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El Tobar Camp

Accommodations

6 hunters

Season

June to August

Getting There

Tucumán, Argentina

The Hunting

From blinds

Target species

Duck

Hunting equipment

Shotgun 12 & 20 ga

Hunting equipment

Shotgun 12 & 20 ga

Culinary Experience

Farm-to-table

Media Gallery

Our Videos

Rates

Per night per person

Combine Your Trip

The Kautapen Group

Welcome to El Tobar Camp, where the art of traditional duck hunting is reborn in its purest form. Nestled along the shores of El Frontal Dam in Northern Argentina, this retreat transports you to a time of hunting authenticity. The main attraction of El Tobar is that it enables hunters to hunt entirely within our property limits, allowing us to carefully manage our resources.

Our barn-like lodge evokes the sport’s timeless spirit, and every aspect of your experience, from the hunt to our accommodations, echoes the legacy of traditional duck hunting. Tailored for small parties of up to six hunters, El Tobar Camp not only promises remarkable hunting but also ensures privacy. While you cherish each moment of the hunt, you’ll also embrace the genuine ambiance of a hunting lodge that feels like a true home.

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Why Choose El Tobar Camp?

Modern duck hunts, with a nod to tradition

Most of us who hunt and shoot have had our thoughts on the outdoors formed by experience, and by the history that we have read; and if you are of a certain age, you have read Hemingway and Capstick and Roark and dreamed about spending nights in a safari camp. Or, if you are a dedicated waterfowl hunter you have read Buckingham and Macquarie and dreamed about duck shooting the way it was in those days, returning after a hunt to throw logs on a fire in a place where you can enjoy a warm drink after a day in windy marshes. 

At El Tobar Camp we have relied on those images to construct a duck camp we have all dreamed of, a stilted paradise of a duck camp built above the nearby waters; a wood-heated gem with fine accommodations and hunting that is this season and every season- the way it used to be.

  • Operated by David Denies, the true pioneer of South American duck hunting since 1984.
  • El Tobar Camp offers a genuine wild duck hunting experience, bred by traditional ideals of how an ideal hunting camp should function- with an emphasis on fine sport and camaraderie.
  • The vast majority of duck hunts will happen on our property, allowing us to manage our duck resource exclusively.
  • Located near a large dam, with over 195 square miles of excellent habitat and year-round access to water, the area supports a strong and consistent population of wild ducks throughout the season. The combination of extensive wetlands, natural lagoons, and surrounding habitat gives us the ability to carefully manage access and hunting pressure, helping preserve the quality and consistency of the hunting experience from beginning to end.
  • Traditional yet stylish hunting accommodations built high and near the water, the lodge features wood ceilings & walls and fireplaces and stoves for seasonal heating.
  • A la carte menu every night, open bar with imported spirits, and a selection of the best Argentine wines.
  • With a two-hour drive from Tucumán Airport, most flights will have you arriving in the morning, and hunting just after lunch.
  • Short drives— a maximum of 30-minute drive to/from hunts and camp.
  • With a maximum capacity of 6 hunters, El Tobar Camp caters perfectly to small groups, offering privacy and coziness.
  • Memorable service: From welcome drinks every day and hot towels after the hunt, to turn-down service at night, we continue to redefine service in the sporting realm.
  • Amazing combination opportunities. A short one-hour drive will have you at our sister Tucumán Lodge, where you can enjoy amazing high-volume dove shooting.

El Tobar Camp is the perfect blend between rustic tradition and modern comfort. The barn-like exterior evokes a timeless spirit, while the interior’s woodwork captures the essence of traditional duck hunting. Its minimalist decor, combined with modern facilities, delivers the perfect balance between simplicity and comfort.

Welcoming you to the lodge’s heart is an expansive open-plan dining and living area, accompanied by an adjacent bar—a haven for relaxation and evenings filled with laughter and stories. The elegant dining room presents carefully curated, delightful menus for every meal during your stay. The lodge features four large en-suite bedrooms, each with two queen-sized beds, vaulted ceilings, a hobbit stove, and high-quality amenities.

As the day winds down, a serene outdoor hot tub and fire pit invite relaxation beneath the stars. These spaces often become the focal point of lodge life, offering an escape from the busy shooting days.

    • Capacity: 6 hunters
    • Accommodations: 4 rooms (2 double and 2 single) with queen-size beds and en-suite bathrooms.
    • Open bar with a special selection of the best Argentine wines.
    • A gourmet dining experience each day, with delicious menu options including local Argentinian beef as well as wild game and fine wines, locally sourced fruits and vegetables, traditional Asado, and more.
    • The outside deck is home to a central fire pit, which offers the perfect spot for afternoon and evening relaxation with amazing views of the landscape.
    • The gift shop offers local artwork and crafts, logo wear, and accessories.
    • Maid and laundry service.
    • Masseuse.
    • Professional hunting guides.
    • Gun rental, with a selection of fine 12, and 20-gauge shotguns, available in semi-automatic. 

