Futaleufú River: Patagonia's Whitewater Gem
Experience world-class whitewater rafting and stunning Patagonian scenery on the Futaleufú River, a true adventure capital.
The Futaleufú River, meaning "Big River" in Mapuche, is a world-renowned destination for whitewater rafting and kayaking. Carved through the Andes Mountains, its turquoise waters and challenging Class IV and V rapids attract adventurers from across the globe. The surrounding Patagonian landscape offers stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities.
A brief summary to Futaleufú River
Local tips
- Book rafting trips with reputable and authorized agencies to ensure safety and a quality experience.
- Pack for all types of weather, as Patagonia can experience unpredictable conditions.
- Bring cash, as some smaller establishments may not accept credit cards.
- Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
- Respect the local culture and traditions, and be mindful of the environment.
Getting There
-
Bus
From Chaitén, buses to Futaleufú are available twice daily, with the afternoon bus connecting to the ferry from Puerto Montt. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. Bus Cardenas is a primary operator. Ensure you have Chilean pesos for the fare, which is approximately $1500 CLP - $2500 CLP. Be aware that bus schedules can be infrequent, especially on Sundays, so confirm departure times in advance.
-
Border Crossing/Bus
From Esquel, Argentina, take a bus to the Chilean border. After passing through Argentinian and Chilean immigration (a walk of approximately 400m), catch a colectivo to Futaleufú. The bus from Esquel to the border costs around $255 ARG. Colectivos from the Chilean border to Futaleufú run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9 AM and 7 PM, costing around $2500 CLP.
Discover more about Futaleufú River
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Peuma Lodge Patagonia
7.9 km
Experience Patagonian tranquility at Peuma Lodge: stunning views, adventure activities, and exceptional hospitality in the heart of Futaleufú.
Camping Arroyo Quila Seca
8.5 km
Discover the tranquility and adventure of Camping Arroyo Quila Seca in Los Lagos, Chile, where nature meets unforgettable experiences.
PATA LODGE RIO FUTALEUFU
9.6 km
Experience the serene beauty of Futaleufú at Pata Lodge, your perfect retreat for adventure and relaxation in the heart of Los Lagos.
Futaleufu National Reserve
10.3 km
Explore the stunning landscapes and thrilling adventures of Futaleufú National Reserve, a nature lover's paradise in Los Lagos, Chile.
Casa Rio Futaleufu
10.4 km
Experience the beauty of nature at Casa Rio Futaleufu, a serene escape in Los Lagos, Chile, ideal for adventure and relaxation.
Turismo Antuhuya
11.2 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Futaleufú through unforgettable horseback riding experiences with Turismo Antuhuya in Chile's Los Lagos region.
Uman Lodge Patagonia Chile
12.4 km
Discover the serene beauty of Patagonia at Uman Lodge, an eco-friendly hotel offering adventure and relaxation amidst stunning natural landscapes.
Cara del indio
13.1 km
Experience thrilling rafting adventures and cozy accommodations at Cara del Indio, a must-visit destination in the stunning Los Lagos region of Chile.
Hostal La Gringa Carioca
14.1 km
Experience cozy comfort and adventure at Hostal La Gringa Carioca in beautiful Futaleufú, Chile, the gateway to stunning landscapes and outdoor thrills.
Hotel El Barranco
14.3 km
Discover the essence of Patagonia at Hotel El Barranco, where adventure meets comfort in the stunning landscapes of Futaleufú.
Café Huilque
14.3 km
Experience artisanal coffee and delightful pastries in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere at Café Huilque in Futaleufú, Chile.
Centro Aventura Futaleufú Chile
14.3 km
Experience thrilling outdoor adventures in the stunning landscapes of Futaleufú, Chile, with Centro Aventura Futaleufú, your adventure tourism hub.
Condorfu Rafting Futaleufú
14.4 km
Experience the thrill of rafting and kayaking in Futaleufú's breathtaking landscapes with Condorfu Rafting – a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts.
Hosteria Rio Grande
14.4 km
Discover the tranquility of Hosteria Rio Grande in Futaleufú, where comfort meets the stunning beauty of Los Lagos, Chile.
Pub Scorpions
14.4 km
Discover the lively spirit of Futaleufú at Pub Scorpions, where local culture meets vibrant nightlife in the heart of Los Lagos.
