This is the ultimate week for advanced Class IV-V paddlers. Our aim will be to hit all of the major class V rapids on the Futaleufu, some more than once. On this trip you will have the opportunity to paddle the hardest lines on, Casa de Piedra, Terminator, Inferno Canyon, Zeta, and Throne Room. We may devote one day to paddling the Rio Azul or Rio Michigan. You can choose the Kayak Futaleufu 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 our Tres Monjas Eco-Camp - designed specifically for the whitewater kayaker. A hearty meal, hot sauna, and wonderful views welcome you to Kayak Chile's base camp on the Futaleufu.
Day 2: Terminator Section
You wake to the brilliance of life along the shores of the Futaleufu, with the jagged Tres Monjas peaks standing sentinel over the river and camp. After a delicious breakfast, you outfit your kayak and put-in at our beach for your first taste of the big water of the Futaleufu, the “Terminator” section. You will have the opportunity to warm up on numerous Class III rapids, and then have the option of walking, sneaking (IV+), or running the huge and impressive Class V “Terminator” rapid.
From the "Terminator", we will kayak downstream on the Futaleufu to the Class IV “Kyber Pass”, and on to some giant wave action in the Class IV “Himalayas”. Here you will surf some of the biggest standing waves in the hemisphere! We will return to our Futaleufu kayak camp to relax in the hot sauna or on the naturally formed white sand beach.
Day 3: El Corazón - Heart of the Futaleufu
The kayaking this day is filled with the big exploding waves for which the Futaleufu is world famous. We put-in at the “Zapata’s” swinging bridge and run the “Corazón” – the Heart of the Futaleufu - previously named "The Continuous Section". Here you will kayak Futaleufu whitewater continuously through Class IV big water action, including “Entrada”, “Pillow”, and “Mundaca”, one of the largest breaking wave-holes in the world. This is Futaleufu kayaking at its best! This non-stop Class IV section will keep your adrenaline pumping and the evening air filled with good cheer and plenty of fireside stories.
Day 4: Corazón, Más o Menos & Casa de Piedra
Like the previous day, we put-in at the swinging bridge at “Zapata,” but we will pass the Futaleufu Bridge take out and continue on to the Class IV+ “Más o Menos”, and the technical Class V “Casa de Piedra”. Finally the river eases off for the beautiful and playful Class III “El Macal” section. After a big day of Futaleufu kayaking you will be ready to slip into the wood-heated sauna and ease your tired muscles. Kayak Chile's camp masseuse will be available for any of your sore muscles and joints.
Day 5: A La Carte Kayak Futaleufu Day - Repeat & Play More!
The group takes its pick for this day’s Futaleufu kayak run. Return to “Pillow Rock” and “Terminator Wave” for some surfing and flat spinning? Or go back to the exploding chaos of “Mundaca”? Maybe after so many days of paddling you are ready for a trek up to the Tres Monjas, or a horseback ride to the Upper Futaleufu River? How about a day lounging on the beach, or reading a book? This day is yours to enjoy!
Day 6: Kayak the Río Azul
If you choose the Kayak Futaleufu 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:
Today, if water levels permit, we take a break from the big water of the Futaleufu and kayak a spectacular side canyon. We drive to the footbridge put-in on the Río Azul—a tight, crystal clear creek that runs through a lush micro-canyon. Here you get a chance to relax and paddle the technical drops, surf and cartwheel at some excellent play spots, and enjoy the scenery. We take-out at the Tres Monjas Camp, where the Río Azul meets the Río Futaleufu.
Day 7: Upper Futaleufu & Infierno Canyon
For an exciting finale, we head to the remote and spectacular upper section of the Futaleufu River. Those paddlers who are ready for the committing Class V Infierno Gorge will put-in above the mini-gorge just outside of the town of Futaleufu, or on the Río Espolón. Others will take a spectacular shuttle drive and enter the river below the Gorge. This visually spectacular section of river includes the Class V rapids “Zeta” and “Throne Room”, which will test even the strongest of kayakers (See "The Extremists" video clip below.)
Or, take the well-worn footpaths around the two rapids, and head into the “Wild Ride Home”: four miles of continuous kayak Futaleufu whitewater action, which takes us right back to our tents and dry clothes at camp. After a full day on the river, you can begin to pack up, and enjoy a farewell barbeque (asado) and fiesta arranged by our chef, specialized in international cuisine.
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 Futaleufu Lite package cost is $1095.00/person.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Chile
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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