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FREE FLY LINE ON RODS $595+ // JUST ADD BOTH TO CART
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Akuani River Lodge Peacock Bass

AKUANI RIVER LODGE

PEACOCK BASS IN COLOMBIA
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Akuani River Lodge Peacock Bass

PEACOCK BASS IN COLOMBIA

Hidden deep in the wild, remote jungle of eastern Colombia, Akuani River Lodge offers one of the most unique freshwater fishing experiences on the planet. Perched above the Vichada River, the lodge is reached through a true expedition-style journey—flying into Bogotá, connecting on a short domestic flight, and then traveling several hours upriver by boat until the modern world fades into rainforest. The lodge itself is built in traditional open‑air jungle style, with comfortable cabins featuring fans, mosquito netting, and private bathrooms, and meals served in a relaxed, thatch‑roofed common area. This setting blends rustic adventure with genuine comfort, creating an atmosphere that feels both immersive and unmanufactured. It’s the kind of place where guests instantly know they’re somewhere special—far off the beaten path, surrounded by wildlife, and welcomed by a warm, hardworking Colombian staff.

But what truly sets Akuani apart is the variety and quality of the fishing. Anglers spend four days targeting Peacock Bass on the Vichada River and its labyrinth of lagoons—water that becomes increasingly isolated as levels drop during the dry season, concentrating fish and producing excellent catch rates with a real shot at double‑digit fish and even specimens approaching twenty pounds. Mid‑week, the program pivots into full jungle‑adventure mode with two days on the Orinoco River, where anglers chase the legendary Payara (Vampire Fish) in the powerful Maipures rapids—an entirely different, high‑energy fishery known for dramatic strikes and aerial fights. The ability to fish two completely distinct ecosystems in a single trip gives this destination rare depth, combining comfort, culture, and true exploration. It’s an adventure that feels big, raw, and deeply rewarding—designed for anglers who crave something far beyond the ordinary.

2026

  • January 21-30th, 2027 // Hosted by Jon Covich

Interested in Other Dates?

No problem. We can set up your trip and make your travel planning stress free. Trust Red's and Jon Covich to plan your big adventure. Send Inquiry.

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Akuani River Lodge Peacock Bass

A Wild Destination

Set deep in the remote, wild lowlands of eastern Colombia, the Akuani River Lodge experience unfolds in a landscape where rainforest, savanna, and twisting river systems converge into one of South America’s most untouched freshwater environments. The lodge sits above the Vichada River, a sprawling, semi‑arid jungle region shaped by falling dry‑season water levels that isolate lagoons and create perfect habitat for powerful Peacock Bass. Far from roads or villages, the only way in is via a domestic flight from Bogotá followed by a long, scenic boat journey upriver—an approach that immediately makes guests feel they’ve crossed into true wilderness. The surrounding region bridges the transition between Colombia’s plains and jungle, a place marked by unique geology, rich indigenous heritage, and abundant wildlife, all of which contribute to the sense that this is not just a fishing destination, but a remote frontier where very few travelers have set foot.

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Akuani River Lodge Peacock Bass

THE LODGE & CAMP COMBO

One of the most memorable parts of the Akuani experience is the blend of comfortable jungle lodging and true wilderness camping, giving anglers the best of both worlds over the course of the week. At the main Akuani River Lodge, guests stay in traditional open‑air jungle cabins with fans, mosquito netting, private bathrooms, and river‑water showers—simple but genuinely comfortable accommodations perched above the Vichada River, with meals served in a relaxed thatch‑roofed dining area. Mid‑week, the program shifts gears as guests travel down to the Orinoco River’s Maipures rapids for two days of Payara fishing, where they spend one night in an outpost-style camp beneath the jungle canopy, surrounded by granite outcrops, rushing water, and the sounds of the rainforest. This combination of rustic comfort at the lodge and immersive adventure at the riverside camp gives the trip a layered rhythm—part relaxing jungle retreat, part expedition—creating an experience that feels both deeply authentic and wonderfully off the grid.

