Highlights
- Raft incredible Class 4 whitewater rapids such as the Puente Colgante, Mundaca and Alfombra Magica and the awe-inspiring Class 5 Infierno Canyon.
- Stay at the Tree house camp built by a Chilean master carpenter as you take in a 360-degree view that includes two gorgeous lakes and seven miles of the turquoise Futaleufu River canyon stretching as far as the eye can see.
- Kayak Caribbean blue water as you drift down Chile's marvelous Futaleufu river.
- Relax in hot tubs while enjoying the most beautiful country scenery while one of our chefs arrange a dinner of Chilean food and wine in a romantic setting.
- Hike up trails to awe inspiring views of the Chilean's incredible 360-degree views of Futaleufu river and the gorgeous natural wonder of Chile's dense natural wildlife.
Full Description
An intoxicatingly beautiful trip down Chile's Futaleufu River, partaking in breathless views, exhilarating rapids and Caribbean blue water.
Come discover the truly remote Futaleufu of Northern Patagonia, Chile, 1,000 miles south of Santiago along the Argentine border. There was no road to this area until 1980 and the only access was through Argentina. The first descent of the river was attempted in 1986, which made it as far as Terminator Rapid where they were forced to abandon the expedition when a boat flipped.
Earth River made the first complete raft descent of the river in 1991 with Eric Hertz and Randy Porpiglia guiding the boats. The company began running the first commercial trips the following year. In 1994 Earth River introduced a training day and the use of safety catarafts, the first time they had been used for safety on a commercial trip. The Cave Camp was established in 1994, Mapu Leufu Camp in 1994 and Tree House Camp in 2000. Less than 2,000 people have ever rafted the whitewater section of the Futaleufu. By comparison, 20,000 people raft through the Grand Canyon every season.
No previous whitewater rafting experience is necessary, and during 10 days on the river we'll also have a chance to hike, climb and rappel, explore canyons and undertake horseback excursions. This trip follows the Futaleufu for 60 miles of raging rapids, awe-inspiring views, and tree top camps. Relax in a hot tub with Chile's natural wonder as chefs prepare a meal of Chilean food and wine after a epic day of class four and five rapids. While the trip lasts for ten days the impact of the world's premiere whitewater river will make a mark on you forever.
The most difficult part of the trip is a 3-hour hike to Tree House Camp, which ascends 1,400 vertical feet, and is worth every step. On the river expect water temperatures around 60 degrees, with clear large-volume flows of 9,000 to 16,000 C.F.S (cubic feet per second).
We'll take in wildlife along the way, and don't be surprised to see condors, puma, an endangered species of elk called the wamule, ibis, salmon and trout. Beyond a one-night hotel stay in Puerto Montt, throughout the trip we'll stay in private, remote campes complete with modern ammenities such as running water, flush toiletes, fresh linens, hot tubs and chefs and masseauses on hand.
Beyond the lack of tourists, the Futaleufu brings with it Caribbean colored water, better rapids than the Colorado, scenery rivaling Alaska, no bugs, and a summer season that stretches from December to March. Traveling with Earth River means you'll also get the world's most exotic private camps with amenities including stone riverside hot tubs, tree houses, cliff dwellings, natural stone shelters with fire places.
Includes:
- Ground transportation from Balmaceda to the river and back
- Hotels at the beginning and end of the trip
- Sotar rafts, wetsuits, type 5 life jackets, paddles
- 3 - 1 client guide ratio
- 4 exclusive Earth River wilderness camps (3,000 acres)
- Cliff dwellings with beds & tree houses (no tents)
- Swimming/kayaking ponds or lakes, every camp
- Side creek waterfalls & swimming holes every camp
- Spectacular outdoor cliff-side dining every night
- Hot tubs every night
- Sleeping bags, thick mattress pads & pillows
- Chef-prepared meals, Chilean wine, beer & soda
- Tyrolean traverse rock climbing, rappelling and zipline gear and instruction
- Canyoneering, kayak, mountain bike and horse riding opportunities
Excludes:
- R/t flights from U.S. to Balmaceda, Chile
- Professional masseuse ($45 per hour, $25 _ hour)
- River guide tips (typically 5% of trip cost)
- Professionally shot trip DVD ($185)
Day by Day Itinerary
DAY 1: U.S. / SANTIAGO
Participants take an *evening flight (on their own) from the United States to Santiago. *PLEASE NOTE: Flights from the U.S. to Balmaceda, Chile are not included.
