Rafting Futaleufu River: Bridge to Bridge rapids with cliff jump

Drop into the Fu's most famous rapids and jump from a cliff over the river

Rafting the Bridge to Bridge section of the Futaleufu River is a 4.5-hour activity in the Andes foothills where you navigate world-class rapids, jump from an impressive cliff, and return to the base camp for a gourmet snack. The trip includes all equipment, professional bilingual guides, and private transport from the base. Children from age 14 are welcome. A moderate level of fitness is needed.

The experience

You start at La Base, the operator's riverside camp in the mountains, where guides walk you through the safety briefing and gear setup before you push off into the Futaleufu River. The Bridge to Bridge section is the most popular run on the Fu. It's where the rapids earn their reputation and where you'll find the cliff jump that makes this stretch stand out. The guides are bilingual and certified, and they stay with you the whole way to keep the adrenaline high and the risk managed.

The river itself is the point: you're paddling through world-class rapids for the better part of four hours, reading the current and working with your crew to stay upright and moving forward. The cliff jump happens mid-run. It's one of the most impressive drops on the river, and whether you take it is your call. After you come off the water, you head back to the base camp for a gourmet snack made with local ingredients, and you can hang around the restaurant and green areas as long as you want before heading out.

Private transport is included, so you don't arrange your own way to the river. The operator has been running the Futaleufu since 2008, and the base is easy to find on Google Maps under "La Base 13K- Restaurante Futaleufu" if you want to scope it out beforehand. Guides speak English, Spanish and Italian.

What’s included

• Private transportation to and from the base.
• complete rafting equipment including neoprene suit and boots.
• professional bilingual guides certified in English, Spanish and Italian.
• a gourmet snack with local ingredients at the base camp after the run.
• access to the base camp facilities and restaurant.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:30

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Patagonia Elements

Is this one for you?Book this if you're looking for a half-day adrenaline activity with a group of friends or family who all want to paddle together. The 4.5-hour timeframe fits a free afternoon, and the cliff jump and world-class rapids make it the standout run on the river for anyone who wants more than a gentle float.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years). Children under 14 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the Bridge to Bridge section like compared to other parts of the Futaleufu?

The Bridge to Bridge is the most popular section because it has world-class rapids and includes the cliff jump, an impressive drop that's one of the river's signature moments. It's the run most rafters choose when they want the full Futaleufu experience in one afternoon.

Do I have to jump off the cliff, or is it optional?

The cliff jump is part of the route, but whether you take it is entirely your choice. Your guides will show you how and answer any questions, and plenty of rafters do it, but it's not mandatory.

What do I need to bring, and what's provided?

The operator provides a neoprene suit, neoprene boots, and all rafting equipment. Bring a towel and a change of clothes for after the run. The base has facilities where you can clean up and change.

How fit do I need to be to do this?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The activity runs 4.5 hours on the water with active paddling, so stamina and basic strength matter. The guides will brief you on what to expect before you launch.

How do I get to the base camp?

Private transport is included in the price. The base is located at La Base 13K, which you can find on Google Maps, and the operator will arrange pickup and drop-off as part of your booking.