35th Parallel - adventure travel & sports community

The Futaleufu River

The Futaleufu River valley in Southern Chile is a window into the past.  The pace of life has changed little since the gauchos and huasos settled there a century ago. An authentic and genuine experience unfolds as we visit Patagonian farms, ride horses with the locals and enjoy their friendliness and warm smiles.

Our Riverside Retreat

Our riverside retreat provides a wilderness experience in rustic-luxury.  This aparent paradox is dispelled as your guides pamper you and invite you to relax with a massage and soak in the wood fired hot tub over looking the river!  You'll stay in private tent-bungalows overlooking the aqua blue river.  We tate a variety of South American flavours and feast on the bounty of fresh fish, meats, vegetables and cheeses in a Patagonian "Galpon" - not to mention the deliscious Chilean wines

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina transfer to San Carlos de Bariloche

Day One: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina for your flight connection to San Carlos de Bariloche. A Bio Bio Expeditions representative will meet you at the Bariloche airport and escort you to the “Switzerland of the South” that lies on Lake Nahuel Huapi. Check into a lovely hotel with lake views located within walking distance of town. Your afternoon can be spent swimming, walking around town, shopping for Argentina’s famous leather goods, sampling Bariloche’s delicious chocolate or going for a walk along the lakefront.

There is also an option to go for a longer hike near Bariloche’s ski resort. In the evening we will gather for a group welcome dinner at one of our favorite restaurants where you can indulge in an Argentinean steak off the parilla. *Please note that we are happy to arrange an extension to Buenos Aires either before or after the trip dates – don’t miss your chance to spend an extra day or two to explore Buenos Aires, the “Paris of South America” – one of the world’s most exciting and enticing cities.  D

Day 2: Travel through Argentina to Chile

After breakfast we will board our private vehicles and begin the drive south to the Futaleufü as it flows into Chile. This is a beautiful drive down the east side of the Andes and is nothing short of breath taking! We will drive through the frontier gaucho towns of Esquel and Trevelin that were settled a century ago by Welsh farmers. This region of Patagonia was made famous by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid! The terrain alternates between lush forest and emerald green valleys, aquamarine lakes, and the windswept plains of the Patagonian steppe.

In the afternoon we will reach the remote, rugged outpost that serves as the border between Argentina and Chile where you will get another stamp in your passport as we enter Chile. The dry, rugged scenery of the Andean rain shadow quickly gives way to lush, green temperate rainforest as we get our first glimpse of the Futaleufu River and then follow it downstream to our multi sport Adventure Base Camp. On the way to camp, we pass a few farms that are carved into the ancient rain forest allowing us a glimpse of frontier living, Chileno style. We arrive at the Base Camp where your private tent bungalow on a raised platform, complete with river views and comfortable beds, will be waiting for you. Our enthusiastic guides will lead you to your sweet new “home away from home” on the river!

After a short hike or a swim, you may want to soak in the riverside hot tub or enjoy a hot shower. Then, we gather in the sunset bar for our first welcome happy hour. We will introduce the entire crew and go over the week’s agenda. After happy hour, a hearty dinner will be served. It does tend to cool down quite a bit when the sun sets below the peaks so we dress warmly in the evenings. B/L/D

Day 3: Futaleufu White Water Rafting - Warm Up!

Awaken on the banks of the Fu and enjoy your first morning in camp! We rise with the warmth of the sun and have breakfast around 9 am. A pre-breakfast yoga class is available on our customized yoga platform with river views! Mornings tend to be crisp and dewy so prepare to dress warmly - a fleece is perfect. Today is a river day. We will launch our rafts from base camp after a thorough safety briefing. In a safe ‘eddy’, a short distance downstream, we’ll do a set of practice rescue drills. This allows the crew in each raft to hone their skills and prepare to raft as a team.

We use a cataraft combined with ace safety-kayakers as part of our “safety net.” Each raft is captained by a highly trained and intuitive river guide, who guides the boat from a stern-mounted oar frame. Guiding with oars does not detract from the paddling experience. The advantage to the oar frame is greater control in pointing the bow straight through bus size holes and 15-foot high “haystack” wave trains. High siding is also an actively used “paddle” command. This style is consistent with any high volume, strong current river where rapids graded 4 to 5-plus rage on. This is the Futaleufú!

The first section that we raft, from camp down to Puente Futaleufú (the Futaleufú Bridge), is only 10 km, but offers more rapids per 1000 meters than anywhere else on the river. It is the perfect warm-up run and it is non-stop fun! The rapids of note are “El Cojín”, the Cushion, and “Mundaca”, a local family name.