DAY 2: SANTIAGO / BALMACEDA / HOTEL PANGUE
Upon arriving in Santiago this morning and passing through customs, you transfer (on your own) to your flight south to Balmaceda. NOTE: In the afternoon you arrive in Balmaceda and meet, Maria, the Earth River guide. Boarding the Earth River bus, we drive to the wonderful small Chilean city of Coyhaique and then through central Patagonia's spectacular Quelat National Park, known for its rain forest wilds, clear raging rivers, snow-capped peaks and unique flaura and fauna. In the evening we reach the comfortable Hotel Pangue, on beautiful Lago Risopatron, where we spend the night.
DAY 3: RIO FUTALEUFU (INFLATABLE KAYAKING) / RIO FUTALEUFU (RAFT TRAINING) / TERMINADOR CAMP
This morning we drive to our inflatable kayak put-in on the class 2 (beginner level) lower Futaleufu River. After a kayak training lesson, we beginpaddling the stunning, teal/turquoise colored river. We have lunch at the takeout and then drive and drive 15 minutes to the Terminador Camp trailhead and hike into the camp. Amile hike takes us into the camp's interior (Personal bags are transported by ox cart.). The first of Earth River's four stunning private camps on the Futaleufu, the Terminador Camp, has a mile of private river front and sits on a dramatic bluff over the raging river. A beautiful trail winds through the trees the entire length of the camp offering stunning views of the mile long rapid which churns the water into every imaginable shade of azure, white and turquoise. Hidden in the trees are 14 private, two person, hand-hewn wooden cliff dwellings each with beds and a bird's eye view of the surging flow, which creates dozens of waterfalls as it spills over giant, sculpted white granite boulders. Located near the center of the camp is an 18-person wooden hot tub with a cypress deck and a view, which rivals the Zeta cliffside hot tub at Cave Camp. The deck is scribed around trees and giant rocks and tucked behind a truck size boulder that acts as both a screen from the river and a natural veranda. Sitting or standing a person is above the top of the rock and sees an unimpeded view up and down the entire mile long rapid and surrounding canyon. A trail from the deck leads down to the water's edge where there is a natural stone couch. This river-carved smooth granite boulder has natural seats with backrests for 5 or a person lying down. A peninsula of granite that juts out into the river and the bottom of the camp which affords a view of the entire mile long avalanche of rock and water as it races down the impressive staircase. A professional masseuse, chef and videographer accompany most expeditions. That evening we have a welcome dinner. *NOTE: Camp amenities have been added in such a way as to not take away from the wild nature of the river and expedition. Sleeping bags, flannel sleeping sheets, pillows and thick sleeping pads are included at no additional charge. With the exception of the masseuse and the professionally shot and edited trip DVD, everything day you arrive in Balmaceda until your back to Balmaceda at the trip's conclusion is included in the cost.
