Day 1: Arrival and Introductions
Arrive at either of our entry points in Puerto Montt, Chile or Esquel, Argentina, the gateway to Patagonia. Connect with our representative and travel to the remote riverside town 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, which will serve as our best camp for this Patagonia trekking vacation.

Day 2: Trekking - Introduction to the Futaleufu Valley
Start your Chile trekking vacation with a trek up the Rio Espolon along white sand beaches, crossing small bridges over turquoise water with fishing and swimming holes at practically every turn. The climb starts with a steep, 900 vertical ft rise to "Piedra de Aguila", a rock outcrop with an incredible view. We will do another trek later in the day and tour the village of Futaleufu. We then return to the Lodge to freshen up for our evening dinner.

Day 3: Trekking - To the Throat of the Devil
Today we will trek along the pristine Rio Espolon until we get to a tremendous Class VI explosion of white frothy water. Here an alpine lake, Lago Espolon, funnels down through a small rock canyon, congested with boulders. It plummets to the river below with tremendous force. It is an awesome sight, aptly named the “La Garganta Del Diablo” translated as the Devils Throat. An excellent view will be offered from a steep rock outcropping, giving you a view of the throat that will leave you mesmerized. This is trekking Patagonia at is best!

Day 4: Trekking - To the Las Escales Valley
We trek along the Infierno gorge, a black rock canyon of the Futaleufu River. Climbing up to the sky on all sides are white-capped mountains. As we view the agitated turquoise water 500 feet below, it is easy to imagine the tectonic activity that formed this area 70 million years ago. The trail enters into the open Las Escalas Valley, taking you about 200 years back in time with remote ranches connected by footpaths. We cross the Futaleufu River on a swinging bridge and trek up through an old growth forest of Coigue trees. Once we are out of the valley we will circle a small lake on our way back to the village of Futaleufu. Trekking in Chile does not get any better than this.

Day 5: Optional Multisport Day
Today you may take your pick of our wide array of activities. Choose from fishing, white water rafting, horseback riding, canyoning, or going to the beach for a stream side swim. You can also trek to the Class V Throne Room along the Futaleufu River. To get there you will trek along a wild stretch of the Futaleufu, traversing rolling hills in a deep valley. Feel your adrenalin pumping as we cross a place called "Las Dificultades", several hundred yards up, a trail cut into a rock cliff along the river. We will ford a small stream and arrive at one of the most powerful rapids in the world, "The Throne Room". Only the best kayakers navigate this tumult of whitewater. While you are there you may see one facing up to the challenge.

Day 6: Trekking - To Rio Chico and the National Huemul Reserve
This Patagonia trekking day takes us upstream to a charming valley that contains the endangered Huemul; a small deer like animal that resembles the fabled jackelope of the American intermountain west. This animal is rarer that any species will encounter while trekking in Torres del Paine. In order to protect its dwindling numbers, the Republic of Chile has created a National Reserve in this spectacular valley. The Futaleufu National Reserve, managed by CONAF, boasts a surface area of 12,065 hectares (28,956 acres). It was created to protect the Chilean cedar tree species (Austrocedrus chilensis) and the Huemul (Hipocalemus bisulcus). The reserve is completely undeveloped except for the signs announcing your entry into the protected area. It is a real rare treat to spot one of these endangered animals.

Day 7: Trekking - Argentina: Parque Nacional de Los Alerces
Today we ride horses to the border of Argentina, where we will tie our steeds and go trekking in Patagonia, Argentina’s Parque Nacional de los Alerces. Los Alerces is home to the endangered 3,000 year old Alerce trees, similar to the California redwoods. These giants have survived development due to the concerted efforts of conservationists who, back in the 1920’s, worked to create the park and the Argentinean Park Service. Don’t forget to bring your passports on this eye-popping day.

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. For those that want a longer trekking vacation we suggest trekking Chile's famous Torres del Paine or adding a FitzRoy trekking week.

PRICE: $1795.00 USD

Included: All meals, lodging, transportation and guides while trekking Patagonia with us. Round trip transportation between Futaleufu and Chaiten or Esquel. See the trekking Chile packing list for specific details. The actual program for your individual trip will vary according to the desires and skill level of your group, weather, or other factors.

