Los Lagos · Patagonia · Chile
Experiences and local guides in Futaleufú
Patagonian village near the Argentine border where the turquoise Futaleufú river offers some of the world's most famous class IV and V rapids for rafting and kayaking.
Nature
Futaleufú is a small village in green Patagonia, about 10 km from the Argentine border, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and forests of lenga beech and mountain cypress. The Futaleufú river rises in the Andean lakes on the Argentine side and runs through the valley with a huge flow and an intense turquoise colour before emptying into Lake Yelcho. Rock canyons, continuous rapids and lagoons such as Laguna Espejo, next to the village, shape the landscape. The Futaleufú National Reserve protects forests and viewpoints where condors are often seen.
Activities
- Rafting on the Bridge to Bridge (Puente a Puente) section, about 9 km of class IV rapids, or a full day including class V rapids such as Terminator; usual minimum age 13
- Family floats and duckies (inflatable kayaks) on the Espolón and Azul rivers, easy level and suitable for children
- Whitewater kayaking for experienced paddlers and calm-water kayaking on Lake Espolón
- Fly fishing for trout on the Futaleufú and Espolón rivers and lakes Lonconao, Espolón and Yelcho, in season from spring to autumn
- Hikes to Piedra del Águila and Cerro La Bandera for views over the valley, plus trails in the Futaleufú National Reserve
- Horse riding in the rural Espolón and El Azul areas, plus canyoning and zip lines near the village
When to go
The rafting season runs from October to April, peaking between December and March. In spring the river carries more water and the rapids are more powerful; January and February bring the longest days and temperatures that can top 20 °C. It rains a lot all year round and several services close in winter.
How to get there
Nearest airport in Chile: Puerto Montt (PMC), with small planes to Chaitén (35 min) and occasional flights to the Futaleufú airstrip. From Chaitén it is about 155 km on the Carretera Austral and route 231, 3 to 4 hours by bus or car. Ferries from Puerto Montt or Quellón to Chaitén run on certain days only and need booking. From Argentina: Esquel airport (EQS), about 80 km via Trevelin and the Futaleufú border pass, 10 km from town.
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Local operators identified in Futaleufú (6)
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