Day 1: Miami/Santiago
Evening flight from the United States to Santiago.
Day 2: Santiago/Puerto Montt
Arrive in Santiago this morning and transfer to the flight south to Puerto Montt. Arriving in Puerto Montt, check into the old-world style Vienta Sur Hotel. The afternoon is free to explore the city. Puerto Montt is a coastal port beautifully situated on the inner end of 20-mile long Reloncovi Sound. There is good shopping at the Angelmo Market where knitted and other handmade goods may be purchased. In the evening, enjoy a salmon dinner on the wharf.
NOTE: The airfare from the United States to Puerto Montt Chile is not included in the trip cost. Day 3: Puerto Montt/Chaiten/Rio Futaleufu Training/Mapu Leufu Camp
This morning, take an 18-passenger twin-engine plane down the northern Patagonian coast over fjords and mountains to the small fishing village of Chaiten. Boarding a comfortable Mercedes bus, drive three hours, viewing snow-capped mountains, lakes and rivers to the training put-in on the lower Futaleufu River. After lunch and a safety talk, begin river training by doing a swim test and flip-drill. (These drills are optional for Class 4 participants). Then run a series of long, powerful Class 4+ rapids. In the late afternoon, take out and drive 15 minutes to the entrance of Campo Mapu Leufu, the first of Earth River’s three private camps. A half-mile hike takes you into the camp’s interior (personal bags are transported by an ox cart). Situated on a secluded bluff over the turquoise river with dramatic 360° views of glaciers and towering granite spires, this wondrous 300-acre private camp with over two miles of riverfront was purchased by Earth River in 1992. Gorgeous hand hewn wooden cliff dwellings, perched 120 feet over the water offer stunning views of granite spires rising from the turquoise river in one direction and glacier-capped, Alp-like peaks in the other. Also tucked into the cliffs with is a hand-planed, 18-person wooden hot tub. (The water is changed daily so no chemicals are necessary.) Meals are served outside at the cliffside dining area (a covered dining area is used if it rains). The camp also has flush toilets, hot showers and a hand-hewn gazebo-like shelter. There is also a 30-foot deep pond for kayaking (lessons) and wonderful swimming at a beach on the main river or in a tributary stream with waterfalls and deep pools. Hikes from the camp include, a two-hour walk to a lake and old growth forest and canyoneering down through the incredible Rio Blanco slot canyon. A professional masseuse, chef and videographer accompany most expeditions.
NOTE: All camp amenities at all three Earth River Futaleufu camps have been added in such a way as to not take away from the
wild and exotic nature of the river and expedition. Sleeping bags, flannel sleeping sheet/sacks, pillows and thick sleeping pads are included at no additional charge. With the exception of the masseuse ($45 an hour) and the professionally shot and edited trip video ($185), everything from dinner on the night you arrive in Puerto Montt until you arrive back in Puerto Montt at the trip’s conclusion is included in the trip cost.
For stunning photographs of the Mapu Leufu camp and our other exclusive, private Futaleufu camps, totaling over 2,000 wild acres, complete with riverside stone hot tubs, hand hewn wooden cliff dwellings and tree houses please see the Earth River slide show. (NOTE: The Mapu Leufu Camp photos on the slide show are images #13 - #16.) Day 4: Mapu Leufu Camp/Rafting Futaleufu/Cave Camp
In the morning, drive an hour to the put-in on the upper river. Soon you enter the wild, sheer walled Class 5 Inferno Canyon. Racing between imposing walls, hundreds of feet high, the pulsing turquoise river boasts some of the most impressive commercially run rapids in the world including Infierno, Purgatorio, Danza de los Angeles and Escala De Jacoba. Each rapid is separated by a swift pool which allows enough time for rescue and recovery if necessary. In the afternoon, raft down to Campo Casa de Piedra, the private, 1,000-acre Earth River Cave Camp. This is the most exotic and diverse river camp in the world.
"The Earth River Cave Camp on the Futaleufu is a natural, adult-size playground. Like a grown-up version of a tree fort it’s the type of never-never land that would make Peter Pan and the Lost Boys jealous.”
