Futaleufú - "Landscape painted by the Gods"

Futaleufú is a town, and an area of Patagonia which you should definitely include in your itinerary, not only because of its stunning beauty and calm pace of life, but also to try out some world class river rafting and extreme kayaking (if you have the skills set). I set out having been told by numerous people of its incredible scenery and landscape, and very thrilled to try river rafting for the first time in my life.

The road up to Futaleufú was characterized by steep mountains, bordering on open flowering fields and green trees spread throughout the dreamlike valleys. The road sailed through and between the rolling hills and each turn gave view to a new visual treat. I was deeply impressed by the small houses on the large fields, with animals roaming freely, completely surrounded by the impressive mountains.

 


It is advertised as the Landscape painted by the Gods, and I must say I cannot argue against that!

...and incredible lakes

Do you see the boat?

I was completely at ease when I arrived at "Futa", like the locals call it. The town is small with only a few thousand people, and feels open, neat and with a dreamlike landscape around it. I saw some older folks cutting the hedges around the central square, a few cozy coffee houses nearby, and a few cars slowly making their way through the streets.

 

I was first surprised to hear multiple people speak English, but soon realized that the area is a centre for extreme kayaking and hence lore people (especially from North America) for the high season with countless streams and challenging rough waters. The route offered by the agencies in town reached a 4/5 on the scale for us tourists, and offers one of the worlds best waters for river rafting.

The area does at the moment not have a gas station as my map indicated (I had to buy from the camping owner), but has excellent wifi, even free in the main square and places with outlets to charge electronic devices!