Total Futaleufu Multi-Sport

Itinerary | About the Region

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8 Days of Multi-Sport Activities and Outrageous Accommodations in the Futaleufu River Valley

ROAM’s Total Futaleufu multi-sport is a truly unique journey, made possible by decades of relationships built deep within the Futaleufu Valley. Through long-standing partnerships with local families, landowners, and guides, ROAM is able to access places few travelers ever see and move through the region in a way that feels natural, respectful, and deeply connected to the land. ROAM’s Total Futaleufu Multi-Sport exists because of trust, local knowledge, and a shared love for this extraordinary valley.

The Futaleufu River runs an unreal shade of blue through a remote corner of northern Patagonia, carving its way past granite walls, hanging glaciers, dense forests, and wide open valleys. It’s long been considered one of the great rivers of the world, drawing paddlers with its powerful rapids and clean, cold water. But as striking as the river is, it’s only one part of what makes this place so special. Step away from the current and the valley opens up into a landscape of hidden creeks, alpine trails, old-growth forests, quiet lakes, and a strong local culture shaped by life in a rugged, beautiful place.

The Total Futaleufu Multi-Sport was designed to experience all of it. This isn’t a trip built around a single activity or a checklist of highlights—it’s a journey through the entire valley and the culmination of all our years of seeking out the best, most unique experiences. Yes, you’ll raft and kayak some of the most iconic whitewater on the planet, but you’ll also hike to high overlooks where condors circle overhead, explore crystal-clear canyons, stay in the most remarkable accommodations, soak in hot tubs carved into stone, fish wild waters, and slow down enough to actually feel where you are. Each day is shaped by the weather, the group, and the natural rhythm of the place, allowing the experience to unfold rather than be forced.

In the end, ROAM’s Total Futaleufu Multi-Sport is about immersion. It’s about moving through Patagonia by river, trail, and water, and spending real time in places most people only glimpse. From volcano-ringed lakes and high mountain ridges to camps perched above thundering rapids and quiet forests high above the valley floor, this is a chance to connect deeply with a landscape that leaves a lasting mark. The river may bring people here, but it’s everything around it—the land, the moments, and the shared experience—that makes them never want to leave.

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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 where a ROAM representative will meet you
• Drive through the temperate rainforest and along beautiful Lago Yelcho before arriving at La Vista camp
• Soak up your surroundings in the granite hot tub, swim and learn the basics of kayaking then settle in to your cliffside dwellings
• Raft the Bridge to Casa section of the world famous Futaleufu River then fly fish, hike or nap before happy hour and a candlelight dinner
• Raft a relaxed Class II section of the Fu before charging into Zeta, Throne Room and Terminator rapids.
• Explore the area on a hike or try canyoneering and rappelling above the turquoise waters
• Run the exciting Class III Rio Azul or Rio Palena in inflatable kayaks
• Hike up to Condor Nest (optional) and overnight in one of the remarkable tree house dwellings, connected by sky bridges and overlooking the valley
• Take a dip in Lago Sapo, a 10 acre, 70 foot deep spring-fed swimming and kayaking lake
• Head to the Espolon River for a relaxing but fun inflatable kayak trip or hike over Condor Ridge to the river for a Class II+ duckie paddle to Legado Patagonia
• Spend 3 nights at Legado Patagonia, enjoying the amenities such as the Cave Bar, stone hot tub, cliffside dining, Lost Beach and Legado Patagonia’s custom river cabanas
• Relax around the camp, enjoy an authentic asado, learn to salsa dance, book a massage, enjoy wine tasting and cooking classes
• Mountain bike or go horseback riding, practice yoga, visit a local farm for a ‘farm to table’ meal, fly or spin fish – the options are almost unlimited
• On our final day, drive back to Chaiten for the 45 min. flight back to Puerto Montt for connecting flights home

What’s Included

• Return transfers from Chaiten
• 3 or 4 nights lodging at La Vista (double occupancy)
• Optional hike and camp out at Condor Nest
• 3 nights deluxe cabana accommodations at Legado Patagonia
• All meals from lunch Day 1 to breakfast Day 8
• All beverages: beer, wine and cocktails plus a wine tasting
• Yoga and salsa classes
• All activities as described: rafting, kayaking, inflatable kayaking, hiking, biking, horseback riding, farm visit, climbing, via ferrata, tyrolean traverse, rappelling, paddle boarding, pack rafting and fishing.

What’s Not Included

• Pre trip Hotel in Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas (ROAM can book for you at preferred rates and add it to your statement)
• RT flight from Puerto Montt to Chaiten ($300 pp – ROAM will book for you)
• Fishing license or items of personal nature
• Optional fishing guide ($450 for 2 people/day)
• Gratuities

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What to Expect on ROAM’s Total Futaleufu Multi-sport Adventure

 

Day Zero – Arrival Day to 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

Flight to Chaiten

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! Our driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to your flight. 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.

