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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
10 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • Raft the Class IV rapids of the Lower Fu then after lunch, hike to the stunning Terminador Camp 
  • Raft the wild, sheer-walled Class V Inferno Canyon 
  • Soak beneath brilliant stars in a granite hot tub 
  • Tyrolean traverse across the river on a pulley over the Class VI Zeta Rapid.
  • Hike to the breathtaking Tree House Camp
  • Hike past a beautiful 100-foot tributary waterfall Tower of the Winds, Laguito Azul, Throne Room Rapid before running an exciting class IV+ rapids  
  • Raft the half-mile-long Class V Terminador Rapid
ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP
Primary: Hiking, Freshwater Kayaking, Rafting, Mountain Biking, Camping
Other: Swimming, horseback ride, nature, climbing
$3400USD
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Futaleufu River Multi-Sport

Futaleufu rafting, an exotic adventure through the heart of Chile's Patagonia. Raft azure class V whitewater through granite cliffs and stay in exclusive private camps.
The Rio Futaleufú is one of the earth’s premier whitewater resources. On your Futaleufú adventure, we’ll take you to a legendary stretch of the river, one of almost indescribable beauty. Flowing through Chilean Patagonia, far beneath the spires and snow-packed crowns of the Andes, the Fú’s steely turquoise waters pass through granite walls and past lush vistas and river camps seemingly snatched from sci-fi imagination. Exclusive campsites along the Rio Futaleufú feature houses built high in old growth treetops, natural hot tubs carved into stone, cliff dwellings and rock shelters with fire hearths. The Fú itinerary includes hiking and horseback riding, climbing, rappelling and canyoneering. A dream trip for the ultra-adventurous family, couple or solo globe trotter. 

The Futaleufu is one of Earth’s premier whitewater destinations. Flowing through Chilean Patagonia, far beneath the spires and snow-packed crown of the Andes, the Fu’s steely turquoise waters pass through the granite walls and lush hardwood forest. Four exclusive and diverse camps offer 1500 wild acres and four miles of private riverfront, while providing amenities usually reserved for far more developed settings. Your camps along the Futaleufu feature hand hewn cypress dwellings built hih in old growth treetops or perched on cliff sides along the river, natural hot tubs carved into stone, and rock shelters with fire hearths. The Futaleufu itinerary also includes hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, rappelig and swimming, as well as other activities for the outdoor adventure. 

Whitewater
In Chile’s native Mapuche, Futaleufu translates as “grand waters” or “great great river”. Aptly named, the Futaleufu ias large volume (9-15,000 feet per second) technical river boasting intense stretches of one Class IV or V rapid after another and clear turquoise water unlike any other. Class IV participants have the option of hiking or riding horses on abeautiful trail around some of more difficult and intense descents, but be advised that even the Class IV rapids will get attention with plenty of excitement! 

Geography and Wildlife
The geography of Patagonia differs greatly from the rest of Chile, primarily because of the glacial forces sculpting the terrain over the past 800,000 years. South of Chaiten, glacial modeling has created Andean lakes and roaring rivers, such as the Futaleufu. Alternating between vistas of granite cliffs, lush foliage, snow-capped peaks, and towering spires, the Futaleufu pours dramatically through a canyon of breathtaking beauty. Hardwood forests showcase some stands of old growth trees and condors soaring far overhead are not an unusual sight. Other resident wildlife includes puma, wamule (endangered elk), ibis, salmon, and trout. Slot canyons, tributary waterfalls, and glacial lakes provide added highlights. 

Minimum Age: 12 Yrs
Day 1: Depart from your home city
  • Participants take an evening flight to Santiago, Chile. (Flights to Santiago and from Santiago to Puerto Montt are not included in the trip price.)
