Paddlers looking for a challenge will want
to experience the thrills of the Futaleufu River in Patagonia
Chile. After a short flight from Puerto Montt and a drive
from El Chalten settle into the permanent base camp with
a stunning backdrop of mountains. The class V and VI rapids
of Zeta and Throne Room are circumvented but on your fourth
day experience the thrill of the half mile long Terminator's
class IV and V rapids. Before or after your rafting adventure,
it's only 3 hours to Termas
de Puyuhaupi set admidst the Patagonian fjords where
you may soak in hot springs or take advantage of nearby
hiking and fishing.
Day 1: Puerto Montt-Chalten-Futaleufu
After a short, 40 minute, charter flight from Puerto Montt,
arrive in El Chalten to drive about 3 hours over mountains
with views of the Patagonian fjords to the permanent river
base camp. Relax in the surroundings of take a short kayak
lesson as a warm up. (L, D)
Day 2: Lower
Futaleufu
The guide will give comprehensive safety instructions
after breakfast. From the concrete bridge test the warm
waters of the Futaleufu. The technically challenging Casa
de Piedra (class IV-V) is the first introduction to big
water. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Upper Futaleufu
Put in at the bridge that borders Argentina. Pass through
vertical basalt walls and into the gates of the Infierno
Canyon with the rapids: Purgatorio, Danza de Los Angeles,
Escala de Jacobo and Infiernoend in the gorgeous Valle de
Las Escalas. Zeta (Class V-VI) and Throne Room (class V-VI)
are portaged. End with the Wild Ride, a class IV whitewater
until the take out point. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Middle
Futaleufu
From the take out of the upper Futaleufu take on the famous
half mile rapids of Terminator, as well as Himalayas (class
III) and Mundaca (class V) to Futaleufu Bridge. Here find
more than 5 miles of class IV thrills. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Futaleufu
- Puerto Montt
In the morning drive to extend your stay in the area to
Termas de Puyuhuapi or to Chaiten and fly back
to Puerto Montt. (B)
Contact
us to include a whitewater trip on the Futaleufu or
a customized itinerary of travel in Chile.
