Day 1: Arrival and Introductions
Arrive at either of our entry points in Puerto Montt, Chile or Esquel, Argentina, the gateways to Patagonia. Connect with our representative and travel to the remote riverside town of Futaleufu, surrounded by majestic mountains. Here you will find your accommodations at our Tres Monjas Eco-Camp. A hearty meal, hot sauna, and wonderful views welcome you to Chile.

Day 2: Swiftwater Rescue Training
After a good breakfast we start with our three-day Swiftwater Rescue Technician class at Campo Tres Monjas. This swiftwater training course is approximately 30 hours total with 8 hours in the classroom and approximately 22 hours in the field. The close proximity of the river makes for more time spent working on drills and skills than getting there. The morning starts off in the classroom with a lecture. In the afternoon we are on the Rio Azul with rescue scenarios.

Day 3: Swiftwater Rescue Training
We will work the field rescue scenarios on the Rio Azul and the mini gorge upstream of the camp. Late in the afternoon (conditions permitting) we start guide training on the introduction section of the Rio Futaleufu. Participants of the class will be in paddle rafts with one of our oarsman in the rear mount for the class's first run down the Bridge to Bridge stretch of the Futaleufu. This evening we review the strategies of the run and decide who will start on the oars of the catarafts and rafts the following day.

Day 4: Swiftwater Rescue Training
The final day of Swiftwater Rescue Training will be held near the confluence of the Rio Azul and the Rio Futaleufu. After lunch we take our exam for certification. Later in the afternoon we descend the Bridge to Bridge section of the Futaleufu. We will take turns on the oars on some of the rapids as each participant has a chance of guiding the team through the Class III/IV rapids. Our guides will be on the oars as they guide us through for the first run of the Class V "Mas o Manos" and "Casa de Piedra".

Day 5: Raft Guide Training - Bridge to Bridge*
Two entire training runs on the Heart of the Futaleufu. Rescue class participants will alternate between the oars on the catarafts and the stern mount oars on the paddle rafts with other participants as their crew.

Day 6: Raft Guide Training - Terminator*
We start at Campo Tres Monjas as we head down for a complete descent of the lower Futaleufu; 21 kilometers of challenging whitewater. We group scout the "Terminator" as our team threads the needle. After this Class V rapid, we continue to rotate our team through the oars increasing your time guiding oars. This day is a full day of rafting, taking out after the "El Macal" section, passing the technical Class V "Casa de Piedra" and "Mas o Menos" rapids. During dinner we will have the opportunity for video review of our runs, critique and diagrams of strategies and memorization of the danger spots to avoid. We will discuss the action plan for the following day of rapids and how to get the team around the two rapids we will portage.

Day 7: Raft Guide Training - Infierno Canyon (Class V)*
We take our entire class for an early morning descent of the world class "Infierno Canyon" (dependent on water levels). This descent will require the best efforts and attention of the entire team. We will ghost raft the Class V "Zeta" and the "Throne Room" rapids. We will take out at Camp, deflate rafts, and carry gear back to our vehicles, learning every part of being a guide. Graduation ceremonies will begin before dinner and carry into the always fun award ceremonies.

Day 8: Departure
Wake up for an early breakfast and drive back to Chaiten, Chile and your flight to Puerto Montt, or relax for a couple of hours and take our shuttle to Esquel, Argentina. As you catch a final view of the Río Futaleufu; surrounded by hanging glaciers and snow capped mountains, take a moment to reflect upon all of the amazing sights and experiences of this past week. After all these years we are still stunned that views like these exist.

PRICE: $1995.00 USD

Included: All meals, lodging, transportation, instructors, and gear while training with us. Round trip transportation between Futaleufu and Puerto Montt or Esquel. See the rafting packing list for specific details. The actual program for your individual trip will vary according to the desires and skill level of your group, the water levels, weather, or other factors.

*For Law Enforcement or Search & Rescue professionals not interested in learning to river guide, other multi-sport activities can be substituted from our Adventure Vacation Program. Call our office for further information.

	Experience Needed: Previous rafting and/or kayaking experience recommended Physical Challenge: High, demanding, Class IV/V whitewater Cultural Experience: Medium Lodging: Camp Comfort Rating:  Low Days away from home: 10 Days with us: 8 Max Trip Size: 12 Price: $1995.00 USD Region: Futaleufu River Valley, Patagonia Chile Lakes, Rivers, Sites Visited: Chaiten, Futaleufu Village, Campo Tres Monjas, Rio Futaleufu, Rio Azul, Rio Espolon