Through Chile

DAY 1: U.S. / SANTIAGO

Evening flight from the United States to Santiago, Chile.

DAY 2: SANTIAGO / PUERTO MONTT / PUERTO VARAS

Arriving in Santiago this morning, you transfer (in the same airport) to your flight south to Puerto Montt. Reaching Puerto Montt in the late morning you take a taxi (30 min.) to the spectacular Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas in the quaint Chilean town of Puerto Varas. With panoramic views of Lago Llanquilhue and snowcapped Volcano Osorno rising from it's eastern shore, Puerto Varas is one of the most picturesque towns in all of South America. The Hotel has sweeping views of the lake and volcano from it's expansive lawns and is a welcome reprieve from the long trip down. There is wonderful shopping in the town for hand-made woolen goods like sweaters and hats. That evening we meet our guide, Maria, in the Hotel lobby for a trip orientation and welcome dinner out on the town.

Important note: For those people who can not commit to taking off the extra day and are only able to leave Friday evening, there is the option of arriving a day later, skipping the Puerto Varas day/hotel and meeting us directly at the Paloma Airport in Puerto Montt at 11:00 AM. Saturday morning. There are a number of international flight that arrive early enough into Santiago to make this itinerary possible.

DAY 3: PUERTO VARAS / CHAITEN / TERMINADOR CAMP (FUTALEUFU RIVER)

 

(See "day by day" in itinerary menu for the rest of the intinerary and camp descriptions.)

“Earth River made an expeditionary first descent of the Futaleufu in 1991 and figured out how to safely navigate it."
"Earth River is the premier river runner in the world. Their staff includes the finest guides to be found."
“Earth River is more than a great whitewater outfitter. Their contributions have made a real difference in our efforts to preserve some of the world's most beautiful rivers in Chile and Canada."
"I want to personally thank Earth River for helping us stop the hydro-electric projects on our land preventing the destruction of one of North America's last great wildernesses.
“I’ve rafted with Eric Hertz down some tough rivers—the Futaleufu in Chile, the Colca in Peru. He's one of the best in the business—obsessed with safety."