DAY 4: RIO FUTALEUFU / EARTH RIVER CAVE CAMP
In the morning we hike (half an hour) out to dirt road half an hour to our put-in on the middle Futaleufu River. After a rafting safety talk, we begin our raft training by doing a swim test and flip-drill in a koving pool on the river. (The drill is optional for Class 4 participants.) We then run a series of long, powerful Class 4+ rapids including; Puente Colgante , Mundaca and Alfombra Magica . In the afternoon we take out and drive an hour to the put-in on the upper river. Soon we enter the wild, sheer-walled Class 5 Infierno Canyon. Racing between imposing walls, hundreds of feet high, the pulsing river boasts some of the most impressive commercially run rapids in the world including Infierno, Purgatorio and Escala de Jacobo. (NOTE: Class 4 participants have the option of riding a horse (accomplished riders only) or hiking on a stunning trail around the canyon down to lunch.) Each rapid in Infierno canyon is separated by a swift pool which allows enough time for rescue and recovery if necessary. In the early afternoon everyone rafts down to Campo Casa de Piedra, running one challenging class 4 rapid, Son of Zeta. The 1,000 acre Earth River Cave Camp is the most exotic and diverse river camp in the world. Not a cave in the true sense, but a massive overhanging white granite slab that rests on two boulders, the main stone shelter is referred to by the locals as the House of Stone. There is a sand floor, two large, natural skylights and giant centrally located fireplace in the rear wall that draws smoke through a crack. With an interior space of over 1,600 square feet, this natural wonder is large enough to ride a horse inside and can keep the entire group warm and dry under any conditions. Meals are served here during times of inclement weather. In front of the main stone shelter is a beautiful spring-fed pond/lake called Laguito Azul (Little Blue Lake). Set within a bowl of massive granite towers as high as 300 feet and surrounded by lush vegetation, Laguito Azul resembles a giant Japanese garden. Its brilliant blue water is so pure you can drink it and so clear you can see giant German brown trout and salmon of up to 25 pounds swimming 30 feet down. Kayaks are available and gliding over the transparent water feels almost surreal. A few hundred feet beyond Laguito Azul rages the most spectacular rapid on the river, Zeta, a Class 5-6, Z-shaped flume cut into solid granite. Just downstream of Zeta, carved into the granite by the river in higher flows, is a heart-shaped, three-foot deep water-filled pothole, which we heat to 105 degrees. With smooth, 45 degree sloping walls to lean against and fresh water every day, this chemical-free stone hot tub comfortably fits twelve people. The smooth granite ledges around the tub are ideal for relaxing and slope gently into the calm aerated blue pool below Zeta making transition from hot to cold water extremely easy. Soaking at night with the brilliant stars of the granite slot is something you'll never forget. In the vicinity of the cliff dwellings is a large cliffside dining area, 18 person wooden hot tub and a second spring-fed swimming pond . The cliff dwellings, hot tub and dining area are all well hidden from the Futaleufu, yet through the trees they command the river's most impressive camp view . A series of dramatic hand-hewn log sky bridges , 30 feet off the ground, link the Zeta dining/sleeping area to the main stone shelter so that in times of inclement weather the transition between the two areas is effortless. Downstream from Zeta Rapid is Lost Beach . This private beach is so tucked away that people float right by it on the main river without ever knowing it is there. The camp also has flush toilets and hot showers.
DAY 5: CAVE CAMP / TYROLEAN TRAVERSE / TREE HOUSE CAMP
This morning we set up a dramatic Tyrolean traverse across the river. Wearing a climbing harness attached to a pulley, participants pull themselves across a rope stretched between sheer granite walls over the heart of Zeta Rapid. Although not risky or particularly strenuous, hanging and then crossing over the class 6 rapid is extremely exhilarating. Upon reaching the other side, we begin climbing out of the inner canyon. The moderately strenuous 1,500 vertical foot hike takes us past a beautiful 100 foot tributary waterfall and breathtaking views of the river and Cave Camp with dramatic peaks rising above it. After two hours we crest the top of the inner canyon and enter a wonderful old growth hardwood forest. Tucked away in the center of this enchanted, moss-draped land of giants is a 10 acre, 50 foot deep Lake of the Frogs. Cut out by the glacier, the lake drops straight off the edge like a giant, bottomless swimming pool. Surrounded by native old growth forest on three sides, with dramatic mountain views on the fourth, this intimate body of water offers wonderful opportunities for swimming and canoeing (there are two canoes). A natural wood deck and a hand made 16 person hot tub sits on the edge of the lake. Hidden back in the trees is a hand-hewn log gazebo structure with a fireplace in case of inclement weather. Just beyond the gazebo, 35 feet up in a majestic closely-knit stand of old growth giants are 8 wonderful, hexagon shaped tree houses. They are connected like the spokes of a wheel from one central tree and a circular staircase. These amazing architectural gems are each unique and were hand crafted by a Chilean master carpenter. Each tree house was designed to be self-supported and not a single nail was placed into the trees. In the afternoon there is the option of swimming and relaxing in the hot tub or taking a short hike to the breathtaking Tree House Camp Canyon Overlook. Engulfed by snow-capped mountains on all sides, this wonderful spot affords us 360 degree views including two gorgeous lakes and seven miles of the turquoise Futaleufu River canyon stretching as far as the eye can see. Condors are frequently seen soaring in the updrafts. We spend the evening above the lower canopy with stunning views of the lake, surrounding forest and mountains.
