This trip is designed to immerse you in the beauty, magic and culture of Patagonia. The astonishingly clear waters of the Rio Futaleufu flow through deep canyons and pristine wilderness to create explosive and untamed white water, unparalleled anywhere in the world.
Note: We also offer a similar 11 day/10 night trip over Christmas and New Year rafting trip. Please contact the office for more information.
Itinerary details
Note: If circumstances
dictate, certain details, such as overnight stops, may vary from
those shown in the day-by-day itinerary below.
Day 1 On arrival in Puerto Montt you will be met by your Trip Leader and transferred to your hotel in the charming little town of Puerto Varas, where you can unwind from your journey. Situated on the edge of Lake Llanquihue you will be treated to the first of many spectacular settings with views across the water to the perfect backdrop of Volcan Osorno.
The afternoon is yours to relax or explore this delightful fishing village.(No meals included)
Day 2 After breakfast you will board a small aircraft for the short flight from Puerto Montt to Chaiten (approx 40minutes) where we will begin the final part of your journey, the drive along the Carretera Austral towards the little town of Futaleufu. Bear in mind that this area of Southern Chile has only been accessible by road for the past twenty years, one of few chances in the world to visit such unspoilt wilderness.
We pause for lunch overlooking deep turquoise lakes, amidst magnificent granite cliffs and steep glaciers, visions that rival anywhere else in the world. Along this spectacular drive we will pass small farms seemingly untouched by time, giving us our first glimpses of frontier living. And past Lago Yelcho, a world class trout fishing lake into which the Futaleufu river flows. This is also home to the Coho Salmon that swim unimpeded up the river to spawn. This is unquestionably one of the few remaining fishing paradises on the planet.
By late afternoon we will arrive at camp in time for a leisurely float down the scenic lower section of the river, sampling the fine local wines and cheeses along the way. (Included :Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 3 You awaken to the sounds of nature, the steady flow of the river past camp and the busy morning chorus of the local birdlife. Enjoy a hearty breakfast in this wonderful setting.
Our guides and trip leaders are seasoned professionals in their fields. Your safety is their number one priority. We take time with a comprehensive talk on safety and paddling instructions to get you accustomed to your new mode of transport, whether or not you have done this before. Depending on crews and water levels, we may opt for the Bridge to Bridge or Bridge to Casa sections today, both reputedly some of the best rafting sections anywhere in the world.
We start at La Passarella, one of many suspended rope bridges used by locals to cross the river and we immediately plunge into some exhilarating white water fun with ‘Thousand Wave’ rapid, smashing through ‘Pillow Wave’ and into ‘Mundaca’. We take out at Futaleufu Bridge after our first thrilling day on the river… this is only the beginning.
Day 4 Our luxurious camp, situated above the town of Futaleufu, encompasses small cabanas nestled within the native bush on the banks of the river. Enjoy your morning coffee on your veranda as the clear waters run quite literally beneath you.
After breakfast we launch the rafts and float down towards the magnificent Inferno Canyon where 4km of adrenaline surging white water awaits us. With its steep sides and deep clear pools we enter into an area of complete remoteness as we head towards Tres Nonas. With a flat section to follow there is plenty of time to sit back, reflect and marvel at the serenity of this beautiful place.
However in the distance the roar of the infamous “Zeta” or ‘Z’ can be heard as we enjoy lunch at a scenic spot by the river. This rapid is not commercially runnable and so the rafts are portaged through before we again take a leisurely float in preparation for the might of El Throno. Perhaps one of the fastest and most spectacular rapids in the world we may also opt to portage this rapid, depending on water levels, but not before marvelling at kayakers trying to avoid ”Toaster” as they negotiate this exciting course. No matter by which route, they will be at the bottom in a matter of seconds.
Following El Throno is a gorgeous white water section we term the Magic Mile. Our vehicles will meet us at the Rio Azul and we return to camp for a well deserved soak in the hot tub. (Included :Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 5 Freshly baked bread and eggs benedict is on the menu this morning, with the standard fresh brew of coffee. We have another great day ahead of us. A few, fun warm up rapids before we reach the legendary “Terminator”. Depending on river levels, crew aptitude and ability we may need to portage this one…… because it’s BIG!… actually it’s a bit BIGGER than BIG! This is the largest Class V “sneak line” we run on any of our trips worldwide. And if that isn’t enough for you there is the superb “Khyber Pass” and the hugely exciting “Himalayas” to finish the day.
On our return to camp we enjoy a sumptuous meal washed down with Pisco Sours or a glass of fine Chilean red wine. (Included :Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 6 With a range of activities on offer today you will have the chance to explore more of this stunning part of the world. An opportunity to try your hand at fly fishing. The Futaleufu is a world class trout fishing river, so why not try your luck catching dinner (but don’t worry we will have made other plans for dinner in case you are not successful).
For those of your wanting something more active there are some wonderful horseback riding trails, catering for all abilities including beginners. One of our most popular suggestions is a guided horse ride into the Rio Azul followed by a paddle downstream in a ‘Ducky’, a two or three person inflatable. A chance to self-guide, under the ever watchful eye of one of our guides. A truly enjoyable day. Or, if you choose to, simply sit back and relax at camp and soak up the scenery.
Day 7 The morning’s rafting begins with a blast through the centre of ‘Mundaca’ once again, to ensure we are truly awake. Followed by another amazing stretch of water with ‘The Fish Bowl’ and ‘Aquarium Wave’, and the aptly named ‘House Rock’ to finish.
