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Futaleufu Mini-MultiSport, a shortened version of our classic nine-day trip
Duration: 6 days
Cost: $2400/Person
This exciting Patagonia Tour on the Futaleufu River is a shortened version of our classic nine-day trip. For those with a restricted timeframe, this is the perfect Patagonia tour to experience the excitement and beauty of the Futaleufu River and Northern Patagonia. The trip not only offers rafting, but also opportunities for inflatable kayaking, mountain bicycling, impressive fly-fishing, yoga, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. Each day enjoy exciting activities returning to base camp each night to relax in luxury. This is a perfect active Patagonia adventure trip.
If you'd like to consider a private departure, please contact us regarding details and costs.
Futaleufu Mini-MultiSport Itinerary
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**Please note that this is a suggested itinerary that can be adjusted based on river flows and traveler interests. There are ample activities from base camp to choose from including horseback riding, inflatable kayaking, fly-fishing, mountain biking, or repeating one of the more relaxing, less intense rafting days. We can also arrange special instruction for those interested in trying their hand at whitewater kayaking.**
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Day 1 PUERTO MONTT - CHAITEN - FUTALEUFU RIVER BASE CAMP
Camp - 5 star camping on the Futaleufu
You begin your Patagonia, Chile tour by arriving in Puerto Montt and transferring to a charter flight to the port town of Chaiten. We will meet your plane and after a quick lunch, take the scenic drive to your plush accommodations at Futaleufu base camp. Situate yourself in your private tent platform with cozy bed and river view, and spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying Happy Hour. Meet your highly-trained and experienced river guides and the ace safety kayakers who will provide support during your river excursions over a delicious dinner. (L,D)
Begin Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Day 2 FUTALEUFU RIVER RAFTING
Camp - 5 star camping on the Futaleufu
If you wish, get an invigorating and scenic start to your tour of Chile with a riverside yoga class. After breakfast and a thorough safety briefing, you'll take the rafts out for some practice rescue drills in a safe nearby 'eddy' to allow crew members to hone their skills and prepare to raft as a team. Your Patagonia travel begins in earnest with a rafting warm-up of non-stop fun, a three-mile stretch from camp down to Puente Futaleufú (the Futaleufú bridge), with more rapids per half-mile than anywhere else on the river. Vehicles will be waiting at take-out, for the twenty-minute ride back to camp, or if you prefer, guests are welcome to return on foot or mountain bicycle. Our camp offers a range of relaxing ways to spend the rest of the afternoon: go fly-fishing, try out a kayak, enjoy the sauna, have a massage or soak in the riverside hot tub. After Happy Hour, a candlelight dinner, featuring locally-grown produce and fresh-baked breads from our neighbors, will be served in our open-air kitchen and dining area. Enjoy the night sky and a campfire before retiring to your cozy tent on a private platform. (B,L,D)
**Please note that this is a suggested itinerary that can be adjusted based on river flows and traveler interests. There are ample activities from base camp to choose from!**
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Day 3 FUTALEUFU RIVER RAFTING - MAS O MENOS - CASA DE PIEDRA
Camp - 5 star camping on the Futaleufu
Today, you'll launch the rafts from camp, passing again the Puente Futaleufú before meeting a continuous cascade of waves known as Mas o Menos that prepares you for your first Class V technical rapid, Casa de Piedra (House of Rock), around the next bend. These massive boulders create a series of water wheels that channel all of their fury into a final churning pit with a dragon's back highway through it. After running the remaining Class III and IV rapids, it's a comfortable float the rest of the way, leaving plenty of time for relaxing, fly-fishing and even some inflatable kayaking if you wish. A vehicle will be waiting to take our guests back to camp to enjoy the spa before another delicious dinner. (B,L,D)
**Please note that this is a suggested itinerary that can be adjusted based on river flows and traveler interests. There are ample activities from base camp to choose from!**
-
Day 4 KAYAKING RIO ESPOLON
Camp - 5 star camping on the Futaleufu
Take the opportunity today to learn a new way to explore the river in inflatable kayaks (also affectionately named “rubber duckies”). Even for river experts, these kayaks are surprisingly enjoyable and often a highlight of the trip. We will travel to the head of Class II/III Rio Espolon near Lago Espolon where we start the day’s adventure and travel to where the river meets the Futaleufu right above Inferno Canyon, our afternoon take-out location. For those looking to advance their skills at whitewater kayaks, this is also a perfect learning ground. All are assisted and supported by your river guide and safety kayakers. After a full day, return to base camp for another relaxing late afternoon and Happy Hour at the sunset bar. (B,L,D)
**Please note that this is a suggested itinerary that can be adjusted based on river flows and traveler interests. There are ample activities from base camp to choose from!**
-
Day 5 RIO AZUL HORSEBACK RIDING - KAYAKING - CASCADA
Camp - 5 star camping on the Futaleufu
Today on horseback, your Patagonia tour takes you deeper into the heart of this alluring region before a free afternoon. The eight-mile ride goes through the Rio Azul (Blue River) valley, surrounded by snowcapped peaks to the turquoise waters of the Rio Azul. On the ride, you'll get an intimate look at the Patagonian frontier lifestyle, stopping to buy fresh provisions for the evening meal from farms that produce cheese, bread, jams, vegetables and chicha, the local fermented cider. After lunch choose from two travel modes and directions. Those wanting to continue on horseback may ride across the Rio Azul and farther up the valley to the river's tributaries, ending at a mesmerizing sight: Chile's most spectacular cascading staircase waterfalls that plunge 300 feet over smooth granite and jagged rocky edges, exploding at different angles to form rainbows. Those looking for more river excitement may navigate inflatable kayaks on their own through the narrow and technical Rio Azul to its confluence with the Futaleufu River downstream. Both of these options provide a memorable day of fun-filled adventure. Return to base camp for Happy Hour. (B,L,D)
