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Patagonia Multisport Adventure Hosted with Canoe & Kayak Magazine | March 11-19, 2019

January 11, 2019 By Bio Bio Expeditions in Futaleufu Comments Off

Your dream adventure in the heart of Patagonia awaits! Whitewater rafting the Futaleufú, hiking, horseback riding, fly-fishing, and more – the experience of a lifetime, indeed!

“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Words never more true than when describing our multi-sport adventure in the wild paradise that is the majestic Río Futaleufú, or “big river” in Mapuche, in the heart of Patagonia in Chile. Nestled amidst the spectacular Andes Futaleufú is considered among the three best rivers for kayaking and rafting in the world and has become a mecca for extreme sports.

But, it isn’t just the remarkable rafting adventures that draw people to the wild, mint-blue waters of the Futaleufú. Not at all! Surrounded by mesmerizing beauty – lush green forest, walls of granite and towering, jagged peaks – there are incredible opportunities to soak it all in. Hike, bike, horseback ride, enjoy world-class fly fishing, or simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the majesty.

Unparalleled action combined with blissful relaxation.

Our Patagonia Multisport Adventure Hosted with Canoe & Kayak Magazine allows you to enjoy it all and then some!

Action packed and leveraging all that this remarkable region has to offer, our Futaleufú adventure starts each day from our scenic and beautiful riverside camp, overlooking the turquoise blue Rio Futaleufú that cascades beneath Patagonia’s snowy peaks.

Revel in your own rustic yet luxurious “safari-style” tented bungalow nestled into the cliff overlooking turquoise waters, and enjoy the ultimate in R ’n R in your Chilean home-away-from-home.

Wake up to hot coffee or tea delivered to your door as you anticipate the adventures upon which you’ll embark that day – a customized combination of activities guided by some of the most accomplished and talented international outdoor guides.

Where the Futaleufú River offers up the ultimate in whitewater adventure, there is any number of other activities to choose from making the most of the captivating Patagonia outdoors. Enjoy inflatable kayaking on the aptly named Rio Azul, take a lesson whitewater kayaking, or fly fish (or spin) for Patagonia rainbow trout.

Opt to stay dry and take advantage of the variety of land-based activities such as horseback riding, hiking or trail running through pristine valleys, and mountain biking over ox-trails and single track.

Want to stay a little closer to Base Camp? There’s still plenty to do! Relax in one of our two hot tubs on the river, feed your spirit in a daily yoga class, soothe your body and soul in the wood-fired sauna and, do your aching muscles a favor with a professional massage.

Nothing says luxury vacation like gourmet cuisine. Our professional chef will provide you with the superb and delicious nourishment you need to fuel your days. As the sun goes down, take in a little wine tasting at the sunset bar and dance the salsa beneath the Southern Cross!

Futaleufú is our signature adventure vacation. Winner of Outside Magazine‘s prestigious Active Travel Awards, and picked as one of the 50 best trips by National Geographic, this trip is where we discovered and developed the magical alchemy of adventure, rivers, culture, camaraderie, and the variety of unique touches that have come to represent who we are at Bio Bio Expeditions.

For details on this exceptional outdoor adventure, or to BOOK YOUR TRIP and join us, read more HERE.

Your Bucket List Whitewater Rafting Adventure!

December 10, 2018 By Bio Bio Expeditions in Costa Rica, Futaleufu, Guides, Raft The Zambezi River, Travel Comments Off

Looking for the adventure of a lifetime? There’s nothing like rushing waters to get the adrenaline pumping and memories making!

Our international rafting adventures offer spectacular scenery, the thrill of world-class whitewater, and the extraordinary experience of venturing to exotic locales that few ever do.

While we love ALL of our adventures, each unique and exciting in their own way, we’ve compiled a few faves to add to your bucket list. Break out your dry bag and strap on the sunnies, ‘cause you’re in for a fun and wild ride!

Futaleufu River Rafting Multi Sport

Experience the unforgettable!

One the world’s most acclaimed rafting rivers, the Futaleufu in the heart of Patagonia, Chile offers rapids (rated from Class II-V) of glorious turquoise water beneath towering snow-capped mountains and breathtaking glaciers.

For nine days, our gorgeous Futaleufu Adventure Base Camp overlooking the river will become your home-away-from-home, nestled into the cliff overlooking the river.

Comfort is key and with all that’s in store you’ll need a good night’s rest! Enjoy your own luxurious “safari-style” tented bungalow, complete with comfy mattresses and cozy down comforters.

