The Futaleufu River is one of the best whitewater runs on earth — Class IV-V rapids through a turquoise canyon in northern Patagonia, about a two-hour detour east from the Carretera Austral. The water is an absurd shade of blue-green, the canyon walls are draped in forest, and the rapids are relentless. Professional kayakers and rafters rank it among the top five rivers in the world.
The River
The Futaleufu runs roughly 70 kilometers from the Argentine border to where it joins the Rio Yelcho. The main rafting section — the Futaleufu Gorge — has named rapids that tell you what to expect: Terminator, Wild Mile, Casa de Piedra. Class IV-V water that demands experienced guides and quality equipment. The river is powerful and cold (snowmelt from the Andes).
Multi-day trips (3-5 days) cover the full run with riverside camping between sections. Half-day and full-day trips cover specific sections — the Bridge to Bridge run is the most popular introduction, with Class III-IV rapids that suit strong intermediates.
Beyond Rafting
Kayaking: The Futaleufu is a pilgrimage for whitewater kayakers. Several schools in the area offer kayak instruction from beginner (on calmer tributaries) to advanced (the main gorge). Multi-day kayak camps run in January-February.
Fly fishing: The calmer stretches and tributaries hold brown and rainbow trout. The Rio Espolon, a tributary, is particularly good for fly fishing. Guides operate from the town.
Hiking: Trails above the canyon provide views of the river and surrounding peaks. The hike to Piedra del Aguila viewpoint overlooks the gorge and is a half-day trip from town.
The Town
Futaleufu (the town) is a small settlement at the confluence of the Futaleufu and Espolon rivers. A few guesthouses, restaurants, gear shops, and rafting company offices. The atmosphere is laid-back and outdoorsy — everyone is here for the river. The town has a genuine frontier feel, with more horses than cars on some streets.
Practical Information
Getting there: From the Carretera Austral, turn east at Chaiten or Villa Santa Lucia. The drive to Futaleufu takes about 2 hours on a partially paved road. You can also enter from Argentina via the Futaleufu border crossing (from the Argentine town of Trevelin/Esquel). No public transport — drive or arrange transfer through a rafting company.
Season: December through March for rafting. The river runs year-round but water levels and companies operate only in summer.
Costs: Half-day rafting trips start around $80. Full-day trips $120-150. Multi-day expeditions $500-1,500 depending on duration and camping style.
Skill level: The main gorge is for experienced rafters only (no beginners). Calmer sections and tributaries suit intermediates. All rafting is guided — no self-guided trips on the main Futaleufu.