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Akuani River Lodge Peacock Bass

THE FISHING DIVERSITY

Fishing at Akuani River Lodge is defined by its diversity and the dramatic environments anglers move through during the week. The first portion of the trip focuses on the Vichada River and its network of dry‑season lagoons, where falling water levels isolate pockets of fish and create prime habitat for Peacock Bass of multiple species and sizes. Anglers spend four days exploring these lagoon systems—casting streamers, topwater patterns, and other large, flashy offerings into narrow channels, submerged wood, and still backwaters. Catch rates here are consistently strong, with a mix of numbers and trophy potential; guests can expect multiple double‑digit fish during their stay, and groups commonly land fish pushing twenty pounds. This part of the program combines a sense of exploration with steady action, as each lagoon has its own character and the fish respond aggressively to well‑placed flies.

Mid‑week, the fishing shifts into a completely different world as the group heads downstream to the Orinoco River’s Maipures rapids for two days of targeting Payara (Vampire Fish)—one of the most powerful and acrobatic freshwater predators in South America. This fishery is fast, physical, and high‑energy: anglers fish from rocky outcrops and current seams while Payara slash at streamers with violent, airborne takes that test both reaction time and gear. Alongside Payara, anglers may also encounter Sardinata and Pacu in these turbulent waters, adding to the variety and challenge of the setting. After the Payara segment, the group returns to the Vichada for two more days of Peacock Bass fishing, wrapping the week with a renewed appreciation for how drastically the landscapes—and the species that inhabit them—can differ within a single adventure.

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“Somewhere on that long boat ride up the Vichada, as the river narrowed and the jungle got louder, I realized I was headed into a completely different kind of fishing trip, and that feeling was confirmed the moment I watched a peacock bass explode on my fly in a hidden lagoon and later stood on a rock in the Orinoco hooking payara that launched themselves into the air like silver missiles—an adventure I’m going to be talking about for a very long time.”

- Tyler, J. Fresno, CA

Akuani River Lodge Peacock Bass

Cost & Trip Details

Cost:

  • $4,995 per angler, based on double occupancy.

Trip Includes:

  • 9 Total Nights (2 in Bogota Hotel, including breakfast), 6 days guided fishing
  • All meals at the Lodge
  • Domestic transportation from airport to hotel and back, and flights from Bogota to Inirida and back
  • Fishing License
  • Beer, Wine, Beverages

Not Included:

  • International Airfare (flight to Bogata, Columbia and Charter Flight)
  • Misc. Expenses in Bogota
  • Gratuities
  • Overweight Baggage (if applicable)
  • Flies, Leader, Tippet, and Fishing Gear
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Akuani River Lodge Peacock Bass

The Jon Covich Hosted Experience

Partnering with Jon Covich as your trip host means traveling with one of the most experienced and respected figures in international fly‑fishing travel, a professional who has spent over 35 years immersed in the industry and built a reputation for deep destination knowledge, problem‑solving, and exceptional guest care. As your Red’s host, Jon will work directly with the lodge to coordinate ground transfers, manage guide assignments, help set clear expectations, and ensure every angler receives thoughtful, personalized support throughout the week. Drawing on his extensive background hosting trips across Cuba and South America—and his longstanding philosophy that true hosting requires intimate familiarity with the people, culture, and logistics of a destination—Jon will collaborate closely with the lodge’s head guide to organize smart pairings, mentor as needed, and make group‑wide decisions that best serve all Red’s customers.

In short, with Jon Covich as your on‑site Red’s host, you’re traveling with someone who knows the rhythms of international fishing travel inside and out, ensuring your experience is efficient, smooth, rewarding, and fully supported from start to finish.