**Please note that this is a suggested itinerary that can be adjusted based on river flows and traveler interests. There are ample activities from base camp to choose from!**
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Day 6 FUTALEUFU RIVER - PURTO MONTT - PUNTA ARENAS
View Punta Arenas accommodations picture gallery
Begin with an early start and transfer by van to the Chaiten Airport for the flight to Puerto Montt and connecting flight to Punta Arenas. Overnight in Punta Arenas with time to prepare for the next part of your Patagonia Tour. (B)
Camp - 5 star camping on the Futaleufu
You begin your Patagonia, Chile tour by arriving in Puerto Montt and transferring to a charter flight to the port town of Chaiten. We will meet your plane and after a quick lunch, take the scenic drive to your plush accommodations at Futaleufu base camp. Situate yourself in your private tent platform with cozy bed and river view, and spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying Happy Hour. Meet your highly-trained and experienced river guides and the ace safety kayakers who will provide support during your river excursions over a delicious dinner. (L,D)
-
Day 2 FUTALEUFU RIVER RAFTING
Camp - 5 star camping on the Futaleufu
If you wish, get an invigorating and scenic start to your tour of Chile with a riverside yoga class. After breakfast and a thorough safety briefing, you'll take the rafts out for some practice rescue drills in a safe nearby 'eddy' to allow crew members to hone their skills and prepare to raft as a team. Your Patagonia travel begins in earnest with a rafting warm-up of non-stop fun, a three-mile stretch from camp down to Puente Futaleufú (the Futaleufú bridge), with more rapids per half-mile than anywhere else on the river. Vehicles will be waiting at take-out, for the twenty-minute ride back to camp, or if you prefer, guests are welcome to return on foot or mountain bicycle. Our camp offers a range of relaxing ways to spend the rest of the afternoon: go fly-fishing, try out a kayak, enjoy the sauna, have a massage or soak in the riverside hot tub. After Happy Hour, a candlelight dinner, featuring locally-grown produce and fresh-baked breads from our neighbors, will be served in our open-air kitchen and dining area. Enjoy the night sky and a campfire before retiring to your cozy tent on a private platform. (B,L,D)
**Please note that this is a suggested itinerary that can be adjusted based on river flows and traveler interests. There are ample activities from base camp to choose from!**
-
Day 3 FUTALEUFU RIVER RAFTING - MAS O MENOS - CASA DE PIEDRA
Camp - 5 star camping on the Futaleufu
Today, you'll launch the rafts from camp, passing again the Puente Futaleufú before meeting a continuous cascade of waves known as Mas o Menos that prepares you for your first Class V technical rapid, Casa de Piedra (House of Rock), around the next bend. These massive boulders create a series of water wheels that channel all of their fury into a final churning pit with a dragon's back highway through it. After running the remaining Class III and IV rapids, it's a comfortable float the rest of the way, leaving plenty of time for relaxing, fly-fishing and even some inflatable kayaking if you wish. A vehicle will be waiting to take our guests back to camp to enjoy the spa before another delicious dinner. (B,L,D)
**Please note that this is a suggested itinerary that can be adjusted based on river flows and traveler interests. There are ample activities from base camp to choose from!**
-
Day 4 KAYAKING RIO ESPOLON
Camp - 5 star camping on the Futaleufu
Take the opportunity today to learn a new way to explore the river in inflatable kayaks (also affectionately named “rubber duckies”). Even for river experts, these kayaks are surprisingly enjoyable and often a highlight of the trip. We will travel to the head of Class II/III Rio Espolon near Lago Espolon where we start the day’s adventure and travel to where the river meets the Futaleufu right above Inferno Canyon, our afternoon take-out location. For those looking to advance their skills at whitewater kayaks, this is also a perfect learning ground. All are assisted and supported by your river guide and safety kayakers. After a full day, return to base camp for another relaxing late afternoon and Happy Hour at the sunset bar. (B,L,D)
**Please note that this is a suggested itinerary that can be adjusted based on river flows and traveler interests. There are ample activities from base camp to choose from!**
-
Day 5 RIO AZUL HORSEBACK RIDING - KAYAKING - CASCADA
Camp - 5 star camping on the Futaleufu
Today on horseback, your Patagonia tour takes you deeper into the heart of this alluring region before a free afternoon. The eight-mile ride goes through the Rio Azul (Blue River) valley, surrounded by snowcapped peaks to the turquoise waters of the Rio Azul. On the ride, you'll get an intimate look at the Patagonian frontier lifestyle, stopping to buy fresh provisions for the evening meal from farms that produce cheese, bread, jams, vegetables and chicha, the local fermented cider. After lunch choose from two travel modes and directions. Those wanting to continue on horseback may ride across the Rio Azul and farther up the valley to the river's tributaries, ending at a mesmerizing sight: Chile's most spectacular cascading staircase waterfalls that plunge 300 feet over smooth granite and jagged rocky edges, exploding at different angles to form rainbows. Those looking for more river excitement may navigate inflatable kayaks on their own through the narrow and technical Rio Azul to its confluence with the Futaleufu River downstream. Both of these options provide a memorable day of fun-filled adventure. Return to base camp for Happy Hour. (B,L,D)
**Please note that this is a suggested itinerary that can be adjusted based on river flows and traveler interests. There are ample activities from base camp to choose from!**
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Day 6 FUTALEUFU RIVER - PURTO MONTT - PUNTA ARENAS
Begin Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Key:
(B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
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*Any rafting day may be substituted with a day of horseback riding, inflatable kayaking, fly fishing, mountain bicycling, or even repeating one of the more relaxing, less intense rafting days.