Look forward to waking up each morning to a hot cup of coffee or tea, delivered to your luxurious “safari-style” tented bungalow door, as you anticipate the day’s fun!

Anticipate an exciting combination of activities guided by some of the most accomplished and talented international outdoor guides.

And it’s not just about the rafting! While we know that’s what brought you, there are a number of other great things to try and do on the water: inflatable kayaking on the Rio Azul, fishing for Patagonia rainbow trout, or take a lesson in whitewater kayaking.

Ready for some fun on shore? Take advantage of hiking or horseback riding up pristine valleys and mountain biking the wide range of trails available – ox-trails and single track.

There’s also plenty of time for R ’n R at our deluxe Base Camp. Enjoy some great lounging time during your stay with hot tub, sauna, massage, wine tasting, sunset bar, gourmet cuisine, and more!

Did we mention the Salsa dancing under the Southern Cross? Or, just simply relax by the campfire with a cup of tea. It’s up to you!

To learn more or to BOOK this vacation of a lifetime, visit the Futaleufu River Rafting Tour page.

Zambezi Explorer

A once in a lifetime African adventure!

This beautiful and memorable twelve days will have you braving the epic rapids of the Zambezi River, exploring the game parks of Zimbabwe and Botswana, while getting your much needed rest in the comfort and elegance of safari lodges and camps.

Internationally acclaimed as one of the best locations for white water rafting, the mighty Zambezi, a quintessential African river – immense whitewater while being warm and friendly – meanders from Angola to the Indian ocean. It is best experienced towards the end of the dry season, August through October, where you can witness a variety of animals and game making their way to the riverbank to drink, swim, and frolic in the shallows.

We’ll visit Zimbabwe and Botswana, exploring the many facets of the Zambezi watershed in the region. There is a rich history of game viewing and preservation in this uniquely “veldt” like terrain.

With a highly evolved and protected national park system, the wildlife of Botswana is allowed to thrive and the elephant herds of Botswana and Zimbabwe are among the largest and most protected in Africa.

The opportunities to view game in this area are abundant and, at the same time, you’ll not find yourself overrun by the enthusiastic herds of tourists often found in East Africa.

This experience is truly spectacular. From your first dip into the Devil’s pool overlooking Victoria Falls, to watching elephants roam wild, to the massive rapids of the river, your rich and vibrant Zambezi adventure is sure to provide you with stories and memories to last a lifetime!

To learn more or to BOOK this vacation of a lifetime, visit the Zambezi River Rafting Explorer page.

Costa Rica Multi Sport

Explore, relax and get to know the real Costa Rica – a journey to paradise!

Another multi activity adventure that easily makes the bucket list is a journey to one of the most friendly and beautiful little countries in the Western Hemisphere: Costa Rica, or in English, aptly, Rich Coast. Truly paradise!

Eleven wondrous days of travel off the beaten path with world-class rafting on the magical Pacuare River. Through lush tropical rainforests to secluded wilderness lodges and beaches, there’s no better way to explore the unspoiled parts of this precious gem of a nation.

Touching down in the capital, San Jose, we fly directly to world-famous Corcovado National Park and the Cano Island Biological Reserve. Identified by the National Geographic Society as “one of the most biologically intense places on earth”, this area is truly a paradise of tropical wilderness and picture-perfect beaches.

Abundant with spectacular wildlife which includes crocodiles, exotic parrots, toucans, and several species of monkeys, you will enjoy guided hikes by resident naturalists and boat excursions with snorkelling.

Your home for the Corcovado leg will be the spectacular La Paloma Lodge, one of the best regarded eco-lodges in Costa Rica and only a short walk from secluded black-sand beaches and the cool waters of the Agujitas River.

Off to Rafiki Jungle Lodge, inspired by deluxe wildlife lodges of Africa, in the scenic and beautiful Sevegre River Valley. Here, among activities such as hiking with a naturalist, horseback riding, bird and wildlife watching, your first whitewater experience will be a beautiful class 3 paddle down the Savegre River.

This raft should prepare you for the piece de resistance of Costa Rica whitewater rafting: the Pacuare River. Rated one of the top rivers in the world, you’ll enjoy experiencing the rainforest up close, with warm waters, cascading waterfalls, and the spectacularly lush rainforest with its brilliantly coloured plants, animals, and birds – truly a treat for all the senses!

Rest ’n relax at remote eco-lodge, Rios Tropicales, nestled in the rainforest on the banks of the Pacuare River. Here you can appreciate luxury complete with hydro-powered electricity, the model of ecotourism and deluxe accommodations.