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Akuani River Lodge Peacock Bass

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

Travel to Akuani River Lodge is an adventure in itself, beginning with an international flight into Bogotá, where guests overnight before continuing deeper into Colombia’s remote eastern lowlands. The following morning, the group takes a short domestic flight of about two hours, followed by a four‑hour upriver boat transfer through increasingly wild country as rainforest and savanna blend into the Vichada River basin. This same sequence is repeated in reverse at the end of the trip, with most guests choosing to spend another night in Bogotá before connecting to their international flights home. While the journey is involved, it’s also a key part of the experience—each step carrying travelers farther from the city and deeper into untouched river country, setting the stage for the remote fishing adventure that awaits.

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Akuani River Lodge Peacock Bass

SINGLE ANGLERS WELCOME

Single anglers are always welcome on our worldwide hosted fly fishing trips, and we take great care in pairing guests to ensure a fun and rewarding experience. We’ll match you with a roommate and assign you a fishing partner for each day on the water, sometimes keeping pairs consistent and other times rotating to give everyone a well-rounded experience. Many solo travelers join our trips because we have a strong track record of fostering a great group dynamic, mixing anglers and guides to create an enjoyable atmosphere for all. While we strive to accommodate individual preferences, flexibility is key, as our primary goal is to rotate guide assignments and maximize opportunities for every guest. We simply ask our single anglers to embrace the adventure, go with the flow, and enjoy the incredible fishing!

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Testimonials For Akuani River Lodge

The Rio Marié exceeded every expectation I had, delivering day after day of electrifying encounters with massive peacock bass, deeply immersive moments in untouched Amazon rainforest, and a guiding team whose expertise, warmth, and relentless enthusiasm transformed what could have been just another fishing trip into an unforgettable adventure that felt both wild and wonderfully personalized."

Danny M.

As a gal who’s traveled to a lot of fisheries around the world, I was absolutely blown away by the sheer power of Marié’s giant peacocks, the comfort and safety of the lodge operation, the sincerity of the crew, and the magical sense of stepping into a hidden corner of the Amazon where every cast holds the potential for a fish you’ll remember for the rest of your life,



Laura S.

From the quiet morning boat runs through mist-covered jungle channels to the full‑adrenaline battles with heavyweight peacock bass that tore across the flats, every aspect of the Rio Marié experience blended raw adventure with luxurious hospitality, leaving me with a deep appreciation for the guides, the fishery, and the rare feeling of being part of something truly special and wild,

Chris T.

“As a female angler traveling with a mixed group, I felt completely welcomed and supported from the moment I arrived at Black Sands Lodge. The guides were patient, encouraging, and absolutely dialed in, leading to some of the most exciting in‑close eats I’ve ever experienced. The whole experience struck a perfect balance between adventure, comfort, and genuine connection.”

Sarah L.

Akuani River Lodge Peacock Bass

Deposit and Cancellation Policy

We understand that unexpected circumstances can arise, and we want to be as flexible as possible while ensuring our trips run smoothly. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking, with final payment due 90 days before departure. For trips scheduled within 90 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. If you need to cancel, we will do everything in our power to rebook the trip to full capacity. If we are successful, we will gladly issue you a refund minus a $100 administrative fee. Additionally, if your plans change more than 90 days before departure, you have the option to reschedule your trip for a future date, subject to a $100 administrative fee. Our goal is to make your experience as stress-free as possible, and we’ll do our very best to assist you in the event of any changes.

Liability & Responsibility

  • Red’s Fly Shop and the destination outfitter are not responsible for the loss of fishing days due to missed flights, illness, injury, weather delays, or any other unforeseen circumstances.
  • Red’s Fly Shop reserves the right to make necessary itinerary changes, even if additional costs are incurred by the guest.
  • Guests are responsible for any additional expenses resulting from delays or situations beyond the control of Red’s Fly Shop.
  • Lost baggage, gear, rods, or personal items are not the responsibility of Red’s Fly Shop or the destination outfitter.
  • Initial payment serves as acknowledgment that the guest has read and agrees to these policies.
  • We strongly encourage anglers to purchase travel insurance and a medical evacuation plan to protect their trip investment. Guests should research policy requirements and coverage details to ensure they are adequately protected. A good starting point is Global Rescue.
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