Whitewater Rafting in Chile on the Futaleufu

Go whitewater rafting in Chile with H2O Patagonia. The Futaleufu, (pronounced FOO-ta-lay-oo-FOO)is the world's premiere whitewater rafting river. It winds its way through the lush Chilean rain forest and is corralled only by sleek granite cliffs. The Futaleufu boasts one Class IV-V rapid after the other... if you're ready for exciting whitewater, you're ready for rafting in Chile on the Futaleufu River.

Adventure travel in Patagonia has never looked and felt so good! Each exhilarating day on the Futaleufu River is followed with relaxation and pampering at our all-inclusive riverside ranch and spa. And just when you might enjoy a break from whitewater rafting we mix it up with inflatable kayaking, horseback riding, canyoning or hiking in the Andes. Our world-class guides take stellar care of you on this Patagonian adventure travel experience of a lifetime.

In between one adventure and another, guests can enjoy relaxing moments sitting in the hut tub enjoying the view of the majestic Futaleufu River, receiving a massage from one of our onsite massage therapists or simply reading a book by the fire in our Patagonia style quincho.

Whitewater Rafting Vacation Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - An H2O Patagonia representative will meet you in either Puerto Montt Chile or Bariloche Argentina (your choice!), before whisking you away to our 175-acre riverside ranch on the mighty Futaleufu River.  Entry via Puerto Montt entails a short flight over the Chilean Fjords and drive thru Chile's old growth forests to our base camp.  Entry via Bariloche Argentina is a breathtaking drive over the Andes mountains range to Futaleufu Chile. Once settled, you'll meet your rafting guides who will prepare you for the week's adventures on the Futaleufu river. 

Day 2 - Bridge to Bridge, Class III-IV+:
These rapids are big and exciting, but consider today a warm-up for the whitewater to come. After rafting we return to base camp where the activity options abound: kayak on the lake, relax in the hot tub, trek to the top of nearby ridges, or simply enjoy appetizers and drinks at our riverside bar.

Day 3 - Inferno Canyon, Class V:
Today we launch at the ranch and float downstream to Inferno Canyon. This section is the perfect mix of gorgeous pools punctuated by stomping whitewater. At the confluence of the Rio Azul we'll call it a day and return to the rustic luxury and comfort of Antucamay.

Day 4 - Canyoning and Inflatable Kayaking:
If you've ever dreamed of being a kid again, canyoning is for you. Canyoning is the hybrid of water sports and mountain climbing. Rappel down waterfalls, leap into turquoise pools, zoom down water slides, and crawl through tiny caverns. After canyoning, you'll spend the afternoon kayaking down the Espolon, a stunning tributary of the Futaleufu.

Day 5 - Terminator section, Class IV-V:
The continuous Class IV-V action of this section will keep your full attention. Breaks are few and far between until we reach the take-out. Then it's back to the ranch for some well-deserved relaxation.

Day 6  - Personal day:

Today the choice is yours. We give you a moment to rest your paddling muscles while others get a workout. Go canyoning, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, or simply relax in a hammock by the river.

Day 7 - Pasarella to Casa de Empanadas, Class IV-V:
World-class rapids are interspersed with calm pools on this final day of rafting.

Day 8 - Fly to Puerto Montt or transport to Bariloche or Esquel:
After a hearty breakfast and a farewell to your guides and camp staff the charter flight will return you to Puerto Montt (or transport to Esquel or Bariloche). Please plan your Puerto Montt-Santiago flight for mid-afternoon in order to meet your outbound international connection that evening. Most international connections leave Santiago after 8:00 PM, arriving at US destinations early the following morning.

Patagonia Whitewater Rafting Adventure Packages:

Though we often create custom itineraries, the whitewater rafting adventure vacation in Chile with H2O Patagonia typically takes you away from home for seven to ten days including travel time. Whether you arrive in Patagonia via Santiago, Chile or Buenos Aires, Argentina, we make the travel as pain-free as possible. Your arrival into the heart of Patagonia on day two of your South American adventure is exquisite, and each day after that is fun-filled yet relaxing. Your final day finds you refreshed, renewed and invigorated as your bags are packed for the journey home.

Whitewater Rafting vacations in the Futaleufu River valley run late November through early April. View Available Dates

Note: Trips can be added and custom itineraries are available! If you are interested in a multi sport adventure trip during a week not listed here, please fill out an online inquiry form or call us toll free at 1-866-525-2395. We will do our best to accommodate your desires.

What Is Included in your trip price:

• Five or Seven nights accommodation.
• Pick up at Puerto Montt airport in Chile or Esquel airport in Argentina and rapid transfer to H2O Patagonia's all-inclusive riverside ranch and spa.
• Flights over the Andes from Puerto Montt to Chaiten, and transport to Futaleufu and back should you travel through Chile.
• All food and drink from the time we meet you in the airport until we return you there again at the end of your stay.
• All amenities available at H2O Patagonia's riverside ranch. These include one complimentary massage in our spa, yoga classes, hot tub, plush robes and towels, open bar, fine wines and healthy, hearty meals prepared by our on-site international chef.
• All technical equipment for rafting and multi-sport activities, with the exception of fly fishing equipment
• H2O Patagonia hat and T-shirt for you to take home as souvenirs
• DVD and photo CD of your week's adventures!

What Is Not Included:

• International airfare from your home to either Puerto Montt, Chile or Esquel, Argentina
• Meals prior to our rendezvous in the airport
• Excess baggage charges
• Travel insurance (although we offer this as an easy add-on to your travel package)
• Gratuities
• ** A 45-minute charter flight directly from Puerto Montt to Futaleufu is available at the additional charge of $500 per person.

We reserve the right to change the order of activities or even some of the activities due to changes in weather, transportation or other unforeseen events.

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