Experiencia de rafting

    Travel to Futaleufú: How to Get There and Plan Your Trip

    August 22, 2026Equipo Futaleufú

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    Table of contents

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    How to Get There from Santiago

    The most common route to Futaleufú from Santiago combines a flight and a drive:

    1. Flight Santiago to Puerto Montt: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Multiple daily frequencies with LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSMART.
    2. Drive Puerto Montt to Futaleufú: Approximately 8 to 9 hours along the Carretera Austral (Route 7). The road is mostly paved, with some gravel sections.

    A longer but scenic alternative is to drive from Santiago along the entire Carretera Austral, which takes 2 to 3 days but allows you to visit multiple destinations in southern Chile.

    For detailed instructions, see How to Get to Futaleufú from Santiago.

    How to Get There from Puerto Montt

    Puerto Montt is the most common starting point for reaching Futaleufú. The Carretera Austral route is:

    1. Puerto Montt to Chaitén: Naviera Austral ferry (approximately 8 hours) or drive along the Carretera Austral via Hornopirén and ferry (approximately 10-12 hours).
    2. Chaitén to Futaleufú: Drive along the Carretera Austral, approximately 3 to 4 hours.

    The no-ferry alternative is longer but offers spectacular scenery. See How to Get There from Puerto Montt for detailed options.

    How to Get There from Bariloche and Esquel

    If coming from Argentina, the most direct route is:

    1. Bariloche to Esquel: Drive via Route 258 and Route 40, approximately 4 to 5 hours.
    2. Esquel to Futaleufú (Argentina): Drive via Route 259, approximately 1 hour.
    3. Futaleufú Border Crossing: Pedestrian or vehicle crossing at the Futaleufú/Chile Chico border post.
    4. Futaleufú (Argentina) to Futaleufú (Chile): Short drive, approximately 15 minutes.

    The border crossing has limited hours and there may be lines during high season. See How to Get There from Bariloche and Esquel for details.

    How to Get There from Chaitén

    Chaitén is a frequent intermediate point for those traveling the Carretera Austral. The route is direct:

    • Drive Chaitén to Futaleufú: Approximately 3 to 4 hours along the Carretera Austral (Route 7). The road is mostly paved.

    Chaitén is also the arrival point of the ferry from Puerto Montt, making it a natural hub for those coming from the north. See How to Get There from Chaitén for more information.

    How to Get There from Coyhaique

    If coming from the south along the Carretera Austral:

    • Drive Coyhaique to Futaleufú: Approximately 6 to 7 hours along the Carretera Austral (Route 7) heading north. The road traverses spectacular mountain scenery.

    Coyhaique has an airport (Balmaceda) with flights from Santiago, providing an alternative route for those who prefer to fly south and drive north. See How to Get There from Coyhaique.

    Border Crossing with Argentina

    Futaleufú is located just a few kilometers from the Argentine border. The main crossing point is:

    • Futaleufú Crossing: Connects Futaleufú (Chile) with Futaleufú (Argentina). Limited operating hours, generally 8:00 to 22:00. Lines possible during high season (December-February).

    To cross the border you need:

    • Valid ID card or passport.
    • If you are a foreigner, verify visa requirements for both countries.
    • Declare food and animal origin products according to each country's health regulations.

    The border crossing is pedestrian or vehicular. If driving a rental car, verify that the company permits international crossings.

    Carretera Austral

    The Carretera Austral (Route 7) is the main artery connecting Futaleufú with the rest of Chile. This 1,240-kilometer route runs from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins through some of the most spectacular scenery in Patagonia.

    The relevant sections for reaching Futaleufú are:

    • Puerto Montt to Chaitén: Includes ferry segments and gravel sections.
    • Chaitén to Futaleufú: Mostly paved, 3 to 4 hours.
    • Futaleufú to Coyhaique: Paved, 6 to 7 hours.

    The Carretera Austral is an experience in itself. Many travelers choose to travel it slowly, combining the trip to Futaleufú with stops at Pumalín, Queulat, and other national parks.

