During this week we will explore the numerous Class II/III tributaries of the Rio Futaleufu and work on developing skills that will enable us to paddle bigger water. By the end of this week we will set our sites on paddling the exciting "El Macal" section of the Futaleufu River. You can choose the Kayak Chile Lite option that is a 6-day tour.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and introductions
Arrive at either of our entry points in Puerto Montt, Chile or Esquel, Argentina, the gateways to Patagonia. Connect with our representative and travel to the remote riverside town of Futaleufu, surrounded by majestic mountains. Here you will find your accommodations at Kayak Chile's spectacular Tres Monjas Eco-Camp. A hearty meal, hot sauna, and wonderful views welcome you to Chile.
Day 2: Upper Rio Espolon
You wake up to the brilliance of life at the Futaleufu with the jagged Tres Monjas peaks standing sentinel over the river and camp. After a delightful breakfast, we take a short drive to the put-in on the Class II/III section of the spectacular Rio Espolon. On this magically clear turquoise blue river you'll have a chance to warm up those winter muscles, review your rolls, ferry angles and basic skills, and give your Kayak Chile guides a chance to analyze your technique. This is a beautiful run to the little town of Futaleufu. We head back to the Kayak Chile Eco-Camp after the day's paddling.
Day 3: Lower Rio Espolon
Today we put-in at the previous day's take out on the Rio Espolon. This Class III section is a bit more technical, and has an excellent surf wave to practice on. Afterward we will head out off the Espolon for our first (Class III) taste of big water paddling on the Futaleufu.
Day 4: Entire Rio Espolon (or Rio Azul)
For our third day on the river we will kayak the entire Rio Espolon from top to bottom, focusing on the skills we want to develop for the bigger water of the Futaleufu: bomber rolls on both sides, aggressive forward strokes, committed sweeps and stern draws, and of course, having fun! Water levels permitting, we may run a stretch of the Class III Rio Azul that winds its way through a spectacular canyon at the foot of the Tres Monjas Peaks.
Day 5: Futaleufu: El Macal Section
Onwards to the turquoise waters of the mighty Futaleufu! Put-in below the impressive “Casa de Piedra” on the gorgeous Class III “El Macal” section. Here, surrounded by vertical cliff walls and glacier crowned peaks, we will practice all of our big water skills as we work our way down this introductory stretch of the Futaleufu. We return to camp to relax on one of our white sand beaches or take a soothing hot sauna.
Day 6: Kayak the Río Palena (or Rio Tigre)
If you choose the Kayak Chile Lite package, this will be the last day of the tour – see the description for day 8. Otherwise the activities for this day are the following:
We will take a scenic drive to the Río Palena on the border with Argentina, where we have an ox-cart waiting to help us to the put-in on this Class III/III+ kayak run. It's a gorgeous drive through a valley with a slightly different eco-system than the Futaleufu Valley. Water levels permitting, we may run a section of the spectacular Rio Tigre, a nearby tributary of the Palena. We return to the Kayak Chile river camp along the banks of the Futaleufu for a hearty dinner.
Day 7: Futaleufu: Repeat of El Macal Section
Return to “El Macal” for a final day of paddling. “Every Man’s (and Woman’s) Surf Wave” is the perfect place to let it rip! The rapids on this run are both challenging and forgiving, and the scenery is some of the best on the river. Return to camp for a farewell dinner.
Day 8: Departure
Wake up for an early breakfast and drive back to Chaitén, Chile and your flight to Puerto Montt, or relax for a couple of hours and take our shuttle to Esquel, Argentina. As you catch a final view of the Río Futaleufu; 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.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Included: All meals, lodging, transportation, guides and kayaks while paddling with us. Round trip transportation between Futaleufu and Puerto Montt or Esquel.
The Kayak Chile Lite package cost is $1095.00/person.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Chile
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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