Rio Futaleufu river rafting
The Río Futaleufú is no ordinary river. Born in Argentina’s Los Alerces National Park, it carves its way west into Chile through a landscape of snow-capped peaks, emerald forests, and untouched Patagonian wilderness before ultimately reaching the coastal town of Chaitén.
Its name, from the local Mapuche language, means “Great River” and it more than lives up to it. The astonishingly clear waters of the “Fu” surge through deep canyons and remote valleys, creating some of the most powerful, exhilarating white water on the planet.
This journey is designed to immerse you in the magic, beauty, and culture of Patagonia. While the northern hemisphere settles into winter, you’ll be lounging on the porch of your cabin, glass of Chilean red in hand, soaking up the southern summer. The distant rumble of the next rapid echoes through the valley, a reminder of the adventures still to come.
Often described by locals as “a place so lovely it must have been painted by God,” the Futaleufú is a destination that stays with you long after you’ve returned home. This is Patagonia at its most inspiring. Wild, warm, and utterly unforgettable.
Itinerary & Map
Arrive in Santiago, Chile. After completing customs, board your domestic flight to Puerto Montt. Transfer to the scenic town of Puerto Varas on Lago Llanquihue. Overnight in Cabanas Del Lago Hotel.
included: Dinner
Take a short, scenic flight to Chaiten. We then drive through the temperate rainforest, passing countless waterfalls and hanging glaciers surrounded by jagged mountain peaks! We will pause for a short hike and a picnic lunch in Pumalin National Park. Arrive early afternoon at camp: camp orientation, swim, hot tub, and welcome happy hour.
Included: All meals
Awaken to the sounds of nature and a hearty breakfast followed by a thorough safety talk before heading out onto the “Bridge to Bridge” section of the river. We will immediately plunge into the exhilarating white water of ‘Pillow Wave” and ‘Mundaca”. A thrilling first day on the river, but this is only the beginning.
Included: All meals
Enjoy morning coffee looking out from your cabana over the clear waters running quite literally beneath you. Today we will head towards Inferno Canyon for some adrenaline surging white water. But also some glorious flat sections to sit back and enjoy the feeling of complete remoteness before challenging the might of “El Throno”. A well-deserved tipple awaits us back at camp.
Included: All meals
We have another great day ahead of us. A few, fun warm up rapids before we reach the legendary “Terminator”…. it’s bigger than big. And if that isn’t enough for you there is the superb “Khyber Pass” and the hugely exciting “Himalayas” to finish the day. On our return to camp we enjoy a sumptuous meal washed down with a Pisco Sour or a glass of fine Chilean red wine.
Included: All meals
An opportunity to try your hand at fly-fishing. Or, for those of your wanting something more active, there is plenty of trekking routes and some wonderful horseback riding trails, catering for all abilities including beginners. Or simply sit back and relax at camp, the choice is yours.
Included: All meals
A refreshing blast through Mundaca to make sure we are truly awake before another amazing stretch of white water including “The Fish Bowl” and “House Rock”. This evening, you will experience real Chilean hospitality with a traditional ‘Asado’ cooked by our local Chilean friends and have time to recount stories from the past week, on one of the best white water rivers in the world.
Included: All Meals
Today is “Summit Day” where we run the best sections possible on the river. Normally we start at the Rio Azul and run down through Terminator all the way to Casa de Piedra, one of the greatest days white water rafting possible.
Included: All meals
Early morning drive back to Chaiten and 45 min. flight back to Puerto Montt. Take connecting flights home or to your next destination.
Included: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
| Dates & Reserve Spot | Duration |
|---|---|
| Thursday 18 December 2025 - Friday 26 December 2025 Total Cost: $6650 | £4995 | €5895 | 9 days |
| Sunday 28 December - Monday 5 January 2026 Total Cost: $6650 | £4995 | €5895 | 9 days |
| Saturday 17 January 2026 - Sunday 25 January 2026 Total Cost: $6650 | £4995 | €5895 | 9 days |
| Tuesday 27 January 2026 - Wednesday 4 February 2026 Total Cost: $6650 | £4995 | €5895 | 9 days |
| Tuesday 17 February 2026 - Wednesday 25 February 2026 Total Cost: $6650 | £4995 | €5895 | 9 days |
| Friday 27 February 2026 - Saturday 7 March 2026 Total Cost: $6650 | £4995 | €5895 | 9 days |
What you should bring
We find most of our clients have in their posession already what is needed for a river journey. We have broken down here the items into what you’ll need on the river and in camp. An equipment list of what you will require for your adventure will be sent to you prior to your departure.
Download equipment file- A pair of Chacos / Keens or similar sandals. (Sandals with a closed toe are ideal)
- 2 pairs of river shorts (longer leg length) shorts can be purchased from our online Water Shop.
- 2 Swimming costumes or bikinis for ladies.
- 2 rash vests (not cotton) or long sleeved top to wear under your personal flotation device.
- A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off – can be purchased from our online Water Shop.
- Sunglasses.
- Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head – can be purchased on line or from your river crew.
- 1 Litre Nalgene / Sigg or similar water bottle.
- Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat.
- Waterproof camera such as GoPro for the ‘action’ shots
- Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF30 minimum.
- Lightweight neutral coloured long trousers.
- Lightweight tops – long sleeved shirt or t shirt.
- 1 pair of Shorts.
- Fleece jumper / sweatshirt.
- Sarong.
- Wide brimmed sun hat.
- Underwear.
- A 4-season sleeping bag for August departures, 3-season sleeping bag for September onwards. (Can be hired in advance)
- Travel Pillow.
- Light weight down jacket for August departures.
- Flip flops for wearing around camp.
- Thermal top and bottoms. (Good to sleep in)
- 1 pair of light weight neutral coloured trousers
- 1 long sleeved top or t shirt neutral coloured.
- Fleece or jumper.
- T shirt and shorts for day wear.
- Light weight down jacket for August departures.
- Wide brimmed sun hat.
- Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
- Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
- Forget the cosmetics and hair dryer! But we do suggest moisturizer.
- Hand wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitiser.
- Small pack towel.
- Headlamp or head torch with spare batteries.
- Any medication you may be taking.
- Anti malarial medication.
- Insect repellent.
- Blister plasters.
- Your favourite book/kindle or a journal for recording your river memories.
- Sketchpad.
- Binoculars.
- Photographic or video equipment. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere.
- Spare memory card.
- Solar or portable charger.
- Zip lock bags to keep valuables dry and sand free.
- Rehydration tablets (Phizz, Nuun and O.R.S are easily available)
- The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, DVD, personal items and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink. Please remember that many of the countries we visit do offer Credit Card and ATM facilities and for a small charge you can withdraw cash either from your account or Credit Card for convenience.
- If you wish to pass on a gratuity to your guide we leave this entirely up to you.
- Basically, we advise you to keep things as light as possible, without skimping on the necessities. It is great to bring back a load of goodies for everybody back at home.
- Tents, sleeping mats.
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