    Nearest Airports

    The airports closest to Futaleufú are:

    AirportDistanceFlights from
    Puerto Montt (PMC)8-9 h driveSantiago, Concepción
    Balmaceda (BBA)6-7 h driveSantiago
    Esquel (EQS)1 h drive + borderBuenos Aires
    Chaitén (WCH)3-4 h drivePuerto Montt (limited)

    The most practical option is to fly to Puerto Montt and drive along the Carretera Austral. If coming from Argentina, Esquel is the nearest airport.

    Getting Around Without a Car

    If you don't drive, options are limited but available:

    • Bus Puerto Montt to Futaleufú: Bus services along the Carretera Austral with intermediate stops. Limited frequency, check current schedules.
    • Private transfer: Some rafting operators offer transfers from Puerto Montt or Chaitén. Check with Futaleufú Expeditions.
    • Shared van or colectivo: Local shared transport services between Chaitén and Futaleufú. Frequency varies by season.

    For details on getting around without a car, see Getting Around Futaleufú Without a Car.

    Where to Stay

    Futaleufú offers accommodation options for different budgets:

    • Hostels and cabins: Affordable and comfortable options in the town of Futaleufú.
    • Adventure lodges: Specialized accommodation in rafting and kayaking activities, with experience packages.
    • Camping: For those who prefer to camp, there are designated areas near the river.
    • Hotels: Greater comfort options in town and surroundings.

    Availability is limited during high season (December-February). Book in advance.

    Best Time to Visit

    The best time to visit Futaleufú depends on what you are looking for:

    • October-November: Season start. Moderate flow, fewer tourists, lower prices. Ideal for those seeking tranquility and technical conditions.
    • December-February: High season. Maximum flow, warm weather, peak activity. The most popular and most expensive time.
    • March-April: Season end. Decreasing flow, stable weather, fewer visitors. Good quality-price ratio.
    • May-September: Low season. Cold, rain, limited activities. Not recommended for rafting.

    For detailed monthly information, see the articles on December, January, February, and March.

    Suggested Itineraries

    2 Days

    • Day 1: Arrival in Futaleufú, check-in, explore the town.
    • Day 2: Bridge to Bridge rafting in the morning, return in the afternoon.

    3 Days

    5 Days

    7 Days

    For detailed itineraries, see 2-Day Itinerary, 5-Day Itinerary, and 7-Day Itinerary.

    FAQ

    How much does it cost to travel to Futaleufú?

    The cost depends on origin, season, and accommodation type. A 3-day trip from Santiago can cost between $300,000 and $600,000 CLP per person, including flights, accommodation, and a rafting experience.

    Do I need a car to get around Futaleufú?

    Not strictly necessary, but it helps. Rafting operators offer transfers from accommodation to the river. For exploring the surroundings, a car is recommended.

    Is it safe to travel to Futaleufú?

    Yes. Futaleufú is a quiet and safe town. Roads are in good condition and adventure operators meet international safety standards.

    How many days do I need in Futaleufú?

    A minimum of 2 days allows for one rafting experience. 3 to 5 days is ideal for combining rafting, kayaking, and exploration. 7 days allow a complete immersion.

    Can I cross to Argentina from Futaleufú?

    Yes. The border crossing is a few kilometers from town. You need a valid ID card or passport and must meet each country's health requirements.

    Are there ATMs in Futaleufú?

    ATM availability is limited. Bring enough cash for your stay. Some establishments accept cards, but it is not universal.

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    Final CTA

    Getting to Futaleufú requires planning, but every kilometer traveled is worth it. The river, the landscapes, and the rafting experience await you at the end of the road. Consult with Futaleufú Expeditions to organize your trip and book your activities before spots fill up.

    [Contact via WhatsApp](https://wa.me/569812345678?text=Hi!%20I%20want%20to%20plan%20my%20trip%20to%20Futaleufú)

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