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Whitewater Rafting Guest Comments...
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Dear
Chris,
I am so sorry that it has taken over 2 weeks to
formulate some sort of commentary on our Futaleufu
adventure vacation. Our trip to your corner of
paradise allowed me to realize and/or learn many
things. One of the realizations is that it is
FAR easier to describe a trip to a 5 Star hotel
that surrounds one with luxury and feeds ones'
soul with nothing more than a chocolate on a pillow
than to describe a trip to a lodge such as yours
which overfeeds the soul with experiences and
beauty! One might return from the luxury-filled
world of the 5 Star hotel feeling pampered and
relaxed, and quickly return to the life back home
well rested. Returning to life as usual is easy
in that scenario. I can say with confidence that
returning to life as usual was not easy for any
of the participants of our trip! I think that
is because we are all still trying to digest the
experiences that we had while under your care
- our souls were truly overfed!
The beauty that surrounds Futaleufu is remarkable!
The raw and virgin landscape, completely unlittered
by technology and development, is breathtaking.
The serene silence that we woke to each morning
is unforgettable and was only broken as we approached
the wild waters of the surrounding rivers. Riding,
paddling and rafting through your wilderness each
day presented us with challenges which may have
hampered us had it not been for the majestic surroundings
as well as the unbridled enthusiasm of you and
your guides. Reflecting on our second day of rafting,
I don't remember a drop of rain falling on us
and yet I know it was pouring! All I remember
is walls of wild water surging above us in the
raft, and the level of the Futaleufu rising with
the help of seemingly spontaneous waterfalls all
around us. The thundering sounds of the water,
as it fought to crash around the rocks and boundaries
that create the rapids, were matched in volume
by our laughter and cheers of victory as we survived
the unforgiving Futaleufu! At the end of that
day and every other day we were tired, aching,
cold and completely invigorated - ready to face
a night of well deserved celebration!
Not a minute of our fun or excitement would have
been the same without the care of your "family."
It would be completely inappropriate to call them
your staff! I can only imagine your first impressions
of us as we dragged ourselves through your front
door on night 1! We were like drowned rats - each
craving certain comforts of home after the long
hours of travel! Nonetheless, you guys kicked
the trip into high gear the moment we arrived
and somehow managed to keep up a high level of
positive energy and enthusiasm for 6 days and
nights. How did you do it? The good karma that
lives among all of you was highly contagious and
was an energy that we all needed, used and did
our best to bring home. Thank you!
No, your lodge is not a 5 Star hotel and I pray
that it never becomes one. I will forever choose
an experience which feeds my soul over one that
merely offers a chocolate on the pillow. Our adventure
travel vacation with Expediciones Chile will live
with me forever, and I look forward to a return
trip sooner than later!
Enjoy your last few weeks in paradise!
Kimberly, March 2002
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Chris
We made it back to Seattle, Washington after 10 weeks of exploring Argentina and Chile. Our weekend in Futaleufu was the most memorable of all our time in Chile. We spent our first day with our friend John learning to kayak on a beautiful lake in the a.m. Our guide was able to take us beginner kayakers to the next level within a couple of hours - kayaking Rio Espolon after a wonderful lunch.
Day 2 was spent white water rafting level 4 and 5 rapids. We were a little "hung over" from our wild night spent in the lodge restaurant and bar, but once we got to the river we were pumped up immediately.Day 3 we canyoned down some amazing waterfalls. This was another first for us, and the photos we took were amazing.We would recommend your guides, lodging, staff, and restaurant. We could have stayed longer and already are looking forward to our trip next year.
What
a great experience for all levels of adventure
travelers.
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Specializing in adventure travel in Patagonia Chile since 1985, Expediciones Chile offers Chile river rafting trips on the Rio Futaleufu. Cerro FitzRoy and Torres del Paine Chile trekking trips. Ski Chile and Argentina vacations in the off season. Patagonia horseback riding and mountain biking holidays in the Futaleufu river valley. Whitewater kayaking Chile river trips. Chile sea kayaking and Chile fly fishing vacations. Yoga travel retreats and eco tours. Whitewater guide school. Information about travel in Patagonia, climate and Patagonia maps.
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