What shotguns are available for rent at the lodge?
A brand new selection of recently-purchased Benelli and Beretta (20ga and 28ga) is available for daily rental. Fly rods and reels are also available for rent.
Current gun stock (Dec 2019):
25 Beretta Urika 391 20ga
8 Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon O/U 28ga
10 Benelli Ethos 20ga
20 Benelli Montefeltro 20ga
Do you have left-hand shotguns available for rent?
We have some O/U 28ga and right-hand semi-automatic shotguns that could be adjusted so left-handed shooters can use them.
Do you have high-speed internet Wi-Fi connection and/or long-distance calls available?
We have Wi-Fi internet service at the lodge, free of charge.
Long-distance call are also free, but only to the USA (sorry for the inconvenience).
Is there a dress-code to be followed?
No. Casual and comfortable is the “rule”. For the field however, camouflage, dark green or khaki gear/hats are the best option.
Are fields located near the lodge or should I expect long drives?
Most fields are located within 20-to-40 minutes from the lodge, most of the year.
Occasionally, drives could take around an hour.
Are tips mandatory?
Tips at Tuku Lodge are not mandatory, but very welcome.
So if you are pleased with the service you receive at the lodge, we recommend the following as an appropriate tip:
o for guides and house staff: $60 per person per day.
o for your bird boy: $50 per person per day.
Similarly, gifts such as used camouflage caps, shirts, and other hunting-related items are also greatly appreciated by the bird boys.
What payment methods are accepted at Tuku Lodge?
We accept personal checks and cash to pay for your shells, gun rental, and other expenses during your stay.
Can I bring a non-hunting member in my group? Do you have activities for non-hunters?
Yes of course.
At the lodge, there are number of interesting side-activities to try, like a cooking class (prepare local ‘empanadas’ or milk caramel pancakes), or horseback riding around the lodge and grounds, or a wine tasting with a local expert sommelier, or manicure and pedicure treatments, etc. Another day-long outings might include a golf day in Santa or visiting the hot springs at Rosario de la Frontera.
Guests doing post-Tuku Lodge tours usually take a city tour in Salta City (on their way to the airport and before catching their plane back home). Others prefer to spend an extra night at the renowned wine-producing town of Cafayate, where a visit to one of the top local wineries is a must. You’re in for a real treat here, robust Malbec, Merlot and Torrontes wines within majestic landscapes and surrounded by breathtaking mountains.