At take-out, we meet our vehicles for a 20-minute ride back to camp. Those who would prefer a “lower body” workout to complement their paddling are welcome to run back or ride one of our mountain bikes from take-out to camp. When we get to camp, you can choose to go fly-fishing, try out a kayak, practice yoga, nap in a hammock, enjoy the sauna, have a massage, go for a hike, or soak in the hot tub. Taking a hot shower, either indoors or under the big sky, feels very luxurious while camping in the remote wilderness of northern Patagonia! Of course, for the hardy, the river provides a cold bath and refreshing swim.

As the sun sinks behind the mountains, enjoy a game of chess or cards at the sunset bar. Every late afternoon is “Happy Hour” with an open bar stocked with beer, wine, soda, and fresh juice. Then, we gather together in the open-air kitchen/dining area, the “Galpon”, for a candlelight sit-down dinner featuring fresh locally grown produce and fresh-baked breads. After dinner, enjoy the campfire and the stars before retiring to your cozy tent on your private platform. The sound of the river will lull you to sleep and send you off dreaming of the next day of adventure in Chile. B/L/D

Day 4: Futaleufu White Water Rafting

Officially day two of our rafting extravaganza. Our aim is to settle into a river rhythm that will be utilized in order to successfully raft the next few sections the Fu. After breakfast, we will launch our rafts from camp and have lunch on the river. After we pass the Puente Futaleufú (yesterday’s take-out), we immediately round the corner to meet a big stomping continuous cascade of waves known as “Mas o Menos”, translated, “More or Less”. This is a good stepping-stone towards our first true blue class V technical rapid, “Casa de Piedra” (House of Rock) which is right around the next corner. We will get out of our rafts to scout this massive boulder choked rapid from the banks of the Fu. It is formed like a series of water wheels that channel all of their fury into a final churning pit with a dragon’s back highway through it; that is, if you hit it on line.

After this rapid, we will run the remaining class 3 and 4 rapids as our hearts resume beating at their normal rates. We will drift into a nice long calm section that offers perfect fishing from the rafts as well as a great place to get into some hard shell kayaks. The next three miles we will have a floating happy hour and reach our take out spot just above Lago Yelcho. Upon return to camp, we will continue to celebrate the day, enjoy the spa and get ready for another fabulous dinner prepared by our jovial crew and talented chef.  B/L/D

Day 5: Kayaking the Rio Espolon

Today we become experts at navigating our very own river crafts, known inflatable kayaks or IK’s. We venture up canyon to the source of the Rio Espolon as it cascades out of the Lago Espolón to find gin clear water and gentle class 2 and 3 rapids that offer a perfect learning opportunity to become a great captain of your own boat.

If there is interest, before we paddle we will have a chance to stroll around the quaint little town of Futaleufú. There is something deeply satisfying paddling your own boat down river, knowing that your destiny is in your own hands. Of course our highly trained guides will be there to coach you, watch over you and provide safety should you need to be rescued. The Rio Espolon is one of the major tributaries to the Futaleufu river and flows into the Fu right above the Inferno canyon which is where we take-out in the early afternoon. For those ready to try out a hard shell kayak, this is the perfect class 2-3 river to do it on!  B/L/D

Day 6: Horse Riding & Kayaking

Surf and Turf up and down the Rio Azul valley! After breakfast we take a short drive to the stables where we will find our trusty steeds saddled up and ready for adventurous riding. After a safety briefing, we ride alongside some local expert equestrians and our own river guides who will gladly join the posse up a glorious, pristine side valley where the Rio Azul flows unhindered from its glacial headwaters.

After a 3 hour ride, we stop for a picnic lunch and then trade in our saddles for paddles to test our talents on the challenging and fun Class 3 and 4 Rio Azul, a significant step up in difficulty from the Rio Espolon. This is a full biathlon day and you will be glad to return to camp, enjoy the soothing hot tub, a cold beer or glass of wine as you wait your turn to get a well deserved massage!  B/L/D

Day 7: White Water Rafting the Inferno Canyon!

We will have an early breakfast in camp then travel 25 kilometers up the road to Rio Espolon to launch our rafts for the Inferno Canyon day! On the Rio Espolon we have a chance to warm up on this low volume river before it joins and helps form the mighty Futaleufu as it gets squeezed into the narrow Inferno canyon. This upper canyon requires aggressive class V paddling and is potentially the most intense section of white water on the river. Many other options exist for those who choose not to participate in Inferno Canyon.

Five distinct rapids form a narrow sinuous river passage creating a wet surge and a “full on” adrenaline rush. The fourth rapid was until recently the smallest of the 5, but due to road building debris landing in the river, has now become nearly impassable at most water levels and requires a walk around and “lining” the rafts through it. As we come out of “Exit”, the last rapid, we enter into a long calm. The current remains swift and we cruise many miles downstream arriving at the mandatory portage around the fierce “Zeta” rapid. We have lunch on the rocks as the crew “ghost” boats the rafts through this treacherous rapid.