Day 2: Santiago / Peurto Montt/ Chaiten/ Terminator Camp
  • Upon arriving in Santiago you will pass through customs and then transfer to a flight to Peurto Montt. (This flight is not included in your trip fee.) Upon arrival in Puerto Montt(by 11:00 AM), an Earth River representative will meet you and escort you to the commuter flight to Chaiten. This half hour flight is spectacular, following the rugged coastline of Pumalin Park. Wild rivers flow into deep fords framed by verdant rain-forest wilds that stretch upwards into the rugged snow-capped Patagonia Andes. just before landing, we get a bird's eye view of the still smoldering Chaiten Volcano which a few years ago buried 90% of the town Chaiten. The cement-like ash froze time, cars, houses, and shops, much like Pompeii. Amazingly there was no a single fatality. Since the initial eruption, a number of residents have come back to salvage what was left of their lives. We arrive at Chaiten at midday and board our bus. The road passes beneath giant snow-capped peaks and hanging glaciers in a deep glaciated valley. After one hour, we reach the trail-head for our glacier hike. This is a stunning two hour round trip hike through lush rain forest and beneath toweting waterfalls to a unique wall of blue ice spilling on to the green forest. After the hike, we board the bus and drive another hour-and-a-half passing roaring rivers and deep lakes to the Terminator Camp trailhead.
  • A mile hike takes us into the camp’s interior. (Personal bags are transported by ox cart.) The first of four stunning private camps on the river, the Terminador Camp has a mile of waterfront and sits on a dramatic bluff over the raging river. A beautiful trail winds through the trees the entire length of the camp offering stunning view of the mile-long rapid which churns the water into every imaginable shade of azure, white and turquoise. Fourteen private, two-person, hand-hewn wooden cliff dwelling are hidden in trees, each with the bird’s eye view of the river. Located near the center camp is an 18-person cypress deck. The deck is ascribed around trees and giant rocks and is tucked behind a truck-sized boulder that acts both as a screen from the river and as a natural veranda. Sitting or standing, a person is above the top of the rock and can see an unimpeded view up and down the mile-long rapid and the surrounding seats for five. A peninsula of granite juts out into the river and affords a view of the entire mile long avalanche of rock and water as it races down ”the staircase”.
  • A professional masseuse, chef, and videographer accompany most expeditions. Camp amenities have been added in such a way as to not take away from the wild nature of the river and the expedition. This evening we settle in, we’ll have a hearty welcome dinner.

Day 3: Rio Futaleufu Raft Training/ Rio Azul and Futaleufu Inflatable Kayaking/ Terminador Camp
  • Take a one mile upstream and take a manual cable car across the river. On the other side we meet horses and spend the next hour riding along the teal Futaleufu and up the Rio Azul, a beautiful Class II-III tributary. We spend the next hour paddling back down the tributary. 
  • This morning we hike from camp and drive five minutes to our raft training put in. After the safety talk and paddling lessons, we run a series of clss IV rapids including Puente Colfgante, Mundaca and Alfombra Magica, Mundoca and Wina. 
  • After lunch we drive 15 minutes to our inflatable kayak put-in on the class II Rio Azul. After a kayak training lesson, we paddle the beginner Class II rapids of this stunning, turquoise-colored river. Warming-up on the Azul, we soon reach the confluence with the Futaleufu. From here we’ll kayak down this beginner stretch of the Futaleufu to Terminator Camp where we spend the night. Note: Inflatable kayaking on the Azul is Subject to water levels, If the Azul is too high or too low, we still kayak The Rio Espolon or another stretch of the Futaleufu.
Day 4: Terminador Camp / Rio Futaleufu Rafting / Cave Camp
  • In the morning we’ll drive half an hour to the put-in on the upper river. Soon we enter the wild, sheer-walled Class V Infierno Canyon. Racing between imposing walls hundreds of feet high, the pulsing river boasts some of the most impressive commercially run rapids in the world, including Infierno, Purgatorio and Escala de Jacoba. Note: Class IV participants have the opt ion of riding a horse (accomplished riders only) or hiking on a stunning trail around the canyon to the lunch spot. Each rapid in Infierno Canyon is separated by a swift pool that allows enough time for rescue and recovery, if necessary. 
    • In the early afternoon, everyone rafts down to Campo Casa de Piedra (Cave Camp) where we will spend the night. Cave Camp is a private, 1,000-acre exotic and diverse river camp. Not a cave in the true sense, but a massive overhanging white granite slab that rests on two boulders, the locals refer to the main shelter as the House of Stone. There is a sand floor, two natural skylights and giant fireplace in the rear wall that draws smoke through a crack. With an interior space of over 1,600 square feet, this natural wonder is large enough to keep the entire group warm and dry under any conditions. Meals are served here during times of inclement weather. 