To learn more or to BOOK this Central America vacation of a lifetime, visit the Costa Rica Adventure Sport & Travel page.

Where in the World is…Derik Pritchett?

June 4, 2018 By Wendy Nevins in Futaleufu, Guides, Travel Comments Off

At the end of an incredible Futa 2017 – 2018 season, I had the opportunity to join Jorge Esquivel on a rally in his beloved Toyota Landcruiser, “Chunche”, from Esquel in Southern Argentina to Salta for a couple weeks. Along for the ride were Grace McCutcheon (from ROAM Outfitters) and Tam Jackson. What a trip!! From the Asados with friends, wild camping, and eventually to visiting owner (and Bio Bio guide) of Valsecchi Wines, Diego Valsecchi. We got to see him work his magic with his vineyards in Cafayate, keeping the amazing reputation and tradition of delicious Argentine wines. It was a perfect journey to cap off a stellar river season in South America.

Once back in the States, I felt like I needed a bit of a readjustment period before totally falling back into the North American pulse of life, which it did not take long to find some more adventure, great food, and MUSIC in New Orleans!

Most recently I was lucky enough to run a trip with Jenner Fox, Elena Louder, Lorenzo Alvarez Roos (Bio Bio Co-founder), and legendary Bio Bio guide Kipchoge Spencer on the much sought after Illinois River in Oregon! This was yet another incredible experience with river family and friends, and of course with incredible music from Kipchoge and Jenner.

I brewed my first batch of Fu Brew Ginger Beard (beer)!

For the Present???? I am living in Hood River, Oregon, enjoying the wind, mountain bike trails, and looking forward to lots of great activities and work opportunities this summer such as:
…Riding all the incredible mountain biking trails around Oregon
…Brewing beer with the FU BREW Brewing maestro Jakob Foley in Northern California
…Possibly hiking the Oregon Coast Trail
…Working with Bio Bio guide Diego Ibanez in his first ever North American Season!!!!!!!!!
…Sitting in the A/C of a movie Theatre watching a Summer Blockbuster
…Playing music!
…Finally learning how to kayak!…maybe…Anyone wanna watch me swim?

I would say that one idea/thought/thing that I am most looking forward to and am seeking help/advice/insight to would be my continuous pursuit to try and become a better steward to the Rivers. They keep me sane and bring so much joy and growth into my life. While I am in no way a professional at advocacy, and am still trying to figure out where to really start, it is a goal that I honestly do not know much about. But, I’m super stoked to be getting into the arena, finding ways to help, or even help others find their way to the Water to see what it can do for them.

This coming Fall, I hope join one of our super guides, Stanford Ricketts, on a Kilimanjaro expedition for Bio Bio Expeditions! Afterwards, I can bounce to the Zambezi to help the Bio Bio team on another incredible Zambezi Explorer experience!

After that? Hopefully back to Peru for more River time, trekking, and spanish practice before traveling back down to the Mighty Futaleufu River for another beautiful season!

Above Everest Base Camp

May 16, 2016 By Marc Goddard in The Himalaya Comments Off

Congratulations to our Wilderness & Travel Medicine Everest Base Camp trip participants!

This is Bio Bio Expeditions’ 16th year of joining forces with Wilderness Medicine to bring you this amazing trek in the Khumbu region of the Nepalese Himalaya. Our 2016 group have all arrived safely home after a thrilling trek to Base Camp. Many of you wonder what it’s like above the Base Camp and we thought you might enjoy this presentation. You can see where the avalanche took place in the dangerous Khumbu Icefall, above Base Camp, summit Mount Everest and see what it’s like to be on world!

Click here for your Everest virtual tour

Click here to donate to Bio Bio Expeditions and Wilderness & Travel Medicine Nepal Fund

National Geographic Traveler Magazine Selects our Zambezi trip as 50 Tours of a Life Time – 2009

May 1, 2009 By Wendy Nevins in Raft The Zambezi River Comments Off

“Every year, the editorial team combs the world to find the most
authentic, most innovative, most immersive, best-guided, and most
sustainable tours,” notes senior editor Norie Quintos. “This year, we
wanted to make sure that the trips we picked were also a great value,
given the economic climate. What we found is that there is no better
time to go on a guided tour than now as the traditional savings offered
by an outfitter being able to negotiate better rates on a trip’s
components is magnified by cheaper airfares, a strengthened dollar, and
more discounts, freebies, and extras.”

