Rafting the Futaleufu River
The Futaleufu River is one the world's premiere white water rafting rivers. Located in the remote and pristine Patagonia region of Chile, the Futaleufu River is regarded as the best white water experience in South America.
With 64km of raftable white water, the river is divided into an upper section called Inferno Canyon and a lower section that starts from Terminator Rapid and ends at Casa de Piedra.
In Inferno Canyon, a string of four Class V rapids surge through a narrow gorge that compresses the energy of the river over a 5km stretch. Be prepared for holes, chutes, falls, slides and water trains amid boulders and ledges, all surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.
The river alternates between granite cliffs, lush foliage, snow-capped peaks and towering spires on its way through the lush Chilean rainforest.
River class Grade III to V+
Boat type Oar-paddle assisted raft
Rating and length Moderate to challenging (you need to be able to paddle for three hours a day); 64km
Time frame From one to 10 days
Gradient 6m per km
Elevation 365m
Accommodation Mix of riverside lodges and camps available
Best time to kayak
Usually from December to April, during the Patagonian summer; average temperatures vary from 21˚C to 27 ºC, depending on altitude
Other activities – Kayaking, horseback riding, fly-fishing, climbing, rappelling, canyoneering, mountain biking and hiking
Top attractions nearby
Puerto Varas – Located on the south shore of Lago Llanquihue, Puerto Varas offers beautiful 19th century German mansions, exquisite cuisine and stunning natural scenery, making the town a great place for relaxing, strolling picturesque beaches and dining at some of the finest restaurants in Chile.
Chiloe Island – Experience authentic Chilean culture and discover colourful stilted homes, quaint fishing villages and stunning scenery. At Ancud, browse the celebrated weekly market for some of the finest Chilean woollens, sold at bargain prices.
Explore Castro, a picturesque town located in the centre of the island and noted for stilted homes perched over the gulf, century-old wooden churches and magnificent views of Pumalin National Park’s snow-clad volcanoes.
Pucon – Located between the white peak of Volcan Villarica and the black sand beaches of Lago Villicara, this small tourist town boasts hot springs, a variety of restaurants and night clubs and numerous activities including hiking, rafting and canyoning. |