Travel Day

It is highly recommended to arrive in Bariloche at least one day before your trip.

Day 1: Pick up in the San Carlos de Bariloche airport (BRC) or Bariloche hotel

Welcome to San Carlos de Bariloche the gateway to Patagonia! There are a few flights a day into Bariloche and once everyone has arrived we begin our journey south via the scenic “circuito chico” passing through the famous Lake District including Lago Nahuel Huapi and Lago Guillermo towered over by the Andes mountain range. Just before reaching the town of El Bolsón we will turn off the highway and start making our way down a fun, but bumpy 4×4 road, arriving in time for hearty dinner at our remote eco-lodge nestled in the mountains. (D)

Day 2: Warm up paddling on the Azul River

After a hearty breakfast at the lodge we outfit our boats and head to the first river of the week – found right at the lodge’s doorstep. (We should mention that the doorstep is 163 stairs away from the river!) When we reach the crystal clear waters of the Azul at the bottom, we guarantee you will feel that every step was worth it. Here we put on for a fun warm-up class II-III section. At the end of this river day – and every day at the lodge – we come back for happy hour, wood-fired sauna and hot tubs overlooking the river gorge. (BLD)

Day 3: Whitewater Rescue Basics

Today you have the chance to learn or refresh some important whitewater rescue skills. We will spend the day swimming, wading, and throwing ropes to move around the river and to learn to rescue yourself and others. Depending on the group’s skill level and interests we will practice knots, anchors, and rope systems for use in equipment recovery and transportation systems. Today will give you a taste of the rescue skills and knowledge you learn in a Whitewater Rescue Course but no certifications will be given. (BLD)

Day 4: Paddle the Azul River

Today we’ll head back to the Azul River, potentially running a different section and take some time to play and practice some of our new rescue skills. (BLD)

Day 5: Paddle the Foyel River

If water levels are on our side, we’ll head out to the lesser known Foyel River.  This beautiful class II-III river takes us meandering through the Patagonian countryside.  We are not likely to see many if any people and we’ll pass by some abandoned settlements where we can get out and have a look around. (BLD)

Day 6: Day off – Trip to the Market

Today is your opportunity to rest and relax. The lodge is a great place to kick back with a book, take a long siesta, swim in the river or take off on a self-guided hike.  In the afternoon we’ll head into town to explore the famous El Bolsón artisan market. Here you’ll find over 300 stalls of locally sourced handcrafted items, the perfect place to find a unique gift or souvenir. We can also help to arrange other activites such as ziplining or paragliding. Tonight we’ll all sit down for dinner at one of the many local restaurants that offer a variety of local microbrews on tap! (BL)

Day 7: Paddle the Manso River, Inferior section.

This morning we’ll check out of the lodge and head towards the Manso River valley.  Today we will paddle the cruisey inferior section of the Manso River.  This is beautiful but calm section of the river that gives us a chance to try out different boats – you’ll have the option to switch between kayak, canoe or raft. Here we’ll paddle right up to our riverside cabin for the night.  Once on dryland we can relax riverside, practice our dryland skills and enjoy firsthand a typical Argentinean asado. (BLD)

Day 8: Paddle the Manso River, Frontera section.

After breakfast this morning we will pack up and get ready for our final river of the week, the Frontera section of the Manso (class III-IV). We’ll paddle this high volume crystal-clear turquoise river right up to the Chilean border.  The options here are raft or kayak depending on your skill level. (surcharge may apply if rafting). After this high-adrenaline day we’ll head back to Bariloche to check into our hosteria for the night.  Once settled we’ll meet up at one of Bariloche’s famous restaurants to toast our great week of adventure together! (BL)

Day 9: Departure

A shuttle will be available after breakfast for any morning drop off’s at the airport.  Additonal shuttles can be arranged via the front desk of the hosteria.  Inquire if you’d like to book additonal nights in Bariloche. (B)

B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

If you think that this looks great but you wish there was more flexibility with the schedule – there is with our customizable option for groups of 6 or more.