Whitewater Rafting in Chile on the Rio Futaleufu
Whitewater Rafting in Chile with Water By Nature Ltd
Highlights
- Plunge into amazing whitewater rapids with our experienced rafting guides
- Sample fine local Chilean wines and cheeses
- Experience the magical landscape and pristine wilderness of Patagonia
Full Description
Described by the locals as "a place so lovely it must have been painted by God", the Rio Futaleufu provides the ultimate whitewater experience in Chile.
The Rio Futaleufu is no ordinary river. Born in the Los Alerces National Park in Argentina it flows west into Chile, through landscapes dominated by snow capped volcanoes and rich rain forest before arriving at the coastal town of Chaiten. Meaning ‘Great River' in the local Mapuche dialect, the astonishingly clear waters of the ‘Fu' flows through deep canyons and pristine wilderness to create explosive and untamed white water, unparalleled anywhere in the world. This trip is designed to immerse you in the beauty, magic and culture of Patagonia. Half a world away from the cold northern winter you will find yourself sitting on the porch of your cabana, sipping on a glass of Chilean red wine and basking in the splendour of the Chilean summer with the distant rumble of your next exciting rapid just within earshot.
Includes:
- Transfers to and from Bariloche, Argentina to Futaleufu and then to the river
- Accommodation the night before the river trip in a tourist hotel (Day One)
- All transfers to and from the river
- All meals from breakfast on Day Two to breakfast on Day Eight
- All necessary rafting equipment
- Rustic Lodge accommodation whilst on the river
- All camping equipment excluding sleeping bags
- Fully qualified, experienced river guides and safety kayakers
- All necessary permits and licenses
- A cool Water By Nature T-shirt
Excludes:
- Flights
- Visas
- Departure taxes
- Travel insurance
- Inoculations
- Sleeping bags
- Video or dvd of your trip
- Alcohol
- Personal items
- Gratuities
- Meals in town
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
You will arrive in Bariloche, Argentina and be met by your Water By Nature Guide. We will spend the rest of the day in this charming little town where you can unwind from your flight. Bariloche San Carlos is on the edge of Lake Nahuel Huapi and has amazing views across the lake to the snow clad peaks and spectacular forests. The afternoon is yours to explore the town, go for a swim or just relax.
No meals included
Day 2
After breakfast we'll take the gorgeous drive to Futaleufu from Bariloche San Carlos. We wind our way through the mountains and tree clad hills to Esquel in the heart of the Andes. This is also home to the Coho Salmon that swim unimpeded up the river to spawn. This is unquestionably one of the few remaining fishing paradises on the planet. After lunch, we'll drive into Chile and by late afternoon we will arrive in time for a leisurely float down the scenic upper section of the river to the Water By Nature camp, sampling the fine local wines and cheeses along the way. where the rest of your guide team will have your cabins ready for some sundowners and snacks.Settle into the comfort of your cabana on the banks of the gorgeous Futaleufu River.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3
You will awaken to the sounds of nature, the steady flow of the river past camp and the busy morning chorus of the local birdlife. Enjoy a hearty breakfast in this wonderful setting. Our guides and trip leaders are seasoned professionals in their fields. Your safety is their number one priority. We take time with a comprehensive talk on safety and paddling instructions to get you accustomed to your new mode of transport, whether or not you have done this before. Depending on crews and water levels, we may opt for the Bridge to Bridge or Bridge to Casa sections today, both reputedly some of the best rafting sections anywhere in the world. We start at La Passarella, one of many suspended rope bridges used by locals to cross the river and we immediately plunge into some exhilarating white water fun with ‘Thousand Wave' rapid, smashing through ‘Pillow Wave' and into ‘Mundaca'. We take out at Futaleufu Bridge after our first thrilling day on the river... this is only the beginning.
Day 4
Our comfortable camp, situated above the town of Futaleufu, encompasses small cabanas nestled within the native bush on the banks of the river. Enjoy your morning coffee on your veranda as the clear waters run quite literally beneath you. After breakfast we launch the rafts and float down towards the magnificent Inferno Canyon where 4km of adrenaline surging white water awaits us. With its steep sides and deep clear pools we enter into an area of complete remoteness as we head towards Tres Nonas. With a flat section to follow there is plenty of time to sit back, reflect and marvel at the serenity of this beautiful place. However in the distance the roar of the infamous "Zeta" or ‘Z' can be heard as we enjoy lunch at a scenic spot by the river. This rapid is not commercially runnable and so the rafts are portaged through before we again take a leisurely float in preparation for the might of El Throno. Perhaps one of the fastest and most spectacular rapids in the world we may also opt to portage this rapid, depending on water levels, but not before marvelling at kayakers trying to avoid "Toaster" as they negotiate this exciting course. No matter by which route, they will be at the bottom in a matter of seconds. Following El Throno is a gorgeous white water section we term the Magic Mile. Our vehicles will meet us at the Rio Azul and we return to camp for a well deserved rest.
