Futaleufú River Expedition in Chile

Your expedition has begun! Take in the beautiful sights of the Andes and Chilean Coast Range mountains as you descend into the Futaleufú Airport (FFU). A local guide will be waiting to meet and transfer you to your adventure base camp which has “safari-style” bungalows overlooking the Futaleufú River. 

After settling in, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to relax in the hot tub, enjoy mocktails on the deck, or bike ride through the forest. You will re-group in the evening for delicious Chilean cuisine at candle-light with your local guides. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions about your upcoming student tour. 

Rise and shine, today is a river day! Enjoy a pre-breakfast yoga class with spectacular views. After breakfast, it’s time to launch your raft into the river. The white rapids will begin calmly and slowly become wilder as the trip continues. Make sure to soak up the surrounding nature and wildlife in this world-renowned destination. Stop for lunch on giant boulders and enjoy some afternoon fishing. The next three hours will be floating happy hour so be sure to enjoy a refreshing swim. After your ride, a bus will pick you up and bring you back to basecamp. 

Today, you’re off to the stables to enjoy a horseback-riding adventure. Expert equestrians and your local guides will ride with you alongside the Fualeufú River. Stop for a picnic lunch. You can, then, take a 30-minute hike up to Cascada waterfall (recognized as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world). After taking some time to relax, saddle up and head back to camp to enjoy some cold beverages in the hot tub. 

Much of the plant life in Patagonia is under threat. A professional botanist will join your excursion to educate you on the nature that you ride by. You will also get the opportunity to plant seeds of endangered plants species during your free-time.  

Today, you will become an expert at steering your own inflatable kayak. From the canyon of Rio Azul, you will experience one of the most scenic expeditions of your travels. Choose between level I or II (easy to moderate) rapids or level III or IV (challenging) rapids to suit your comfort level. While your destiny is in your hands, guides will be there to coach you along the way. Enjoy mountain biking or fishing in the afternoon. 

Get ready for an adventurous day ahead as your guides will lead you on a hike to a secret camp nestled in the blue lagoon. At your leisure, enjoy swimming, stone caves, and a hidden beach. You’ll be provided with the opportunity to rock climb and rappel down a 200-meter cliff and zip line across the rapid river.   

On this expedition, you will have the unique opportunity to view untouched natural scenery. Take a moment to imagine what this location would look like in 20, 50, or 100 years if climate change and deforestation continues in the rapid rate that it does today. 

For our final day on the river, we must be physically and mentally prepared. For five straight miles, you will raft as a group down non-stop rapids called “The Terminator.” This will be the most stringent and prolonged raft of your expedition, as well as an intense aerobic workout. Finally, when the waters calm, soak up the views of the snow-capped “Las Tres Monjas” mountains. 

You will spend the evening with your local guides and enjoyed a traditional Chilean Asado (roasted lamb, potatoes, and fresh bread). 

Get an early start to your final day, and eat your last breakfast along the river reflecting on your time with friends and guides. After packing, you will be transported to the local airport to fly home. We hope to see you again soon!