By tradition we finish our trips with the customary ‘Asado’. All day our neighbours and good friends, Carlos and Alicia, have been preparing a feast of salads, fresh meats and breads. The evening is spent experiencing real Chilean hospitality and enjoying recounting your stories from the past week, on one of the best white water rivers in the world. (Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner days 2 - 7).
Day 8 An early start is required this morning in order to meet the van that will take you back to Chaiten for your flight back to Puerto Montt, and your onward journey back to Santiago and home. (Included: Breakfast).
What Is Included Transfers between Puerto Montt and Chaiten and to the river. If you provide us with your arrival details in Puerto Montt we will be happy to meet you at the airport, accommodation the night before the river trip in a tourist hotel (Day One). This will be on a share twin basis with someone also on your river trip. Single supplements are available, all transfers to and from the river, all meals from breakfast on day two to breakfast on day eight, we can cater for any dietary requirements, just let us know, all necessary rafting equipment, including the best in buoyancy aids, helmets, full length wetsuits (men’s and women’s fit) and spray jackets. Lodge accommodation whilst on the river. All camping equipment excluding sleeping bags. Fully qualified, experienced river guides and safety kayakers. We have a mixture of local and overseas guides who are extremely professional and make up one of the most experienced river teams in the world. They make every effort to make your trip one of the most memorable, optimising your fun without compromising on your safety. They all hold advanced first aid qualifications and in the unlikely event of an injury they have the expertise and professionalism to deal with it. All necessary permits and licenses.
Not included Flights, visas, departure taxes, travel insurance, inoculations, sleeping bags, video or dvd of your trip, alcohol, personal items or gratuities. You will also need to budget for meals in town which are not included in the price and any extra accommodation outside of what is provided.
Exploring Chile: Chile is rich with outdoor options for those inclined. The Torres Del Paine circuit is perhaps one of the most famous and spectacular trekking areas in South America with it’s dramatic granite peaks and glacial lakes it is internationally renowned as one of the most beautiful and remote areas in the world.
The resort town of Pucon with it’s backdrop of the Volcan Villarica looming behind is set amidst National Parks and is not to be missed. And if you like heights then consider reaching the summit of Mount Aconcagua, the highest point in the western hemisphere…not for the faint hearted however.
The Atacama Desert is further north and is the driest desert in the world. The town of Pedro de Atacama offers many attractive facilities for tourists. On the other hand if you want to do more on the water the southern fjords of Chile offer great sea kayaking opportunities around Las Termas de Chillan.
If you would like to visit any other parts of Chile please contact the office for more information.
Transport Services: The Chilean bus service is quite good, especially if you speak Spanish, however, since Chile is a long slender country travelling to different parts can take some time. It can take two days to travel by bus from Chaiten, the port nearest to Futaleufu, to Santiago, so we would definitely recommend flying, especially if your time is limited. While in Santiago you can get around by taxi or by bus, or the subway is a clean, cheap and amazingly easy way to get around.
Jabs: We recommend that you are immunized against Hepatitis A and Tetanus.
Exploring Santiago: If you have an extra day and night in Santiago we suggest you visit the Plaza de Armas in the centre of the city, where Augusto Pinochet ousted Salvador Allende in the now famous coup. Or check out Bellavista, where you can find long-haired poets reciting their latest creations, fishbowl size bowls of beer (‘Shop’, as it is locally known), and some crazy late-night discos. The subway system is an excellent and easy way to get about the city and costs very little.
River Flows: The ‘Fu’ is a fairly high volume river with extremely large and demanding rapids. In December, when the water is at its highest, some of the rapids can become too large to run. The river levels remain very unpredictable, however the best probability of good water levels fall within the months of January and February. This offers the best combination of weather and water.
Climate and Clothing: In the southern hemisphere, the summer season falls from December to March so during January and February the days should be fairly warm. Make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and lip balm. The water is glacier and snow melt and is cool, but don’t worry we supply you with ‘farmer John and Jane’ wetsuits and spray jackets as required. If you have any long synthetic underwear we highly recommend this as well to wear under your wetsuit. The weather in Patagonia can be changeable so do bring a rain jacket as well. Evenings and nights will be chilly, 15-20 degrees so you should definitely bring a fleece for the evenings around camp.
Fitness and Safety: Safety is our foremost consideration at all times whether on or off the river. All our guides are chosen for their extensive international experience. They each have at least 10 years running rivers around the globe. All have first aid qualifications of the highest standard including at least one medic on each trip. And we carry an extensive First Aid kit and Satellite Telephone with us at all times. They are considered professionals in their field and dedicate their lives to sharing these wonderful river trips with others.
The Futaleufu is a fairly high volume river with extremely large and demanding rapids and is an extremely adventurous and rigorous trip. And a huge amount of fun! We recommend that you exercise regularly: running, walking or swimming, at least a month or two before the trip, in order to maximize your fun on this amazing river. Please let us know if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications that you think we should be aware of.
Personal Equipment: After years on the river the guides have found exactly what is necessary to feel comfortable on the raft by day, cosy around the camp at night and totally in style in town before and after trips! Therefore our equipment list will mean that you will be perfectly attired and outfitted for your whole trip and well under the baggage allowance - river guides are famous for travelling light (one has to be when a kayak is often in tow!). A full list of what we recommend will be sent to you upon booking confirmation. We find that most people already have in their possession what is necessary for a river trip and very little else in the way of specialised equipment is required. Perhaps the only thing that we specifically recommend for Chile is PLENTY of sunscreen!
Finally… Please remember that things do change, prices go up and down, activities stop running or change format and weather can send the best laid plans out the door. We will do our best to provide what is described above but please take into consideration the nature of the journey that you are embarking on and the country that you are travelling in and understand that a certain degree of flexibility is necessary!
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