Unmissable attractions to see
Laguna Hermana
4.6 km
Discover the serene beauty of Laguna Hermana in Los Lagos, Chile, where crystal-clear waters meet breathtaking mountain views for nature lovers.
Laguna oscura
5.1 km
Discover the enchanting beauty of Laguna Oscura in Futaleufú, Los Lagos – a serene retreat in the heart of Chilean Patagonia, perfect for nature lovers.
Laguna del Azul
5.5 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Laguna del Azul in Futaleufú, a hidden gem in Los Lagos, Chile, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Torres del Arrayan
9.1 km
Explore Torres del Arrayan in Chile's stunning Los Lagos region, where towering granite spires meet lush forests for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Playa Chucao
9.8 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Playa Chucao, a serene beach destination in Los Lagos, Chile, perfect for relaxation and adventure.
Laguna Pinilla
10.0 km
Experience the breathtaking landscapes and serene beauty of Laguna Pinilla, a hidden gem in Futaleufú, Chile, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Laguna Toro Futaleufú
10.2 km
Explore the enchanting landscapes of Laguna Toro Futaleufú, a serene lagoon surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests in Chile's Los Lagos region.
Passarela Ramos
10.4 km
Experience the breathtaking Passarela Ramos in Futaleufú, Chile—where stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures await every traveler.
Mirador Cañadón del Diablo
10.4 km
Explore the breathtaking views and vibrant landscapes at Mirador Cañadón del Diablo, a must-see attraction in Futaleufú, Los Lagos, Chile.
Mirador del diablo
10.6 km
Discover the breathtaking panoramic views of the Andes and the Futaleufú River at the stunning Mirador del Diablo in Chile's Los Lagos region.
Top Gear Bridge Patagonia
10.7 km
Experience the breathtaking views and adventure at the Top Gear Bridge in Patagonia, a must-visit tourist attraction in Chile's stunning landscape.
Río Espolon
11.1 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Río Espolon, a hidden gem in Chile’s Los Lagos region perfect for outdoor adventures and serene escapes.
Pumallen Park
11.8 km
Explore the natural beauty and tranquility of Pumallen Park in Los Lagos, a perfect oasis for relaxation and outdoor adventures.
Laguna de la Paz
12.7 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Laguna de la Paz, a serene park in Futaleufú, Los Lagos, where nature and relaxation await.
Playa Aviv
14.1 km
Experience the natural beauty of Playa Aviv in Los Lagos, Chile - a tranquil park perfect for relaxation, picnics, and outdoor adventures.
Essential places to dine
La Base 13K Restaurante Futaleufú
3.9 km
Experience authentic Peruvian flavors at La Base 13K Restaurante in Futaleufú, where culinary excellence meets stunning natural beauty.
La Rosadita futaleufu
14.3 km
Discover La Rosadita in Futaleufú: where authentic Italian pizza meets breathtaking scenery in Los Lagos.
CERVECERIA ESCARCHA PATAGONIA
14.3 km
Discover locally crafted brews at Cervecería Escarcha Patagonia in breathtaking Futaleufú - a must-visit for every beer lover!
Rio Grande Restaurant
14.4 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine amidst breathtaking Patagonian landscapes at Rio Grande Restaurant in Futaleufú.
Rincon de Mama
14.4 km
Experience authentic Chilean flavors at Rincon de Mama in Futaleufú – where delicious food meets warm hospitality.
SurAndes Futaleufú
14.4 km
Experience exquisite local cuisine with stunning views at SurAndes Futaleufú - where every meal is a celebration of Chile's culinary heritage.
Once once Restaurant
14.4 km
Discover the authentic flavors of Patagonia at Once Once Restaurant in Futaleufú – where local ingredients meet exceptional culinary artistry.
Restaurant Encuentro
14.4 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at Restaurant Encuentro in scenic Futaleufú – where local flavors meet breathtaking landscapes.
La Picá de los Colonos
14.4 km
Discover authentic Chilean cuisine at La Picá de los Colonos in Futaleufú – where tradition meets flavor.
Restobar El Patagón
14.5 km
Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at Restobar El Patagón in Futaleufú - where local flavors meet warm hospitality.
Antigua Casona Hotel - Restaurante Italiano
14.5 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Antigua Casona Hotel - Restaurante Italiano in Futaleufú, where delightful flavors meet breathtaking scenery.