    • In front of the main stone shelter is a beautiful spring-fed pond/lake called Laguito Azul (Little Blue Lake). Set within a bowl of massive granite towers as high as 300 feet and surrounded by lush vegetation, Laguito Azul resembles a giant Japanese garden. Its brilliant blue water is so pure you can drink it and so clear you can see giant German brown trout and salmon up to 25 pounds swimming 30 feet down. Kayaks are available for gliding over the transparent waters of Laguito Azul. 
    • A few hundred feet beyond Laguito Azul rages the most spectacular rapid on the river, Zeta, a Class V-VI Z-shaped flume cut into solid granite. Just downstream of Zeta, carved into the granite by the river in higher flows, is a heart-shaped, three-foot deep pothole with water heated to 105° F. With smooth 45-degree sloping walls to lean against and fresh water every day, this chemical-free stone hot tub comfortably accommodates twelve people. The smooth granite ledges around the tub are ideal for relaxing and slope gently into the calm aerated blue pool below Zeta making transition from hot to cold water extremely easy. Soaking at night with the brilliant stars of the southern hemisphere aglow is an unforgettable experience. 
    • In the vicinity of the cliff dwellings is a large cliffside dining area, an 18-person wooden hot tub and a second spring-fed swimming pond. The cliff dwellings, hot tub, and dining area are all well hidden from the Futaleufu, yet through the trees they command the river’s most impressive camp view. A series of dramatic hand-hewn log sky bridges, thirty feet off the ground, link the Zeta dining/sleeping area to the main stone shelter so that in times of inclement weather the transition between the two areas is effortless. Downstream from Zeta Rapid is Lost Beach. This beautiful private beach is so tucked away that people float right by it on the main river without ever knowing it is there. The camp also has flush toilets and hot showers.
Day 5 Cave Camp / Tyrolean Traverse / Tree House Camp
  • This morning we set up a dramatic Tyrolean traverse across the river. Wearing climbing harnesses attached to pulleys, participants pull themselves across a rope stretched between sheer granite walls over the heart of Zeta Rapid. Although not risky or particularly strenuous, hanging and then crossing over the Class VI rapid is extremely exhilarating. Upon reaching the other side, we begin climbing out of the inner canyon. The moderately strenuous 1,500-vertical-foot hike takes us past a beautiful 100-foot tributary waterfall and breathtaking views of the river Cave Camp with dramatic peaks rising above it. 
  • After about two hours, we crest the top of the inner canyon and enter a wonderful old growth hardwood forest. Tucked away in the center of this enchanted, moss-draped land of giants is the 10-acre, 50-foot deep Lake of the Frogs. Carved out by a glacier, the lake drops straight off the edge like a giant, bottomless swimming pool. Surrounded by native old-growth forest on three sides and dramatic mountain views on the fourth, this intimate body of water offers wonderful opportunities for swimming and canoeing. A natural wooden deck and a hand-made 16-person hot tub sit on the edge of the lake. For use in case of inclement weather, there is a hand-hewn log gazebo with a fireplace. Just beyond the gazebo, 35 feet up in a majestic closely-knit stand of old growth giants are eight wonderful, hexagon-shaped tree houses. They are connected like spokes of a wheel from one central tree and a circular staircase. These amazing architectural gems are each unique and were hand crafted by a Chilean master carpenter. Each tree house was designed to be self-supporting and not a single nail was placed in the trees. 
  • In the afternoon, there is the option of swimming and relaxing in the hot tub or taking a short hike to the breathtaking Tree House Camp Canyon Overlook. Engulfed by snow-capped mountains on all sides, this spot affords 360-degree views including two gorgeous lakes and seven miles of the turquoise Futaleufu River canyon stretching as far as the eye can see. Condors are frequently seen soaring in the updrafts. We spend the evening suspended above the lower canopy with stunning views of the lake, surrounding forest and mountains.  *Note: Anyone not wishing to do the moderately strenuous hike up to the Tree House Camp may stay at the Cave Camp where there will be a guide and Chef. They may, however take part in the Tyrolean traverse and zip line river crossings. Activities for these people at the cave camp include hiking, horseback riding, kayaking on Laguito Azul, fishing or relaxing in one of the hot tubs.
