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9 Days Rafting Futaleufu
offered by supplier M06028 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 9
day(s)
Group Size: 2
- 15
people
Destination(s):
Chile
Specialty Categories:
Multi-activity
Season: November - March
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 2800 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 2800 US Dollar (USD)
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Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina for your flight connection to San Carlos de Bariloche. A 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 lake front. 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 Argentinian steak, fresh fish, or a vegetarian dish. After dinner we may want to go to a tango show or even take a lesson! * 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.
Day 2: After breakfast we will board our private vehicles and begin the drive to Chile. This is a beautiful drive through both Nahuel Huapi National Park then Alerces National Park. 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 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 Bio Bio Base Camp where your private tent 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.
Day 3: 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 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.
Day 4: 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 (yesterdays 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. If you have the energy and desire, you can ride a mountain bike back to camp. We will have a vehicle waiting for the rest of us for the short scenic drive back to camp. Upon return, we will celebrate the day, enjoy the spa and get ready for yet another fabulous dinner.
Day 5: Today, we venture deeper into the heart of Patagonia on horseback. Our ride takes us into the Rio Azul (Blue River) valley, which is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. In the valley, we follow a narrow trail as we ride next to the turquoise waters of the Rio Azul. The ride is approximately 8 miles long. We will stop and have lunch along the way. We plan to reach our wilderness camp, “La Cascada” (the waterfall), by late afternoon. “La Cascada” is built at the base of a 120-foot waterfall in an enclave of old-growth, native forest. Upon arrival at “La Cascada”, we can relax and enjoy the glorious waterfall, hike through the forest, or go for a swim and then relax on the river-front beach of the Azul. The camp includes hot showers, a sunset bar, a beautiful wood hot tub, and the hand crafted “Quincho” (a traditional Patagonian dining area). Before we reach camp, we will pass through several local farms stopping to buy fresh provisions for our evening in the wilderness. Items such as cheese, bread, jams, vegetables and chicha, the local fermented cider, may be available.
Visiting local families and their “campos” (translated “farms”) gives insight to the Patagonian frontier lifestyle. We will enjoy a beach “asado” to celebrate our arrival at this glorious private retreat. Dinner will be eaten in our riverside dining area or around the campfire followed by a bon fire and guitar music on the beach. You will retire to your private tent platform along the creek with only the sounds of flowing water to soothe you to sleep.
Day 6: Today, you have several choices available to you. The first option, for keen horse riders, is to ride across the Rio Azul River and farther up the Azul valley. Today’s ride will reach the tributaries that form the Azul and reveal one of the most spectacularly beautiful cascading staircase waterfalls in Chile. The cascade falls 300 feet over smooth granite and jagged rocky edges exploding off the rock’s faces at different angles causing rainbows to form. One can relax and lie mesmerized at the base of the waterfall for hours.
Towards afternoon we will ride back to the stable and return to Bio Bio Base Camp for happy hour in the sunset bar. The second option, for those who are feeling river adventurous and want “to paddle their own”, is to hop into inflatable kayaks and navigate the narrow and technical Rio Azul to its confluence downstream with the Futaleufu River. Both of these options provide one of the most memorable days of fun filled adventure imaginable.
Day 7: We will have an early breakfast in camp then travel 35 kilometers up the road to visit the town of Futaleufú. You will have about an hour to stroll around this sleepy mountain town whose central plaza is filled with the fragrance of rose bushes and cedar trees. After strolling around town, we will launch our boats on the Rio Espolon. This crystal clear river meanders for 2 miles before it flows into the Rio Futaleufú, one mile above the “Inferno Canyon”.
This upper canyon requires aggressive class V paddling and is the most difficult 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. 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. We journey over to the neighboring farm of Miguel Toro who at 70 years young is one of the most colorful and charming natives of the valley. At his Casa de Té, his daughter Blanca and her partner Umberto prepare a very special treat. It is a delicious dinner called “Curanto” that is typical of the south of Chile and the island of Chiloe.
Day 8: 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: An early start gets us out of bed. After loading up your personal gear, our van will take you to Bariloche or Esquel to catch your flight to Buenos Aires. An afternoon flight returns you to Buenos Aires for an evening arrival where you transfer to the international departure lounge, pass through customs and shop for duty free wines. Of course, if you wish to spend a day or two learning tango and exploring the city we are happy to make arrangements for a trip extension. 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 Patagonian wilderness. Chao amigos, Chao Chao Chile.
* A note on weather:
The Futaleufú river valley attracts many types of weather patterns year round. The Pacific Ocean feeds its moist climate with frequent storms. The sunny months are usually December through March; however, when packing, think of cold and wet weather as well as sunny and warm weather and you will be a happy camper. Plan ahead and bring warm clothes and a good rain shell. This also means that the river level can change dramatically if an unseasonal “tormenta” or rain storm passes through. We will only raft when the river is at a safe level.