Day 5
Freshly baked bread and Eggs Benedict is on the menu this morning, with the standard fresh brew of coffee. We have another great day ahead of us. A few, fun warm up rapids before we reach the legendary "Terminator". Depending on river levels, crew aptitude and ability we may need to portage this one ... because it's BIG ... actually it's a bit BIGGER than BIG! This is the largest Class V "sneak line" we run on any of our trips worldwide. And if that isn't enough for you there is the superb "Khyber Pass" and the hugely exciting "Himalayas" to finish the day. On our return to camp we enjoy a sumptuous meal washed down with Pisco Sours or a glass of fine Chilean red wine.
Day 6
With a range of activities on offer today you will have the chance to explore more of this stunning part of the world. An opportunity to try your hand at fly fishing. The Futaleufu is a world class trout fishing river, so why not try your luck catching dinner (but don't worry we will have made other plans for dinner in case you are not successful). For those of your wanting something more active there are some wonderful horseback riding trails, catering for all abilities including beginners. One of our most popular suggestions is a guided horse ride into the Rio Azul followed by a paddle downstream in a ‘Ducky', a two or three person inflatable. A chance to self-guide, under the ever watchful eye of one of our guides. A truly enjoyable day. Or, if you choose to, simply sit back and relax at camp and soak up the scenery.
Day 7
The morning's rafting begins with a blast through the centre of ‘Mundaca' once again, to ensure we are truly awake. Followed by another amazing stretch of water with ‘The Fish Bowl’ and ‘Aquarium Wave’, and the aptly named ‘House Rock’ to finish. By tradition we finish our trips with the customary ‘Asado’. All day our neighbours and good friends, Carlos and Alicia, have been preparing a feast of salads, fresh meats and breads. The evening is spent experiencing real Chilean hospitality and enjoying recounting your stories from the past week, on one of the best white water rivers in the world.
Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner days 2-7
Day 8
An early start to meet the van that will take us back to Esquel* and Bariloche for our flight back to Buenas Aires and our onward journeys back home.
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
* A flight option is available out of Esquel, however there is a risk of delay of this flight so we recommend spending the night in Buenas Aires to avoid missed connections.
About The Operator:
Water By Nature Ltd
Headquarters:
Denver, Colorado
Water By Nature grew out of a passion for running rivers and taking a bunch of like-minded people to remote and exciting parts of the world. It was founded by kiwi, Hamish McMaster, who had spent many years guiding the best rivers around the globe, in such countries as Nepal, Zambia, Israel, New Zealand, Australia, America and Europe. His vision was to start a company dedicated to providing safe, fun, exciting and cultural trips for clients and guides alike. He leads a team of world-renowned river professionals, who have helped him to realize this vision. Water By Nature is now the rafting specialist of the world. Our classic river journeys stand alongside climbing Kilimanjaro and trekking the Inca Trail in their appeal to the most avid adventurers. Our palette of river journeys reflect that we raft the best rivers in the world, and with 80% of our clients returning for a second trip, we must be doing something right! Many clients have expressed their amazement that a river journey entails so much more than just the river. Rafting has long been plagued by the myth that it is dangerous, extreme and only for adrenaline junkies. Rafting is our profession, so we take it seriously. We are serious about safety, about good food, good times and serious about fun! We offer trips to suit all ages and abilities - it is not about fitness, it is about fun. Our youngest client to date was 6 years old, and our most mature was a 73 year old blind chap, who did a 7-day Zambezi trip! (He was not into the scenery, but loved getting wet).
Experience
Our office staff will be able to answer all your questions, whether it be about visas, flights or hippos. Our river crews have a level of experience that is unmatched in the white water industry. They will navigate you safely down the river, and fill you with knowledge of wildlife and local customs. They will also keep you amused with a few river stories from their years exploring the world.