Learn Veterinary Medicine in Chile
“I needed this trip more than I realized. I feel healthier, happier, and refocused.” - Rosanne Palmisano, Colorado
LEARN VETERINARY MEDICINE IN CHILE - 9 Days
Join Bio Bio Expeditions for a Veterinary Medicine Course in Patagonia! Raft, kayak, go horseback riding in Chile while enjoying the relaxing amenities at our riverside luxury camp deep in the Chilean countryside! The talented faculty will increase your professional knowledge during daily courses. Yet, there will be plenty of time to enjoy all that is available in the Futaleufu River valley.
Day 1:
Arrive in Buenos Aires. Argentina for your flight connection to San Carlos de Bariloche. A Bio Bio Expeditions representative will meet you at the Bariloche airport and escort you to the "Switzerland of the South" that lies on Lake Nahuel Huapi. Check into a lovely hotel with lake views located within walking distance of town. Your afternoon can be spent swimming, walking around town, shopping for Argentina’s famous leather goods, sampling Bariloche's delicious chocolate or going for a walk along the lake front. There is also an option to go for a longer hike near Bariloche's main ski resort. In the evening, we will gather for a group welcome dinner at one of our favorite restaurants where you can indulge in an Argentinian steak, fresh fish, or a vegetarian dish. After dinner, we may want to go to a tango show, or even take a lesson!
* Please note that we are happy to arrange an extra day or two exploring Buenos Aires, the "Paris of South America" and one of the world's most exciting and enticing cities.
Days 2-9:
After breakfast, we will board our private vehicles and begin the drive to Chile. This is a beautiful drive through Nahuel Huapi National Park. We will drive through the frontier, guacho towns of Esquel and Trevelin that were settled a century ago by Welsh farmers. This region of Patagonia was made famous by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid! The terrain alternates between lush forest and emerald green valleys, aquamarine lakes, and the windswept plains of the Patagonia steppe. In the afternoon, we will reach the remote, rugged, temperate rainforest as we get our first glimpse of the Futaleufu river and then follow it downstream to our basecamp. On the way to camp we pass a few farms that are carved into the ancient rainforest allowing us a glimpse of frontier living, Chileno style.
We arrive at the Bio Bio Adventure Spa Basecamp where your private tent platform, complete with river views and comfortable beds will be waiting for you. Our enthusiastic guides will lead you to your sweet new a home away from home on the river!
The next two days we dive into adventure, launching our rafts right from base camp where your guide will teach you river safety, paddle commands and answer any and all questions you may have about this addictive sport. The first section of the river that we raft, from camp down to Puente Futaleufú is only 10 km, but offers more rapids per 1000 meters than anywhere else on the river. It is the perfect warm-up run and it is non-stop fun! In the afternoon, you can go fly fishing, try out a kayak, do yoga, nap in a hammock, enjoy the sauna, have a massage, go hiking, or soak in the hot tub. As the sun sinks behind the mountains, enjoy a game of chess or darts at the sunset bar. Every afternoon is aHappy Hour with an open bar consisting of beer, wine, soda, and juice followed by open air dining in the candlelit Galpon featuring fresh locally grown produce and fresh-baked breads. After dinner, we enjoy the campfire and the stars before we retire to our cozy tents on their private platforms.
Mid-way through the trip we will inflatable kayak the crystalline Espolon River, one of the main tributaries of the Futaleufu. This is a training day for the ducky descent of the Rio Azul which we will attempt the following day after a beautiful horseback ride up the river.
The morning of our next day, we visit the town of Futaleufú and then launch our boats on the Rio Espolon for the most challenging whitewater section of the Futaleufu, Inferno Canyon. This upper canyon requires aggressive Class V paddling including the rapids of Throne Room and Royal Flush. The last day, we raft the world-famous Terminator section, 3 miles of non-stop rapids including the Himalyas wave train. Our triumphant celebration that night includes a typical Chilean Asado, lamb roasted over a bed of coals, ensalada, potatoes and farm fresh bread.
Our ninth day, we pack up and van back to Chaiten for a midday flight to Puerto Montt savoring your memories of the friends you have made, the beauty of the Futaleufu River and the Patagonian wilderness.
To Reserve Your Spot email us at info@bbxrafting.com or call 1-800-246-7238 now!