This camp, which we have all to ourselves, as we do our other camps, has a mile of private riverfront on the Futaleufu and sits on a dramatic bluff over the raging river. Hidden in the trees here are 12 two-person wooden cliff dwellings, open to the elements, with platforms for sleeping bags and a bird’s-eye view. Near the center of camp is a wooden deck scribed around trees and giant rocks. A trail from the deck leads down to the water’s edge where there is a natural stone couch. Dinner is served on a peninsula of granite that juts out into the river. The camp also has a shared shower and bathroom facility, a gazebo shelter, and a covered dining area in case of rain.

The main shelter here, referred to by locals as the “house of stone,” is not actually a cave. It is formed by a massive overhanging slab of white granite that rests on two boulders. There is a sand floor below, a natural sky light above, and a giant fireplace against the rear wall. The most popular places to put your sleeping bags at Cave Camp are in 18 open-air cliff platforms perched in the massive boulders and cliffs above Zeta Rapid. Each platform is open-air on the river side, offering an amazing view of the tumultuous water.

Situated on a secluded bluff over the river with 360-degree views of glaciers and towering mountains, Campo Mapu Leufu’s cliff dwellings and dinning area offer stunning views of granite spires rising from the turquoise river. There is a lovely pond for swimming and kayaking, a spectacular canyoneering canyon, and a 16-person hot tub constructed of cypress logs and heated by a wood fire. The setting of the tub and the 16 private hand-hewn wooden cliff dwellings, perched at the edge of a 100-foot cliff with aerial views of the river, are one of the camp’s main attractions. There is also a large gazebo shelter with a fireplace. As in the other camps, we have exclusive use of this camp.