Chile Kayak School

Patagonia is renowned for its crystal clear lakes and rivers as well as dramatic mountain scenery. We base our adventure from our luxury lodge on the banks of the Rio Futaleufu. You will have the opportunity to learn from world class instructors on the magnificent Lago Espalon, a short drive from our camp.

From your basic strokes and eskimo rolls, to river running techniques we will cover all you need to know whatever your level of experience. With plenty of white sandy beaches along the Rio Espalon and Rio Azul you will be in your own little piece of paradise. And if that isn't enough we always find time at the end of the day to relax in our riverside hot tub, drink in hand.

Life just doesn't get much better!

01226 740444

Itinerary / Highlights

Thursday 7 January 2010 - Sunday 17 January 2010 : 11 days : GBP £ 1350 : Euro € 1695 : USD $ 2195

Thursday 6 January 2011 - Sunday 16 January 2011 : 11 days : GBP £ 1350 : Euro € 1595 : USD $ 2195

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Before your trip, you´ll be staying in a hotel in Bariloche sharing with a fellow adventurer from your trip. If you have a request regarding who you are sharing with, please inform our office. If our trip ends up with odd numbers nobody will be charged a Single Supplement, however if this is requested there will be an additional charge of £40. On the river portion of the trip, you´ll also be sharing a riverside chalet with a fellow kayaker. You can request a single cabana for an additional charge.

What you should bring:
We find most of our clients have in their possession already what is needed for a river journey. We have broken down here the items into what you'll need on the river and in camp. An equipment list of what you will require for your adventure will be sent to you prior to your departure.

River Fashion:
* A pair of Chacos or similar sandals. Trainers are also okay.
* A pair of River shorts or swimming costume.
* Long sleeved business shirt to wear under your life jacket in hot destinations.
* A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off.
* Wide brimmed sunhat.
* Sunglasses.
* Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head.
* Nalgene or similar water bottle.
* Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat.
* Thermal Top for cooler destinations. Medium weight - Heavyweight Capilene or polypropylene is the best.
* Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF15 minimum.

For evenings and around camp
* Lightweight long trousers.
* Lightweight Long Sleeved shirt.
* Fleece jacket.
* Ladies should bring a long skirt or sarong to cover your legs whilst in the company of locals.
* Underwear.
* Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
* Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
* Forget the cosmetics and hair dryer! But we do suggest moisturizer.
* Hand wipes
* A 3-season sleeping bag.
* Travel Pillow.
* Small pack towel.
* Headlamp or head torch and spare batteries.
* Shoes or boots for wearing around camp and on hikes.
* Insect Repellent.
* Any medication you may be taking.

Optional Items:
* Your favourite book or a journal for recording your river memories.
* Sketchpad.
* Photographic or video equipment. On most expeditions we provide a waterproof pelicase for these items. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere. Bring a spare memory card or plenty of film. Also bring spare batteries for your camera.
* Waterproof disposable for the "action" on the raft shots.
* Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman.
* An extra bag to bring back a wooden hippo, a carpet, Thanka or anything else you may purchase on your holiday.
* An iPod or other music preferences. We have speakers.

Personal Spending:
* The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, DVD, personal items and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink. Please remember that many of the countries we visit do offer Credit Card and ATM facilities and for a small charge you can withdraw cash either from your account or Credit Card for convenience.
* If you wish to pass on a gratuity to your guide we leave this entirely up to you.
* Basically, we advise you to keep things as light as possible, without skimping on the necessities. It is great to bring back a load of goodies for everybody back at home.

You do NOT need to bring:
* Tents, sleeping mats.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Day One:
You will arrive in Bariloche, Argentina and be met by your Water By Nature Guide. We will spend the rest of the day in this charming little
town where you can unwind from your flight. Bariloche San Carlos is on the edge of Lake Nahuel Huapi and has amazing views across the lake to the snow clad peaks and spectacular forests. The afternoon is yours to explore the town, go for a swim or just relax.
No Meals included on day one.

Day Two:
After breakfast we’ll take the gorgeous drive to Futaleufu from Bariloche San Carlos. We wind our way through the mountains and tree clad
hills to Esquel in the heart of the Andes. After lunch, we’ll drive into Chile and enjoy an afternoon float on the upper Futaleufu in rafts
down to the Water By Nature camp, where the rest of your guide team will have you cabins ready for some sundowners and snacks.
Settle into the comfort of your cabana on the banks of the gorgeous Futaleufu River. We kit out our kayaks and go over camp
procedures

Day Three:
Yay, it’s the first day on the water! We like to opt for the slow start here to keep the holiday feel to the trip. After kitting ourselves out at camp we take the short but scenic drive to Lago Espalon. Here we practise basic strokes on the lake for the day enjoying our
sumptuous lunch in stunning surroundings. Before we even get near the lake your instructor will give you comprehensive safety instructions and introduce you to your kayak! We return to our camp to discuss what we’ve learnt, this is only the beginning…

Day Four:
We head to the lake again, for more instruction and roll practise. In the afternoon, we put it all in to practise for a fun game of
kayak polo. With one instructor to 4 clients you get the chance to learn and practise as many skills and techniques as you like. It’s
your holiday take it at your pace.

Day Five:
We leave camp after a hearty brekky, our first day on the river. We put in just below the impressive "Cascades of Espalon". This is
moving water, Class 2 river with stunning beauty giving us ample chances to practise catching eddies. All kayakers learn by falling in,
this a great place to practise your breaststroke! Take out is in Futaleufu town. We return to our camp to talk about tales of
the day.

Day Six:
Today we head west from our basecamp to the Rio Azul beneath the Tres Monjas Peaks. The Rio Azul is a tributary of the Futaleufu
winding its way through the mountains to the Fu. A slightly more challenging river, this will give you the opportunity to stretch yourself a little more and start putting all your new found skills into practise. You will come across some rapids with small waves to paddle through.

Day Seven:
Today is layover day! Whether you choose to try your hand at fly fishing, go for a horse ride, or simply chill out in your hammock at camp
and read a book, the emphasis will be on relaxation. For the energetic go for a spectacular walk to see a high alpine lake. It’s only uphill for half the distance! It’s your trip and your day off, have fun!

Day Eight:
It's back out to the Rio Azul this morning to practise more of your whitewater paddling skills, pulling into a gorgeous beach for lunch.
And in the afternoon teach you some basic rescue techniques. This will help you understand more about the river and make you a proficient paddler. This is also a chance to discuss qualifications as we can award one and two star BCU qualifications.

Day Nine:
It’s time to tackle the next grade. Today we run the Rio Palena, a gorgeous Class 3 run on the Argentine border. Class 3 is described as
‘Rapids are larger, regular waves, path generally requiring manoeuvring to follow correct path.’ We return to camp in the evening for more river tales around the campfire.

Day Ten:
Your chance to paddle the classic "Bridge to Bridge " section on the Futaleufu. Clients will have the opportunity to kayak or raft
depending on your progress. This can be a day for huge personal achievements and plenty of smiles. Celebrating the day back at camp with traditional Asado made by our neighbours Carlos and Alicia and their family. Pisco Sours and Chilean Red Wine will be on offer for the celebration drinks.

Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner days 2-10

Day Eleven:
An early start to meet the van that will take us back to Esquel* and Bariloche for our flight back to Buenas Aires and our onward journeys
back home.
Included: Breakfast & Lunch

* A flight option is available out of Esquel, however there is a risk of delay of this flight so we recommend spending the night in Buenas
Aires to avoid missed connections.

01226 740444