Bordali Wilderness River Expedition (Patagonia, Chile)
Hidden in the folds of the wild, snow-capped Patagonian Andes and concealed for decades from explorers, the Río Bordali originates from the massive Queulat Glacier, located within the national park of the same name. Imagine paddling beneath towering cliffs draped in moss, past numerous hidden waterfalls cascading into deep, crystal-clear pools. This Central Patagonian gem can only be reached by helicopter and features thrilling Class III/IV rapids, along with some of the most breathtaking river scenery and side-creek waterfall hikes found anywhere in the world. More than just a river trip, it is a journey into the heart of uncharted Patagonia.
Before reaching the river, this one-of-a-kind adventure begins with visits to two of Patagonia’s most iconic natural wonders: the San Rafael Glacier and the Ventisquero Colgante Waterfall. It is followed by two nights and a full day at Patagonia’s most renowned natural hot springs resort.
Be among the first to experience this extraordinary trip and discover a place no one knew existed, until Earth River made the first descent ten months ago.
Trip Dates: March 11-21 & March 15-25
$6,200/PERSON
Rio Bordali Video
Trip Details
Brief Overview
Cost: $6,200USD
Trip Type: Lodge and camping multi sport rafting trip
Trip Length: 9 days
Total Travel Days: 11 days
Group size: up to 14
Guide/client ratio: 1 – 3
Season: March
Meeting Place: Balmaceda, Chile
Accommodations: 5 nights in lodges, 3 nights camping
Suitable ages: 8-75
Activities: Rafting intermediate (class 3&4), trekking, catamaran glacier viewing, hot springs
Private departures: Custom groups are welcome. Please contact the office for more information.
What's Included/Not
What’s included
- 5 nights at Hotels/Lodges
- All food during the trip
- 8 days of guided activities (4 days rafting)
- Catamaran excursion to San Rafael Glacier
- Guides will set up tents and camp, you may help as much or as little as you desire daily
- Top-of-the-line gear
- Transportation to and from the airport in Balmaceda and to the airport in Chaiten
Not Included
- Round trip airfare from U.S. to Chile. (starting in Balmaceda and leaving Chile from Puerto Montt)
- One way flight to Puerto Montt from Chaiten ($250)
- Guide tips (typically 10% of trip cost)
- Catch-up fees for late arrivals, hotel, taxi, charter flights, and meals.
- Travel before or after trip
Day By Day Itinerary
DAY 1: U.S.
Evening flight from the U.S. to Santiago, Chile. (Airfare not included)
DAY 2: Santiago / Balmaceda / Puerto Aysén
Arriving in Santiago this morning and catching a connecting flight south to Balmaceda. We meet our Earth River guide, Maria, at the airport and drive 2.5 hours to Puerto Aysén. That evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner at Hotel Loberías del Sur.
DAY 3: Puerto Aysén / San Rafael Glacier / Puerto Aysén
Today we board a high-speed catamaran and cruise through narrow channels lined with forested cliffs. We reach the San Rafael Glacier, a massive wall of blue ice rising from a turquoise fjord, and transfer to Zodiac rafts for a closer look. Drifting among massive blue icebergs, we witness towering columns of ice calve into the sea. We return to Puerto Aysén for the night.
DAY 4: Puerto Aysén / Queulat National Park / Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa
A two-hour drive this morning takes us to Queulat National Park, where we hike through a temperate rainforest to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the Ventisquero Colgante (Hanging Glacier). In the afternoon, we head to Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa, where we we spend the next two nights.
DAYS 5 : Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa
Today is free to relax and enjoy the lodge and the surrounding area. Optional activities include spa treatments, soaking in thermal pools, rainforest hikes, and kayaking in the fjord, where we might spot dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds.
Days 6–8: Río Bordali / La Junta
We lift off by helicopter and fly over the coastal mountains to our first riverside camp on the remote Río Bordali. Over the next three days, we raft through a spectacular canyon, navigating class III and IV rapids and hiking to stunning tributary waterfalls. Our final night on the river is spent on an expansive beach where the river meets Lago Rosselot.
Day 9: Río Bordali / La Junta
We travel by small boat across Lago Rosselot, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, and arrive in the town of La Junta, where we stay in comfortable cabins. That evening we have a farewell dinner.
Day 10: Chaitén / Puerto Montt / Santiago
In the morning, drive to Chaitén Airport and fly back to Puerto Montt. An Earth River representative meets us and brings us to Puerto Varas for the afternoon. Later, we head to the airport on our own for our flight to Santiago, then connect to our international flight home.
Day 11: United States
We arrive back in the U.S.
Getting There
THROUGH CHILE
First evening: U.S. / SANTIAGO
Overnight flight from the U.S. to Santiago, Chile. (Airfare not included)
Day 2: Santiago/ Balmaceda / Puerto Ayésen
Morning flight from Santiago to Balmaceda, Chile. Upon arrival in the mid-afternoon, you will be met by an Earth River guide and transferred to the town of Puerto Aysén, where you will spend the night at Hotel Loberías del Sur.
