The Futaleufú National Reserve comprises 29,813 acres where the biodiversity of the Evergreen forests is preserved. The Futaleufú National Reserve was created for the protection of the Ciprés de la Cordillera (Austrocedrus Chilensis) forestal specie and the Huemul (Hipocalemus Bisulcus).

At the Futaleufú National Reserve is possible to organized photographic safaris and horse riding, that will take you along the virgin lenga (Nothofagus pumilio) forests and will allow you to enjoy the landscape and panoramic views of the Futaleufú River (Río Futaleufú), the valley of the Chico River (Río Chico) and the Las Escalas area.

The Futaleufú National Reserve counts with park wardens, who perform prospection tasks of the huemul, deliver information and can serve as excursion guides.

Futaleufú and its river in the Province of Palena are considered one of the best sceneries of South America for high competition rafting. The best area is located where the Futaleufú and Chico rivers meet, at the entry of the Futaleufú National Reserve.

The area that comprises the Futaleufú National Reserve also presents suitable areas for observing the wild fauna, practicing trekking and hiking, and going down the river on canoe or kayak.

In 2004 about 300 tourists arrived to the Futaleufú National Reserve without any prior marketing support.

Futaleufú River

The Futaleufú National Reserve is visible from the Austral Highway (Carretera Austral) where it narrows and becomes extremely torrential. The beauty of its blue waters contrasts with the white color of its rapids, delivering a unique view and an overwhelming spectacle. At the Futaleufú Bridge you can stop by the large rock walls that enclose a dangerous rapid; through this place you can see people descending on kayaks or rafts by this riverbed, which is the most coveted for this specialty. The Futaleufú River before was not considered suitable for rafting; however the company Earth River traveled down the river in 1991.

The road continues by virgin lands next to the river, with occasional and difficult rapids. Continuing on the Austral Highway you will find the hanging bridge that crosses the Futaleufú River, taking you to the beautiful mountain valley where the El Palenque shelter is located, which offers a variety of excursions and lodging.





The town of Futaleufú

The town of Futaleufú has a population of about 1,100. Futaleufú is a border town with wide streets with lights on a beautiful oasis. Futaleufú has an Aerodrome and services available. The first settlers came in 1920 through Argentina, and cleared the valley by land friction and begun to raise cattle.

Futaleufú became connected by ground to Chile in 1982, with the construction of Austral Highway. Because it’s a stopping place on the way of longer tips, and for its rich fishing and due to the development of the kayaking descends by the river, the hotel infrastructure has been activated in Futaleufú; especially in the Espolón and Lonconao lakes. Also, the exclusive Lodge Futaleufú was built, in the area of the Las Escalas, an institution that tries to make this place a “catch & release” fishing sector, which would increase even more its prestige among the international fishermen.

In the town of Futaleufú there are some small and interesting houses with small tiles and an attractive square that takes you to the road towards Espejo lagoon (laguna Espejo), by the hill; a stair climbs up to the viewpoint. In the so called Gélvez footbridge, the rapids and descends of the Futaleufú river begin.

At the Futaleufú National Reserve is possible to organized photographic safaris and horse riding, that will take you along the virgin lenga (Nothofagus pumilio) forests and will allow you to enjoy the landscape and panoramic views of the Futaleufú River (Río Futaleufú), the valley of the Chico River (Río Chico) and the Las Escalas area.

The Futaleufú National Reserve counts with park wardens, who perform prospection tasks of the huemul, deliver information and can serve as excursion guides.

Futaleufú and its river in the Province of Palena are considered one of the best sceneries of South America for high competition rafting. The best area is located where the Futaleufú and Chico rivers meet, at the entry of the Futaleufú National Reserve.

The area that comprises the Futaleufú National Reserve also presents suitable areas for observing the wild fauna, practicing trekking and hiking, and going down the river on canoe or kayak.

In 2004 about 300 tourists arrived to the Futaleufú National Reserve without any prior marketing support.

Futaleufú River

The Futaleufú National Reserve is visible from the Austral Highway (Carretera Austral) where it narrows and becomes extremely torrential. The beauty of its blue waters contrasts with the white color of its rapids, delivering a unique view and an overwhelming spectacle. At the Futaleufú Bridge you can stop by the large rock walls that enclose a dangerous rapid; through this place you can see people descending on kayaks or rafts by this riverbed, which is the most coveted for this specialty. The Futaleufú River before was not considered suitable for rafting; however the company Earth River traveled down the river in 1991.

The road continues by virgin lands next to the river, with occasional and difficult rapids. Continuing on the Austral Highway you will find the hanging bridge that crosses the Futaleufú River, taking you to the beautiful mountain valley where the El Palenque shelter is located, which offers a variety of excursions and lodging.





The town of Futaleufú

The town of Futaleufú has a population of about 1,100. Futaleufú is a border town with wide streets with lights on a beautiful oasis. Futaleufú has an Aerodrome and services available. The first settlers came in 1920 through Argentina, and cleared the valley by land friction and begun to raise cattle.

Futaleufú became connected by ground to Chile in 1982, with the construction of Austral Highway. Because it’s a stopping place on the way of longer tips, and for its rich fishing and due to the development of the kayaking descends by the river, the hotel infrastructure has been activated in Futaleufú; especially in the Espolón and Lonconao lakes. Also, the exclusive Lodge Futaleufú was built, in the area of the Las Escalas, an institution that tries to make this place a “catch & release” fishing sector, which would increase even more its prestige among the international fishermen.

In the town of Futaleufú there are some small and interesting houses with small tiles and an attractive square that takes you to the road towards Espejo lagoon (laguna Espejo), by the hill; a stair climbs up to the viewpoint. In the so called Gélvez footbridge, the rapids and descends of the Futaleufú river begin.