One of the most magical things about a trip to the Futaleufu river valley in Patagonia Chile is the time you get to spend at our Eco Camp at Tres Monjas.
Of all the lodging options with Expediciones Chile, this camping experience offers the greatest connection with nature. Lodging here is generally a part of our kayaking packages, but can be arranged for many itineraries. The blending of a dramatically beautiful setting and camping refined to perfection with a dedication to environmental consciousness, creates this elite Eco Camp. It is a strategically located launch pad for the Futaleufu River and all the adventure activities this valley has to offer.
"When you think you have seen it all, you arrive at Tres Monjas and the definition of a beautiful setting has to be re-written." -Paul Oz from Canoe Focus Magazine
Perfectly located at the ideal put-in and/or take-out for two of the Futaleufu River sections, the Eco Camp is isolated and self-contained. All you can see for dozens of miles around is a sprinkling of farms, the river and the mountains. Standing sentinal over the camp are the three clustered, volcanic spires known as Las Tres Monjas (Three Nuns Peaks). To arrive at this secluded peninsula, surrounded by two rivers, you will cross the smaller Rio Azul at the confluence in a canoe ferry leaving the vehicles and the world as you know it behind. From here you can enjoy our private eco-trails for paddling, trekking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fly fishing or just exploring. Cross the Futaleufu on a swinging footbridge and you are on the Futaleufu Valley trail, which you can trek or ride along the Futaleufu River all the way to the Village of Futaleufu.
"Campo Tres Monjas is simply overwhelming, a sensory overload, a combination of Glacier and Yosemite National Parks all in one place! I had no idea!" -Bill Horvath, NY
The Eco Camp at Tres Monjas is truly refined camping. It is situated in a natural grove of trees and flowering fuchsia bushes providing beauty, shade and natural shelter. Here you find your provided, private, riverside tent down a secluded soft footpath. There are two sunny, white-sand beaches with hammocks for relaxing, a secluded skinny-dip beach, a dining cabin with sit-down dining and solar power, a wood-fired sauna, plenty of hot water for two secluded outdoor showers, a masseuse to soothe your tired muscles, and a kayakers dry shed that includes a storing area for your personal gear. An Andean Spring provides the sweetest, cleanest, freshest water you may ever drink. Our gourmet chef prepares dinners of salmon, roasted chicken and Chilean specialties with vegetables harvested from our own organic greenhouse.
" You have redefined camping!" -Woody Callayway, SC
Chris Spelius describing how he came upon Eco Camp at Tres Monjas:
The first time I paddled the upper gorge of the Futaleufu, I was emotionally drained from paddling Infierno, Zeta, and the Throne Room by myself. I then came to a tight gorge, which appeared even narrower than the others. It was late in the day, and I did not want to get excited again. To my great relief, this short gorge had no drop and the canyon opened up immediately. A river entered from the right, a stream from the left, Tres Monjas peak towered over me, and a white sand beach beckoned just below the confluence. I had never seen a more beautiful setting in my life. I thought, “Oh My God! This is the place!” I camped on the beach and, went exploring my campsite. I found a rock cove where I said, “I will build a shower here one day.” The next morning I caught a rainbow trout on my first cast. In the first several miles paddling downstream from this beach, I passed more perfect play spots than I'd ever seen. I said to myself, “I have to figure out a way to create something at that confluence!”
Bring your family. Just because you are a river fanatic doesn't mean you can't take an awesome vacation with your non-paddling loved ones! Our kayak trips and our multisport rafting trips stay here. Kids love to play on the white sand beach and dip in the pristine waters of the Rio Azul. The youngest guest we've had was only six months old! So far, the youngest person to paddle the Futa was 15 years old, but we've had a 10 year old and 76 year old paddle the Espolón.
We invite you to share our small piece of paradise at the river's edge!
