Futaleufu River Multi-Sport

10 days
Futaleufu rafting, an exotic adventure through the heart of Chile's Patagonia. Raft azure class V whitewater through granite cliffs and stay in exclusive private camps.
Departure Dates

2010: January 8, 15, 22 29; February 5, 12, 19, 26; March 5, 12, 19, 26; April 2, 9; November 26; December 3, 10, 17, 24, 26

2011: January 7, 14, 21 28; February 4, 11, 18, 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25; April 1, 8

$3300

Deposit $800

Additional Costs:
$200 Single Supplement, $100 Reciprocity Tax, Airport taxes and fees


River Rating Minimum Age
Class IV (Optional Class V)12
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Futaleufú River Multi-Sport - Overview

The Rio Futaleufú is one of the earth’s premier stretches of whitewater. On this Futaleufú River rafting, hiking, horsebackriding and kayaking adventure, we’ll take you to a legendary stretch of the river, one of almost indescribable beauty. Flowing through Chile's adventure mecca of Patagonia, far beneath the spires and snow-packed crowns of the Andes, the Fú’s steely turquoise waters pass through granite walls and past lush vistas and river camps seemingly snatched from sci-fi imagination. Exclusive campsites along the Rio Futaleufú feature houses built high in old growth treetops, natural hot tubs carved into stone, cliff dwellings and rock shelters with fire hearths. The Fú itinerary includes hiking and horseback riding, climbing, rappelling and canyoneering. This is a dream Patagonia adventure trip for the ultra-adventurous family, couple or solo globe trotter.

Futaleufú River: Itinerary at a Glance

  • Fly through Santiago, Chile en route to Balmaceda and transfer to Puyuhuape by van via Coiyhaique. Overnight in Puyuhuape then shuttle to the Rio Frio for a morning of inflatable kayaking before reaching our first unique riverside camp on the Futaleufú
  • Raft the Class IV rapids of the Lower Futaleufú River then hike to the stunning Terminador Camp
  • Raft the wild, sheerwalled Class V Inferno Canyon
  • Travel down river to the private Campo Casa Piedra
  • Soak beneath brilliant stars in a granite hot tub at your campsite
  • Tyrolean traverse across the Futaleufú River between sheer granite walls on a pulley over the Class VI Zeta Rapid. Make a hiking ascent out of the inner canyon into a wonderful old growth hardwood forest
  • Hike to the breathtaking Tree House Camp canyon overlook and camp 35-feet above the ground in handcrafted tree houses
  • Hike past a beautiful 100-foot tributary waterfall and breathtaking views of the turquoise river, Tower of the Winds, Laguito Azul and dramatic peaks rising from the river valley
  • Hike around the unrunnable Throne Room Rapid before running a series of long, exciting class IV+ rapids
  • At the confluence of the Futaleufú and the Rio Azul there is the option of horseback riding, inflatable kayaking or rafting to Mapu Leufu Camp
  • Raft the half-mile-long Class V Terminador Rapid, one of the wildest commercially run Class V rapids in the world. Enjoy a farewell dinner celebration in the form of a traditional Chilean Asado
  • Transfer back to Puyuhuape for a final evening in Chile. For your last day in the country, enjoy lunch and explore the small city of Coiyhaique before heading back to Balmaceda for the conclusion of your Futaleufú adventure
  • Testimonials
  • Reviews
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“I enjoyed everything but your guides are just exceptional! They are really interested in you having a fun time and do whatever needs done to make sure you have a great experience. I feel they want you to have fun but also have safety in mind. I have travelled with other companies that have good guides but I have found this past year that I have taken three trips with OARS and the guides are hands down the best I have ever had. The guides are just exceptional! I really enjoyed the opportunity to rappel. I thought I would be afraid but the safety precautions just made you feel comfortable. Of course the white water was also great fun.”
Eleanor (Elly) Lieb ~ Connellsville, PA

“The Futaleufu River experience was, well, an experience… an exceptional trip, with extraordinarily competent, knowledgeable and personable guides. The scenery was non-stop magnificent and the whitewater, rock climbing, rappelling, and hiking enjoyable and satisfying challenges.”
Bill Liebman ~ Bethesda, MD

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Average Temperatures
  High Low
  70°s 50°s
Water Temperatures
Average: 60° - 72°

Current Conditions


What to bring on the Futaleufu River Multi-Sport trip


This is a sample list. Please refer to your trip planner for a detailed list for your particular trip. If you do not already own any of the items on the suggested packing list feel free to call our office for suggestions. However, many of the items listed are available for purchase online in the OARStore. Please be mindful of the natural environment when purchasing items for your trip. Whenever possible, consider recyclable containers, rechargeable batteries, natural (non-toxic) sunscreens, lotions, biodegradable soaps, and so on.

Equipment (All BOLD items are mandatory):

  • Waterproof paddle jacket
  • 3 Quick drying synthetic tops (Synchilla, Fleece, Capilene, etc, varying weights)
  • 1 Synthetic pants (see above) to be worn hiking or around camp
  • River shoes
  • Baseball cap or visor to fit under a helmet
  • 2 Water bottles with locking carabineer Note: Carabineer must lock in case boat flips
  • Lightweight hiking boots/shoes
  • Sunglasses with neck strap
  • Headlamp (flashlight) with batteries
  • Small daypack or large fanny pack
  • Good quality rain jacket with pants

Personal Items:

  • Sunglasses with securing strap and a spare
  • Towel: small, quick-drying and washcloth
  • Toiletries including biodegradable soap and shampoo with moisturizer (Nature's Gate is recommended by our guides)
  • Sunscreen: waterproof & SPF 30 or higher
  • Lip protection: SPF 30 or higher
  • Moisturizing lotion or cream: 1 bottle (Skin tends to get REALLY DRY – this is a VERY important item!)
  • Insect repellent with DEET
  • Personal first aid kit (Band-aids, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, moleskin, eye drops, etc.)
  • Spare pair of glasses and/or contacts
  • Plastic bags for wet or dirty clothing
  • Cash for gratuities and goodies

Clothing:

  • Undergarments quick-drying
  • Bandana
  • Socks (synthetic and quick drying) 3 pair
  • Additional pair of cotton socks 2
  • Medium weight jacket
  • T-shirts or lightweight quick-drying tops: 3-4
  • Long sleeved shirt (light colored to reflect sun) 3-4
  • Long pants
  • 2 shorts (synthetic and quick drying)
  • Fleece top & bottom: 1 set light to mid-weight
  • Bathing suit

Optional Items:

  • Sarong: also useful as a cover-up from the sun, when bathing or to discreetly change clothes
  • Solar shower: small “solo” showers heat up faster and are easier to use
  • Bathing towels/wipes: pre-moistened disposable wipes such as Coleman Swash Cloths
  • Binoculars: small
  • Paddling gloves: Neoprene
  • Lightweight cord and clothespins for drying clothes in camp
  • Notebook and pen