Karü Susheria Futaleufú
14.5 km
Discover exceptional sushi at Karü Susheria in Futaleufú - where fresh ingredients meet traditional Japanese culinary art.
La Yunta
14.6 km
Discover authentic Chilean cuisine in Futaleufú at La Yunta – where every dish tells a story!
Pronto Express Futaleufu
14.6 km
Discover convenience at Pronto Express Futaleufu—your essential stop for snacks, coffee, and travel needs along Chile's breathtaking Carretera Austral.
Restaurante Martin Pescador
14.6 km
Discover authentic Chilean cuisine amidst breathtaking landscapes at Restaurante Martin Pescador in Futaleufú.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Minimarket villa el bosque
13.8 km
Explore local flavors and essentials at Minimarket Villa el Bosque, a charming grocery store in the heart of Futaleufú, Los Lagos region.
Panadería y minimarket Ana Luisa
13.9 km
Explore the flavors of Futaleufú at Panadería y Minimarket Ana Luisa, your one-stop shop for delicious baked goods and local essentials.
Patagonia Futa Mate
13.9 km
Discover the heart of Patagonia at Futa Mate, your go-to general store for local crafts and essential supplies in Los Lagos.
Tienda Ely
14.1 km
Explore Tienda Ely for unique clothing that captures the spirit of Futaleufú, blending tradition and modern style in scenic Los Lagos, Chile.
Tienda de ropa OUTLET
14.2 km
Explore Tienda de ropa OUTLET in Futaleufú for the best clothing deals amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
Usamefuta
14.3 km
Explore Usamefuta in Futaleufú, where fashion meets beauty in a stunning natural setting.
Casa Pallú
14.3 km
Discover the charm of Casa Pallú, a boutique in Futaleufú offering unique local crafts and a glimpse into the artistic heart of Los Lagos.
Talabarteria morales
14.4 km
Explore the craftsmanship of Talabarteria Morales in Futaleufú, where leather goods reflect the rich culture of Los Lagos.
Artesanía Dayali
14.4 km
Explore Artesanía Dayali in Futaleufú for unique handcrafted souvenirs that reflect the rich culture and artistry of Los Lagos region.
El Taihuen
14.4 km
Discover the unique fashion and culture of Patagonia at El Taihuen, the must-visit clothing store in Futaleufú, Los Lagos.
Tienda novedades
14.5 km
Discover unique styles at Tienda Novedades, the premier dress store in scenic Futaleufú, Los Lagos, Chile, perfect for all your fashion needs.
Tienda Anais
14.5 km
Explore Tienda Anais in Futaleufú for unique clothing that captures the essence of Chilean culture and style amidst stunning natural landscapes.
Tabaqueria en Futaleufu
14.5 km
Explore Tabaqueria en Futaleufu, a delightful consignment shop offering unique treasures and a taste of local culture in the heart of Los Lagos.
Pasarela Exclusividades
14.5 km
Discover unique fashion pieces at Pasarela Exclusividades in Futaleufú, where local craftsmanship meets contemporary style in a stunning setting.
Dulce Hechicera
14.5 km
Explore the unique fashion offerings at Dulce Hechicera, a charming clothing store in Futaleufú celebrating local culture and style.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Restaurant Dani Y Hospedaje
14.5 km
Experience the authentic flavors of Futaleufú at Restaurant Dani Y Hospedaje, where local ingredients meet warm hospitality.
Patio Cervecero Futaleufu 2019
14.7 km
Experience the vibrant beer culture of Futaleufu at Patio Cervecero, where local brews and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.
Alto Sushi Futaleufú
14.8 km
Experience the delightful flavors of Alto Sushi Futaleufú, a top-rated takeout sushi restaurant offering fresh and delicious dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Bocatta
66.7 km
Discover Bocatta, the exquisite wine bar in Sarmiento, where every sip tells a story of Argentine culture and flavor.
Raíces Patagónicas
66.7 km
Discover the culinary delights of Patagonia at Raíces Patagónicas, a cozy gastropub in Esquel offering a taste of local flavors and vibrant atmosphere.
Cervecería Wechun
75.4 km
Experience the finest craft beers at Cervecería Wechun, a cozy bar in Chaitén, where every sip tells a story of South American brewing artistry.
