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How to Get to Futaleufú

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Futaleufú, Chile, a world-renowned destination for whitewater rafting and pristine Patagonian beauty. Getting here is an adventure in itself, traversing stunning landscapes whether by air, road, or bus, often involving scenic border crossings and remote routes that promise breathtaking views at every turn. Prepare for an epic Patagonian escapade that begins long before you even reach this tranquil river town, offering a true taste of adventure.

8 min readUpdated for 2025–2026 Season
PatagoniaHub
By PatagoniaHub Travel Team|Verified local expertsLast updated: Apr 29, 2026
Full guide to Futaleufú →

Futaleufú, often simply called 'Futa,' is a gem nestled in the Chilean Patagonia, famous for its incredibly powerful and clear turquoise river. Its remote location means that reaching it is part of the adventure, offering travelers a deep immersion into the stunning landscapes of both Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia. Whether you choose to fly into a nearby airport and drive, undertake a multi-day bus journey, or embrace the ultimate freedom of a self-drive adventure, the routes to Futaleufú are spectacular, winding through dense forests, past glacial lakes, and over challenging mountain passes. This guide will provide all the essential information to plan your journey, ensuring a smooth and memorable arrival at this adventure paradise.

Nearest Airports

Esquel Airport

EQSApproximately 160 km

Located in Argentina, this is often the most practical airport for international travelers. From here, you'll need to rent a car or take a bus/taxi to Futaleufú, crossing the international border at Paso Futaleufú. The drive is scenic and takes about 2.5-3 hours.

Chaitén Airport

WCHApproximately 150 km

A small regional airport in Chile, primarily serving domestic flights from Puerto Montt. While closer, flight availability can be limited. The road to Futaleufú from Chaitén (via Ruta 7/Carretera Austral and then CH-231) is largely unpaved and offers a truly Patagonian driving experience.

El Tepual Airport (Puerto Montt)

PMCApproximately 400 km

The largest and most accessible airport in Chilean Patagonia, offering frequent domestic flights from Santiago. From Puerto Montt, you have options for bus, ferry + bus (to Chaitén), or a long but incredibly scenic drive along the Carretera Austral to reach Futaleufú.

San Carlos de Bariloche Airport

BRCApproximately 350 km

A major hub in Argentinian Patagonia, Bariloche offers more flight options, including international connections. The drive to Futaleufú from Bariloche is long but stunning, typically passing through Esquel and involving a border crossing.

By Flight

Flying to the nearest major airports in Argentina or Chile is the quickest way to cover long distances to the Futaleufú region. Most international travelers fly into Santiago (SCL) or Buenos Aires (EZE) and then take a domestic flight to a regional airport like Esquel (EQS), Puerto Montt (PMC), or Bariloche (BRC). From these airports, you'll continue your journey by car or bus.

Airlines

LATAM AirlinesSky AirlineAerolíneas ArgentinasJetsmart

Flight Tips

  • Book domestic flights well in advance, especially during peak season (December-February), as seats can be limited.
  • Consider flying into Esquel (EQS) for the shortest onward journey by road to Futaleufú, despite being in Argentina.
  • Always check baggage allowance for smaller regional flights, as they can be more restrictive.
  • If flying into Puerto Montt (PMC), factor in the significant onward travel time by road or a combination of ferry and bus.

By Car

Driving to Futaleufú is arguably the most rewarding way to experience the Patagonian landscape, offering unparalleled flexibility and access to hidden gems. The roads can be challenging, with a mix of paved and gravel sections, especially on the Chilean side (Carretera Austral). International border crossings are common and generally straightforward but require proper documentation for both yourself and the vehicle.

Main Driving Routes

FromRouteDistanceDurationRoad Condition
Esquel, ArgentinaRuta Nacional 259 to the Chile border (Paso Futaleufú), then Ruta CH-231Approximately 160 km2.5 - 3 hoursMostly paved on the Argentinian side (RN 259), with some gravel sections as you approach the border and on Ruta CH-231 in Chile. Generally well-maintained.
Puerto Montt, ChileRuta 7 (Carretera Austral) South to La Junta, then Ruta CH-235Approximately 400 km8 - 12 hours (can be split over two days)The Carretera Austral (Ruta 7) is famous for its stunning scenery and challenging conditions. Much of it is gravel, with some paved sections. Expect winding roads, potential ferry crossings (from Hornopirén to Caleta Gonzalo), and conditions that vary with weather. A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended for comfort and reliability.
San Carlos de Bariloche, ArgentinaRuta Nacional 40 South to Esquel, then Ruta Nacional 259 to the border and Ruta CH-231Approximately 350 km5 - 6 hoursMostly paved on Ruta Nacional 40 and Ruta Nacional 259. Similar to the Esquel route once you reach the border, with some gravel on Ruta CH-231. This is a very scenic drive.

Driving Tips

  • Ensure your rental car company explicitly allows cross-border travel into Chile or Argentina and provides all necessary documentation (Permiso de Salida/Entrada). There's usually an extra fee for this.
  • Carry spare fuel if driving the Carretera Austral, as gas stations can be scarce in remote areas.
  • Download offline maps (e.g., Google Maps, Maps.me) as cell signal is unreliable.
  • Be prepared for gravel roads, especially in Chile. Drive cautiously, reduce speed, and watch out for potholes and sharp turns.
  • Always have your passport and vehicle papers readily accessible for border crossings.

By Bus

Bus travel to Futaleufú is an economical and practical option, connecting the town with various cities in both Chile and Argentina. While often slower than driving, it allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery without the stress of navigating challenging roads. Services can be less frequent outside of peak season.

Bus Companies

Buses Gualas (Chile)Buses Becker (Chile)Línea Sur (Chile)Andesmar (Argentina - to Esquel/Bariloche)Vía Bariloche (Argentina - to Esquel/Bariloche)

Bus Tips

  • From Chile: Buses from Puerto Montt typically go to Chaitén, where you can connect to local services or arrange a transfer to Futaleufú. The journey involves a ferry crossing if traveling directly down the Carretera Austral.
  • From Argentina: Direct buses to Futaleufú are available from Esquel (seasonal) and connect from major cities like Bariloche. Check schedules carefully as they can vary.
  • Book tickets in advance, especially during the high season (December to March).
  • Be aware that bus journeys can be long, so bring snacks, water, and entertainment.
  • Always confirm border crossing requirements with the bus company if traveling internationally.

From Major Cities

CityBest MethodTravel TimeCost
Puerto Montt, ChileCar (via Carretera Austral) or Combination of Ferry + Bus8-12 hours by car; 10-14 hours by ferry + busVaries significantly by car rental, fuel, ferry tickets, and bus fares (approx. $80-150 USD per person for bus/ferry combo)
San Carlos de Bariloche, ArgentinaCar5-6 hoursVaries by car rental and fuel (approx. $70-120 USD per person for bus to Esquel then local transfer)
Esquel, ArgentinaCar or Local Bus/Transfer2.5-3 hoursVaries by car rental and fuel (approx. $30-60 USD for local bus/transfer)

Local Transport

Once you arrive in Futaleufú, getting around the small town itself is easy on foot. Most accommodations, restaurants, and tour operators are within walking distance. For excursions to rafting put-in points, hiking trails, or nearby attractions, local tour operators typically provide transport as part of their packages. Taxis are available but less common than in larger cities. For exploring independently beyond the immediate town, renting a car is by far the most advantageous option.

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