currently Applying to the Chilean government For permission to run trips on the bordali.
The first day (approx.7 kilometers) of this spectacular river are in Quelat National Park. Earth River is currently applying to the Chilean government organization, CONAF, which administers the national parks, for permission to run one or two expeditions per year down this extraordinary river. If you’re interested in possibly joining us in the future on this expedition, please check back with us for the status of our application.
Trip Details
Trip Dates & Rates
2026 Trip Dates: March 11-21, March 14-25
$6,950 USD/PERSON (plus $125 one way airfare from Chaiten to Puerto Montt)
Why Earth River On The Bordali
- Earth River found the Río Bordali in early 2025.
- With over 36 years of operating in Patagonia, Earth River brings unmatched regional knowledge and a proven safety record to one of the most remote expeditions we offer.
- This expedition reflects Earth River’s commitment to conservation, exploration and responsible adventure travel.
- Every detail is carefully planned and managed by a seasoned expedition team.
- Small group sizes allow for flexibility on the river and strong guide-to-guest ratios.
Brief Overview
Trip Type: Lodge for the land portion and lodge for the rafting portion.
Trip Length: 9 days
Total Travel Days: 11 days
Group size: up to 14
Guide/client ratio: 1 – 3
Season: January
Meeting Place: Balmaceda, Chile
Accommodations: 6 nights in lodges, 3 nights camping
Suitable ages: 6-80
Activities: Rafting intermediate (class 3 &4), catamaran glacier viewing, hiking, and hot springs.
Private departures: Custom groups are welcome. Please get in touch with the office for more information.
Trip Highlights
Highlights
- Raft the Río Bordali, a rarely explored Class III and IV river flowing from Queulat Glacier
- Journey into a remote riverside wilderness
- High-speed catamaran journey to the San Rafael Glacier
- Guided hike in Queulat National Park to view the Ventisquero Colgante Hanging Glacier
- 3 nights of riverside camping deep in Patagonia
- 2 nights at world-renowned Puyuhuapi Hot Springs Lodge and Spa.
- 2 nights at Hotel Loberías del Sur in Puerto Aysén
- 1 night in comfortable cabins in La Junta
- Chef prepared meals for the land portion.
- Small group experience with expert guides.
Who's It For
Ages and experience
- Ideal for adventurous families, couples, friends, and solo travelers in reasonably good shape.
- Suitable for ages 7 to 80.
- Previous rafting experience is not required.
Ability levels
- Class 3 and 4 rapids: .
- No prior rafting experience required.
Trip difficulty
- Moderate,
- Daily itineraries blend rafting with hiking, soaking in thermal pools, glacier viewing, and relaxing.
- Guests should be comfortable being active outdoors for 3-4 hours each day.
Safety and support
- Professional guides lead every activity, adhering to the highest safety standards
- Guests receive clear instructions and practice before partaking in whitewater activities
- All gear is provided and maintained to the highest standards
What's Included/Not
What’s included
- 5 nights at Hotels/Lodges
- All food during the trip
- 9 days of guided activities (4 days rafting)
- Catamaran excursion to San Rafael Glacier.
- 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 the U.S. to Chile. (starting in Balmaceda and leaving Chile from Puerto Montt)
- One-way flight to Puerto Montt from Chaiten at the trip’s conclusion ($125)
- Guide tips (typically 10% of trip cost)
- Catch-up fees for late arrivals, hotel, taxi, charter flights, and meals.
- Travel before or after the trip
Lodging Accommodations
Hotel Loberías del Sur
Number of nights: 2
Brief description: A comfortable, modern hotel overlooking the fjords of southern Chile. Guests enjoy private rooms, excellent dining and a relaxed atmosphere before and after the expedition.
Amenities: On-site restaurant, bar and lounge areas, indoor swimming pool, sauna and fitness room, laundry service available
Puyuhuapi Lodge and Spa
Number of nights: 2
Brief description: One of Patagonia’s most iconic lodges. Located on a remote fjord, this historic property offers geothermal thermal pools, spa services, rainforest trails and kayaking opportunities.
Amenities: Outdoor and indoor thermal pools, full service spa treatments, on-site restaurant, bar and lounge areas, hiking trails
Río Bordali Riverside Camping
Number of nights: 3
Brief description: Expedition-style camping in a pristine wilderness setting. Camps are fully supported with spacious tents and riverside dining areas. No camping experience is required.
La Junta Cabins
Number of nights: 1
Brief description: After 3 days on the river camping, you will enjoy private cabins at a B&B with hot showers, and a warm welcome from your local hosts.
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 will 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
Today we journey 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. or Canada to Santiago, Chile, from major hubs like New York, Atlanta, Miami, and Toronto (Airfare not included).
Domestic Flights and Transfers
SANTIAGO / BALMACEDA
Morning flight from Santiago to Balmaceda, Chile. Upon arrival in the mid-afternoon, you will be met by an Earth River guide
BALMACEDA / PUERTO AYSÉN
2.5-hour drive to the town of Puerto Aysén, where you will spend the night at Hotel Loberías del Sur.
Trip Extension Ideas
Many guests choose to extend their time in Chile. There are many wonderful activities available in the vicinity of Puerto Varas, including volcano hiking and penguin viewing.
THROUGH ARGENTINA
FAQs
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE RAFTING?
The Bordali features Class III and IV rapids. Guides provide instruction and support throughout the trip. Beginners are welcome.
WHAT IS THE CAMPING LIKE?
Camping is fully supported. Earth River provides tents, cots, camp infrastructure, and meals. Guests need to bring a sleeping pad and a sleeping bag.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
Patagonian weather can change quickly. Expect a mix of sun and rain.
HOW LARGE ARE THE GROUPS?
Groups are kept intentionally small to maintain safety, flexibility and a true expedition feel.
IS THIS TRIP SUITABLE FOR FIRST TIME EXPEDITION TRAVELERS?
Yes, for guests who are adventurous, flexible, and comfortable in remote settings.
Bordali Story