	Experience Needed: None / Physically Fit Physical Challenge: Medium Cultural Experience: High Lodging: Lodge Comfort Rating: High Days away from home: 10 Days with us: 8 Max Trip Size: 14 Price: $1795.00 USD Region: Futaleufu River Valley, Patagonia Chile Lakes, Rivers, Sites Visited: Pacific Ocean, Chaiten, Rio Espolon, Futaleufu, Escalas Valley, Futaleufu Village

Back to Top

Downloadable pdf: Chile Trekking


Futaleufu Valley Lodge - Lite

A shortened version of our Futaleufu Valley week. This trip coincides with the Futaleufu Valley trekking trip.

Day 1: Arrival and Introductions
Arrive at either of our entry points in Puerto Montt, Chile or Esquel, Argentina, the gateway to Patagonia. Connect with our Patagonia trekking representative and travel to the remote riverside town of Futaleufu, surrounded by majestic mountains. You will find your accommodations at our comfortable inn and town cabins, and unwind from your trip with a hearty welcome dinner at the Futaleufu Adventure Center.

Day 2: Trekking - Introduction to the Futaleufu River Valley
Trek up the Rio Espolon along white sand beaches, crossing small bridges over turquoise water with fishing and swimming holes at practically every turn. The climb starts with a steep, 900 vertical ft rise to "Piedra de Aguila", a rock outcrop with an incredible view. We will do another trek later in the day and tour the village of Futaleufu. We then return to the Lodge to freshen up for our evening dinner.

Day 3: Trekking - To the Devils Throat
Today we will hike along the pristine Rio Espolon until we get to a tremendous Class VI explosion of white frothy water. Here an alpine lake, Lago Espolon, funnels down through a small rock canyon, congested with boulders. It charges to the river below with tremendous force. It is an awesome sight, aptly named the “La Garganta Del Diablo” translated as the Devils Throat. An excellent view will be offered from a steep rock outcropping, giving you a view of the throat that will leave you mesmerized.

Day 4: Trekking - Las Escales Valley Circuit
We trek along the Infierno gorge, a black rock canyon of the Futaleufu River. Climbing up to the sky on all sides are white-capped mountains. As we view the agitated turquoise water 500 feet below, it is easy to imagine the tectonic activity that formed this area 70 million years ago. The trail enters into the open Las Escalas Valley, taking you about 200 years back in time with remote ranches connected by footpaths. We cross the Futaleufu River on a swinging bridge and trek up through an old growth forest of Coigue trees. Once we are out of the valley we will circle a small lake on our way back to the village of Futaleufu. Trekking in Chile does not get any better than this.

Day 5: Optional Multisport Day
Today you may take your choice of our wide array of activities. Choose from fishing, white water rafting, horseback riding, canyoning, or going to the beach for a stream side swim. You can also trek to the Class V Throne Room along the Futaleufu River. To get there you will trek along a wild stretch of the Futaleufu River, traversing rolling hills in a deep valley. Feel your adrenalin pumping as we cross a place called "Las Dificultades", several hundred yards up, a trail cut into a rock cliff along the river. We will ford a small stream and arrive at one of the most powerful rapids in the world, "The Throne Room". Only the best kayakers navigate this tumult of whitewater. While you are there you may see one facing up to the world class challenge.

Day 6: Departure from Futaleufu
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. For those that want a longer trekking vacation we suggest trekking Patagonia's famous Cerro FitzRoy or adding a Torres del Paine trekking week.

PRICE: $1095.00 USD

Included: All meals, lodging, transportation and guides while trekking Patagonia with us. Round trip transportation between Futaleufu and Chaiten or Esquel. See the Trekking Chile packing list for specific details. The actual program for your individual trip will vary according to the desires and skill level of your group, weather, or other factors.

	Experience Needed: None / Physically Fit Physical Challenge: Medium Cultural Experience: High Lodging: Lodge Comfort Rating: High Days away from home: 8 Days with us: 6 Max Trip Size: 14 Price: $1095.00 USD Region: Futaleufu River Valley, Patagonia Chile Lakes, Rivers, Sites Visited: Pacific Ocean, Chaiten, Rio Espolon, Futaleufu, Escalas Valley, Futaleufu Village

Back to Top

Other Trekking Patagonia options include: Trekking Patagonia in the Futaleufu Valley Lodge , Trekking Chile's Route of the Cowboys, Torres del Paine Trekking Tours , FitzRoy Trekking Vacations . We also offer two weeklong Futaleufu, Cerro FitzRoy and Torres del Paine combination trips: Trekking in Patagonia: Torres del Paine and Futaleufu Combo , Chile Trekking: Trekking FitzRoy & Futaleufu Combo , Patagonia Trekking: Trekking in Torres del Paine & FitzRoy. For further information see our Trekking in Chile FAQs

Downloadable pdf: Chile Trekking