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A note on weather:
The Futaleufú River valley experiences many types of weather patterns year round. The sunny months are usually December through March; however we urge passengers to think cold and wet as well as sunny and warm. If an unseasonable tormenta or rain storm passes through, the river level can change dramatically. We only raft if the river is at a safe level.
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More information about Traveling in Patagonia
Itinerary Map
CONTACT US
CALL
1.877.784.5400
TOLL FREE
OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
1.206.784.8111
2008 - 2009 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
December
12–17
21–26
12/29-01/03
January
7–12
16–21
26–31
February
4–9
13–18
23–28
March
4–9
13–18
23–28
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
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Included in tour cost
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- Meals as indicated
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- All luxury camping accommodations (twin shared basis)
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- All transfers as noted
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- All services, guides and equipment
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- All kitchen and cooking gear
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- Bilingual world class rafting guides
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- Southern Explorations pre departure services.
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Excluded in tour cost
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- International round - trip airfare to and from Santiago, Chile
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- Airfare $225 (Santiago - Puerto Montt - Santiago), subject to change
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- Airport taxes international (around $30) and local (around $5)
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- Tips and gratuities
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- Travel insurance
PHYSICAL RATING
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Difficult - Strenuous
CHILE ACCOMMODATION
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Futaleufu Mini-MultiSport:
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1 night hotel
5 nights camping
(Eureka 3 person tents for 2)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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Additional $200
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- Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. We will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.
Prices based on 3% cash discount
)
Duration: 6 days)
If you wish, get an invigorating and scenic start to your tour of Chile with a riverside yoga class. After breakfast and a thorough safety briefing, you'll take the rafts out for some practice rescue drills in a safe nearby 'eddy' to allow crew members to hone their skills and prepare to raft as a team. Your Patagonia travel begins in earnest with a rafting warm-up of non-stop fun, a three-mile stretch from camp down to Puente Futaleufú (the Futaleufú bridge), with more rapids per half-mile than anywhere else on the river. Vehicles will be waiting at take-out, for the twenty-minute ride back to camp, or if you prefer, guests are welcome to return on foot or mountain bicycle. Our camp offers a range of relaxing ways to spend the rest of the afternoon: go fly-fishing, try out a kayak, enjoy the sauna, have a massage or soak in the riverside hot tub. After Happy Hour, a candlelight dinner, featuring locally-grown produce and fresh-baked breads from our neighbors, will be served in our open-air kitchen and dining area. Enjoy the night sky and a campfire before retiring to your cozy tent on a private platform. (B,L,D)
)
Today on horseback, your Patagonia tour takes you deeper into the heart of this alluring region before a free afternoon. The eight-mile ride goes through the Rio Azul (Blue River) valley, surrounded by snowcapped peaks to the turquoise waters of the Rio Azul. On the ride, you'll get an intimate look at the Patagonian frontier lifestyle, stopping to buy fresh provisions for the evening meal from farms that produce cheese, bread, jams, vegetables and chicha, the local fermented cider. After lunch choose from two travel modes and directions. Those wanting to continue on horseback may ride across the Rio Azul and farther up the valley to the river's tributaries, ending at a mesmerizing sight: Chile's most spectacular cascading staircase waterfalls that plunge 300 feet over smooth granite and jagged rocky edges, exploding at different angles to form rainbows. Those looking for more river excitement may navigate inflatable kayaks on their own through the narrow and technical Rio Azul to its confluence with the Futaleufu River downstream. Both of these options provide a memorable day of fun-filled adventure. Return to base camp for Happy Hour. (B,L,D)
