Chile has a large variety of amazing rivers to raft but one stands alone at the top, the Rio Futaleufu.  It winds its way through the lush Chilean rain forest and is corralled only by sleek granite cliffs. The Futaleufu boasts one Class IV-V rapid after the other… if you’re ready for exciting whitewater, a lost frontier culture and pristine landscapes, you’re ready for rafting in Chile on the Futaleufu River.

The Rio Futaleufu originates high in the Andes from a series of lakes just across the border in Argentina.  It slowly meanders its way into Chile where not long after if crosses the border, it begins to carve its way through on of the most stunning valleys in Patagonia.  With peaks and glaciers towering overhead some 6000 feet protecting this stunning, turquoise colored  river.

Starting with the infamous and most difficult section of the river, Infierno Canyon.  Here the Futaleufu enters a sheer walled canyon with virtually no escape for rafters except downstream.  This is true class V rafting at its best with rapids like Entrada, Dancing with Angels and Salida, this section is an incredible reward for the adventurous commercial rafter and expert kayaker.  After exiting the canyon, you are delivered into the gorgeous and remote Valle de las Escalas renowned for its stellar fishing.  Don’t let your guard down, though, because the 2 most difficult and often portaged rapids on the river await, Zeta and the El Trono (Throne Room).  Although Zeta is much more portaged than run by expert kayaker, the Throne Room is a spectacular reward for the portage and located 1/2 mile downstream.

As the river continues through a stellar section of class IV, it is joined by the incredibly scenic Rio Azul.  From here the excitement never lets up for almost 20 miles with countless class III-IV rapids and the two longest class V rapids on the river, Terminator and Casa de Piedra.

After a satisfying day on the Futaleufu you’ll find nothing but comfort and fun, and sometimes a little rain.  Each exhilarating day is followed with relaxation and pampering at our luxury riverside camp and spa.  This includes a wood burning hot tub, staff masseuse and plenty of spectacular local food and wine! And just when you might enjoy a break from whitewater rafting we mix it up with inflatable kayaking, horseback riding, canyoning or hiking in the Andes. Our world-class guides take stellar care of you on this Patagonian adventure travel experience of a lifetime.   Check out this trip and many more with Global Descents and New Mexico River Adventures