El Tobar Camp’s duck season runs from June through August, offering classic winter waterfowl conditions throughout the season. Cooler temperatures, changing marsh colors, and strong concentrations of ducks create excellent hunting opportunities, with birds in beautiful plumage and the chance to encounter a diverse mix of South American duck species. As the season progresses, conditions continue to evolve, with migrating birds and changing water levels adding variety to each hunt.

To get to El Tobar Camp there are daily direct flights from many U.S. or European cities to Buenos Aires (Ezeiza Intl. Airport – EZE). From EZE hunters will need to make a connection to TUC airport (2 hr. flight) or transfer to the Domestic airport Jorge Newbery – AEP (40’ to 1 hr drive), and connect there to TUC. 

The driving time from Tucumán Airport to the lodge is 2 hours. Once at the lodge, you are conveniently close to terrific duck fields with drives no more than 35 minutes. 

Location

El Tobar Camp is located in northern Argentina, approximately 68 miles (110 km) south of Tucumán Airport. The drive to the lodge takes about 2 hours on paved roads.
The surrounding region is one of the country’s most productive agricultural areas. Combined with the proximity of a vast body of water and an extensive wetland ecosystem, it creates ideal habitat for waterfowl and supports a wide and consistent variety of duck species throughout the season.

The Hunting

What to expect on the field

The hunting program takes place mostly along the shores of El Frontal dam, nestled on the border between Tucumán and Santiago del Estero provinces. This reservoir spans over 125,000 hectares and is nourished by four rivers (Salí, Gastona, Medina, and Marapa) that originate in Tucumán’s hills. When these rivers overflow, they create diverse wetlands and streams where our hunts unfold.

This strategic location provides year-round access to water, supporting a consistent native wild duck population and allowing us to carefully manage hunting pressure throughout the season. A combination of natural lagoons and man-made ponds gives us the ability to hunt just moments from the lodge while maintaining the quality of the habitat and the overall hunting experience.

The focus of our program is to provide an exceptional, traditional, duck hunting experience. You will be hunting morning and afternoon sessions, in a variety of locations, throughout your visit. Blinds are well placed and scouted, providing the best possible opportunities for a number of South American duck species. Depending upon location, hunters will be placed in double dry blinds, or large dry, sunken “buckets” which are basically individual pit blinds, or on platform-pallet blinds. 

You will hunt well-maintained, species-specific, decoy sets, and motion decoys. Your guide will be close by, offering bird identification help, calling, and any support you require during your hunt.

The morning will begin with a wakeup call, approximately an hour before departure time. Breakfast will be served shortly thereafter, with everything from waffles to Eggs Benedict, all made to order. Hunters will depart the lodge well before sunrise. Drives vary depending on water conditions but range from five to thirty minutes. Shooting over decoys starts at first light and continues until 10 a.m. or after. You will return to the lodge for lunch, and come down to relax or enjoy a siesta.

Hunters will again depart for their afternoon duck hunt around 3 p.m. Evening hunts last until dark, after which you will return to the lodge, where you will be met with cocktails and appetizers as well as a delicious dinner, before retiring for the evening.

Hunting Equipment

David Denies provides hunters with high-quality loaner hunting equipment.

Many of our guests find renting guns from the lodge they are visiting to be an easier solution than applying for consular permits and traveling with their own shotguns. It’s easy to rent a gun from the lodge. We have a good selection of guns that are appropriate for the destination at each lodge. Just browse the gun rack until you find a gun that you like. Then, the lodge manager or your guide will note the specific number of the rental gun. That gun will be yours for the duration of your stay. However, you are welcome to change guns along the way and try something different if you wish. You are only charged for one rental so you can switch guns if you wish. We want you to shoot a gun you are comfortable and effective with! You will settle up for the rental at the end of your stay when you are charged for shells and other expenses.

Here is a listing of the guns we have at the lodge presently:

    • Beretta A400 Semi-automatic 12 Guage
    • Benelli Montefeltro Semi-automatic 20 Guage
Bring your own guns

Culinary Experience

At David Denies, our goal is to deliver a true taste of Argentina.

Our kitchens come to life through the use of fresh, locally sourced meats and produce. By combining these elements, we create delicious flavors and varied textures that harbor 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 will prepare your meals, with an artisan’s touch.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – in our lodges, it consists of choices going from local free-range eggs benedict, fresh-baked bread and pastries, and organic & healthy foods – we change the options daily to keep things fresh. 

Dinner menus, influenced by the earthiness of the surrounding landscape, will be enjoyed in our beautifully designed dining room and each day you will enjoy an outdoor lunch experience, where chefs prepare every dish from scratch to be served at a minute’s notice. Freshness is paramount and the flavor is key.

Our famed Argentine beef comes from Aberdeen Angus and Hereford steers, grass-fed, from our Pampas. We carefully select our suppliers, guaranteeing the highest quality, flavor, and tenderness of our meat. All of our inspired lunch and dinner menus are paired with some of Argentina’s—and the world’s—best wines; Bodega Catena Zapata. 

