Known for being the national capital of rafting, there are many things to do in Futaleufú. We tell you about it based on our experience.
Located on the Carretera Austral, Futaleufú is near the river of the same name, famous for its class 4 and 5 rapids, ideal for rafting.
But in addition, its environment of forests, mountains and lakes, makes it attractive for hiking and fly fishing.
Finally, its proximity to the border with Argentina allows you to visit other places of great beauty such as Los Alerces, Trevelín and even Esquel.
🔎 See here the guide to travel along the Carretera Austral in Chile.
From our tour around this city and its surroundings, we detail the essential things to do in Futaleufú.
Table of Contents
1. Rafting on the Futaleufú River
The main things to do in Futaleufú. The town is the national capital of rafting, thanks to the nearby Futaleufú River and its class IV and class V rapids (among the most difficult). Among the class 4 and 5 rapids are the Toro, Mundaca, Puma, Himalaya, Mundaca, Casa de Piedra, Terminator and Más o Menos.
This activity must be done with authorised agencies, guides and carrying the necessary safety elements, as it is a risky activity.
Normally, rafting starts with class 3 and 4 rapids, which are less difficult. Once these have been overcome, if all those who take part in the activity give their approval, the rafting takes place in the class 5 rapids, where the adrenaline rush is total.
There are two levels to practice this activity: an intermediate level between the Chiquito and Macal sections with a duration of two and a half hours, and an advanced level between the sectors of El Azul and Puerto Ramírez with a duration of five hours, which goes through several class 5 rapids. We did the intermediate one, and for those who are not used to rafting or are doing it for the first time, we recommend it.
2. Enjoy the beaches of the Espolon River
The nearby watercourse offers small beaches to relax on the banks of the river, and if you dare, take a dip, although we tried it and only dared to get our feet wet because of the low water temperature.
The water of the river Espolon is crystal clear, so you will see the bottom of the river with its stones and tree branches.
The closest beach to the centre of Futaeufú is Los Lolos, although its access is somewhat difficult. Although it is only a five-minute walk to access the river bank, thepath has ups and downs and is narrow. To find the access path, you must go to Mata and O’Higgins Streets.
3. contemplate the Espejo lagoon and the torre de agua viewpoint
This small water mirror is located next to the town of Futaleufú, so it can be reached on foot in just five minutes. Its turquoise colour and the reflection of the sun’s rays on the water produce this mirror effect, which is the reason for its name.
Next to the lagoon you will find the Futaleufú sign, where you can take a picture and have a souvenir of this beautiful lagoon. There are also free binoculars to observe the mountainous environment where the lake is located.
You can skirt the lake by walking along a path, and take the stairs up to the Torre de Agua viewpoint (the climb is easy, taking less than 10 minutes). From the top, there is a breathtaking view of the lagoon with the village of Futaleufú in the background. If you go with small children, it is advisable to carry them.
4. Lago Loncanao, a thing to do in Futaleufú
Located about 10 kilometres from the city, and accessible by car, this lake of glacial origin stands out for being surrounded by forests and where coihues and other plants such as murtas and cinnamon trees play a leading role.
Activities on Lake Loncanao include kayaking and fishing.
There are also several trekking trails, among them the one that leads to the Cathedral Forest and the one that goes up to La Condolera Hill. The climb is not too difficult, and from the top you will surely see condors flying.
There are cabins where you can sleep on the shore of the lake, and even a restaurant called La Base 13K, where you can eat ceviche and drink a good pisco with views of the mountains.
5. Piedra del Aguila
If you want to have a beautiful panoramic view of the valley through which the Bella Vista stream flows and the mountains with their high peaks, then I recommend you to trek up to Piedra del Aguila, where you will be able to see this majestic landscape from above. For us, a must to do in Futaleufú if you like nature.
It is a trekking of medium difficulty, where it takes about an hour to an hour and a half to reach the viewpoint. The whole trail is uphill, so I recommend you to bring water and suitable footwear, as there are many stones.
There is parking to leave the car and start the hike. You have to pay 3,500 Chilean pesos. Before going up to the viewpoint you have to pay another 2,000 Chilean pesos per person at a booth to gain access.
Another option is to walk from Futaleufú. It is about 13 kilometres and takes about 3 hours in total to complete the journey.
6. Futaleufú centre
Although the town is very small, it has a beautiful Plaza de Armas with benches to sit on. From the square you can already see the surrounding mountains with their forested slopes and high peaks.
Next to the Plaza de Armas is the Nuestra Señora del Carmen chapel, the interior of which is made entirely of wood.
7. Cross into Argentina and visit Los Alerces Park and Trevelin
Only 50 kilometres from Futaleufú and across the border with Argentina, there are several places to visit.
One of the best attractions to visit around Futaleufú is the Los Alerces National Park in Argentina, a protected reserve characterised by turquoise rivers, surrounding forests and high mountains.
There are many trails within the park and it is even possible to drive through the park.
As well as visiting Los Alerces, the tour can include the Futaleufú dam and the small town of Trevelín, with its Welsh tea houses. For more information, see our article on things to do in Esquel and Trevelín.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that the road leading from Futaleufú to Los Alerces National Park is panoramic, crossing a sector of the Andes Mountain Range at low altitude. The stretch from the border with Argentina to Trevelín is a gravel road in good condition.
Please note that border formalities must be carried out, so you must bring your ID card or passport and the car documents.
Where to stay in Futalefu
We recommend these three places to stay in Futaleufú:
- Hostal Las Natalias: excellent option 10 minutes walk from Futaleufú, in the middle of nature and with views.
- Mirlo’s hostel: in the city centre, budget accommodation with private and shared rooms.
- Residencial 4 estaciones: simple, family-run accommodation with views and an excellent breakfast.
Where to eat in Futalefu
- Río Grande: good choice with dishes of the day with regional food such as salmon or lamb.
- La Picá de los Colonos: homemade food. Yummy sopaipillas for the starter. I recommend ordering the beef casserole.
How to get to Futaleufú
From Puerto Montt it is many kilometres along Route 7 until you reach the locality of Santa Lucia, where you take the detour along the gravel Route 235, and after 76 kilometres you will arrive at Futaleufu. Keep in mind that Route 7 has to be travelled in two sections by barge.
An alternative is to travel by catamaran from Puerto Montt to Chaitén, then by bus to Futaleufú. The catamaran service is provided by Naviera Austral.
From Coyhaique it is 420 kilometres north to Futaleufú. Take the Carretera Austral and then turn off at Santa Lucía.
From Argentina, you have to take the gravel route 259 to the border. After the immigration formalities, it is about 10 kilometres of paved road to Futaleufú. In total, from Trevelín it is about 50 kilometres.
The nearest airport to Futaleufú is Esquel airport in Argentina, although there are no direct flights from Chile to Esquel.
Futaleufú can be reached by bus from Chaitén with the companies Cárdenas and Expreso Patagonia. From Coyhaique, you can take Buses Becker to Santa Lucía and then Expreso Patagonia from Santa Lucía to Futaleufú.