DAY 6: TREE HOUSE CAMP / CAVE CAMP (ZIP LINE, CLIFF JUMP, TOWER CLIMB & GIANT RAPPEL)
This morning we hike an hour and a half back down to the river. From the trail we can see aerial views of the river, surrounding canyon and the majestic Tower of the Winds which we will be climbing and rappelling down later in the day. The trail ends at a 250 foot zip line. Like a giant ""fun ride"" we hold a loop handle attached to a pulley over our heads and leap off a 25 foot cliff, shooting 250 feet down an angled rope letting go into the pool below Zeta Rapid. A soak in the nearby 105 degree natural stone hot tub is the perfect transition from the 60 degree river. On the cliff just above the hot tub there is a 10 to 42 foot high cliff jump into the aerated blue pool below Zeta Rapid. The aerated water cushions the impact by nearly half. Lunch that day is served near the stone hot tub on the smooth ledges at Zeta. After lunch we receive a climbing safety briefing and put on our climbing harnesses for the Tower climb. For those people not wishing to make the climb, there are the options of hiking, kayaking on the pond, excellent trout fishing or relaxing in the stone hot tub. The tower climb involves a dynamic three-part rock climb up the backside of the 320 foot granite Torre de los Vientos (Tower of the Winds). No previous climbing experience is necessary, and people from 5 to 78 years old have made the climb. Once on top, we venture out on the dramatic Knife's Edge, crossing its narrow natural bridge, with sheer 300 foot drop offs on either side. The views of Zeta Rapid, Laguito Azul and the surrounding canyon from the Knife's Edge are exquisite and among the most impressive found on the river. To descend from the tower we do a dramatic, 320 foot, two-stage rappel (self lowering by rope) off the Tower's sheer north wall. For most people switching ropes at the mid-station is as exhilarating as any of the river's class 5 rapids. An optional, less demanding, 100 ft. rappel off the back side of the tower is also available. We spend the night at the cave camp.
DAY 7: CAVE CAMP / RIO FUTALEUFU / CAMPO MAPU LEUFU
A short float this morning takes us to unrunnable Throne Room Rapid where the boats are pushed through empty (ghost boated). The next couple of hours are spent running a series of long, exciting class 4+ rapids, down to lunch on a beach at the confluence of the Futaleufu and turquoise Rio Azul River. After lunch we paddle some more exciting class 4+ rapids down to the Earth River Mapu Leufu Camp. Situated on a secluded bluff, 120 feet over the river with dramatic 360 degree views, this 300-acre camp has over two miles of private riverfront. Hand-hewn wooden cliff dwellings offer breathtaking views of granite towers rising from the turquoise river. Dramatically perched on the cliff is an 18-person wooden hot tub. Meals are served outdoors at the cliff-side dining area with stunning views of granite spires rising from the turquoise river in one direction and glacier-capped, Alp-like peaks in the other. There is also a tributary stream with waterfalls and deep pools. The camp also has flush toilets, hot showers, a hand-hewn gazebo-like shelter and a covered dining area if it rains. In the afternoon, we take a manual cable car across the river and spend the rest of the afternoon canyoning through the 400 foot deep Rio Blanco slot canyon. Wearing wetsuits and river shoes, we hike, climb, and swim through this incredible natural labyrinth of white boulders, clear azure pools and waterfalls. Those people not wishing to partake in the Rio Blanco canyoning, can relax at camp. That evening we have a traditional Chilean Asado (roasted sheep over a fire) prepared by our local neighbor, Sugundo.
