Futaleufú Magical: Multi-Activity Adventure

Futaleufú Magical Multi-Activity Adventure

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Dates: December to March

Price: $3200 per person

Highlights

Stay at the charming Monastery lodge in the heart of Patagonia.
Experience rafting on the legendary Futaleufú River (moderate sections).
Enjoy diverse activities: rafting, trekking, horseback riding, and duckies.
Discover breathtaking waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.
Conclude with an authentic Patagonian barbecue celebration.

The Futaleufú River, whose name means “Big River” in the indigenous Mapuche language, is widely considered one of the most beautiful rivers in the world. Flowing from Argentina into Chile through the heart of Patagonia, the Futaleufú cuts through a pristine valley of extraordinary beauty, with turquoise waters that originate from snowmelt in the Andes Mountains.

Protected by its remote location and the creation of Futaleufú National Reserve, the river and its surrounding wilderness offer a remarkable adventure through one of the last great wild places on earth. The deep, crystal-clear waters flow through impressive canyons and valleys, surrounded by granite cliffs, lush forests, and the snow-capped peaks of the Andes.

Our Futaleufú Magical adventure offers a perfect balance of exciting activities and peaceful moments to appreciate the stunning Patagonian landscapes. Based at the comfortable Monastery lodge throughout the trip, you’ll enjoy diverse experiences including moderate rafting on the legendary Futaleufú River, scenic treks to magnificent waterfalls and viewpoints, horseback riding through pristine wilderness, and paddling inflatable kayaks (duckies) on the beautiful Azul River.

This multi-activity journey combines adventure with opportunities to appreciate the remarkable natural beauty and tranquility of this remote Patagonian paradise. With professional guides leading each activity and all meals provided at the lodge, you can fully immerse yourself in the magic of Futaleufú.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Chaitén - Transfer to Monastery

Pickup in Chaitén. We’ll travel through stunning Patagonian landscapes, stopping at Ventisquero and the beautiful Yelcho Lake for lunch. Arrive at the Monastery lodge, our comfortable home for the next 6 nights. Meals: Dinner.

Day 2: Rafting the Futaleufú River

After breakfast and safety orientation, we begin our day on the water with the “Bridge to Bridge” section of the Futaleufú River, featuring moderate Class III-IV rapids that provide excitement without extreme challenge. Return to the Monastery for dinner and relaxation. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: Trekking to Trono and Zeta

Today we embark on a full-day trek to witness two of the region’s most spectacular viewpoints: Trono and Zeta. These hikes offer incredible panoramic views of the river valley and surrounding mountains. Return to the Monastery in the evening for a hearty dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: Horseback Riding Adventure

Experience Patagonia from the traditional perspective - on horseback. We’ll ride to either the beautiful Azul Waterfall or the impressive Tres Monjas rock formation (decided based on group preference and conditions). This full-day excursion includes a picnic lunch amid breathtaking scenery. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5: Trekking to Coco Waterfall

Another day of exploration on foot as we trek to the magnificent Coco Waterfall. This full-day hike takes us through diverse ecosystems and rewards us with the spectacular sight of one of the region’s most beautiful waterfalls. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6: Duckies on the Azul River

Experience a different kind of water adventure as we paddle inflatable kayaks (duckies) on the crystal-clear Azul River, eventually joining the Futaleufú River and ending at Mariann’s Beach. This experience offers a more intimate connection with the water in a fun, accessible format. In the evening, we celebrate our week with a traditional Patagonian barbecue. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Special Dinner.

Day 7: Departure

After breakfast, we transfer from the Monastery back to Chaitén, concluding our Patagonian adventure. Meals: Breakfast.

What’s Included

Professional guides for all activities
Rescue kayaker during water activities
Rafting and water sports equipment
6 nights lodging at the Monastery
All transfers in private bus
Horses and guide for horseback riding day
All meals as indicated in the itinerary

What’s Not Included

Airfare and small plane transfers
Personal gear (day pack, sleeping bag, flashlight, etc.)
Gratuities for guides
Additional hotel accommodations not specified in the itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

What experience level is required for your rafting trips?

Our trips accommodate all levels, from beginners on our Class II-III trips like Urubamba to experienced rafters seeking Class V challenges on the Futaleufú, Cotahuasi, and Colca rivers. Our guides provide comprehensive safety training and instruction before every trip.

What's included in the trip price?

Our prices typically include professional guides, safety equipment, rafting gear, all meals during the expedition, camping equipment, and scheduled transfers. International airfare, sleeping bags, personal gear, and gratuities are generally not included. Check each specific trip for full details.

How physically demanding are the trips?

Trip difficulty varies from moderate half-day adventures to demanding multi-day expeditions. Longer trips like Cotahuasi include a challenging 14-mile hike. We recommend being in good physical condition, especially for Class IV-V trips that require strength and stamina for consecutive days of paddling.

What safety measures do you have in place?

Safety is our primary concern. We employ professional guides with swift water rescue and wilderness first responder certifications, provide comprehensive safety equipment, conduct thorough briefings, use safety kayakers on challenging runs, and carry first-aid kits. Our itineraries are designed with safety contingencies in mind.

What wildlife might we see during the trips?

Wildlife varies by location. In Peru's Tambopata, you might see macaws, monkeys, capybaras, giant otters, and possibly jaguars. The Colca Canyon is known for Andean condors, while Chilean Patagonia offers opportunities to spot condors, huemul deer, and various bird species. Each ecosystem offers unique biodiversity experiences.

What should I pack for a rafting expedition?

Essential items include quick-drying clothes, swimwear, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses with retention strap), water bottle, personal medications, and toiletries. For multi-day trips, bring a headlamp, warm layers for evenings, and a small towel. A complete packing list is provided prior to departure.

What are the sleeping arrangements on multi-day trips?

On multi-day river expeditions, we camp on beaches or designated sites, often in spectacular settings like Inca terraces on the Cotahuasi or pristine beaches in Tambopata. We provide double-occupancy tents and camping equipment, though you'll need to bring your own sleeping bag and pad (rentals may be available).

How challenging are the rapids on your various trips?

Our trips range from Class II-III (Urubamba) suitable for beginners to Class V (Futaleufú, Cotahuasi, Colca, Apurimac) for experienced rafters. Class II-III features moderate rapids with regular waves, while Class IV-V involves powerful currents, complex maneuvers, and potentially dangerous conditions requiring advanced skills and experience.

What kind of cultural experiences can I expect?

Many of our trips offer rich cultural experiences, from exploring ancient Inca ruins along the Cotahuasi to visiting traditional Andean villages. You'll experience local cuisine, potentially interact with indigenous communities, and gain insights into the historical and cultural significance of these remote regions.

Do I need prior rafting experience for the expeditions?

For beginner trips like Urubamba (Class II-III), no experience is necessary. For challenging Class IV-V expeditions like Futaleufú or Colca, previous rafting experience is strongly recommended. Even on easier trips, your guides will provide thorough instruction and safety briefings before you start.

What happens in case of medical emergencies in remote locations?

Our guides are trained in wilderness first response and carry appropriate first-aid supplies. For serious emergencies, we have evacuation protocols specific to each river. Due to the remote nature of many of our trips, comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is required for all participants.

When is the best time to go rafting in Peru and Chile?

The optimal rafting season varies by location. In Peru, the best time is typically from May to November during the dry season. The Futaleufú in Chile runs from December to March during the southern hemisphere summer. Each river has its prime season when water levels and weather conditions are optimal.