* Medical information for travels to Chile:
The following information should be used as a guideline only. Please consult your physician or local health department if you have any questions. Entry requirements and international health situations are subject to change.
* Energy:
Electric voltage is 220 volts, 50 cycles (220v, 50Hz). The use of appliances or electric devices designed for 110 volts need the use of a transformer. Most travel appliances, like laptop computers, have an auto-volt (110v - 240v) transformer built in that will adapt to Chilean electricity. We do have access to electricity if you need to charge batteries for cameras, video cameras, and laptops.
* Tipping:
For most services in Chile, depending on the quality of service, people tip 10% of the total bill. In terms of your rafting trip, if you are happy with the service provided, then tipping is always appreciated. A typical tip on the Futaleufú is about 10% to 15% of your trip cost.
* Packing List:
It will not be long now until we are rafting down one of the world's mightiest rivers. Though it will be the height of summer in Chile, we need to be prepared for inclement weather. The “Fu” is located in a region of extreme possibilities. We expect warm sunny days, and cool, clear nights. Unfortunately, Mother Nature does not always cooperate and rain, even snow, is not unheard of in the Andes - even in the summertime. The following is a descriptive packing list. Of course there are variations on each of these suggestions, but this should give you a good idea of what your should pack. Please see our “links page” on our website for ordering any clothing online. We suggest you pack your gear in a duffel bag or a backpack. There is a weight limit on the Puerto Montt/Chaitén charter flight of 35 pounds per bag, two-bag limit. If you are in Chile for an extended time and have extra bags, you can leave them at the Hotel Bellavista in Puerto Varas.
* River Attire:
- One pair of river shorts. (River shorts are quick drying, durable and multi-purpose.)
- We do supply wet suits and dry suits, but if you have and prefer your own, feel free to bring it along.
- Paddle Jacket. We will supply you with one, but if your prefer your own, please bring it.
- Polypropylene long sleeve shirt, or some type of synthetic sweater or underwear to wear underneath to paddle jacket. The paddle jacket alone will not work well without something underneath.
- Polypro long underwear, A must! These will keep you warm when they get wet, and they dry very quickly.
- River footwear. Check out the line of toe-protected river footwear. Tevas, Alps, Chacos, Keens, or tennis sneakers with wool socks work well to keep your feet warm (wetsuit booties also work well).
- 1 hat, visor or large brimmed sombrero, with a string.
- Sunglasses with securing straps. Chums or Croakies.
* Camp Gear:
- Rain Gear. The Futa region is famous for an occasional intense rainstorms. Please be prepared with rain gear, such as a Gortex jacket or even one of those inexpensive yellow rain ponchos your wore as a kid.
- Wool or fleece sweater.
- Wool or fleece hat. You can also buy locally made wool goods near our camp.
- Wool socks. Two pairs, so you'll always have a dry pair to put on a luxury!
- Daypack or fannypack.
- Water Bottle.
- Hiking Boots or Walking Shoes. You don't need anything special; comfort is key. If you buy new boots, be sure to break them in before the trip (very important!). There are great running trails around the camp, so bring the sneaks if you're a runner.
- Hiking Shorts with pockets and a belt.
- Toiletry kit. shampoo, soap, toothbrush, lotion, bug repellent, medications, etc.
- Flashlight and or headlamp, extra batteries.
- Sleeping bag. A 30-degree bag is warm enough. A down bag is light and compact, but one must be very careful to keep them dry. Synthetic bags are preferable in that respect.
- We will supply you with a tent, which you will share with a “tent mate”. (If you prefer to bring your own tent, please let us know.)
- Camera. A waterproof camera is nice to have to take pictures from the raft. At all major rapids, we will stop and there will be time to shoot the rapids from the shore. We will bring along waterproof cases and bags to keep cameras dry.
- Lotion and sunscreen. Not much Ozone left in the southern hemisphere!
- Book. There is plenty of time for rest and relaxation, so bring along a book or journal.
- A favorite poem to share around the campfire is also welcome.
- One sweatshirt.
- Two tee shirts.
- One pair of lightweight nylon or cotton baggy pants. Only a suggestion, but they are comfortable to wear around camp after a long day of rafting.
- One nice pair of pants or summer dress for restaurants in Puerto Varas.
- Bathing Suit.
- Towel.
- Songs, mirth and merriment, small musical instruments, etc.
The Futaluefú is a difficult area to pack for. The bottom line is that you need to be prepared for any and all types of weather. The rain gear is very important!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Chile
Multi-activity
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