Acclaimed as one of the most demanding rafting runs in the world, the Futaleufu River provides rafters the ultimate whitewater challenge. The river's name is derived from a local Mapuche Indian word meaning “big, big river” and it lives up to its billing in every respect. Since the early 1990s rafting in Chile has become synonymous with this river and it has beckoned an elite group of international rafters daring enough to tempt the Class V power of Futaleufu. The first time you connect to the intriguing power of this river you will know it is unlike any river you have rafted before. It has earned its reputation as The Greatest Whitewater on Earth!!!
Day 1: Futaleufu Arrival & Introductions
Arrive
in Futaleufu via Esquel, Argentina the gateway
to Patagonia or Bariloche, Argentina. If you
choose to begin your adventure in Chile, you
can travel to Chaiten via Puerto Montt. Connect
with our company representative and travel
to the remote riverside village of Futaleufu,
surrounded by majestic mountains. You will
find your accommodations at our comfortable
lodge, and unwind from your trip with a hearty
welcome dinner at the Futaleufu Adventure
Center.
Day 2: Intro to Whitewater & Mountain
Biking
We'll have a great start to
this Patagonia rafting week with a beautiful
moderately challenging mountain bike ride
alongside the pristine waters of the upper
Espolon River. Then over the river on a footbridge
and up to Devil's Throat, a spectacular and
still un-run Class 6 cascade at the watershed
of the Rio Espolon. Below the waterfalls,
we'll enjoy a riverside lunch and then trade
our mountain bikes for sit-on-top kayaks and
paddling gear. These kayaks are forgiving
and perfect for the first timer. In double
or single inflatables or sit on tops, we will
tour the Espolon River and enjoy its transparent
waters, inviting swimming areas, and forgiving
rapids - the perfect introductory run. We
will also go over river safety and what to
do if you find yourself swimming in a river.
The trip is one great loop that brings us
to our take-out, minutes from the lodge, where
pisco sours and a hearty dinner await us.
Day 3: Trekking &
Rafting the Heart of the Futaleufu River
In the morning we will raft
Chile's most action packed section of whitewater
- a virtual whitewater power storm! This section,
from the Entrada Swinging Bridge to the Futaleufu
stone bridge, includes five miles of Class
IV+ rafting action. Rapids such as "Entrada",
"Pillow",
"Tiburon",
and "Mundaca" with its must-see explosion
hole, will keep you on your toes. Chile rafting
at its best! In a calmer section below the
rapids, we will do some swim practice drills
in preparation for the more intense whitewater
of the coming days. You can spend the afternoon
soaking up the warm Chilean culture in this
secluded alpine village or participate in
a hike to Eagle rock a stunning overlook.
Day 4: Rafting Class V Casa
de Pierda to Puerto Ramirez
This
morning we head back to the Futaleufu river
prepared for another action packed day of
whitewater rafting. This rafting run begins
with a repeat of the adrenaline charged "Heart"
section. At the end of the "Heart"
section, however, we'll raft past the previous
day's take out to where the river picks up
energy as the canyon walls turn into vertical
cliffs and huge glacier crowned peaks rise
above. Here, we will find "Más
o Menos"(Class IV+) and our first
"optional" and authentic Class V
rapid of this raft trip, "Casa
de Piedra". We will scout and set
up our extensive safety net before we enter
this challenging rapid. After this exhilarating
section of whitewater, we’ll run some
more Class III rapids before floating to Puerto
Ramirez and enjoying the scenery that you
may have missed along the upper sections.
Day 5: Become
Immersed with a Trek Back in Time
Today we take a break from
whitewater rafting, and allow you to experience
the cultural side of life in Patagonia. This
activity has been a favorite among Expediciones
Chile clients. Beginning in town, you head
out towards Las Escalas valley along the mighty
Rio Futaleufu. The walk leads us to a 136-acre
working ranch set deep in the forest, overlooking
the river valley below. Apart from the spectacular
views, this self sustainable ranch, without
road access or electricity is a marvel in
its own right. There, you will be greeted
by our host at a rustic wood crafted ranch
that functions completely off the grid. You
will be surprised at how tempting this simpler
existence appears. You will get the full tour
around the ranch, before sitting down to a
feast of traditional Chilean cuisine. After
lunch you can watch the owner spin his own
wool and browse through his hand made products,
before heading back to town where dinner and
pisco sours await.
Day 6: Futaleufu Valley
Departure
For our last day of rafting on the river we've managed to somehow save the best for last. We are taking off from camp as the rest of the luggage is loaded into our vehicles. We are headed to a section of the river called the Terminator section. You must have previously rafted the "Heart" section with us and met all of our safety requirements because the Futaleufu river takes on an extremely powerful nature, with the longest and largest rapid on the Futa, the "Terminator" (Class V). Rafting in Chile does not get better than this! Just below, we'll have to negotiate the hole filled "Khyber Pass" (Class IV+) and the Himalayas (Class IV), with perhaps the biggest standing waves in the hemisphere. If this wasn’t enough, one final pass down the Heart of the Futaleufu will be sure to leave you with a day of rafting that you won't soon forget. After we finish this section, we will have rafted the entire length of the Futaleufu! Our vehicles will be waiting at the take out as we make our way toward the border on our way to Trevelin after changing into dry clothes. Check into your hotel, take a shower and change clothes before enjoying your last night in Patagonia. There are a handful of outstanding and reasonably priced restaurants in Trevelin that we can recommend. Relax, recover and look back on the exciting week of rafting before heading back the following morning.
Eco Camp Campo Tres Monjas/tent $1895.00 per person
Eco Camp Campo Tres Monjas/cabin $2195.00 per person
Condornest private group 2 to 8 $2,395.00 meals at campo
| Price per Person: $1995.00 USD |
Special Flexibilities: Exchile will be flexible to make your trip a total success. The actual program for your custom trip will vary according to the desires and skill level of your group, weather, or other factors. Patagonia has constantly changing weather patterns that might affect what day is best for a certain activity. If a certain part of your trip is not possible due to danger risks and weather extremes, our experienced guide staff will work with you to figure out the best possible option to substitute for the weather complications. If you have any concerns, please feel free to ask us more about the situations and what is guaranteed on the trip.
Included: Your described trip, guiding, instruction, activity equipment, local transportation, shuttles, all meals, wine with dinner, acomodations at our eco-camps, cabins, ranches or lodges, while on your trip. We offer a free pick up on Sunday mornings at 9 am in Trevelin at your hotel, and drop off to your hotel in Trevelin, Argentina on Fridays at 9 pm. See the packing list of your activity, for the specific clothing that is required.
Not Included: Transportation to and from your home town, and your accommodations and meals in Trevelin Argentina or alternate trip pick up point. You can reserve and prepay on the web your transport from your final air destination, to and from your pick up-drop off point before and after your trip, or you can direct us to charge your visa card and do it for you. We higly recommended having exchile make hotel reserves in Trevelin. (room capacity in this small village is limited). Expediciones Chile is not financially responsible for your travel complications getting to your trip pick up point and from the drop off point, HOWEVER, we will be relentless allies in offering our services to help solve any issues that you may encounter.
