Futaleufu Multi-Sport

At ROAM Adventures we have always prided ourselves about operating small and intimate trip sizes, so our new Futaleufu Multi-sport Adventure in Chile is certainly no exception. Working with the legendary Red Bull kayaker, Aniol Serrasolses, better known for his first descents and whitewater championships, we’ve got a new and exclusive Futaleufu Multi-sport Adventure that is all about custom tailored experiences. Your adventure starts with a breathtaking flight from the salty seaport of Puerto Montt to the fishing village of Chaiten. Immediately, you know you are in Patagonia! It’s a short flight but it’s one of the best imaginable and a perfect indoctrination to your adventure.

Upon arrival at River Camp, located just downstream of the famous Mas o Menos and Casa de Piedra rapids on the mighty Futaleufu River in Chile, you will be checked in to your riverside platform tents with comfy beds and spectacular views. If you’ve been to Bear Camp, you will see some similarities right away as this incredible setting and turquoise river will bring back memories. Perfectly situated for tranquil mountain views and easy access to the Bridge-to-Casa section of the Futa, we will also enjoy this meandering section of the river, which is ideal for stand up paddle boards, fishing and simply soaking up the mountain views. The camp is very exclusive and private and accommodates a maximum of 12 guests on 6 riverfront platforms. There are indoor flush toilets, hot showers and a cozy indoor dining room and lounge with adjacent outdoor fire ring and asado area.

The week is yours to discover as each day we will craft your personal adventure. Kayak or raft class II-V, inflatable kayak the Futaleufu, Azul and/or Palena rivers. Cast a line for record trout or go for a horseback ride in the mountains. Hike to a waterfall or bag a peak. Learn canyoning or even try tandem paragliding if the winds are right! Whatever you choose, each night we will return to the comfort of your private wooded oasis on the banks of the river. Soak in the hot tub, enjoy guitar around the campfire, or read a great book on your deck while building up your appetite for locally inspired meals, a traditional asado, wine tasting, craft beers and the cocktail of the day.

Chilean poet Pablo Neruda once said: “He who does not know the Chilean forests, does not know the planet.” And he was right: nature goes all out here. These landscapes tug at the heartstrings with the gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon. The views seemed to stretch to infinite horizons, and you’ll think there can’t be many places in the world better than this…

 

---

 

Itinerary at a Glance

• Arrive in Santiago,Chile and transfer onto a domestic flight to Puerto Montt.  Shuttle to Puerto Varas on Lago Llanquihue for the night
• Transfer back to Puerto Montt for a short scenic flight to Chaiten. Drive through the temperate rainforest and along beautiful Lago Yelcho before arriving at camp
• Each day you will be presented with adventure options taking into consideration the weather, people’s desires and energy levels
• Raft the world famous Futaleufu River, attend kayak school or go biking or horseback riding
• Explore the area on a hike or try canyoneering, rappelling or even tandem paragliding
• Run the exciting Class III Rio Azul or Rio Palena in inflatable kayaks
• Try your hand at fishing the incredible waters that surround the camp
• Raft the “Wild Mile “- four miles of Class IV fun rapids.
• Relax around the camp, enjoy an authentic asado and wine tasting
• On our final day, drive back to Chaiten for the 45 min. flight back to Puerto Montt for connecting flights home

---

 

What to Expect on the Futaleufu Multisport

Upon Arrival in Chile:

Arrive in Santiago, Chile
You must clear customs and pick up your bags in Santiago and then recheck them onto your domestic flight connection to Puerto Montt. Allow 3 hours between landing and reconnecting as the Santiago airport can be busy.

Arriving Puerto Montt, Chile 

After collecting your bags in Puerto Montt, take a taxi to your hotel. ROAM would be pleased to make you a hotel reservation in the port city of Puerto Montt or better yet, the resort town Puerto Varas. We get preferred rates and can add it to your statement.

A taxi to Puerto Varas is approximately $40. We recommend having at least $100 USD on hand, preferably already converted to Chilean Pesos which would be approximately $85,000 CLP.

Arriving Early for Adventure

Two volcanoes, Osorno and Calbuco, stand sentinel over picturesque Puerto Varas and its scenic Lago Llanquihue. Just 14 miles (23km) from Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas is a top choice for an extended stay. For those wishing to arriving early, we have a ROAM guide stationed in Puerto Varas and we’d be delighted to arrange hiking, climbing, biking, fishing, kayaking, SUP or river rafting excursions for you with advanced notice.

