Three Other Great River Trips

If you’ve paddled through the heart of the Grand Canyon, you already know: a river can change you.

There’s something about the wild rhythm of whitewater, the stillness of desert nights, the crackle of firelight under canyon walls. Rafting the Colorado is a rite of passage for adventure travelers, part physical challenge, part spiritual reset.

But when the trip ends, question often lingers: What’s next? What do you do after rafting the Grand Canyon?

For those seeking rafting alternatives to the Grand Canyon, there’s a world of extraordinary rivers that offer new adventures, fresh landscapes, and transformative moments. From the glacier-fed torrents of Patagonia to the jungle gorges of Africa, here are three global rivers that should be on every canyon rafter’s radar.

The Futaleufú River – Patagonia, Chile

If the Colorado River is the king of desert rivers, the Futaleufú River is its wild, alpine counterpart. Fed by the glaciers of the Andes in Northern Patagonia, this sapphire-blue river slices through temperate rainforest valleys and granite canyons, offering some of the most technical and beautiful whitewater in the world.

This is a river of superlatives—world-class Class IV–V rapids, stunning natural beauty, and a remote wilderness setting that still feels like a secret. But it’s not just the river that makes this trip unforgettable; it’s how you experience it. It’s no surprise many seasoned paddlers and travelers looking for where to go after the Grand Canyon find their way here.

While the Middle Fork of the Salmon and other U.S. rivers offer excellent follow-ups, few trips rival the Futaleufú river rafting experience for sheer intensity, natural beauty, and cultural immersion.

The Middle Fork of the Salmon – Idaho, USA

Tucked into Idaho’s Frank Church Wilderness, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River is the quieter, forested cousin to the Grand Canyon. It flows free for over 100 miles, meandering through alpine forest, dramatic gorges, and sagebrush-covered hillsides.

This is a river that unfolds slowly. The rapids build in intensity day by day, and between runs you’ll soak in natural hot springs, hike to panoramic overlooks, and camp on sandy beaches under a cathedral of stars.

For those who loved the Canyon’s flow and solitude but seek something gentler and more meditative, the Middle Fork delivers. Like the Grand, it’s a crown jewel of North American river expeditions. It’s also ideal for those who want to stay in the U.S. while still enjoying one of the world’s most revered multi-day rafting trips. 

The Zambezi River – Zambia/Zimbabwe

If you’re exploring what to do after the Grand Canyon, another big-water contender is Africa’s Zambezi River. Emerging from the base of Victoria Falls, the Zambezi thunders into a steep basalt gorge with some of the most technical, high-volume rapids on Earth. Names like “Oblivion” and “Gnashing Jaws of Death” are well-earned. The waves are massive, the water is warm, and the river is relentless.

But rafting the Zambezi isn’t just about whitewater, it’s about context. Your trip might begin with a helicopter ride over the falls, and end with a wildlife safari in nearby national parks. Accommodations range from rustic riverside camps to luxury safari lodges, depending on your outfitter.

If you’ve done the Canyon and want something that feels wilder, hotter, and more primal, the Zambezi is an unforgettable option.

One River is Just the Beginning

Each of these rivers offers a distinct kind of magic. The Futaleufú draws you into a remote, alpine dreamscape where adrenaline and luxury co-exist. The Middle Fork welcomes you into quiet wilderness and soulful reflection. The Zambezi hurls you headlong into chaos and exhilaration, framed by wildlife and thunder. And the Grand Canyon? It’s the river that started it all, the one you’ll compare every trip to. But it doesn’t have to be the end of the story.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, solitude, culture, or comfort, there are still rivers that will move you physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Earth River: A Different Kind of River Expedition

At Earth River, we’ve been pioneering white water rafting in Chile for over 35 years. Long before the Futaleufú became a name on the world rafting map, we were there, building relationships with local communities, scouting canyons, and crafting a new kind of river expedition.

Today, our guests stay at three hand-crafted boutique lodges, each offering private rooms, wood-fired hot tubs, and gourmet meals with Chilean wine. That means you can raft thrilling rapids all day, and return to hot showers, soft beds, and campfires. No tents. No sand. Just pure immersion and rejuvenation.

But rafting is only part of the journey. This multi-sport expedition also includes mountain biking along deserted roads, hiking into hanging valleys, and canyoning into crystal-clear pools, all paced to let you connect deeply with the land, the water, and your fellow travelers.

If you’re wondering where to go after the Grand Canyon, and you want something just as raw, but layered with more comfort, variety, and international flair, the Futaleufú may be your perfect fit.

Ready to Paddle What’s Next?

You’ve done the Grand Canyon. You know what it’s like to live in rhythm with a river. Now it’s time to see what Patagonia has in store.

Join us on the Futaleufú River Trip—and let this next river move you in a whole new way.