DAY 8: RIO FUTALEUFU / HOTEL PANGUE
Today is one the most impressive commercial rafting days in the world. * Within minutes of pushing off we enter class 5+ Terminador Rapid, the most demanding rapid on the river. Immediately downstream of Terminador are the 15 foot waves of the Himalayas. In this stretch the rapids flow together making nearly a mile and a half of non-stop Class 5 action. (Class 4 clients can hike around the most exposed sections on a beautiful trail and run the rest). After the Himalayas there is a series of giant Class 4+ rapids (some nearly a mile long) and twoClass 5 rapids: Cojin (the cushion) and Mundaca. After another long stretch of Class 4+water, we have lunch. In the afternoon we run two of the most difficult Class 5 rapids onthe river; Mas o Menos and Casa De Piedra. After the last rapid, the canyon boasts someof its most impressive scenery with grand vistas of towering mountains and glaciers. In the early afternoon we take out and drive south to the hotel Pangue (where we spent the first evening of the trip) where we will have a few hours to enjoy Lake Risopatron (The hotel has canoes and kayaks). That evening there is a farewell dinner celebration at the hotel restaurant. *Option: Class 4 participants have the option of hiking on a trail around short sections of the bigger rapids. Often people who chose to walk around Inferno Canyon earlier in the trip feel more comfortable and run many of the large rapids today. This decision, however, is always left up to the guides.
DAY 9: HOTEL PANGUE / BALMACEDA
This morning we drive back to the Balmaceda Airport and have a group lunch before boarding our flight for Santiago and then on to the United States.
DAY 10: UNITED STATES
This morning we arrive in the United States and transfer to our connecting flights.
About The Operator:
Earth River Expeditions
Headquarters:
Established:
January 0089
A company's history is their foundation. This 17 year Earth River time line includes; company initiated river conservation projects, relevant first descents, exploratories, awards, magazine, and television features on Earth River trips.
Jan. 1989 - Earth River Expeditions is incorporated
Aug. 1989 - First (ever) raft descent of class 4 Magpie River, Quebec (Eric Hertz, Expedition leader)
March 1990 - First (ever) complete raft descent of class 5 Futaleufu River, Chile (Eric Hertz, expedition leader)
Aug. 1990 - First (ever) commercial clients raft Magpie
Jan. 1991 - First (ever) commercial clients raft the entire Futaleufu
March 1991 - Conservation awareness expedition on Bio Bio River, Chile (co-organized with Natural Resources Defense Council)
May 1991 - Scouted (by air) 6 major rivers in Quebec, including the Great Whale, threatened by the James Bay hydroelectric project, looking for a stretch to run environmental awareness trips on. (proposed to be world's largest hydro-project, flooding over 2,000 square miles)
Aug. 1991 - Aug. 1993 - Ran eight conservation awareness trips over a 3 year period on Great Whale River in James Bay, Quebec. Participants on different expeditions included Robert Kennedy Jr., Natural Resources Defense Council, Chiefs and members of the Cree First Nation, National Geographic Magazine (yellow), Conde Nast Traveler, Turner Broadcasting, Nicolodian and politicians from New York and New England which were negotiating to purchase James Bay power.
Nov. 1992 - Town and Country Magazine feature on Earth River running Bio Bio River, Chile
Oct. 1992 - Great Whale river conservation participants, Senator Franz Leichter and Assemblyman William Hoyt hold Legislative hearings in New York against James Bay Project. Assemblyman Hoyt proposes legislation in New York legislature to stop the project.
Nov. 1992 - Governor Mario Cuomo and New York State pull out of the 13 billion dollar James Bay Hydro-electric contract dealing the project serious blow.
