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The Río Futaleufú, celebrated for having some of the greatest whitewater on the planet, slices through the towering granite peaks and virgin temperate rainforests of northern Patagonia on its powerful course toward the Pacific. Known as the gem of Chile’s rivers, the “Fu” flows like champagne, a luminous turquoise ribbon inviting all to come play in her waters. And play you will on this rafting and multi-activity adventure: in addition to paddling exciting Class III/IV whitewater rapids (and optional Class V), there’s mountain biking and optional horseback riding along riverside trails, side hikes for views of spectacular glacier-crowned mountain peaks, and easy kayaking on the gentle waters of the Río Espolón by “sit-on-top” kayaks. For the not-so-fainthearted, there’s even optional canyoneering! Get as much action as you like, and after a full day of fun, return to a cozy haven of comfort to kick back and warm your toes before a crackling fire. In one week you’ll experience more fun than some folks do in a lifetime!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Challenging rafting on some of the most celebrated whitewater in the world!
  
• A variety of activities to keep you busy during the day—a comfortable “base camp” lodge at night (with optional massages!)
  

Day 1 - Meet in Bariloche, Argentina. Our trip leader will meet you and drive across the Patagonia steppe to a lodge in the village of Futaleufú, Chile, our base for the trip.

Day 2 - Moderate mountain bike ride on trails along the pristine waters of the upper Río Espolón, then trade mountain bikes for sit-on-top kayaks and paddle the river, enjoying its transparent waters, ideal swimming areas, and easy rapids.

Day 3 - Raft the Futaleufú’s most action-packed section of whitewater, a virtual whitewater power storm that includes five miles of Class IV+ rafting! Afternoon free to participate in one of the many multisport activities from the lodge.

Day 4 - It’s more rafting today as we repeat yesterday’s adrenaline-charged section, then continue to where the river picks up energy as the canyon walls become vertical cliffs and huge glacier-crowned peaks rise above. Here, we find our first authentic Class V rapid, “Casa de Piedra.”

Day 5 - Ride horses along a network of narrow roads leading to remote valleys and isolated villages. Or, rappel, hike, and swim your way through the unique micro-environment of Canyon Gelves and Canyon Palenque. Options to go hiking, mountain biking, or lake kayaking.

Days 6-7 - Two days of optional, challenging rafting: a run of the serious and continuous Class V rapids of Infierno Canyon; and another section with powerful rapids that include Class V “Terminator” and Class IV+ “Kyber Pass.” If you don’t wish to raft either of these days, there are plenty of other fun activity options from the lodge.

Day 8 - Transfer to Bariloche and fly to Buenos Aires. Connect with homeward bound flight (or extend your stay in Buenos Aires, the "Paris" of South America!)

Photo Credits
© Renzo Olcesce