Paddle the Futaleufu River

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The Rio Futaluefu , Chile The Rio Futaleufu in Patagonia is an area of extreme beauty. The gorgeous turquoise River carves its way through deep tree clad valleys with glaciers in the distance. See you there! 8 days, from £1395 (Group tour). Water by Nature »

The Futaleufu River is perhaps the most beautiful river in the world. Bright blue water, luscious rainforest landscapes and mountains, combined with awesome whitewater make this destination the ultimate rafting trip. Nothing can compare to the fun of whitewater rafting and exploration of ancient rainforests in South America. These trips run on a limited basis. Mostly during the December-January months, when the weather is warm and water it in great condition. All-inclusive packages typically include transportation to and from the airport along with the vacation.

Ask any river runner worth his or her weight in neoprene what is the best whitewater river in South America--or for that matter, the world--and the answer will invariably be the same: Chile's Futaleafu. Described as blending the scenery of California's Yosemite with the rapids of the Grand Canyon and water color of the Caribbean, the river crashes through the Andes on its way to the Pacific from Chile's border with Argentina. Its upper Class V+ section has humbled expert paddlers from around the world, while an easier 22-mile lower stretch has exposed others to some of the best paddling on the planet. Why else would Futaleafu kayak outfitter Chris Spelius borrow a line from Ringly, Barnum and Bailey and call it the Greatest Whitewater on Earth.? Expediciones Chile (Futaleafu), (703) 488-9082

5 / 5 Review by expert member Ryan Hutchings

‘Classic Class IV and V Rapids’

The "Fu" runs through a spectacular canyon full of mountain peaks in the northern edge of Patagonia. This is a big water river with classic Class ... Read more »

5 / 5 Review by expert member Zach Collier

‘From the Andes to the Sea’

Patagonia’s Futaleufu river, known as one of the best white water destinations of the world, has a friendly side. The Lower Futaleufu river, after it has ... Read more »

5 / 5 Review by expert member Martin Costa

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