 

Day One – Arrival in Camp

Your ROAM trip officially starts with a flight from Puerto Montt to the coastal village of Chaiten. It’s a breathtaking start to an outrageous adventure! The night before your flight, ask your hotel to book you a taxi to:

Aerodromo Marcel Merchant Airport (La Paloma)

Located in Puerto Montt (approximately a 45 minute ride). This is a different airport from Tepual (PMC).

The Pewen Airlines flights are scheduled to depart the airport from either Hanger #6 (Aeroregional Airlines) or Hanger #10  at 9:00 AM. 

Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to our departure. The planes are Beechcraft Caravans which carry between 9-12 passengers plus luggage.

There is a baggage weight limit of 33 lbs per person, including your carry-on item. Exceeding the baggage weight limit will require extra fees, if even allowed.

In about 30 minutes we will arrive in Chaiten, a small fishing village and you will get an immediate sense of wild and scenic Patagonia! Along our 1.5 hour drive to River Camp, we pass beautiful Lago Yelcho, multiple hanging glaciers, jagged glaciated peaks, and temperate rainforests. Upon arrival, your guides will lead you to your sweet “home away from home” on the river!

After a welcome orientation, we’ll plan something fun for the afternoon. Perhaps a hike, paddle, swim or whatever you need to unwind and settle in. Before the first of many delightful meals, we’ll gather by the fire or in the lounge for our first happy hour.

 

Days Two to Seven

The beauty of this multi-sport adventure evolves around our small group size and our ability to tailor make your experience. Each night at dinner, we discuss the following day’s adventure options taking into consideration the weather, people’s desires and energy levels.

Following is a SAMPLE of what your itinerary could look like.

 

Rafting and/or Kayaking – Bridge to Casa

Awaken to coffee/tea delivery to your riverside tent! After a delicious breakfast, we head up river to challenge the Futa’s famous “Bridge to Casa” section that finishes right back at River Camp. This part of the river offers nonstop class III-IV from the Bridge to Bridge section and optional class V through “Mas o Menos” and “Casa de Piedra” rapids.

This classic stretch offers more rapids per 1000 meters than anywhere else on the river. It is the perfect warm-up run and will have everyone grinning from ear to ear. The rafting does not require previous experience as you will be accommodated in stern frame rafts that are “paddle assist”. This means you will be the engine and the guide will steer from the back of the boat. Guiding with oars does not detract from the paddling experience but rather enhances it. The advantage to the oar frame is greater control in pointing the bow straight through bus size holes and huge wave trains.

We also use catarafts combined with safety-kayakers as part of our “safety net”, which is ideal for this high volume, strong river. Given that River Camp is also home to Futaleufu’s most extensive kayak school, advanced kayakers will be thrilled with this incredible yet manageable stretch of whitewater.

When we get back to camp, you can choose to go fly-fishing, try out a kayak, practice yoga, nap in a hammock, go for a hike, or soak in the hot tub. As the sun sinks behind the mountains, enjoy a board game or cards in our cosy lounge or hang outside by the fire pit. Late afternoon means “Happy Hour” with an open bar stocked with beer, wine, soda, and juices. Later, we gather for a candlelight dinner featuring fresh locally grown produce and ingredients. After dinner, enjoy the campfire and the stars before retiring to your cosy tent on your private platform. The gentle sound of the river will lull you to sleep.

 

Horseback Riding

After breakfast we take a short drive to the ranch where we will find our trusty steeds saddled up and ready for riding. After a safety briefing, we ride alongside some local wranglers and our guides as we explore a pristine valley overlooking the river.

Horseback riding in the Futaleufu Valley is a way of life. When riding with us you are immersed in the gaucho culture and beauty of Patagonia Chile. Most horseback rides in Patagonia follow the ‘huaso senderos’ – the cowboy trails. This is an extensive network of trails, roads and swinging bridges used by locals on horseback, oxcart and by foot. The trails move through the spectacular isolated river valleys of the tributaries of the Futaleufu.

 

About these Horses
The horses we ride are native Chilean Corralero horses: a breed that is unique only to Chile. The Corralero is known for its even temperament, sure footedness, speed, and endurance. An all around great horse!

