Futaleufu, Chile - Top 10 places to visit

Futaleufu river

Futaleufú: Top 10 Things to do

Futaleufú is a small colourful town in Chile’s stunning lake-filled Los Lagos region.

It has wide streets lined with colourful wooden-shingled houses, lush gardens, and productive smallholdings.

Wandering around the town feels like stepping back in time. This part of Chile is far quieter than the busy south, and wandering around the town is like stepping back in time.

Once Tehuelche land, the area was settled in the early 20th century by pioneers from Argentina, who lived from farming and ranching, a way of life that still shapes local culture today.

It’s relatively undeveloped for tourism, with a peaceful, relaxed feel, and it is a chilled place to hang out for a few days.

What to do in Futaleufú?

Futaleufú lies at the confluence of the Espolon and Futaleufú river valleys. It is the beautiful turquoise-blue river Futaleufú that is well known worldwide among paddlers and white-water river rafters for its top-quality, accessible rapids amid gorgeous scenery. The river is beautiful, with glorious swirls, eddies, rapids and flat sections in between.

White water rafting is the main attraction, and you’ll soon find several rafting outfits that have offices around the square. If you aren’t into rafting or want to add some adventures, the area is also a great spot for mountain biking, walking, horse riding, and fly fishing.

There are an amazing number of dogs in Chile; most look to be very well fed, though starved of affection. If you stop to speak to one, many of the town’s dogs will flock to you to share in the attention.

From the pretty town square and lakeside, there are 360-degree enticing views of snowcapped peaks.

Top 10 Things to do in Futaleufú

Many people head to Futaleufú for its water sports.

If you have one day for white-water rafting on the Futaleufú, there are options available from 3 hours (10 km, 15 rapids, mostly Class IV and Class V) to 7 hours (16km, 18 rapids, mostly Class IV and Class V). Dry suits / wet suits, photos, lunch and safety crew included. The cost is from USD 80 to USD 130, depending on length. Rafts are accompanied by catamaran safety rafts at the front and back, plus safety kayakers.

Thanks to Rafting Rio Futaleufú for rafting photos and information.

For family-friendly rafting, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding, there are trips on the crystal-clear, gentle waters of the Espolón River or Lago Espolón, for those aged 6 and up.
Learn or improve your kayak skills with local experts. Some of the rafting companies offer courses.
Treat yourself to a really special 9 days of luxurious multi-activity adventure. Rafting is the highlight, but there is plenty of opportunity for walking, kayaking and biking, with accommodation in the best river and lakeside lodges, featuring saunas, hot tubs and top-quality food and wine.

Hiking around Futaleufú

There are several hikes to enjoy around Futaleufú.

Take a day hike in the Reserva de Futaleufú, where several mountain trails offer beautiful routes through verdant temperate Valdivian forest beneath the iconic Tres Monjes rocky peak.
Take a shorter hike right out of town: Cerro de Bandera, Piedra del Aguila, and Mirador Torre del Agua, which offer panoramic views of Futaleufú, the mountains, lakes, and valleys. They are on private property, so you may be asked to pay a fee to access the trails. Ask at the tourist office in town for complete information.
Take a longer hike. Laguna Piñilla and Sierra Teta (best with a guide) or Lago Las Rosas. Check with the tourist office in town for complete information.

More Futaleufú activities

Take a half-day guided horse-riding trip. The four-hour ride to Mirador del Condor rewards with gorgeous lake and mountain views and condors soaring. The 4-hour ride is USD 40. It’s gently paced but has some steep ground. Horses are in great condition, well-trained and reassuringly sure-footed.
Rent a mountain bike in town and head off to explore the quiet roads and backcountry trails.
Other activities on offer include fly fishing, traditional cooking classes, photography and bird watching tours.

Annual events at Futaleufú

In January «Ruta de los Valles» competition for cyclists (MTB).
In February, the «El Pilchero» festival takes place in the Espolón sector, showcasing gaucho culture.
In February, the week of Futaleufú is celebrated as a family event, and tourists are welcome.
In January, the «Futa XL» takes place. This international sporting event attracts the world’s best kayakers.

Rodeo in Futaleufú

It is worth checking the date for the rodeo (run by Club de Rodeo Futaleufú and usually held mid to late January). This is held at the rodeo grounds near the lake and is always a lively community event showcasing many rural customs of the Chilean huasos/gaucho, ranching, and local traditions.

Where to stay in Futaleufú

The town has a range of cabins for rent, hostels, guest houses and a couple of smarter hotels.

If you have a vehicle, you can access the more upmarket lodges, which tend to be a few kms out of town, in stunning lake and riverside locations, known for amazing food, saunas and quality.

When to visit Futaleufú

The best time to visit Futaleufú is between October and March, with January and February being the busiest months.

How to get to Futaleufú

The Carretera Austral, on the Chilean side, was only built in 1984, so access to Futaleufú before that was from Argentina. Futaleufú retains an Argentinean feel, and the town’s small supermarkets stock more varieties of Yerba Mate than coffee.

Accessing Futaleufú from Argentina

Futaleufú is readily accessible from Argentinean airports at Esquel (1 hour drive) and Bariloche (4-to 5-hour drive), Argentina.

Accessing Futaleufú from Chile

If coming from Chile, you can fly into Chaiten, then drive 155km, 3 hours or so. If you start from Puerto Montt, the journey brings you south via the ferry at Hornopiren, then along the Carretera Austral, through Pumalin National Park, past Caleta Gonzalo and Yelcho—both with fabulous lodges to stop off at en route.

Driving on south from Futaleufú, it is a 580 km / 12-hour rough gravel road most of the way to Coiyhaique. We recommend an overnight stopover at Puyuhuapi, also an attractive small town.