Day 6: Tree House Camp / Zip Line, Tower Climb & Giant Rappel / Cave Camp
  • This morning, we hike an hour and a half back down to the river. From the trail we can see aerial views of the river, the surrounding canyon, and the majestic Tower of the Winds, which we will be climbing and rappelling down later in the day. The trail ends at a 250-foot zip line. Holding a loop handle attached to a pulley over our heads, we leap off a 25-foot cliff, shooting 250 feet down an angled rope, letting go into the pool below Zeta Rapid. A soak in the nearby 105° F natural stone hot tub is a perfect transition from the 60° F river. On the cliff just above the hot tub, there is a 10- to 42-foot high cliff jump into the aerated blue pool below Zeta Rapid. 
  • Lunch is served near the stone hot tub on the smooth ledges at Zeta. After lunch we receive a climbing safety briefing and put on our climbing harnesses for the Tower climb. For those not wanting to climb, there are the options of hiking, kayaking on the pond, excellent trout fishing or relaxing in the stone hot tub. The Tower climb involves a dynamic three-part rock climb up the backside of the 320-foot granite Torre de los Vientos (Tower of the Winds). No previous climbing experience is necessary, and people of all ages have made the climb. Once on top, we venture out on the dramatic Knife’s Edge, crossing its narrow natural bridge, with sheer 300-foot drop-offs on either side. The views of Zeta Rapid, Laguito Azul and the surrounding canyon from the Knife’s Edge are exquisite and the most impressive found on the river. To descend from the Tower, we do a dramatic 320-foot two-stage rappel (self-lowering by rope) off the Tower’s sheer north wall. For most people, switching ropes at the mid-station is as exhilarating as any of the river’s Class V rapids. An optional, less demanding 100-foot rappel off the backside of the Tower is also available. We spend the night at Cave Camp.
Day 7: Cave Camp / Rio Futaleufu / Rio Blanco Canyoning / Campo Mapu Leufu
  • A short float this morning takes us to unrunnable Throne Room Rapid, where the boats are pushed through empty. The next couple of hours are spent running a series of long, exciting Class IV+ rapids down to the top of Terminador (“Terminator”), the most demanding rapid on the river. After an exciting morning, we stop for lunch on a beach at the confluence of the Futaleufu and turquoise Rio Azul River. After lunch, we paddle some more exciting class IV+ rapids down to the Mapu Leufu Camp. Situated on a secluded bluff, 120 feet over the river with dramatic 360-degree views, this 300-acre camp has over two miles of private riverfront. Hand-hewn wooden cliff dwellings offer breathtaking views of granite towers rising from the turquoise river. Dramatically perched on the cliff is an 18-person wooden hot tub. Meals are served outdoors at the cliff-side dining area with stunning views of granite spires rising from the turquoise river in one direction and glacier-capped, Alp-like peaks in the other. There is also a tributary stream with waterfalls and deep pools. The camp also has flush toilets, hot showers and a hand-hewn gazebo-like shelter and a covered dining area in case of rain. 
  • In the afternoon, we take a manual cable car across the river and spend the rest of the afternoon canyoning through the 400 feet deep Rio Blanco slot canyon. Wearing wetsuits and river shoes we hike, climb, and swim through this incredible natural labyrinth of white boulders, clear azure pools, and waterfalls. Those not wishing to partake in the Rio Blanco canyoning can relax at camp. - This evening we will have a traditional Chilean Asado (sheep roasted over a fire) prepared by our neighbor Sugundo.
