Pioneering Unique River Adventures Since 1989

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Earth River has been setting the standard for world-class river trips for over three decades. At our core is a passion for exploration, facilitating unique adventure travel vacations, an unwavering commitment to safety, and a deep respect for the wild places we visit. As the original outfitter on every river we operate on, including Patagonia’s renowned Futaleufú, we take pride in sharing our discoveries with our guests. Led by world-class guides and backed by decades of experience, your journey with Earth River will create memories that last a lifetime.

Our Trips

Futaleufu Multi-lodge

Experience an Adventure for a Lifetime with the original Futaleufú rafting company. Our exclusive multi-lodge, multi-sport Futaleufú trip blends world-class rafting, inflatable kayaking, canyoning, mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, and hiking through a Northern Patagonia valley of breathtaking beauty. On the world’s only week long lodge-to-lodge river trip, the nights are spent in intimate boutique lodges with private rooms, chef-prepared meals, and wood-fired hot tubs.

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Ventana Wilderness Expedition

Patagonia’s only week-long whitewater river trip.  This remote journey features thrilling Class III–IV rapids, beneath ice-capped towers and spires that rival the Dolomites. Led by expert river guides and horse-packing gauchos and their tireless dogs, you’ll experience a place that hasn’t changed in a hundred years. Enveloped by an ancient hardwood forest, the crystal clear teal colored water is teeming with trout and salmon. Of all the scenic highlights, perhaps the grandest is, La Ventana (The Window)—a  keyhole shaped opening carved into the granite face of a mountain. 

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Magpie Wilderness Expedition

First explored by Earth River in 1989, this Canadian classic is one of National Geographic’s top-rated river trips. Located in a vast wilderness the size of Alaska, it features thrilling Class IV whitewater, untouched boreal forests, and two of the most dramatic river camps in the world. Accessible only by helicopter or floatplane, it is rare to encounter another group along the week-long journey down to the St. Lawrence. The stunning scenery is often complemented by billowy, cloud-covered, bright blue skies. The river’s relatively warm, 68-degree water eliminates the need for wetsuits and invites stand-up paddle-boarding and swimming at camp.

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Primrose Wildlife Safari

Journey by  floatplane deep into the heart of Canada’s Yukon Territory on this one-of-a-kind whitewater rafting and sea kayaking expedition. Surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and endless wilderness, we spend the week alternating between navigating thrilling stretches of whitewater and paddling or kite-surfing across vast, crystal-clear lakes. Camps are set on secluded beaches, littered with the footprints of some of North America’s largest mammals. By day, those footprints come to life as we spot moose, wolves, grizzlies, mountain goat and Dall sheep on this unforgettable wilderness safari. 

Northern Patagonia Hiker

Discover the Uncrowded Beauty of Northern Patagonia on a Multi-Lodge Hiking Adventure, where pristine wilderness and world-class comfort come together. With a perfect blend of adventure and luxury, this journey takes you deep into the breathtaking Futaleufú Valley,  renowned for its dramatic landscapes, wild rivers, and mountain lakes. Trek on uncrowded trais through ancient Valdivian rainforest with towering glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and turquoise rivers. At the end of each extraordinary day, unwind in exclusive boutique lodges, complete with private rooms, spa amenities, and chef-prepared meals.

“The white-water outfitter Eric Hertz spent a lifetime searching for the perfect river. In 1990, he finally found it, in Patagonia. Earth River made an expeditionary first descent of the Futaleufu and figured out how to safely navigate it. They have since turned the Futaleufu into an outstanding adventure destination for rafters.”

New York Times

Why Earth River

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Exploration

Earth River was founded on a spirit of exploration, having pioneered and developed exceptional river destinations for over 35 years. From the Futaleufú, Ventana, and  recently discovered Bordali in Patagonia, Chile to the Magpie and Primrose in Canada, we’ve transformed wild, unexplored rivers into world-class rafting adventures.

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Safety

World-class guides, cutting-edge safety innovations, and the finest equipment ensure every trip is as safe as it is unforgettable. National Geographic Magazine described our founder, Eric Hertz, as being “Obsessed with safety”.

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Conservation

Since its inception, Earth River has been at the forefront of river preservation. Through conservation awareness trips with policy makers, media, and advocacy groups, we have played a key role in protecting rivers such as the Futaleufú, Great Whale, and Magpie. Our commitment has always been to support local communities and preserve river ecosystems.

River Stories

Earth River's Founder, Eric Hertz on bicycle trip, age 16.

How Earth River’s Founder Fell into Rafting

Earth River guests paddling through turquoise waters on the Futaleufu River in Chile

The Invention of the safety cataraft

Earth River Founder Eric Hertz historical image rafting Mundoca Rapids

The History Of Rafting On The Futaleufu

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