Futaleufu National Reserve

(Big River)

The Futaleufú National Reserve is located in the Province of Palena, commune of Futaleufú, and it’s accessed from the locality of Futaleufú at 3.1 miles going towards the Argentinean border. The access to Futaleufú National Reserve is by a gravel road apt for regular vehicles, although to go deeper into the reserve the trail can be only made with horses..

The Futaleufú National Reserve comprises 29,813 acres where the biodiversity of the Evergreen forests is preserved. The Futaleufú National Reserve was created to secure 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 enjoy photographic safaris and horse riding expeditions, 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 , the valley of the Chico River and the Las Escalas area.

The Futaleufú National Reserve counts with park rangers, who perform prospection tasks of the huemul, deliver information and can serve as 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 wild fauna sighting , trekking, hiking, and kayaking.

Futaleufú River

The Futaleufú River can seen from the 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 Carretera Austral 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 tours and lodging.

The town of Futaleufú

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

Futaleufú became connected by land to Chile in 1982, with the construction of the Carretera Austral. Because it’s a stopping point on the way of longer tips, multiple fishing sites and due to the development of the kayaking, the offer of hotels of Futaleufú has increased greatly in these last years; especially in the Espolón and Lonconao lakes. Also, the exclusive Lodge Futaleufú was built, in the area of the Las Escalas. There, the”catch & release” fishing practice is promoted.

In the town of Futaleufú there are some small and interesting houses with small tiles and an attractive plaza that takes you to the road towards Espejo lagoon, 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.

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