Futaleufu, that in Mapuche language means "great river", is located in middle of Los Andes and is a paradise for those who enjoy adventure sports and outdoor activities. Futaleufu River is considered one of the best in the world for kayaking and rafting.

If someone are looking for less demanding outdoor activities, can visit the Futaleufu National Reserve that protects two very important species in the area, such as Los Andes cypress and the huemul, deer endemic and native symbol of Chile.

Going to northwest is Pumalin Park, the world's largest privately owned nature reserve. Pumalin is composed of more than 300 000 hectares of rainforest that operate as any national park in Chile, but under strict conservation guidelines that protect these green covered lands. It was closed two years when nearby Chaiten volcano erupted, but the good news is  just opened their doors to find great Alerce, that can live more than four thousand years, known as the "redwood of Los Andes" by similar appearance to that U.S. west coast giant species. There are hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty and can also be done birdwatching, kayaking, fly fishing or visit some hotspring.

A Pumalin park visitors are encouraged to wear boots or waterproof shoes, waterproof jacket and carry a flashlight. For camping is recommended carry a waterproof equipment  and an extra polyethylene to protect the tent.

How to get there

By Car. Futaleufu can be reached via Austral Highway combining barges and ferries.

Futaleufu border cross. Thanks to complex geography between Puerto Montt and Chaiten, Austral Highway is off in many segments, so must be combined with barges and ferries. For this reason many people prefer travel through Argentina and cross the border in Trevelin Esquel to get Futaleufu.

To get Pumalin Park by overland from south via Caleta Gonzalo. If you want to get from north must be combined with ferry from Hornopiren to get to Caleta Gonzalo. Ferries and barges carry out during January and February.

Attractions and Activities

Lake tours. A beautiful mirror of calm is Espolon lake, located just 8 km from Futaleufu on the road to Chaiten. This lake offers the possibility of fishing, and have camping sites . For day trips, on its banks is renting rowing and motor boats.

Canyoning in Futaleufu. This discipline has won several local and foreign fans. It consists of going up or down a ravine or valley, through many obstacles such as rocks, waterfalls, forests and natural pools. Is practiced in Galvez, Los Molinos and El Palenque canyons.

Thermal baths. Inside Pumalin park, Cahuelmo fjord are the natural hotsprings with the same name. This place can only be accessed by boat from Hornopiren. There are organized tours.