After lunch, our first obstacle is “Throne Room,” a class V+ rapid for kayaks, a ghost boat rapid for rafts. By walking around this rapid, we get a great bird’s eye view of an almost ‘river wide’ hole that could destroy a raft. Back on board our rafts, we are dealt a Royal Flush; a continuous class IV corridor of rapids does not let up until we get to our take-out spot at the Rio Azul footbridge. The rafts are left for the night, tethered on shore.

Early evening is spent in camp getting ready for the evening festivities. Blanca and her partner Umberto, locals from a nearby farm, prepare a very special treat for us. They merrily prepare a delicious dinner called “Curanto” that is typical of the south of Chile and the island of Chiloe. We spend the evening by the bonfire on the beach singing and dancing the night away. B/L/D

Day 8: Summit Day!

Today, we must be mentally and physically well prepared for the river. We call it the “summit day” as we aim to top our already great paddling days with the best day of white water in the world. After a nutritious breakfast, we head up river to the footbridge where we left the rafts yesterday. As our day on the river begins, the blue glacial run-off from the Rio Azul River merges into the Fu from the right. The views of the snow capped mountain peaks and jagged ridges of the mountain “Las Tres Monjas” (translated, “the three Nuns”) are absolutely breathtaking.

A six-kilometer stretch of warm-up rapids leads us to the longest and toughest rapid that we will raft, “The Terminator.” We scout and study our line, then we take the plunge and drop in. “Left turn, right turn, dig it in — hard forward!” are a few of the commands that might be heard. The next three miles are non-stop rapids. After an aerobic workout, we pump through the enormous haystack wave train known as the “Himalayas”. Just when we need it, a calm returns, we float gently into lunch, served at our base camp.

After lunch, we return to the river to complete the last task for the day, tackling as much white water as possible. We raft the whole section of river from camp to below Casa de Piedra. At take-out, cold beers and tea are waiting. We make a triumphant return to camp to celebrate our days spent exploring Futaleufú valley and river.

For the evening’s festivities, Rolando and Nelli will prepare a typical Chilean Asado — lamb roasted over a bed of coals, ensalada, potatoes and farm fresh bread. We toast the river and give thanks for our safe passage. Under a bright starry sky, we will spend our last night together as a group on the banks of the mighty Fu with the guides and crew.

Day 9: Flights home...

An early start gets us out of bed. After loading up your personal gear, our van will take you to Esquel to catch your flight to Buenos Aires. We recommend spending the night in Buenos Aires as the afternoon flight from Esquel can be delayed due to weather and lends to a hurried transfer, or a missed connection. Here you can enjoy a tango show and have a fun night out on the town! We hope when you board the airplane you will look back upon your time in Patagonia and the friends you have made and think of the beauty of the Futaleufú River and the Patagonian wilderness. With a bittersweet farewell, you say Ciao Futaleufu, Ciao Ciao Chile and land of Ché!

White Water Rafting & Kayaking

The Futaleufu River is what draws most people to the Futaleufu Valley. This world famous river is one of the most sought after whitewater destinations in the world! Continuous, big hydraulic flows offer all levels of rafters and kayakers rapids rated class III to class V. Our riverside camp offers the best location for maximizing river time!  We can put-in at camp and run the Bridge-to-Bridge section of continuous, fun whitewater - known as the "Heart of the Futaleufu". On our trip you will have the opportunity to inflatable kayak the Rio Espolon and the Rio Azul - the two main tributaries of the Futaleufu, thereby running 3 rivers in Patagonia.

Our family of expert guides has been coming back year after year to work on the Futaleufu with us and they know every rapid, every pour-over and every eddy at every runnable level. The entire team has an undying passion for the Futaleufu River valley and all the activities and culture found within it.

And, you can rest assured, river safety is our number one priority. We have an impeccable safety record on the Futaleufu and we use only the top equipment. Our company exclusively provided the intricate river safety network for the 2000 International Whitewater Championships. We use both safety kayakers and safety catarafts and both 16-foot and 18-foot rafts for ultimate safety and flexibility for all water levels. We have satellite phone connection on all of our trips for immediate contact with the outside world if the need arises, and our camp staff includes a nurse and emergency medical technician available 24/7.

Check out the great videos and photos uploaded by previous travellers in our community!

Horseback Riding

Our Chilean neighbours “up the river” have a full stable of well-cared for and well-trained horses available for our use.  One day of our itinerary includes a beautiful ride into the Patagonian countryside and up into the incredible Rio Azul valley.  Additional riding can be arranged at any time. You can ride for an hour or spend the entire day on one of the many scenic trails touring the Chilean countryside with your guide. We have plenty of new sheepskin-covered saddles and helmets for your comfort and safety.

Check out the great videos and photos uploaded by previous travellers in our community!