 

Canyoneering & Hiking

Today we can explore some incredible canyons close to the townsite of Futaleufu, where there are a number of canyons to explore. Canyoning offers waterfalls, slides and pools of pure, transparent turquoise water. Roping, rappelling, scrambling and jumping our way through the canyon will be an experience you won’t soon forget.

We provide neoprene wear, helmet, harness and ropes. You will need to bring rugged high-closed shoes suitable for both hiking in the mountains and in the water.

 

Kayak School

Aniol Serrasolses is one of the most accomplished kayakers in the world, so taking a lesson from him is a must-do while here. Spend the morning learning the basics of kayaking and then, depending on skill sets, challenge a friendly class I-II section to test your mettle. For those with previous kayaking experience, perhaps we can challenge the class III El Macal section before doing the lower river to Puerto Ramirez.

MaCall to Puerto Ramirez

Guests can choose to raft, inflatable kayak or hard shell kayak as we drift into a nice long calm section of the lower Futaleufu. Maybe even cast a line for trout and enjoy our stop on one of the Futaleufu’s most beautiful beaches. Here, we enjoy a bbq lunch, play games, siesta, swim, work on your roll and take in the tranquil afternoon along side the river. Later in the afternoon, we continue our float a few more miles to our take out spot just above Lago Yelcho. Upon return to camp, we will continue to celebrate the day, enjoy the hot tub and get ready for another fabulous dinner prepared by our talented chef.

 

Duckie Down the Azul

Today, we try navigating our very own river crafts known inflatable kayaks (a.k.a. IK’s or duckies) as we venture up to the Rio Azul, which is one of the main tributaries to the Futaleufu. One of the most scenic canyons in the region, you get to challenge yourself on the class II and III rapids while absorbing outstanding scenery. There is something deeply satisfying paddling your own boat down a river, knowing that your destiny is in your own hands. Of course, our guides will be there to coach you and provide safety should you need to be rescued. Fishing, more kayaking, hiking or relaxing around camp are always great options in the late afternoon.

 

Fishing Options

There are many different sections one can fish in the Futaleufu Valley. Of course, the easiest is simply casting a line right from River Camp. There should be ample time to fish pre and post our other activities and the camp has both spin and fly rods available. If you plan to fish a lot, we’d recommend bringing your own 5-6 wt fly rod and associated trout flies.

We can travel in 4X4 vehicles, kayaks and rafts to fish in some of the most spectacular places you can imagine. Good fishing is available on the Futaleufu, Azul and Espolón rivers as well as Espolón, Lonconao and Yelcho lakes, home to abundant wild populations of browns, brookies and rainbow trout. These are some of the best waters for fly fishing in Chile with average catches between one and four pounds, and occasionally as big as twelve-pounds. In November and December, salmon may run as large as 40lbs. Dry flies, a wide variety of streamers, stone flies, nymphs, grasshoppers, damsels and old standbys like wooly buggers have been successful in the area.

 

Zeta, Throne and Terminator

For those seeking more river adventure and dramatic scenery, we can put in just below Inferno Canyon where the river widens with spectacular views of Las Escalas Valley. After a section of mild class II water, the river returns to its wild side and we encounter Zeta and Throne Room. Hopefully you will be able to see and film one of the safety guides kayaking these incredible, world-class rapids. However, we will portage both before challenging the action-packed section called “The Wild Mile”.

The river mellows for awhile into a scenic canyon before we reach the longest rapid on the Futa, Terminator (Class V). Just below, we’ll negotiate the hydraulic hole-filled Khyber Pass (Class IV+) and the Himalayas (Class IV), which has perhaps the biggest standing waves in the hemisphere before taking out above the Zapata Bridge and heading back to camp. Today offers you some of the best rafting not only in Patagonia, but in the world!

 

Hiking to Waterfalls, Flying Tandem

Today’s your last day to try things you haven’t yet experienced or do an activity over again! Or it might be a mellow day of relaxation soaking in the scenery and River Camp’s surroundings. Options also can include:

* Road trip to Rio Palena or the Espolon to kayak or raft

* Hiking to more waterfalls or bagging a peak you’ve been eyeing all week

* Rappelling and/or cliff jumping

* Tandem Paragliding – if the conditions are right

* Exploring the village of Futaleufu for souvenirs

Whatever you choose, tonight we will enjoy a traditional Asado and a fun wine tasting for our grand finale.

