Trip Overview
A rafting trip down the world-renowned Futaleufu river in Chile is the best way to experience Patagonia in style! With rapids ranging from class I to IV, this trip will engage all parts of your body, from your eyes to your abs. With extra time for more activities built in, you can not only raft but hike, bike, kayak, and rappel your way down the river. You will stay at fully equipped camps, complete with comfy beds, natural Jacuzzi’s, and top notch chefs.
This is a sample itinerary, which we have put together to give you an idea of what a trip might look like. However our strength is in creating custom trips for each and every client so we look forward to adapting this itinerary to your groups interests and abilities!
Day 1 – Fly to Puerto Montt / Trip Orientation
Day 1 – Fly to Puerto Montt / Trip Orientation
No matter where you are, in the United States or already in South America, take this day to get to Santiago and then to Puerto Montt, where you will meet your guides. The afternoon is free to explore the town and in the evening you will have dinner with your group and a trip orientation.
Day 2 – Travel to Terminador Camp
Day 2 – Travel to Terminador Camp
With a combination of driving and hiking, you will spend the day traversing through Chile’s wild terrain. Encompassing glaciers, volcanoes, and rainforests, around each bend in the road (or trail) a new feast awaits your eyes.
Day 3 – Raft / Kayak Training / Run Azul River (Class II, IV)
Day 3 – Raft / Kayak Training / Run Azul River (Class II, IV)
A short drive to the raft training put-in will set you in flatwater in order to practice emergency techniques before setting off down the river. Today you will run both class II and class IV rapids. Think of today as the pre-game warm up! Return that evening to Terminador Camp to relax and prepare for the days ahead.
Days 4 – Run Futaleufu River (Class V) / Cave Camp
Days 4 – Run Futaleufu River (Class V) / Cave Camp
The day starts out with a short drive upriver to a put in just above the class V Infierno (Inferno) Canyon. For those not yet confident in their rafting skills, there is a hike around the canyon that offers great views of the scenery and the action unfolding on the river down below. After exiting the canyon, a short raft ride will deposit you at Cave Camp, the most unique river camp in the world. Literally inside a cave, it will keep your group warm and dry in any conditions. The afternoon is spent exploring a plethora of natural wonders around the camp.
Day 5 – Tyrolean Traverse / Tree House Camp
Day 5 – Tyrolean Traverse / Tree House Camp
Day 5 starts off with a Tyrolean traverse, using a harness and pulley system, to cross over an un-runnable section of the river. The hike after crossing the river brings you by a 100-foot waterfall and gives you breathtaking views of Cave Camp and the peaks beyond. Continuing the hike you will come to Lake of the Frogs, a 10 acre, 50ft deep lake carved out eons ago by a glacier. On the side of the lake, hidden in the trees, is your camp for the night, Tree House Camp.
Day 6 – Adventure Activities / Cave Camp
Day 6 – Adventure Activities / Cave Camp
Today is another land-based day which includes zip-lining, climbing, cliff jumping, and more! An hour and a half hike in the morning brings you to a 250ft zip line from the top of a cliff, ending in a pool in the river below where you will practice your best Tarzan impression. The morning is spent alternating between zip lining, cliff jumping, and hot tubbing. In the afternoon, if you are up for it, you will put on harnesses and climb up the imposing Tower of the Winds. After taking in the unparalleled views, you will rappel in two stages down the 300ft cliff face off of the Knife’s Edge. No previous climbing experience is necessary as the climb has been made by everyone from 5 to 78 years old! You will return to relax at Cave Camp.
Day 7 – Run Futaleufu River (Class IV+) / Camp Mapu Leufu
Day 7 – Run Futaleufu River (Class IV+) / Camp Mapu Leufu
After sending the empty boats down the un-runnable Throne Room Rapid, you will spend the morning rafting a long series of class IV+ rapids. A mid-day lunch break is taken on a beach at the confluence of the Futaleufu and Azul rivers. Get back in the raft for the afternoon and another series of class IV+ rapids. When you arrive at Camp Mapu Leufu, you have the option to relax, go horseback riding, or canyoneering.
Day 8 – Run Futaleufu River (Class V+)
Day 8 – Run Futaleufu River (Class V+)
The last day of rafting is one of the most impressive in the world of commercial rafting. Just after pushing off you enter the class V+ Terminador rapid, after which come the massive waves of the Himalayas, which are followed by some class IV rapids, capped off with two more class V rapids. Take a lunch break to stretch, relax, and re-energize your bodies. After lunch are two more class V rapids to bring the rafting section to a close with a bang. A short hike and bus ride brings you back to Camp Mapu Leufu where you will enjoy a traditional Chilean Asado (roast sheep) for dinner. Soak up the last scenic views in the hot tub tonight.
Day 9 – Return to Santiago
Day 9 – Return to Santiago
A bus will take you from the camp to the airport in Chaiten, where you board a plan to Puerto Montt. From there you will take another domestic flight to Santiago and either head to your next adventure or head home!