Arrival in Chaiten – transfer to La Vista

A ROAM representative will meet you at the airport in Chaiten, a small coastal fishing village. Upon arrival, you will immediately notice the massive scale and grandeur of Patagonia! From here, we’ve got a 2 hour scenic drive along the beautiful Lago Yelcho, past multiple hanging glaciers, jagged glaciated peaks, temperate rainforests and eventually along the Futaleufu River. Upon arrival at La Vista, your guides will lead you to your sweet “home away from home” for the next three nights.

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

Accommodation

La Vista is a 40-acre private oasis with dramatic views of “The Nuns” (Las Monjas) mountain range. Towering 100 feet above the turquoise Futaleufu River (above Terminator rapid and across from the Rio Blanco Canyon), our facility offers spectacular cliffside dwellings, a scenic dining area, hot tubs and showers. Even the flush toilets have a sweeping river view that takes your breath away!

Features:

• Rio Blanco Canyon: An enchanted world of crystal-clear blue pools, waterfalls and white, sculpted boulders enclosed within sheer 300-foot granite walls.
• Cliff hot tub: 12-person, hand-hewn hot tub and deck on the edge of 100-foot cliff over river with five-mile view of turquoise river and Teton like towers rising from it.
• Cliffside dining & campfire area: Dining tables on a 100-foot bluff over the river with 360-degree views of dramatic scenery.
• Kayak pond: Spring-fed pond and the perfect place to learn how to paddle and even roll a kayak.
• Beach and swimming hole: on the banks of the Futaleufu River.
• Pinilla Creek: Side stream with swimming holes and waterfalls.
• Cliff dwellings: 8 handcrafted, wooden “gazebo style” dwellings perched on a 100-foot bluff with stunning upstream views. The rooms have either 2 twin beds or 1 larger bed for couples. Comfy mattresses, duvets, wool blankets and plush pillows take this to the next level of comfort.

Day Two – Planning Your Adventure!

Our small group size allows us 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 room! After a delicious breakfast, we head down river to challenge the Futa’s famous “Bridge to Casa” section. This part of the river offers nonstop class III-IV on 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 and you will be accommodated in stern frame rafts that are “paddle assist”. You will be the engine and the guide will steer from the back of the boat. The advantage to the oar frame is greater control in pointing the bow straight through bus size holes and massive “haystack” wave trains. We also use catarafts and safety-kayakers as part of our “safety net”, which is ideal for this high volume, strong river. Class IV-V kayakers will be thrilled with this incredible yet manageable stretch of whitewater.

Returning to La Vista, you can choose to go try out a kayak (lessons), fly fish, nap, go for a short hike or soak in the hot tub. 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 cliffside gazebo.

Day Three – Zeta, Throne Room and Terminator

Today 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 (optional Class V). Just below, we’ll negotiate the hydraulic hole-filled Khyber Pass (Class IV+) and the Himalayas (Class IV), which has the biggest standing waves in the corridor, before taking out above the Zapata Bridge and heading back La Vista. Today, offers you some of the best rafting not only in Patagonia, but in the world!

 

Day Four – Duckie the Azul, Hike to Condor’s Nest

Today, we try navigating our very own inflatable kayaks (a.k.a. IK’s or duckies) as we venture to the Rio Azul, which is one of the main tributaries of 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 legendary guides will be there to provide safety and support!

The hike to the Condor’s Nest is about 1.5 hours depending on your fitness levels. Upon arrival, you will revel at this wilderness playground. An elaborate network of tree fort dwellings, you can swim in the pristine lake, summit a crag, soak in our waterfront hot tub and watch the condors soar… the choice is yours!

Tonight, we’ll dine among the ancient Coihue trees and watch the stars rise in the night skies in this surreal and magical environment.

Condor Nest – Optional Night in the Woods

The overnight experience at Condor Nest is optional. Guests can choose to hike to Condor Nest for the day and not sleep over or stay behind for the day, both spending a 4th night at La Vista. The hike to Condor Nest is not too challenging but if overnighting, requires guests to carry their own pack and clothing for the night. Guests will be supplied comfy sleeping pads and sleeping bags to overnight up high in our treefort, two per dwelling.

“The Nest” as we affectionately call it, spans 250 acres and is located at the top of a mountain connecting to the Futaleufu River one side and the town of Futaleufu on the other. The hike to get there is 1.5 hours and offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

A primeval wonderland situated on a glacial tarn with thousand-foot walls, Condor Nest is a labyrinth of tree house dwellings connected by sky bridges. Perched 50 feet up from the lake, this dreamlike accommodation is shrouded in a vast expanse of ancient Coihue trees.