In addition to our focus on fresh food with organic origins, we also celebrate our Argentine heritage with a wine partnership that brings truly world-class wines to our lodges. Our wide selection of finest wines, the best Argentine malbec from our region in Mendoza and a large variety of other grape selections, are served by a prepared team. We feel that the food we present and the wines we serve should mirror the sporting opportunities we offer—and be the very best available. While our vast country offers many options for traditional activities such as riding, hunting, eating good meats, and drinking good wines, we have chosen to blend fine food and outdoor activity at an even higher level.

Rates

Season 2026 – June to August

* Prices are in US$ and per person

Rates fluctuate between $1350 and $1650 per person per night, based on shared occupancy & shared blind. Single Rooms are available by request and subject to availability. These rates are flexible based on the month of the season, the number of hunters in the group, and lodge availability — please CONTACT US for an accurate quote.

* Occupancy: 6 guns (2 double rooms & 2 single rooms, all with queen size beds)

* Non-hunters: $450 per person per night.

* Gun Rental: $130 per person p/day approx.

 

Included

  • Lodging
  • Ground transportation to/from Tucumán Airport (one transfer p/way per group).
  • Meals, all wines, beer and local spirits (open bar)
  • Hunting Licenses
  • Professional guide service and field assistants
  • Payment to landowners for hunting rights

Not included

  • Airfares
  • Gun entry permits
  • Gun Rental & Shells
  • Gratuities for guides and house staff
  • Masseuse & Laundry service
  • Tours, shopping trips, etc.
  • Any items of a strictly personal nature; Baggage overweight charges; Personal and baggage insurance; Cost of itinerary modifications requested by passenger

Combine your Trip

Double down on your sporting adventures and experience all The KauTapen Group has to offer by combining your stay with another of our hunting or fishing lodges.

Our research and experience tell us that over 50% of bird hunters are also actively interested in big game hunting, while over 60% are captivated by fishing. If you are a part of that majority, and are interested in adding variety to your sporting life, look no further than Red Stag Patagonia and Nervous Waters Fly Fishing. All three brands are proud members of The Kautapen Group – a single team of dedicated professionals focused on maintaining the highest standard of service and elevating your sporting experiences.

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What Our guests think about us?

Everything was perfect at Los Crestones, food, service, shooting were exceptional! Our group is already discussing our next trip, let me know when you start booking the next season. Once again thank you for all support!
Ronaldo B.
My experience at the lodge was super. Best food I have had anywhere. Wonderful wine (would like a list of the red wines they served). The staff was excellent--could not have asked for a better experience. In my judgment, you have a winning team working at the lodge. The hunts were well organized and a very good experience. Would recommend it to anyone.
John D.
The lodge and the staff were top notch. Your personal service and attention to detail were second to none!! I appreciated your operation more once I left and visited Jacana. The organization in the lodge and especially the field at Los Crestones was superior. Thanks again and Los Crestones is top on my list of placing to visit again.
Ben G.
Everything was fantastic. You and Barry looked after me always with coffee and diet pepsis without me even having to ask. You both are very professional at your job and you sincerely take care of your guest. If the guys come back next year, I will definitely be with them. Thank you very much for caring and hope to see you next year
David R.
You and your staff are all very professional - the best I've seen in the many years I've been traveling to hunting and fishing destinations. Thank you for the amazing hospitality.
Jason V.
Thank you again for making our trip so enjoyable! Cannot wait to make a return visit! I really did enjoy the new Los Crestones. The lodge was fantastic! I would say this lodge had the best service, food, and accommodations. It was lacking a hot tub which would have been nice. I know we have been to Pico Zuro before and after the hot tub was added. A hot tub would be a nice addition at Los Crestones. Claudio was the best host and kept us fully entertained with his cruise ship stories. We enjoyed the specialty cocktails upon returning from the hunt and thought the champagne toast on the last evening was a nice touch.
Vanessa F.
Thank you so much for taking such great care of Dylan, Dalton and me. A very special trip for a dad and sons. Truly a trip of a lifetime. Thanks to you Tomas, Mauro, Ariel (and Charlie) and the entire staff. Thank you also for the travel assistance. All details were flawless. The hunting was outstanding and the hospitality and accommodations equally excellent. We hope to return.
Jeff P.
Well done, staff were excellent. Cheffing really good accommodation comfortable and you and the staff could not have been more attentive. You personally anticipated our every need and are at the top of your profession.
Barry H.
I wanted to thank you again for an amazing trip! You and your team went out of your way to make sure that our trip was memorable. From the new cocktails each day, to the unsolicited ice tea, to the doppio each morning, you all did not miss a single detail when it came to our comfort and enjoyment. And of course, the hunting is something you can only experience in Argentina. So, thank you again for making our trip so incredible and memorable.
Mark E.
The lodge and services were the best I have experienced in my times in Argentina. Lodge manager was outstanding in all aspects as were the guides and their dogs; it was a fine time and I would definitely come back again in the future.
Robby