Futaleufu Letter

Dear Futaleufu multi-lodge Participant:

Thank you for joining Earth River on this unique journey, the only multi-lodge river journey offered in Patagonia. Every effort will be made to make your trip a safe and enjoyable experience. This hidden link section of the web site was designed to help you prepare for your trip. Enclosed you will find information on equipment, weather, travel and other necessary information. Please read it carefully. If you have any further questions please contact our office.

IMPORTANT: When you send in your reservation form make sure to also includes the completed medical form as well as the signed liability and terms and responsibilities waivers. 

Your expedition has been limited to just 12 guests, (14 over the Christmas/New Year's holiday) the smallest group size in the industry. Smaller groups lessen waiting times during multi-sport activities and insure the intimate nature of the expedition. Often trips fill up and it is difficult to replace a late cancellation.  The lodges are also paid for in advance. Therefore it is mandatory that you purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment in case you are unable to join the expedition.

The Futaleufu trip takes place during our winter and passengers should make sure that they remain in good physical condition. This trip is an “active” vacation, as you will be paddling rafts, inflatable kayaks, packrafts and standup paddle boards. You will also be canyoning, riding horses, hiking and mountain biking. Obsession Lake is one of the most spectacular and beautiful natural features in the Futaleufu Valley. Hiking up there and back in one day is the most arduous activity on the expedition. It is worth getting in shape for. For those guests not wanting to do the Obsession hike we have a wonderful alternative which includes horseback riding up the turqupoise Azul River Valley to a waterfall. 

As soon as you have secured your flights down to Santiago and connecting flight to Puerto Montt, please e-mail this information down to Earth River’s New York office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so we know your schedule. The e-mail should include; Futaleufu trip date leaving US, flight # and arrival time into Puerto Montt, as well as the flight # and departure time leaving Puerto Montt at the end of the trip. Remember you should arrive in Puerto Montt on Friday (except dec. 26 and private charters) and should book your flight out of Puerto Montt at the trip’s conclusion after 4:30 PM. If you can not leave for Chile on Thursday but can leave on Friday, you can still join the trip as long as you can arrive into Puerto Montt by 10:30 A.M. Saturday morning to catch the commuter plane over to Chaiten. If you have any problems on you travel down (flight delays, etc.) please contact or land guide Maria. In Chile she can be reached by dialing 09-95444941.

Sincerely:

Eric Hertz

President 

“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."