Patagonia's Futaleufu offers some of the best whitewater rafting opportunities in the world. Days are spent splashing down the river, through Class III, IV, and even a Class V rapid! Luxury camping, horseback riding, kayaking and beautiful landscapes also await this Patagonia adventure. This is a great Patagonia tour for the experienced rafter, or the novice looking to improve their skills.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires - Bariloche (D)
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 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 where you can indulge in an Argentinian steak, fresh fish, or a vegetarian dish.
Day 2: Base Camp in Chile (B,L,D)
After breakfast, you begin your beautiful drive through both Nahuel Huapi National Park then Alerces National Park which is full of the ancient Alerces tree. 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. Welcome in the cool evening over dinner and drinks.
Day 3: Meet the Futaleufu! (B,L,D)
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 hiking in the beautiful Patagonia landscape or relaxing in a hammock. The river also offers kayaking, fly-fishing, or a brisk swim. A campfire under the stars finishes your Patagonia travel adventures today.
Day 4: Futaleufu (B,L,D)
The day's rafting journey takes you further down the river, where you'll meet the river'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. Slow things down at night with a soak in the hot tub, game of volleyball back at camp, or get a well-deserved massage.
Day 5: Rio Azul Valley - Camp La Cascada (B,L,D)
Your morning begins with a hearty breakfast before traveling to La Cascada. Situated below a towering waterfall on the banks of the Rio Azul, Camp La Cascada offers incredible views of Chile’s famous Tres Monjas peaks. Take a rest from rafting and enjoy a horseback journey through the mountains, past local farmland, and into the heart of Patagonia. Enjoy a lunch of cheese, bread, vegetables, chicha, and fermented cider. Visit with local families and discover more about the Chilean frontier. Evening festivities include "asado," a traditional dinner and guitar music around the campfire on the beach.
Day 6: Rio Azul Valley (B,L,D)
Continue to explore the Azul valley on horseback. Discover a hidden cascading waterfall. If you are ready to get back into the river, you are free to kayak down the Rio Azul. This evening you return to base camp where fly-fishing, mountain biking, yoga and kayaking lessons are available.
Day 7: Inferno Canyon (B,L,D)
You spend the early part of your day exploring the charming mountain town of Futaleufu before launching your rafts. Your journey will takes you from the top of the Futaleufu river at Inferno Canyon, and into the Rio Azul. 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. Tread lightly through these waters. Dinner is spent at a neighboring farm with a delicious home-cooked Chilean meal.
Day 8: Summit Day (B,L,D)
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 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, feasting to your heart’s content on roasted lamb, ensalada, potatoes and fresh bread. Toast your the mighty Futaleufu!
Day 9: Travel to Buenos Aires - Return Home (B)
An early transfer will take you back to Bariloche 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 with 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.
Accommodations: 1 night comfortable hotel, 7 nights luxury camping
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: Local flights, vans, mountain bikes, and horseback. Rafting guide and crew throughout.
Lively Patagonia tour itinerary full of world-class rafting, hiking, horseback riding, and camping, with beautiful Patagonia as a backdrop. Travelers should be fit and looking for an active holiday.
Start Dates 2008: Dec 11, Dec 20, Dec 28
Start Dates 2009: Jan 6, Jan 15, Feb 3, Feb 12, Mar 3, Mar 12, Mar 22
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$150
Note: Prices do not include flight from Buenos Aires to Bariloche. Please add an additional US$680 for this flight. Specific flight cost is based on travel dates.
Personal Budgeting: Allow US$60 for meals not included, US$130 Chilean visa reciprocity fee, US$60 for optional excursions, US$7 local airport taxes, and US$18 International airport departure tax.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Buenos Aires: Buenos Aires: Share US$75 pp, Single US$150
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25/person
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Argentina
Chile
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Multi-activity
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