Day 8: Campo Mapu Leufu / Rio Futaleufu / Hotel Pangue
  • Today features one the most impressive commercial rafting days anywhere in the world. Within minutes of pushing off, Class V participants enter the Class V+ Terminador Rapid, the most demanding rapid on the river. Immediately downstream of Terminador are the fifteen foot waves of the Himalayas. In this stretch of river the rapids flow together to make nearly a mile and a half of non-stop Class V action.(Class IV participants can hike around the most exposed sections on a beautiful trail and run the rest.) After the Himalayas, there is a series of giant Class IV+ rapids (some nearly a mile long) and two Class V rapids: Cojin (the cushion) and Mundaca. After another long stretch of Class IV+ rapids, we have lunch. In the afternoon, we run two of the most difficult Class V rapids on the river—Mas o Menos and Casa De Piedra. After the last rapid, the canyon boasts some of its most spectacular scenery with grand vistas of towering mountains and glaciers. 
  • This evening we will have a traditional Chilean asado (sheep roasted over a fire) prepared by our neighbor Sugundo.
Day 9: Campo Mapu Leufu/ Puerto Montt/ Santiago
  • This morning after breakfast, we drive one half hours to the Chaiten Airport where we board the commuter flight to Puetro Montt. In Puerto Montt we transfer to our flight back to Santiago and connecting to destinations beyond.
Day 10: Return
  • This morning we arrive in our home countries and transfer to our connecting flights.
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Matt from Austin, TX
This trip was awesome! The guides from Earth River were great and they know what they are doing. They really make the experience and are cool to hang out with around camp. As for the region, Patagonia is beautiful and you really are away from everything. The river is a ton of fun and tackling the Class V rapids of the Fu was well worth it. The hike to Tree Camp was brutal but a lot of fun. The best part of this trip is the itinerary, lots of different things to do. Camps were great, very nice and comfortable. Hot tubs = awesomeness! Food and drink was great all week. Soups are amazing and the Escudo's (local beer) are kept flowing all night. Careful when you go b/c the weather can be bad. I was there in mid-March and it was pretty cold. Also, keep in mind that it takes a while to get there. Once you land in Balmaceda, you still have another 8-9 hours in a van to get to the river. This is broken up with a stay the first night at the hotel...which is lovely and has great food. Overall, great experience! Ask for Peter, Brian or Abner as your guide...they rock!
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Steve on the Rocks from Decatur, GA
I recently went on the Futaleufu Multi Sport trip and it was an unbelievable adventure. The guides made everything seem so easy but in fact they were the some of the hardest working river guides I have ever witnessed. Their rapport with us was seamless and they really made this an adventure that stepped outside of the norm. Great scenery, great people, constant activity, and stimulating conversation. What more could you ask for ! Just dont mock the river !!! This is foot to the pedal , heart stopping white water.
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David from Alabama
This trip combines the White Mile from the Chilko with the scenery of the Grand Canyon. Multi-sport aspect gives you the opportunity to explore more than just the water. Guides are excellent, and treat your safety, as well as overall expectations, as job # 1. Don't know how to top this trip.
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mikechip from Oakland CA
The Fu is one of the worlds greatest adventures - the rafting is BIG water, the hike to the tree house village breathtaking, the hot tubs every night relaxing, the food and drink is 4 star (5 star rafting) the activities exceptional and they guides and overall operations safe, secure, great equipment and best ever. The Fu is good for families as well as groups of adults. Dont miss this trip!
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TRIP INCLUDES
  • Skilled professional guide service 
  • 7 nights camp accommodations in cliff dwelling and tree houses (based on double occupancy)
  • Meals from on day 2 through breakfast on day 9 with beer and wine dinner
  • All activities, instruction and related equipment as outlined in the itinerary
  • Expedition equipment including sleeping bag, flannel, liner, sleeping pad, pillow and case, personal floating device. wet-suit, top-loading duffel bag, and waterproof bag to hold your gear
  • Round trip commuter from from Peurto Montt to Chaiten
  • Ground transportation from Chaiten to the river and back.
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • Flights to and from Santiago/Puerto Montt
  • Pre- and post-trip accommodations and meals
  • Reciprocity tax $140US
  • Airport departure tax $26US(may be included in your airline ticket)
  • Masseuse $45US/hour*
  • Videographer $200US *  (Occasionally on small or overlapping trips a masseuse or videographer may not be present
  • Fishing Gear
  • Insurance if any kind, including mandatory and evacuation coverage
  • Items of personal nature
  • Gratuities
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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