Expediciones Chile strongly encourages all paddlers to sign-up for a guided river trip rather than try to paddle this river on their own. The Futaleufu is a very serious class V river that will challenge even expert kayakers. All paddlers attempting the Futaleufu on their own should be solid class V kayakers with a bombproof roll and have all the necessary skills to self-rescue.

There are a number of Class II-IV tributaries of the Futaleufu which also can be run. The Rio Espolon (class II-III) near the village of Futaleufu and the Rio Azul (class III-IV) in the Futaleufu Valley. As well as certain calmer stretches of the Rio Futaleufu.

Paddlers must provide a sprayskirt and all the necessary outfitting for the kayak they intend to rent. This includes hip pads and float bags. Kayaks will not be rented to those without proper floatation.

Rates:

Daily Rate = $50.00 (minimum 4 days)

First Week = $300.00

Multiple Weeks = $250.00

Late Return = $50.00 per day

Deposit: A deposit for the full replacement cost of the kayak must paid to Expediciones Chile 60 days prior to the rental date. The balance, minus cost of rental, will be reimbursed to the renter after the kayak is returned to the Expediciones Chile office. The renter agrees to forfeit the deposit in the event that the boat is not returned to the office in good condition on the date specified in the rental agreement. (Late charges will apply first. Late charges will not exceed the repalcement value of the kayak.)

Cancellation Fee: Rental reservations may be cancelled 30 days prior to the reservation date. A $100 cancellation fee will be deducted from the deposit. Cancellations within 30 days will incur a $200.00 charge.

FAQs:

Q: What kind of kayaks do you recommend for your guests participating in your guided trips?

A: Expediciones Chile has been guiding guests down the Futaleufu river in Patagonia since 1985 and during that time we have acquired much knowledge about what works and what does not work on the Futaleufu River. Many times we have guests insist on paddling smaller playboats on the river only to change their mind and switch to something bigger within the first few days. For this reason we recommend kayaks with volume. On the lower stretches of river we sometimes paddle large play boats but switch to river runners for the Upper Canyon and Infernio sections. A river runner with surfing ability is a good choice for the Futaleufu.

Q: Do you rent paddles and other gear?

A: No. It is much too easy to lose or break gear on the Futaleufu river, therefore we only rent kayaks.

Q: Do you rent sea kayaks?

A: We do not rent sea kayaks at this time.

Q: Do you know of another company in Chile that rents sea kayaks?

A: Try Rockside Expediciones, they have some sea kayaks available to rent.

Q: If I swim, will I lose my kayak on the Futaleufu?

A: There is a good possibility of losing your kayak on the Futaleufu in the event of an accidental swim. This is why require a deposit for the full retail cost of the kayak.

Q: How do I reserve a kayak?

A: Fill out our online reservation request on this page. We will check for the availability of your kayak on the dates requested and reply by email if your reservation has been accepted. If your reservation is accepted you will be instructed on how to pay for your rental using our online form. We accept Visa, Master Card, Discover/Novus and American Express. You must also print out and sign a liability waiver and rental agreement that you must present to the office in Futaleufu, Chile. (See links on left.)

Q: Where do I pick my kayak up?

A: Pick up your kayak at our office in Futaleufu. The address is: Gabriel Mistral 296, Futaleufu, Chile. 65.721.386. Offices hours are: 9:00am to 5:00pm. Kayaks must be picked off and dropped off in person to an employee of Expediciones Chile. Signed liability waiver and rental agreement are required.
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