-- AMERICAN AIRLINES MAGAZINE, FEBRUARY, 2001
Not a cave in the true sense, but a massive overhanging white granite slab that rests on two boulders, the main shelter is referred to by the locals as the House of Stone. There is a sand floor, two natural skylights and giant fireplace in the rear wall that breathes smoke through a crack. With an interior space of over 1,600 square feet, this natural wonder is large enough to ride a horse inside and can keep the entire group warm and dry under any conditions. In front of the main stone shelter is a beautiful spring-fed pond/lake called Laguito Azul (Little Blue Lake). Set within a bowl of massive granite towers as high as 300 feet and surrounded by lush vegetation, Laguito Azul resembles a giant Japanese garden. Its brilliant blue water is so pure you can drink it and so clear you can see giant German Brown trout and salmon up to 25 pounds swimming 30 feet down. Kayaks are available and gliding over the transparent water has an almost surreal feeling to it. A few hundred feet beyond Laguito Azul rages the most spectacular rapid on the river, Zeta, a Class 5-6, Z-shaped flume cut into solid granite. Just downstream of Zeta, carved into the granite by the river in higher flows, is a heart-shaped, three foot deep water-filled pothole, which they heat to 105°. With smooth, 45° sloping walls to lean against and fresh water every day, this chemical-free stone hot tub comfortably fits 12 people. The smooth granite ledges around the tub are ideal for relaxing and slope gently into the calm aerated blue pool below Zeta making transition from hot to cold water extremely easy. Soaking at night with the brilliant stars of the southern hemisphere aglow is an unforgettable experience. The most popular place to sleep at Cave Camp is in one of the hand hewn, cliff dwellings perched on and between the massive boulders and cliffs overlooking Zeta Rapid. The dwellings have walls and a door on the trailside for privacy. The sides facing the river, however, are entirely open and the birds eye view from your pillow of the tumultuous turquoise water slicing through the rapid’s narrow granite slot is something you’ll never forget. In the vicinity of the cliff dwellings is a large cliffside dining area, 18-person wooden hot tub and a second spring-fed swimming pond. The cliff dwellings, hot tub and dining area are all well hidden from the Futaleufu, yet through the trees they command the river’s most impressive camp view. A series of dramatic hand-hewn log sky bridges, 30
feet off the ground, link the Zeta dining/sleeping area to the main stone shelter so that in times of inclement weather the transition between the two areas is effortless. Downstream from Zeta Rapid is Lost Beach. This beautiful private beach is so tucked away that people float right by it on the main river without ever knowing
it is there. The camp also has horses, flush toilets, tents and horses.
For stunning photographs of the Cave Camp and Earth River's other exclusive, private Futaleufu camps, totaling over 2,000 wild acres, complete with riverside stone hot tubs, hand hewn wooden cliff dwellings and tree houses please see the Earth River slide show. (NOTE: The Cave Camp photos on the slide show are images #2 - #7.) Day 5: Rio Futaleufu/Tree House Camp
This morning, set up a dramatic tyrolean traverse across the river. Wearing a climbing harness attached to a pulley, participants pull themselves across a rope stretched between sheer granite walls over the heart of Zeta Rapid. Although not particularly strenuous, hanging and then crossing over the class 6 rapid is extremely exhilarating. Upon reaching the other side, begin climbing out of the inner canyon. The moderately strenuous 1,600 verticle foot hike takes you past a beautiful 100-foot tributary waterfall and breathtaking views of the turquoise river, Tower of the Winds, Laguito Azul and dramatic peaks rising from the river valley. After two hours, crest the top of the inner canyon and enter a wonderful old growth hardwood forest. Tucked away in the center of this enchanted, moss-draped land of giants is a ten-acre, 50-foot deep lake. Cut out by the glacier, the lake drops straight off the edge like a giant, bottomless swimming pool. Surrounded by native old growth forest on three sides, with dramatic mountain views on the fourth, this intimate body of water offers wonderful opportunities for swimming and canoeing (there are two canoes). A natural wood deck and a hand made 16-person hot tub sit on the edge of the lake. Hidden back in the trees is a hand-hewn log Gazebo structure with a fireplace in case of inclement weather. Just beyond the gazebo, 35 feet up in a majestic closely-knit stand of old growth giants are eight wonderful, hexagon shaped tree houses. They are connected like the spokes of a wheel from one central tree and a circular staircase. These amazing architectural gems are each unique and were hand crafted by a Chilean master carpenter. Each tree house was designed to be self-supported and not a single nail was placed into the trees. In the afternoon there is the option of swimming and relaxing in the hot tub or taking a short hike to the breathtaking Tree House Camp Canyon Overlook. Engulfed by snow-capped mountains on all sides, this wonderful spot affords 360-degree views including two gorgeous lakes and seven miles of the turquoise Futaleufu River canyon stretching as far as the eye can see. Condors are frequently seen soaring in the updrafts. Spend the evening suspended above the lower canopy with stunning views of the lake, surrounding forest and mountains.
Note: Almost anyone who takes their time can do the hike up to the Tree House Camp, however, those people not wishing to partake in the hike can spend the night at the Cave Camp with a guide where the meals will be prepared by the camp Chef. These participants can do the tyrolean in the morning and then have the afternoon free
to ride horses, visit Lost Beach, kayak on Laguito Azul or relax in one of the hot tub. The following day they will have the chance to join the rest of the group on the zip line and the tower climb.
