The Rio Futaleufu/La Sebastiana

DREAM ADVENTURE NUMBER 8: Raft the Rio Futaleufu

I've always wanted to travel to Chile because I am a huge fan of Pablo Neruda and he paints the most gorgeous images in my head about the Chilean landscapes with his poetic words. I bet it's just a breathtaking place.

The best time to partake in this river journey is from December to March.


I can't get over how blue the water is! The crystal blue water that flows down the Futaleufu is from the glacier-fed lakes in the high Andes of Patagonia.

"The Rio Futaleufu is no ordinary river. Born in the Los Alerces National Park in Argentina it flows west into Chile, through landscapes dominated by snow capped volcanoes and rich rain forest before arriving at the coastal town of Chaiten. Meaning 'Great River' in the local Mapuche dialect, the astonishingly clear waters of the 'Fu' flows through deep canyons and pristine wilderness to create explosive and untamed white water, unparalleled anywhere in the world. This trip is designed to immerse you in the beauty, magic and culture of Patagonia. Half a world away from the cold northern winter you will find yourself sitting on the porch of your cabana, sipping on a glass of Chilean red wine and basking in the splendour of the Chilean summer with the distant rumble of your next exciting rapid just within earshot. Described by the locals as "a place so lovely it must have been painted by God", this is an experience not to be missed."
*WaterByNature.com

The itinerary can be found here: http://www.waterbynature.com/chile/rio-futaleufu-rafting.html




DREAM ADVENTURE 8 1/2:

since I'll be in Chile, another must is visit La Sebastiana -- Pablo Neruda's house. My dream house; it's so breathtakingly beautiful!

http://www.fundacionneruda.org/ing/historia_sebastiana_ingles.htm

"You Will Remember"

by Pablo Neruda

You will remember that leaping stream

where sweet aromas rose and trembled,

and sometimes a bird, wearing water

and slowness, its winter feathers.

You will remember those gifts from the earth:

indelible scents, gold clay,

weeds in the thicket and crazy roots,

magical thorns like swords.

You'll remember the bouquet you picked,

shadows and silent water,

bouquet like a foam-covered stone.

That time was like never, and like always.

So we go there, where nothing is waiting;
we find everything waiting there.