Features:

• Condor Falls: Observed from the Treehouse trail, a 100-foot waterfall spilling from Lake of the Frogs.
• Lago Sapo: 10 acre, 70 foot deep spring-fed swimming and kayaking lake. Cloaked in an old growth hardwood forest on three sides with snow-capped mountains on the fourth, the lake was carved by a glacier, in a wind-free natural bowl. At dusk, when the final rays of colour fade from the lake, a chorus of frogs welcomes in the night.
• Tree Houses: each tree house accommodate 1-2 people on thick inflatable mattresses with sleeping bags and pillows.
• Lakeside hot tub: 12-person hot tub and large lakeside deck for dining and mountain views.
• Ancient Forest: Hundreds of acres of old growth hardwood forest with trees as old as 600 years and up to eight feet in diameter.
• Condor Mountain Overlook: A towering bluff overlooking the Futaleufu Canyon and offering views of the Nevada Mountains.

Day Five – Hike to Legado Patagonia or Kayak the Espolon

After breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to the Condor Nest and choose an adventurous 3-4 hour hike to the Futaleufu River OR we can backtrack one hour down the trail and head to the Espolon River for a relaxing but fun inflatable kayak trip.

The hike is mostly downhill but it takes us over Condor Ridge and down into the Futaleufu, arriving just below the world famous Zeta Rapid. The “duckie” trip builds from mellow float with a picnic lunch to some technical and fun class II+ rapids. Whatever you decide, tonight we’ll end up at Legado Patagonia, a series of 8 deluxe cabanas tucked in the forest on river right below Zeta, and your home for the next three nights.

Legado Patagonia – The Prize Jewel

This location, at the world famous Zeta Rapid is the prize jewel and the Currie family heirloom. Sprawling across 66 acres, this magical and wild landscape offers a myriad of gorgeous trails and aerial wooden sky bridges that connect a rugged landscape of striking natural features like native stone shelters, river carved hot tubs and granite towers. The property’s amenities are unmatched and we have more than a dozen tailor-made activities to enjoy.

Features:

• Zeta Rapid: this is where the entire Futaleufu River slices through a narrow Z-shaped granite mini canyon.
• Stone hot tub: A naturally carved hot tub alongside Zeta Rapid.
• Cave bar: Unique 1,600 sq. foot native stone shelter offers refuge from all types of weather and is home to our open bar and dining area.
• Tower of Power: 300-foot granite climbing/rappelling tower with a via ferrata and rock climbing wall.
• Little Blue Lake: Deep, translucent teal-coloured, Japanese garden like pond/lake set within sheer walls of granite.
• Lost Beach: Beautiful, secluded beach on a calm, deep inlet within a bowl of giant white boulders.
• Cliffside dining area: Giant, natural stone terrace with tables, benches and unencumbered views of Zeta Rapid and the valley.
• Sky bridges: Hand-hewn aerial bridges that connect camp amenities, activities, and natural features.
• Cliffside hot tub: 12-person hot tub and deck with a breathtaking view of Zeta Rapid.
• River Cabanas: relax in total comfort for three nights in one of our 8 spacious cabanas. These custom built 250 square foot units offer either 2 twin beds or 1 king bed, riverside lounge area, toasty wood stoves and a private toilet. Each cabana has its own unique view of the river’s most spectacular rapid!

Day Six – Rock Climbing, via Ferrata, Rappelling and more

Today is all about options. Chilling out at Legado Patagonia is a vacation in itself, but you can also be as active as you wish. The seemingly infinite options include the following:

• Learn to rock climb on our bolted routes.
• Scale a giant rock wall on our via ferrata.
• Rappel our 300-foot rock face
• Paddle board, learn to roll a kayak or pack raft/hike
• Cliff jumping, swimming, beach time
• Enjoy a wine tasting or cooking class
• Learn to salsa dance
• Book a massage

Day 7 – Last Full Day in Paradise

Today is your last full day to try things you haven’t yet experienced or do an activity over again! It could also be a mellow day of relaxation soaking in the scenery Legado Patagonia’s surroundings. Other activity options include:

• Mountain biking trails or rural backroads.
• Visiting a local farm to meet locals, their animals and enjoy a “farm to table” meal.
• Fly or spin fish from camp or hire a guide for a full day of fishing.
• Practice yoga on the deck.
• Soak in our hot tubs, book a massage, go for a hike.

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 any of our pristine properties . There should be ample time to fish pre and post our other activities and La Vista and Legado Patagonia have fly and spin rods available. If you plan to fish a lot, we’d recommend bringing your own 5-6 wt fly rod and associated rainbow and brown trout flies.

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.

We can also offer an additional fishing guide service ($450 per day) with a local fishing guru, if desired. 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. Traveling by 4X4 vehicles, cataraft and rafts, we fish in some of the most spectacular places you can imagine.

Horseback Riding Option

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. These are 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. 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!

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 Futaleufu River and Patagonian wilderness.

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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.