For stunning photographs of Earth River's exclusive, private Futaleufu camps, totaling over 2,000 wild acres, complete with riverside stone hot tubs, hand hewn wooden cliff dwellings and tree houses please see the Earth River slide show. (NOTE: The Tree House Camp photos on the slide show are images #8 - #10.) Day 6: Tree House Camp/Cave Camp/Challenge Cirque
This morning, hike an hour and a half back down to the river. From the trail you can see aerial views of the turquoise river, surrounding canyon and the majestic Tower of the Winds that will be climbed and rappelled down later in the day. The trail ends at a 250-foot zip line. Like a giant kid’s “fun ride”, hold a loop handle attached to a pulley over your head and leap off a 25-foot cliff, shooting 250 feet down an angled rope letting go into the turquoise pool below Zeta Rapid. A soak in the nearby 105-degree natural stone hot tub is the perfect transition from the 60-degree river. On the cliff just above the hot tub there is a 10 to 42-foot high cliff jump into the aerated blue pool. Lunch that day is served near the stone hot tub on the smooth ledges at Zeta. After lunch, receive a climbing safety briefing and put on climbing harnesses for the Tower climb. For those people not wishing to make the climb, there is also the option of hiking, horseback riding, kayaking on a beautiful pond, excellent trout fishing or relaxing in the stone hot tub. The tower climb involves a dynamic three-part rock climb up the backside of the 300 foot granite Torre de los Vientos (Tower of the Winds). No previous climbing experience is necessary, and people from 5 to 78 years old have made the climb. Once on top, venture out on the dramatic Knife's Edge. Crossing its narrow natural bridge, with sheer
300-foot drop offs on either side is exhilarating. The views of Zeta Rapid, Laguito Azul, and the surrounding canyon from the Knife’s Edge are exquisite and the most impressive found anywhere on the river. For many people, standing on top of the knife’s edge is the highlight of the trip. On the way down from the tower, make your way to a sheer 100-foot wall where you rappel (self-lowering by rope) the rest of the way to the bottom. Spend the night at the cave camp. Day 7: Cave Camp/Rio Futaleufu/Mapu Leufu Camp
A short float this morning takes you to unrunnable Throne Room Rapid where the boats are pushed through empty (ghost boated). The next couple of hours are spent running a series of long, exciting class 4+ rapids down to the confluence with the Rio Azul, a turquoise tributary. At the Azul you are met by riding horses where there is the option of taking a gentle three-hour horse trip into the Azul Valley, past beautiful tributary waterfalls or an even more dramatic ride up to the base of the Tres Monjas Mountain, the three granite towers that dominate the surrounding landscape. The two-hour, 3,000 vertical foot ride takes you to one of the most gorgeous views imaginable. Beneath you, the turquoise and white Futaleufu snakes its way through the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains as far as the eye can see. The foaming white staircase of class 5+ Terminator rapid, that will be run the following day, can be seen in the distance. Looking behind, see condors soaring between the sheer, 3,000-foot Tres Monjas Towers. Those choosing not to ride horses to either the Azul Valley or the towers can raft two hours directly down to Campo Mapu Leufu arriving at lunchtime. In the afternoon these people have a choice between kayak lessons on the pond, single track mountain biking, hiking up to two lakes and an old growth forest, relaxing in the hot tub or canyoneering down through the spectacular, 400 foot deep Rio Blanco slot canyon. For many people this is the highlight of the trip. Wearing wetsuits and river shoes, participants rappel down and swim through this incredible natural labyrinth of white boulders, clear azur pools and waterfalls up to 80 feet. That evening all the groups from the different activities get together for dinner at Mapu Leufu. Day 8: Campo Mapu Leufu/Rio Futaleufu/Campo Mapu Leufu
Today is one the most impressive commercial rafting days in the world. Within minutes of pushing off, enter the half mile
long Class 5+ Terminador Rapid, the wildest rapid run. Immediately below, run the impressive 15-foot waves of the Himalayas. Here the rapids flow together making nearly a mile and a half of nonstop Class 5 action. Then there is a series of giant Class 4+ rapids (some nearly a mile long) and two Class 5 rapids: Cojin (the cushion) and Mundaca. After another long stretch of Class 4+ rapids, have lunch. In the afternoon, run two of the most difficult Class 5 rapids on the river; Mas o Menos and Casa De Piedra. After the last rapid the canyon boasts some of its most spectacular scenery with grand vistas of towering mountains and glaciers. In the early afternoon, take out and drive half an hour back to Campo Mapu Leufu where there is a farewell dinner celebration in the form of a traditional Chilean Asado (roasted sheep over a fire).
Option: Class 4 participants have the option of hiking on a trail around short sections of the bigger rapids. Often people who chose to walk around Inferno Canyon earlier in the trip feel more comfortable and run many of the large rapids today. This decision, however, is always left up to the guides. Day 9: Chaiten/Puerto Montt/Santiago
This morning, make the three-hour drive back to the airport in Chaiten where you board the charter plane for the short scenic flight back to Puerto Montt. Arriving in Puerto Montt, board the plane for Santiago and then take the evening flight back to the U.S. Day 10: United States
Early this morning, arrive in the U.S.
Note: Anyone interested in this Futaleufu multi-sport trip should visit the Futaleufu Interactive Super Atlas (Virtual tour) on the Earth River website. |
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