futaleufu chile hiking tour

Glacier above Lake Yelcho, Futaleufu, Chile

Glacier-draped peaks surround the mighty Futaleufu River. We head out on the trail for wonderful day hikes with overnights in spectacular private campsites that include treehouses and natural stone hot tubs.

Photo by Leon Werdinger

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Futaleufu Adventure route-map

Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $3995   see pricing
Length: 8 days
Arrive: Balmaceda, Chile
Depart: Balmaceda, Chile
Lodging: 1 night hotel, 2 nights in wilderness lodge, 4 nights in exclusive private camps with flush toilets
Meals: All meals included
Activity: Hiking / Trekking
Trip Level: Moderate to strenuous hiking, 2-6 hours a day, numerous optional multi-sport activities
4 explain

Highlights

  • Spectacular mountain trekking alongside a translucent turquoise river
  • Virgin hardwood forests, snow-capped Patagonian towers
  • Four exclusive Wilderness Travel camps complete with hot tubs and treehouses for sleeping
  • Choice of activities: hiking, kayaking, rafting, canyoneering, rock climbing, rappelling, zip line and Tyrolean traverse


I was blown away by Patagonia and enjoyed the variety of activities and landscapes. There were so many highlights. Better yet, we met some fine folks on the trip.George F.—Pleasanton, CA

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

Imagine Caribbean-colored water, grander rapids than the Colorado, scenery on a scale rivaling Alaska, no bugs, and summertime from December through March! The Futaleufu 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 Futaleufu as “right out of Avatar!” Our unique multi-sport adventure uses a gorgeous trail system (no motorized vehicles) to connect four exotic, remote camps and the multitude of activities they offer, from rafting and kayaking to hiking. This exotic Patagonian trip just might be the world’s wildest, most comfortable camping expedition—camp amenities include wood-fired hot tubs, flush toilets, and hot showers! Stunning views abound on this magical adventure, 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

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Days 1-2
Balmaceda, Chile / Queulat National Park

From Balmaceda, we head out to mountainous Queulat National Park, with its enormous forests of coigue and nalca trees and impressive snow-capped mountains. Hike to a viewpoint overlooking a spectacular glacier, with an overnight at a fishing lodge on Lago Risopatron.

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

Our trek starts with a hike to Tres Monjas Camp, set in a shady grove among flowering fuschias, has hand-hewn log cabins and a wood-fired hot tub by the river. The next day we hike along the roaring Futaleufu to Cave Camp, we feast our eyes on the roiling turquoise waters and the backdrop of Alps-like peaks. At Cave Camp we sleep in open-air cliff platforms above the mighty Zeta Rapid and enjoy another wonderful hot tub, ideal for star-gazing under the brilliant stars of the Southern Hemisphere. On Day 5, we reach Treehouse Camp, with an exciting option for a Tyrolean traverse or a raft trip. Treehouse Camp is suspended above the forest canopy with fantastic views of snow-capped peaks. Those who want can take an optional hike up to Condor Mountain, where we may see condors soaring in the updrafts.

Days 6-8
Campo Mapu Leufu / Junta

We can either hike or raft to Campo Mapu Leufu, set on a secluded bluff over the river with 360-degree views of glaciers and towering granite spires. There’s a crystal-clear pond here for swimming and kayaking. Our farewell to the Fu is a relaxing journey by inflatable kayaks along this magnificent river. Overnight on Day 7 at a lodge in Junta and depart on Day 8 via Balmaceda.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extension:

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; likewise, the winds can also create dry, dusty conditions. Because of the unpredictable weather, we may adjustment the itinerary and hiking options when necessary.

Explanation of Trip Levels

 

Departures

Future dates have not been set for this itinerary. Please contact us if you would like to be notified of trip dates once they are available.

Tour Costs

Prices valid through Spring 2012
$3995 (10-15 members)
$4395 (6-9 members)
Single supplement: $300
Forced single supplement: $150
Chilean Reciprocity Fee: $140 (pay in Chile)

more on pricing

Extension Costs
Paine National Park Extension
   from: $2495

Tour Cost Includes:

  • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
  • Accommodations in hotels, comfortable cabins, and camps
  • Land and boat transportation
  • All meals included
  • Sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and flannel sleeping sheet sacks
  • Sightseeing as noted in the Full Trip Brochure

Tour Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, internal flights between Santiago and Balmaceda, transfers for independent arrival or departure, airport departure taxes, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, additional hotel nights that may be necessitated by airline schedule changes or other factors, U.S. citizen “reciprocity” visitor fee (currently $131—collected upon entering Chile), pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, passports and visas, and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

Trip Payment Schedule

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure: 20%
60 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule

Minimum fee: None
46-90 days prior: 25% of land cost
45 days or less: 100% of land cost

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extension:

Chile

Paine National Park Extension

Granite Towers, Huge Glaciers, Iceberg-Dotted Lakes

Hiking / Trekking, Wildlife & Natural History
5 days  -  Level 2

Client Comments

I was blown away by Patagonia and enjoyed the variety of activities and landscapes. There were so many highlights. Better yet, we met some fine folks on the trip. George F., Pleasanton, CA It was a marvelous trip, extraordinary country, beautifully and discreetly organized, wonderful care for all trip members. It was all due to the generosity and experience of Robert Currie and his family. And on top of all that - what a landscape. Mason S., Cambridge, MA It was extremely well done. Well organized, well executed, the food fantastic, the campsites great. We all agreed that this was the best trip we’ve taken. It was really spectacular. Charles H., Greensboro, NC
The variety of experiences was excellent, from hiking to horseback riding to whitewater rafting and canyoneering. Ann K., New York, NY The best organized trip I’ve ever been on. Our group became a team and a family. I’m sold on WT! John C., Indianapolis, IN The camps on the Futaleufu were truly heaven. The hot tubs were an awesome surprise! Jane N., Emerald Hills, CA