Day 1: Futaleufu Arrival & Introductions
Arrive in Futaleufu via Esquel, Argentina the gateway to Patagonia or Bariloche, Argentina. If you choose to begin your adventure in Chile, you can travel to Chaiten via Puerto Montt. Connect with our company representative and travel to the remote riverside village 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.

Day 2: Intro to Whitewater & Mountain Biking
We'll have a great start to this Patagonia rafting week with a beautiful moderately challenging mountain bike ride alongside the pristine waters of the upper Espolon River. Then over the river on a footbridge and up to Devil's Throat, a spectacular and still un-run Class 6 cascade at the watershed of the Rio Espolon. Below the waterfalls, we'll enjoy a riverside lunch and then trade our mountain bikes for sit-on-top kayaks and paddling gear. These kayaks are forgiving and perfect for the first timer. In double or single inflatables or sit on tops, we will tour the Espolon River and enjoy its transparent waters, inviting swimming areas, and forgiving rapids - the perfect introductory run. We will also go over river safety and what to do if you find yourself swimming in a river. The trip is one great loop that brings us to our take-out, minutes from the lodge, where pisco sours and a hearty dinner await us.

Day 3: Trekking & Rafting the Heart of the Futaleufu River
In the morning we will raft Chile's most action packed section of whitewater - a virtual whitewater power storm! This section, from the Entrada Swinging Bridge to the Futaleufu stone bridge, includes five miles of Class IV+ rafting action. Rapids such as "Entrada", "Pillow", "Tiburon", and "Mundaca" with its must-see explosion hole, will keep you on your toes. Chile rafting at its best! In a calmer section below the rapids, we will do some swim practice drills in preparation for the more intense whitewater of the coming days. You can spend the afternoon soaking up the warm Chilean culture in this secluded alpine village or participate in a hike to Eagle rock a stunning overlook.

Day 4: Rafting Class V Casa de Pierda to Puerto Ramirez
This morning we head back to the Futaleufu river prepared for another action packed day of whitewater rafting. This rafting run begins with a repeat of the adrenaline charged "Heart" section. At the end of the "Heart" section, however, we'll raft past the previous day's take out to where the river picks up energy as the canyon walls turn into vertical cliffs and huge glacier crowned peaks rise above. Here, we will find "Más o Menos"(Class IV+) and our first "optional" and authentic Class V rapid of this raft trip, "Casa de Piedra". We will scout and set up our extensive safety net before we enter this challenging rapid. After this exhilarating section of whitewater, we’ll run some more Class III rapids before floating to Puerto Ramirez and enjoying the scenery that you may have missed along the upper sections.

Day 5: Become Immersed with a Trek Back in Time
Today we take a break from whitewater rafting, and allow you to experience the cultural side of life in Patagonia. This activity has been a favorite among Expediciones Chile clients. Beginning in town, you head out towards Las Escalas valley along the mighty Rio Futaleufu. The walk leads us to a 136-acre working ranch set deep in the forest, overlooking the river valley below. Apart from the spectacular views, this self sustainable ranch, without road access or electricity is a marvel in its own right. There, you will be greeted by our host at a rustic wood crafted ranch that functions completely off the grid. You will be surprised at how tempting this simpler existence appears. You will get the full tour around the ranch, before sitting down to a feast of traditional Chilean cuisine. After lunch you can watch the owner spin his own wool and browse through his hand made products, before heading back to town where dinner and pisco sours await.

Day 6: Futaleufu Valley Departure
Today we wake up for an early breakfast for the departure to Bariloche, Argentina or Chaiten, Chile. If you are flying out of Esquel, Argentina you can relax for a couple of hours and take our shuttle. As you catch a final view of the Futaleufu Valley; 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. Many of our clients spend two weeks with us as there is always more to do. If you think you'll be itching for another adventure, a very popular alternative way to experience the entire country is to travel across Chile by water! We offer a 6-day guided sea kayaking trip that takes you from the end of the whitewater all the way down to Chaiten via the Lower Futaleufu, Lago Yelcho, Río Yelcho, and the Pacific Ocean. Two rivers, one large lake, and the enormous ocean, all surrounded by pristine Wilderness and unlimited postcard views.

PRICE: $1995.00 USD

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