Dec. 1992 - Santiago, Chile native, Robert Currie, becomes partner in Earth River
Oct. 1993 - Men's Journal Magazine features Earth River on Futaleufu
Jan. 1994 - Introduced the safety cataraft on the Futaleufu River (First time catarafts had been used this way)
Feb. 1994 - Purchased 300 acre Mapu Leufu Camp on Futaleufu
Oct. 1994 - Quebec Premier Jacques Parizeau announced that the James Bay Hydroelectric project would be abandoned.
Nov. 1994 - Summit Magazine features Earth River doing the first commercial descent of Peru's class 5 Colca Canyon (world's deepest).
Jan. 1995 - Introduced first multi-sport trips to the Futaleufu valley
Jan. 1995 - Purchased the 1,000 acre Cave Camp on the Futaleufu.
July 1995 - First commercial descent of the class 5/6, sheer-walled Acabamba Abyss (The Amazon's most challenging stretch) (Joe Dengler Expedition leader)
Feb. 1995 - Purchased the 200 acre Terminador Camp on the Futaleufu.
March 1995 - Facilitated ABC Sports special on Futaleufu (featuring Earth River guide)
Nov. 1995 - Begin running commercial trips on Great Bend of Yangtze, China
June, 1996 - National Geographic (yellow) Magazine and National Geographic Explorer television feature Earth River on first (ever) descent of China's 8,000 foot deep class Shuiluo Ho Canyon (Joe Dengler, expedition leader)
Jan. 1997 - 2006 (on going) - Founded The Futaleufu Land Conservancy. Between 1997 and 2006, Earth has protected over 13 of the most dramatic and sensitive miles of the Futaleufu including both sides of Zeta and Terminator rapids. (Call office for more information on this on going project.)
March 1997 - ESPN/Men's Journal Earth River television special on Futaleufu
June 1997 - First (ever) commercial trip on the Primrose River in Yukon Territory
Aug. 1997 - Begin running commercial clients on Tibet's upper Yangtze River
July 1998 - Sunday Boston Globe features Earth River on the Futaleufu
Jan. 1999 - Outside Magazine runs full cover photo of Earth River on Futaleufu
March, 1999 - Purchased 300 acre Tree House Camp on Futaleufu
September, 1999 - First (ever) descent of British Columbia's Yosemite like Headwall Canyon.
2000 - 2006 - www.Earthriver.com wins Forbes Magazine's ""Best of the Web"" award 6 consecutive years
July 2000 - Ran conservation awareness trip through Headwall Canyon threatened by clear cut logging. Expedition included members of the Klahoose First Nation, Celebrities and the Natural Resources Defense Council
Nov. 2000 - National Geographic Explorer Television Special featuring Earth River on Headwall Canyon, airs
Jan. 2001 - Discovery Channel special """"Don't Forget Your Passport"""" airs, featuring Earth River on Futaleufu, airs
Feb. 2001 - American Airlines Magazine (American Way) features Earth River on Futaleufu River
June, 2000 - First (ever) descent of Tibet's Poe Sang Poe (Robert Currie, expedition leader)
Dec. 2002 - National Geographic Adventure Magazine features Earth River on first sea kayaking expedition into the remote Lakes of Patagonia, Chile
June, 2003 - www.earthriver.com wins World Web Awards
Oct. 2003 - Outside Magazine feature about Earth River on Futaleufu
Aug. 2004 - Ran conservation awareness trip on Magpie River threatened by a series of dams. Participants included Canadian Media and environmental groups and National Geographic Adventure Magazine
March 2005 - Ran conservation awareness trip on Futaleufu River with celebrities, members of the Chilean business community and Chilean Senator Antonio Harvath
Nov. 2005 - Town and Country Magazine feature earth River on Futaleufu
May 2006 - New York times runs a feature article on earth River's Futaleufu trip
Aug. 2006 - Conservation awareness trip scheduled for the Rupert River in james bay, Quebec which is threatened to be dewatered.
