Futaleufu Adventure

Imagine grander rapids than the Colorado, scenery on a scale rivaling Alaska, no bugs, and summertime from December through March! The Futaleufú adventure in northern Patagonia is a marvelous journey along a translucent ribbon of aquamarine water flowing through a primeval forest below snow-capped peaks and soaring Patagonian towers. Recently trip members have been describing the scenery of the Futaleufú as “right out of Avatar.” Our unique multi-sport adventure uses a gorgeous trail system to connect five exotic, remote camps and the multitude of activities they offer, from rafting and kayaking to hiking—and we have these camps all to ourselves! This exotic Patagonian trip just might be the world’s wildest, most comfortable camping expedition—camp amenities include flush toilets and hot showers. Stunning views abound, and all multi-sport activities are designed for novices, opening up this amazing part of Patagonia to anyone in reasonably good shape with a spirit of adventure.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Puerto Varas, Chile / Puerto Montt / Chaiten / Terminador Camp

Fly to Puerto Montt, where you are met and transferred to the nearby town of Puerto Varas on the shores of Lago Llanquihue. The next day, we fly over fjords and rainforest to the small town of Chaitén and drive to our trailhead for a hike to our first camp, Terminador, with its mile of private riverfront on the roiling Futaleufu.

Days 3-5
Tres Monjas Camp / Cave Camp / Treehouse Camp

We hike to Tres Monjas Camp, set near the confluence of the Rio Azul and the Futaleufu, continuing the next day along the Futaleufu River to spectacular Cave Camp, feasting our eyes on the turquoise waters of the roaring river and the backdrop of Alps-like snow-capped peaks. At times, our trail is carved right out of a cliff face hundreds of feet above the Fu. From this camp, we offer an optional climb of Torre de los Vientos (Tower of the Winds), a 300-foot granite tower. On Day 5, our trails bring us to Treehouse Camp, suspended above the forest canopy with fantastic views, with an optional hike up Condor Mountain.

Days 6-8
Campo Mapu Leufu / Lago Yelcho Lodge / Puerto Montt

Our last hike brings us to Campo Mapu Leufu (either by hiking or a whitewater rafting). On Day 7, a 1.5-hour kayaking journey on a placid section of the Futaleufu is our farewell to the river, and we overnight at Lago Yelcho Lodge on beautiful Lago Yelcho, a world-class trout-fishing lake. The next day, we drive to Chaitén, fly to Puerto Montt, and onward to Santiago for departure

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What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 4, Moderate to Strenuous. Hikes range from two to six hours, and there are additional hiking options available at most of our camps. Although the hiking is at low elevations (never above 2,500 feet), some of the route is on rough trails, so trip members must be fit, in good condition, steady on their feet, and able to negotiate steep, rock-strewn ascents and descents. In Patagonia, rain is possible any time and can make some trails muddy and slippery. Because of the unpredictable weather, we may adjustment the itinerary and hiking options when necessary.

Explanation of Trip Levels