Raft the Zambezi
Jen
Eastwood vividly recalls the exhilaration she felt on this trip after
rafting the mighty Zambezi with its Class IV and V rapids stacked up at
almost one per mile. “We were rounding the bend and started hearing this
music. The people who live on the hill above where our camp was that
night had come down and were singing and dancing in our honor. We pulled
the boats up onto the rocks and joined them.” The outfitter has long
had a stake in Zimbabwe and its people—to the extent of helping local
river guides launch a kayak rental business. Bio Bio Expeditions:
“Zambezi Explorer, Zimbabwe,” 13 days; $3,700.

Aconcagua, Baby

March 10, 2009 By Wendy Nevins in Guides Comments Off

Laurence and Ken, age 70, reached the summit of Aconcagua, (at 22,841
feet, the highest peak in the Americas) on Feb. 19th at 3:15 pm.
Laurence reports that it was a great challenge, but good weather
prevailed and made the summit attainable. Other members of the climbing
party reached their own personal summits – whether reaching the highest
camp, Berlin, or just challenging themselves in a whole new element.
Trekking to Aconcagua is a tremendous accomplishment – kudos to Laurence
for trip leading such an amazing journey!

The Aconcagua trek is
a far cry from the creature comforts of the Bio Bio Futaleufu camp.
Laurence was eager and ready to get back to his home-away-from-home
along the banks of the azure Futa. Laurence has been in Chile since
late November and has been at the helm of our Futaleufu operation
throughout the South American summer. He has been loving watching his
daughters, Sabine and Saskia, grow and learn in the clean air and
beautiful sunshine. Sabine (age 3 1/2) has been learning to ride horses
with her very own saddle while Saskia is going to be a very
sure-footed young lady perfecting her walking skills on the hills and in
the pastures of Patagonia.

Fishing Report from Futa (post-volcano)

February 26, 2009 By Wendy Nevins in Futaleufu Comments Off

For those of you interested in how the Chaiten Volcano eruption (in May,
2008) has affected fishing on the Futaleufu, read on for the
perspective of our guide Alex Obregon who was in Futa in February…….

Ahhh Futa, so much fun. The river is running low, great fishing flow!
I didn’t have all that much time but managed to fish a good deal, my
heart is content. You were right, the fishing is great! Fish in
front of camp (good), on the Island (good, small), Puerto Ramirez (fun),
magic carpet rapid (abundant, hit them like a sniper!), Inferno Canyon
(the challenge), El Limite (the border – clear water, lots of fish), El
Rio Azul (not rated) and the Seno Muerto Lake (beautiful). Some spots better than others but man…so fun.
There is an abundant and healthy bug population, caddis, mayflies,
stoneflies, dragon flies, damsel flies…the list goes on…basically
all good signs of the good health of the water’s ecosystem.
The visibility of the water is not quite the same as before, but the
color is just as dramatic – it picks up hues of turquoise more like the
Azul. The fish are not as easy to spot, but with good polarized aid
and a bit of “know where to” look, you will find them.
The section of El Limite (the border) is still crystal clear water,
there are lots of fish up there. Some say that the fish from the
Espolon got out and headed upstream, concentrating on that short
section. Dry fly fun everywhere. The take out not so easy, right at
the eddy above that “mini zeta” rapid under the Puente Robert…long
haul with the gear to the road.
In front of camp you can go out and catch an early morning Trucha
(rainbow trout) just before breakfast, while the Yogis stretch their
muscles…or… At the end of the day a happy hour hunt down by the
Island and come back just in time for dinner. Heading downstream to Magic Carpet rapid for a little kayak surf…and fish…
This is more laid back fishing (that is after negotiating the
whitewater that guards the pool). After a couple of magic carpet rides
(hopefully without getting whirlpooled) I sat on a warm rock
overlooking the eddy, while in it, the food spins around and
around…and with it comes the target…rainbows that feed carelessly
unaware, like riding on a carousel. Much like a sniper, pick your
target and put your fly out there…all is left are a few seconds of
suspense and zaz! Set your hook! Play your fish, loading the synergy of
the rod until your fish jumps out of the water to throw some aerial
moves…we could make a fish rodeo…what you think about that..!
Puerto Ramirez is a really beautiful section of water. I especially
like that turn behind the Island in front of the beach we once camped
at. The water here is almost still and also holds the clear color. So
calm you can spot any action breaking the surface from one corner of the
Island to the other…peaceful!
I think that my favorite venture was into the Seno Muerto Lake, that
little one next to Lake Lonconao. Dude, it is amazing the color of the
water. It has a shallow section about 3-4 feet deep that extends from
the shoreline like a white rim some 20-30 feet, and then drops
dramatically into the deep blue, disappearing underneath you in between
logs and old trees that have fallen down through time and now serve as
shelter for rainbows and browns…the latter more conservative,
shy…perhaps smarter…bigger…I only caught the not so smart ones…
When you look down into the water it feels as if one is diving under,
trying to find the bottom of the lake with the fish…like an aquarium.
I wanted to share my fishing with you, I know its long and boring, more
boring than fishing itself you might think…but when and if someone
asks you about the fishing on the Fu, post volcano eruption, you will
have more to tell them… I
am very happy I went and I am even happier we are going back, the place
is great! I wouldn’t say that there is no ash, but after you are in
the town of Futa, you come back to the Bio Bio camp in the sector Azul
and it feels like the oasis it has always been, now more so. I uploaded some pictures of the fishing adventure under “Fish Report”, check them out. …Alex…

