Wondering what Patagonia adventure travel is all about? Perhaps you’re simply fascinated with this incredible region of the world? Regardless, we’ve got the inspiration – in breathtaking imagery and words – you’re looking for.
While exciting, planning your dream adventure can be overwhelming. Vacation planning, particularly when there’s excursions, activities, and adventures to be had, is often a time-consuming and stressful undertaking. You want to make sure you’ve crossed all your Ts and dotted the Is to ensure that your travel is safe and secure, doesn’t go over budget, and is, most of all, fun.
To help you get the most out of your travels and your budget, plan your next vacation with a travel guide, or a guided tour company. Let experienced professionals manage all the moving parts! You get to enjoy all the wonder and joy of travel without the headache of planning – issues of safety, navigating language barriers, and all the other variables of travelling abroad.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
Laurence and Ken, age 70, reached the summit of Aconcagua, (at 22,841 The Aconcagua trek is
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!
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.
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.
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
Laurence
Alvarez and Marc Goddard both turned 40 last week. Laurence and Marc
met when they were 13 and have been running rivers ever since! At 40
they are still at it and plan to run the Middle Fork of the Feather this
weekend. Marc plans to guide the Cotahuasi on July 3rd. Please click on
the link below to see a fun slide show on the history of the friendship
of Marc and Laurence and friends along the way!
Bio Bio Expeditions was created by Marc Goddard and Laurence Alvarez-Roos, both from California, as a way to bring people to their favorite rivers in the world. They have been international guides since 1988 and were both members of World Champion rafting Team California. It is their passion to lead people to some of the world’s most wild and beautiful places. They accomplish this safely and with the input from and respect for the local cultures. They introduce different parts of the world to their guests and impart a love of adventure, travel, culture, and the environment. Marc or Laurence is on every trip because this is what they love to do.
Bio Bio’s signature trip is in Chile on the Futaleufu river. The Patagonia region of southern Chile is like the Montana of the 1920’s. The Futaleufu River valley is in the heart of this rugged setting where the families live a traditional ranching lifestyle. Bio Bio Expeditions has created their own retreat in this inspiring setting with the goal of bringing the adventure traveler to the heart of Patagonia. The base camp created, with the assistance of our Chilean neighbors, is a place where the active traveler can get their fill of adrenaline sports and relaxation. The Futaleufu River is world renowned as one of the best whitewater rivers in the world and was the site of the 2000 International Whitewater Championships. The guests spend their summer day rafting spectacular, big whitewater and evenings in the outdoor hot tub watching the river drift by or sipping Chilean wine in the sunset bar. They can enjoy Yerba Mate tea with a Patagonian family after a morning of fly-fishing and mountain biking and have our massage therapist soothe their sore muscles after a hot, relaxing sauna. This is paradise for the adventure traveler who loves to enjoy many different sports in a remote and pristine wilderness setting, but you do not have to compromise on comforts or amenities.
Besides Chile, Bio Bio Expeditions runs trips on the Zambezi River in Africa, the Katun in Siberia, Cal Salmon in northern California, and the Apurimac and Cotahuasi Rivers in Peru. Furthermore, they have expanded to a limited number of trekking trips including Kilimanjaro and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. For more information, contact Marc Goddard at marc@bbxrafting.com
It is no secret that Co-Founders and owners of Bio Bio Expeditions Worldwide, Marc Goddard and Laurence Alvarez-Roos, have lived an adventurous life. Where in the world do two men who’s drug of choice is adrenaline, lifelong passion is thrilling whitewater rafting and kayaking, and home away from home is on the spectacular Futaleufu River in Chile, find suitable to call home here in the USA? It is none other than the “Jewel of the Sierras”, breathtaking Lake Tahoe!
Truckee California, Marc and Laurence home, is a small town with a great deal to offer these two adventure seekers that grew up only three hours away in the San Francisco Bay area of California. Truckee offers all four distinct seasons, and is situated about 15 minutes from Lake Tahoe. The Lake Tahoe area is well known as a winter destination that boasts 7 world-class ski resorts, including one of our favorites- Squaw Valley. This is where you will often find Marc and Lars, when they are not rafting with clients on the Fu! Squaw Valley was the home of the 1960 winter olympic games, which brought the mountain resort into the spotlight.
In winter, there are plenty of outdoor pursuits to enjoy around Lake Tahoe, on blue bird and powder days alike. From alpine skiing and cross country skiing, to hardcore back country skiing, you will find plenty of fun in winter. BUT… with rivers rushing, and temperatures nearing the mid-70’s; Summer is Calling! We wanted to share the paradise you will find in the Lake Tahoe area during the summer- what really draws us to this beautiful place!
In summer you will find kite surfers, kayakers, and stand up paddle boarders enjoying the lake, and plenty of lakeside beaches perfect for a day of fun with family and friends! The Bio Bio family spreads far and wide, and it is not unusual to find a Bio Bio lakeside barbecue going on with folks from several different countries, sharing a fantastic meal Bio Bio style (with plenty of libations)! You will also find miles and miles of world class mountain biking, and some of the most challenging single track in the states.
Even with all of this to experience around the lake, some of the best whitewater in the country can be found within an easy drive from Truckee…the REAL reason you will find Bio Bio Expedtions here in Lake Tahoe! Within 2 hours of Truckee California you will find an endless choice of amazing class V creeks and rivers right in our backyard, including the South Yuba, North Yuba, North Fork American, South Fork American and many others. There is also a whitewater play park just 30 minutes away in Reno.
It’s pretty tough to glue Marc and Lars to their seats here at the Bio Bio office, and with all Tahoe has to offer, who can blame them! But if you ever find yourself in the area, please look us up and lets go paddle and have some fun! Have a fantastic summer- you know we will!
-From all of your friends at Bio Bio Expeditions
