Chile Rafting Vacations

The Rio Futaleufu is no ordinary river. Born in the Los Alerces National Park in Argentina it flows west into Chile, through landscapes dominated by snow capped volcanoes and rich rain forest before arriving at the coastal town of Chaiten. Meaning 'Great River' in the local Mapuche dialect, the astonishingly clear waters of the 'Fu' flows through deep canyons and pristine wilderness to create explosive and untamed white water, unparalleled anywhere in the world.

This trip is designed to immerse you in the beauty, magic and culture of Patagonia. Half a world away from the cold northern winter you will find yourself sitting on the porch of your cabana, sipping on a glass of Chilean red wine and basking in the splendour of the Chilean summer with the distant rumble of your next exciting rapid just within earshot.

Described by the locals as "a place so lovely it must have been painted by God", this is an experience not to be missed.

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Itinerary / Highlights

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

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. This is also home to the Coho Salmon that swim unimpeded up the river to spawn. This is unquestionably one of the few remaining fishing paradises on the planet. After lunch, we'll drive into Chile and by late afternoon we
will arrive in time for a leisurely float down the scenic upper section of the river to the Water By Nature camp, sampling the fine local wines and cheeses along the way. where the rest of your guide team will have your cabins ready for some sundowners and snacks. Settle into the comfort of your cabana on the banks of the gorgeous Futaleufu River.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day Three:
You will awaken to the sounds of nature, the steady flow of the river past camp and the busy morning chorus of the local birdlife.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast in this wonderful setting. Our guides and trip leaders are seasoned professionals in their fields. Your
safety is their number one priority. We take time with a comprehensive talk on safety and paddling instructions to get you accustomed to
your new mode of transport, whether or not you have done this before. Depending on crews and water levels, we may opt for the Bridge to Bridge or Bridge to Casa sections today, both reputedly some of the best rafting sections anywhere in the world. We start at La Passarella, one of many suspended rope bridges used by locals to cross the river and we immediately plunge into some exhilarating white water fun with ‘Thousand Wave' rapid, smashing through ‘Pillow Wave' and into ‘Mundaca'. We take out at Futaleufu Bridge after our first thrilling day on the river… this is only the beginning.

Day Four:
Our comfortable camp, situated above the town of Futaleufu, encompasses small cabanas nestled within the native bush on the banks of the river. Enjoy your morning coffee on your veranda as the clear waters run quite literally beneath you. After breakfast we launch the rafts and float down towards the magnificent Inferno Canyon where 4km of adrenaline surging white water awaits us. With its steep sides and deep clear pools we enter into an area of complete remoteness as we head towards Tres Nonas. With a flat section to follow there is plenty of time to sit back, reflect and marvel at the serenity of this beautiful place. However in the distance the roar of the infamous “Zeta” or ‘Z' can be heard as we enjoy lunch at a scenic spot by the river. This rapid is not commercially runnable and so the rafts are portaged through before we again take a leisurely float in preparation for the might of El Throno. Perhaps one of the fastest and most spectacular rapids in the world we may also opt to portage this rapid, depending on water levels, but not before marvelling at kayakers trying to avoid ”Toaster” as they negotiate this exciting course. No matter by which route, they will be at the bottom in a matter of seconds. Following El Throno is a gorgeous white water section we term the Magic Mile. Our vehicles will meet us at the Rio Azul and we return to camp for a well deserved rest.

Day Five:
Freshly baked bread and Eggs Benedict is on the menu this morning, with the standard fresh brew of coffee. We have another great
day ahead of us. A few, fun warm up rapids before we reach the legendary “Terminator”. Depending on river levels, crew aptitude and
ability we may need to portage this one…… because it's BIG!… actually it's a bit BIGGER than BIG! This is the largest Class V “sneak
line” we run on any of our trips worldwide. And if that isn't enough for you there is the superb “Khyber Pass” and the hugely exciting
“Himalayas” to finish the day. On our return to camp we enjoy a sumptuous meal washed down with Pisco Sours or a glass of fine
Chilean red wine.

Day Six:
With a range of activities on offer today you will have the chance to explore more of this stunning part of the world. An opportunity to
try your hand at fly fishing. The Futaleufu is a world class trout fishing river, so why not try your luck catching dinner (but don't worry we will have made other plans for dinner in case you are not successful). For those of your wanting something more active there are
some wonderful horseback riding trails, catering for all abilities including beginners. One of our most popular suggestions is a guided horse ride into the Rio Azul followed by a paddle downstream in a ‘Ducky', a two or three person inflatable. A chance to self-guide,
under the ever watchful eye of one of our guides. A truly enjoyable day. Or, if you choose to, simply sit back and relax at camp and soak up the scenery.

Day Seven:
The morning's rafting begins with a blast through the centre of ‘Mundaca' once again, to ensure we are truly awake. Followed by another amazing stretch of water with ‘The Fish Bowl' and ‘Aquarium Wave', and the aptly named ‘House Rock' to finish. By tradition we finish our trips with the customary ‘Asado'. All day our neighbours and good friends, Carlos and Alicia, have been preparing a feast of salads, fresh meats and breads. The evening is spent experiencing real Chilean hospitality and enjoying recounting your stories from the past week, on one of the best white water rivers in the world.
Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner days 2 - 7

Day Eight:
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.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Accommodation the night before the river trip in a tourist hotel (Day One). This will be on a share twin basis with someone also on your river trip. Single supplements are available.

Rustic Lodge accommodation whilst on the river. Mattresses are provided. Sleeping bags are not.

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

Sunday 7 February 2010 - Sunday 14 February 2010 : 8 days : GBP £1395 : Euro €1695 : USD $2295

Sunday 14 February 2010 - Saturday 21 February 2010 : 8 days : GBP £1395 : Euro €1695 : USD $2295

Sunday 19 December 2010 - Sunday 26 December 2010 : 8 days : GBP £1395 : Euro €1695 : USD $2295

Sunday 26 December 2010 - Sunday 2 January 2011 : 8 days : GBP £1395 : Euro €1695 : USD $2295

Sunday 23 January 2011 - Sunday 30 January 2011 : 8 days : GBP £1395 : Euro €1695 : USD $2295

Sunday 6 February 2011 - Sunday 13 February 2011 : 8 days : GBP £1395 : Euro €1695 : USD $2295

Sunday 13 February 2011 - Sunday 20 February 2011 : 8 days : GBP £1395 : Euro €1695 : USD $ 2295

01226 740444