New Bio Bio Baby

February 26, 2009 By Wendy Nevins in Guides Comments Off

Marc and Damara are proud to introduce the newest member of the Bio Bio
Team! Lilian Paz Goddard was born on December 22nd, 2008. She weighed 7
pounds, 2 ounces. The expanded family is doing great and Quinn loves
being a big brother! Although this kept us from Chile this year, we
have had a great winter here in Truckee and are looking forward to next
season on the Futaleufu.

Save Patagonia’s Rivers

November 18, 2008 By Wendy Nevins in Futaleufu Comments Off

Hello friends of Bio Bio Expeditions!
Damara here – just wanting to
share some information with you about the threats facing the mighty
rivers of Patagonia (including our beloved Futaleufu). If you traveled
to the Futa with us last winter you may remember the environmental
letter I encouraged everyone to sign? Well, at the end of the season, I
sent off more than 60 letters to the President of Chile – Michelle
Bachelet. Two months later I received a formal response from the
President’s Cabinet thanking me (and all of you) for our concern and
assuring me that our concerns would be considered and sent through the
proper channels. Later in the summer I received another letter from the
President’s cabinet (see photo) also reassuring me that any hydro or
mining projects on the Futaleufu would go under rigorous study first and
that our comments would be considered. Both were very formal letters,
no promises, but I was quite pleased and impressed to have received a
response. So, thank you to all who helped me and signed a letter!!!
In other news, here are two websites you can click on to do your part
to save the beautiful, mighty rivers and forests of Patagonia. Both
the Pascua and Baker rivers, south of Futaleufu, are very threatened
right now. The power transmission lines they would have to build to
transport power from these massive dams would involve clearcutting a 400
foot wide swath (football field size) through pristine forest for
thousands of miles. You can read more about it, and send comments just
with the click of a mouse, at the following websites:

http://www.savebiogems.org/patagonia/
and
http://www.internationalrivers.org/en/latin-america/patagonia

If
you loved it down there as much as we do, please take a moment to read
about the issues and take action! If you haven’t yet traveled to
Patagonia, now’s the time! Lets show the Chilean government that
tourism and adventure travel is a better alternative for Patagonia than
destructive mines and dams. Thanks everyone and hope you have a very
Happy Thanksgiving!
Love, Damara

Don Rolando

September 30, 2008 By Wendy Nevins in Guides Comments Off

Dear Friends,

I got a call this morning at 5 AM from Edgar who
called from Nelli’s house to tell me that yesterday at 4 pm Don Rolando
passed away in the hospital in Puerto Montt. Ximena was with him. May he
rest in peace.

He was a great man, always quick to make a joke,
see the humour in life and always always ready to help anybody who
needed anything at all. He built he Bio Bio Camp on the Fu and tended to
it like it was his own. He will be missed and is survived by his sister
Nelli who is of course very sad, distraught and in need of as much
comfort as we can send her.
There is so much more that I could say
and there is lots more that I feel. We are all sad, eventhough we are
happy he is no longer suffering as the last few months of his life his
quality of life had severely taken a turn for the worse. He lost lots of
weight, was incoherent and in the end was also in pain. We may be
thankful that there is rest in death and mercy in passing on. He will
forever live on in our minds, and his work we will enjoy well into the
future. Our energy and thoughts should go out to Nelli and Ximena, who
no longer have a man around the house.

Their number should you choose to call them: (011) 562-1964259
or mail cards:

Sra. Nelida Diocares y Ximena Soto Diocares
Sector el Azul S/ N
Comuna de Futaleufu, X region
Provinica de Palena

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