Mountain Biking

We have a fleet of well-tuned mountain bikes at the camp including 2 full suspension KHS and 10 front suspension Treks. Ride from our camp, in any direction, or from the take-out for some of the best vistas and riding found anywhere!  We can also ride a fun loop of oxen cart roads and singletrack with amazing views of the Azul Valley and the Tres Monjas peaks.

Check out the great videos and photos uploaded by previous travellers in our community!

Yoga

Our riverside camp has both an indoor yoga studio and an outdoor yoga platform.  Both have beautiful locations and outlooks and we have classes available morning and evening.  Private classes can also be arranged.

Fly Fishing

Situated at the end of a long, narrow, tranquil canyon, our Adventure Spa Base Camp hosts some of the best fishing opportunities imaginable. We have all the gear necessary for both fly fishing and spinning and our specially designed catarafts, with tractor seats on the front, are perfect for casting. From our camp you can launch a cataraft, with an expert oarsman, just steps from your tent and fish one of the most beautiful canyons of the river.  We can get to sections of river that the expensive fishing lodges can't reach because you have to run big whitewater to reach them. 

Land Cost

USD$3,100 per person
Single Supplement: $300

Rates quoted are per person, based on sharing double accommodation.  If you prefer single accommodations, you must pay the Single Supplement Fee.  If you’re travelling alone and wish to share accommodations, we’ll try our best to find you a roommate.

A 3.5% credit card processing fee will be charged to all payments.  To avoid this fee, contact us to arrange payment by bank transfer. See our Terms and Conditions of Travel for more information on cancellations and refunds.

What’s Included

All activities, meals and accommodations mentioned in the itinerary as included.  Further inclusions are:

• Expert leadership and guides
• Sightseeing and tours as noted in the itinerary
• Ground transportation (excluding airport transfer on arrival)
  
• Additional guides where necessary
• Entrance fees and permits
• Meals as indicated in detailed itinerary
• All activities mentioned in the itinerary
  

First Aid

We provide a comprehensive expedition first aid kit but prefer everyone to be independent with basic first aid items. Your personal first aid kit should include: Pain killers, Plasters (Band-Aids), strapping tape, anti-biotic cream, general anti-biotics (ask your GP), Diamox, throat lozenges, re-hydration salts & other personal medication of your choice. 

What’s Not Included

International airfares; optional activities; optional tipping to leader/guides; gratuities; meals not noted as included on the itinerary; travel insurance (we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. 35th Parallel is a provider of travel insurance. Please contact us for a quote); excess baggage charges; airport taxes; costs of medical immunisations; and items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry etc.).

Optional Extras

The following are all optional extras and will incur an additional cost:

• All activities mentioned as "optional" in the itinerary.
• If you wish to commemorate the experience, we can provide hats, t-shirts and soft jackets with custom printing or embroiding.

Sporting Conditions

Many of the sporting activities we do are weather dependent.  Whilst we make every effort to ensure the conditions are right by selecting the most suitable time of year and location, the actual conditions on tour are of course completely out of our control.  For this reason, there are no refunds due to lack of suitable weather conditions. For further details, please see our detailed Terms and Conditions of Travel. 

Air Travel

Airfares to and from the departure point for this trip are not included in the land cost.  We are happy to provide a quote for your domestic and/or international travel, or you can source your own airfares via the internet or your preferred travel agent.  Please be sure to check your tickets with our staff before purchasing or obtaining your tickets.  We need to verify your arrival and departure schedule and ensure we have enough participants to operate the trip.

Seasonal Considerations

The Futaleufu River Valley lies in the rain-shadow transition zone between the wetter Pacific coastal area and the drier steppe of Argentina.  It is known for its unique micro-climate enjoying some of the best weather in Patagonia.  Between the months of November - January you can expect temperatures in the 70's °F, dropping to the 40's and 50's at night (20-27° celcius).  During the day shorts and t-shirts are fine, but warmer clothing is required for night times.

Accommodations

Our luxury camp on the bank of the Futaleufu River is true "glamping" (glamorous camping!). Our River Adventure Spa will surpass all your expectations in amenities and comfort as it is custom designed to include the absolute best activiteis, facilities and creature comforts.  It is also uniquely situated for the best river access to maximise the time on the river, as well as give opportunities for fly fishing and kayaking.

To book your place on this great trip, you just need to do a couple things:

STEP 1	If you haven't already, click here to become a member of the 35th Parallel travel community and join the travel group relating to the trip and departure date you want to join.  You'll then get to meet the other travellers and even your guide!
STEP 2	Click here to complete the online Trip Registration form and pay the deposit for your trip using your credit card.
	Or, if you'd prefer:
	Download the PDF Trip Registration form, complete it and fax it back to us on +61-8-9200-6247

If you've got any questions, please don't hesitate to give us a call:
In Australia: +61-8-9463-6642
Toll Free from USA/Canada: 1888-460-1280