Futaleufu Wild Whitewater

Day 1 Arrive Buenos Aires - Bariloche

This morning you arrive in Buenos Aires and fly to Bariloche, before transferring to your night's accommodation on Lake Nahuel Huapi. 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 you will gather for a group welcome dinner at one of your favorite restaurants where you can indulge in an Argentinian steak, fresh fish, or a vegetarian dish.

Day 2 Base Camp in Chile

After breakfast, you begin your beautiful drive along the eastern flank of the Andes.  The terrain alternates between lush forest and emerald green valleys, aquamarine lakes, and the windswept plains of the Patagonian steppe, until you arrive at the base camp. Unwind in your private tent platform with riverside views of the Futaleufu. Camp is comfortable and offers such indulging luxuries as a hot tub, sauna, and massage therapist. You'll welcome in the cool Patagonia evening over dinner and drinks.

Day 3 Meet the Futaleufu!

The Futaleufu called to you all night – today you'll answer! The morning begins with a comprehensive training session with world-class guides, followed by a set of practice drills. Your warm-up session is only 10 km long, but possesses more rapids per 1000 meters than anywhere else on the river. The afternoon is spent back at the camp relaxing in a hammock or hiking in the beautiful Patagonia landscape. The river also offers fly-fishing and kayaking, or a brisk swim. A campfire under the stars finishes your Patagonia travel adventures today.

Day 4 Futaleufu

Today’s rafting journey takes you further down the river, where you come face to face with the Futaleufu’s more aggressive personality. Your adventure takes us past the Puente Futalefu, Mas o Menos, and into your first Class V technical rapid, Casa de Piedra – House of Rock! Slow things down at night with a game of volleyball back at camp, soak in the hot tub, or get a well-deserved massage. Tonight, relax as the sound of the river lulls you to sleep.

Day 5 Rio Espolon

Venture up the canyon to the source of the Rio Espolon as it cascades out of  Lago Espolon.  Here you will find crystal-clear water forming gentle Class II-III rapids that are the perfect arena to become a great captain of your own boat. Today we gain experience navigating our very own inflatable kayaks.  There is something deeply satisfying when 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 and provide safety should you need assistance.   For those ready to try out a hard shell kayak, this is the perfect level river to do it on! This also a great afternoon to do the Rio Azul mountain bike 2.5 hour tour!

Day 6 Rio Azul Valley

After breakfast, continue to explore the Azul valley on horseback for a three hour ride. Discover a hidden cascading waterfall. Aching to get back in the river?  We trade in the saddles for paddles and splash into the water and kayak down the Rio Azul. This evening you return to base camp for a massage and drink after a "biathlon" day.

Day 7 Inferno Canyon

You spend the early part of your day exploring the charming mountain town of Futaleufu before launching your rafts. Your journey  takes you up the Rio Epsolon where you put-in as you descend back to the Futaleufu River at Inferno Canyon. This is a very adventurous day of rafting, including a five-mile canyon of Class V whitewater, and a portage around the fierce Zeta rapid and the infamous Throne Room. You tread lightly and safely through these exciting and humbling waters with some of the world's best raft guides.  Dinner is spent at a neighboring farm with a delicious home-cooked Chilean meal.

Day 8 Summit Day

We saved the best for last! Wake up to a beautiful morning and get ready for the grand river-rafting climax! Today you will meet “The Terminator,” the longest and toughest rapids on your journey. Take the plunge, and hold on for the next three miles of non-stop wild rapids. Calm waters return – just in time – and you float into base camp for lunch. Return to the river to tackle as much whitewater as the day allows. Celebrate into the night – feast to your heart’s content on roasted lamb, ensalada, potatoes and fresh bread. Toast your wonderful whitewater adventure and the mighty Futaleufu!

Day 9 Transfer to Esquel. Fly to Buenos Aires

An early transfer will take you back to Esquel or Bariloche (depends on the day of the week and the flight availability) for an afternoon flight back to Buenos Aires. You can then connect to your international flight to return home, or with more time, extend your trip in Argentina to add other Patagonia travel options or a visit to Iguazu Falls.

*Any of these rafting days can be substituted for a day of horseback riding, inflatable kayaking, fly fishing, mountain biking, or even repeating one of the more relaxing, less intense rafting days.

Click here for a more detailed description of your rafting adventures and itinerary - compliments of our operating partners Bio Bio Expeditions.