Global Descents - Exploring Rivers of The World

Adventure vacations created for families who enjoy a multitude of outdoor adventure activities and a bit of luxury. Our family adventure vacations combine whitewater rafting, hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding into one fun-filled week of adventure travel in beautiful Patagonia, Chile. This is not a strenuous week of constant activity, but rather a mellow array of adventures for both young and old. The trip's activities can be scaled up or down depending on the age group and ability of family members. Note that the minimum age on this trip is five years old.

More than a family rafting trip, we'll make sure you're exposed to all that the Futaleufu Valley has to offer: whitewater rafting on the mighty Futaleufu River, which contains sections for all levels of ability and experience; hiking in the Andes up some of the Futaleufu's beautiful aqua-colored tributaries, (maybe even catching a few fish on the way up!); horseback riding across beautiful valleys past the base of snow-peaked mountains. In the evenings you'll return to the simple luxuries of Antucamay, sharing your day's stories by the glow of a crackling fire in our rustic quincho while enjoying exquisite meals carefully prepared by our gourmet Chef . While the kids go off to explore the tree fort or visit the ranch animals, you can relax in our steaming hot tub or with a massage in our spa! Patagonia, Chile provides a plethora of opportunities for active travel that the whole family can enjoy, and Global Descents ensures that all the details are well taken care of so that your experience is a pure mix of fun, comfort and relaxation!

Patagonian Family Adventure Sample Itinerary

Day 1: A Global Descents’ representative will meet you in either Puerto Montt Chile or Bariloche Argentina (your choice!), before whisking you away to our 175-acre riverside ranch on the mighty Futaleufu River. Entry via Puerto Montt entails a short flight over the Chilean Fjords and drive thru Chile's old growth forests to our base camp. Entry via Bariloche Argentina is a breathtaking drive over the Andes mountains range to Futaleufu Chile. Once settled, you'll meet your rafting guides who will prepare you for the week's adventures on the Futaleufu River.

Day 2: Whitewater rafting on the Espolon River, Class II-III:
You and your family will giggle your way down easy Class II rapids. Depending on your family's desires, we'll raft more difficult Class III rapids in the afternoon, or we'll take a hay ride, play in the tree fort, or go on a petting tour of the resident ranch animals.

Day 3: Day one on your overnight camping trip:
Today we begin our two-day trip into the Patagonian forest. First, you'll enjoy a boat ride across Espolon Lake. Once off the boat everyone chooses a gentle horse to carry them along the Upper Espolon river to our camp in the Patagonian countryside. Those that prefer walking to riding can begin the leisurely stroll up the trail. That night your children will learn how to camp in the great wide open. We'll cook over an open fire and tell stories until we fall asleep under a canopy of stars.

Day 4: Final day of your overnight camping trip:
Today we'll float the Upper Espolon River. You may choose to paddle in a raft or in an inflatable kayak. This Class II float through the Chilean forest takes us to Espolon Lake where our boat is waiting to take us back to Antucamay.

Day 5: Parent's day:
Today parents get to have fun on their own! We'll take care of the kids back at the ranch, entertaining them with various activities like fishing, riding ponies, or searching for eggs in the chicken coop. Parents have the opportunity to paddle the Class IV-V whitewater of the Rio Futaleufu. You'll experience the azure waters and exciting rapids of the this world class river while knowing your children are in good hands.

Day 6: Adventure options day:
Today the choice is yours. You have the option of spending the day hiking through a nature preserve which borders the river, rafting, kayaking Lake Espolon, or horseback riding to a spectacular waterfall.

Day 7: Parent's Day #2:
We again provide care for the younger children so that parents can get out and experience some of the wilder activities that the magical Futaleufu River Valley offers.

Day 8: Departure Day:
After a hearty breakfast and a farewell to your guides and staff the charter flight will return you to Puerto Montt (or transport to Esquel or Bariloche). Please plan your Puerto Montt-Santiago flight for mid-afternoon in order to meet your outbound international connection that evening. Most international connections leave Santiago after 8:00 PM, arriving at US destinations early the following morning.
Arrive home, renewed and invigorated!