 

Day 8 – Departure back to Puerto Montt

We start early today as we have to travel back down to the coast to catch the flight from Chaiten back to Puerto Montt for connecting flights either home or to your next destination.

You will want to leave a comfortable “window” to make it back in time, so book connecting flights departing from 14:00 hours onward. You may also choose to spend another night in Puerto Varas on your own.

We are confident that when you board the airplane you will look back upon your time in Patagonia and think of the friends you have made and the beauty of the Futaleufú River and Patagonian wilderness.

 

 

---

Your Accommodations in Chile:

River Camp offers you everything you need and nothing you don’t. Located on 5 wooded acres on the banks of the Futaleufu, across from a towering canyon wall, we offer private riverside platforms to accommodate 12 guests in cosy safari tents. The tents are wonderful as they keep you connected with the wilds of Patagonia but provide the comfort one needs at the end of an active day. King or twin bed options are available.

River Camp offers indoor/outdoor dining with an open kitchen, cosy lounge as well as a fire pit and asado zone for barbecues and nights under the stars. We have a riverside wood-fired hot tub to rest your weary body after a full day of adventure and hammocks to chill and watch the river float by. The camp is equipped with all manner of adventure gear – kayaks, inflatable kayaks, rafts, stand up paddle boards, fishing gear – and offers easy access to a gorgeous beach right on an island right across from camp.

Nestled in a wooded riverfront oasis, River Camp is a private an inviting place to unwind. The Futaleufu purls by innocently here but we know its massive rapids lay just upstream. Each day we’ll enjoy hearty and healthy breakfasts, delicious lunches and sumptuous dinners, along with all the trimmings. Sourced from local growers and cooked with passion, we also have snacks and appetizers available daily and our open bar and “cocktail of the day” are always popular. We have full bar, cold beers and an eclectic mix of Chilean, Argentine and Spanish wines.

River Camp is the perfect size and allows people to immerse themselves in the Patagonia wilderness away from the crowds.

 

---

About the Region

Chile’s long and narrow territory, located on the western side of the southern tip of South America, stretches for 4200 km from north to south between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Chile has an area of 756,096 km on the South American continent and 1,250,000 km in Antarctica. Easter Island, Juan Fernandez Island (of Robinson Crusoe fame), and numerous other islands are also part of the National territory.

The current population is just over 15 million, with more than a third concentrated around the capital Santiago. Chile has a highly varied geography as well as numerous climates. In the far north, between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific coast, lies the Atacama Desert, the most arid desert in the world. This area is characterized by its mineral wealth, fishing, and industry, all of which have given rise to its main cities and ports. Its cities and warm-water beaches, the high valleys and towns of the Andes, and old nitrate offices lend this region its greatest tourist attractions. From the city of La Serena south, the countryside begins to get greener due to the sporadic rains that fall over the small transversal valleys that run from east to west between mountain ranges that reach from the Andes to the Pacific Ocean. The beautiful city of La Serena, with its beaches, resorts and other sites of interest, attracts thousands of tourists every year, and has become an important tourist center.

The central valley is born slightly north of Santiago, Chile’s capital, and extends south between the Andes Mountains and the Coastal Mountain Range for approximately 1,000 km to the city of Puerto Montt. Most of the country’s population and economic activity is concentrated in this long valley. Tourism is of great importance throughout the central valley, and is centered on its beautiful beaches, lakes and volcanoes, rivers with outstanding fishing, and lovely cities where visitors receive a warm welcome and excellent service. Chile’s geography changes markedly to the south of Puerto Montt, where the continent breaks up into countless islands, channels, rivers, and glaciers, all amidst exuberant native vegetation that reaches to the very ocean shore, offering ideal surroundings for adventure tourism or for simply enjoying an intimate contact with nature. This is the area where we find the Futaleufu.

Finally at the southernmost tip of continental Chile, and reaching across all of Tierra del Fuego, lies the Patagonian Pampa. The city of Punta Arenas, with its old mansions and unique attractiveness, is the natural point of departure for places of particular interest and beauty such as Torres del Paine, Fuerte Bulnes, and the Antarctic continent.