Manso River Valley
Rafting and Mountain Biking or Horseback Riding

The Manso is a classic Patagonian rivers. It’s variety offers something for everyone.

The section known as the “Inferior” or “Lower” Manso, from Lago Steffen to the border with Chile, has a fun section to offer up on the first day, with Class II rapids. It’s a great place for beginners to discover rafting.

The second section, “the Hanging Andrade Bridge to Tierraventura” is completely flat and rapid-free, so we see it as a chance to get to know the social and cultural aspects of the valley. We’ll journey along the riverside trail, meeting pioneers. It’s an ideal spot for giving mountain biking a try or saddling up for some horseback riding, depending on the client’s preference.
The third section of the Manso is full-on and great for adrenaline lovers. A series of Class III and IV rapids offer major action on the river for rafters. 

Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1: Rafting
The Manso is a river of great and incomparable beauty, with gorgeous scenery. This section is ideal for anyone who wants to discover the fun and passionate sport of whitewater rafting.
We head to the southern reaches of Nahuel Huapi National Park, travelling 60km on highway 258 past the shores of Gutierrez, Mascardi and Guillelmo lakes.

In a valley known as Pampa del Toro, we turn west for the final 10km of the trip, towards Lago Steffen. The mouth of the Lower Manso River is at the south end of the lake. This is our put-in.
First, we’ll listen to the safety talk from our guides. Then we gather our gear, climb onboard the rafts, and head down river.
The first section is tranquilo, which gives us a chance to discover much of the local flora and fauna living in this National Park wilderness. Some of the birds that may greet us along our trip include the red-headed woodpecker, Huet-Huet and maybe even a Chucao.

We’ll have lunch on a sandy beach on the side of the Manso. It’s a light lunch, with sandwiches and fruit, to replenish our energy.
After lunch, we head into the more active section of the river. Rapids on this part of the Manso are considered “Class II” difficulty. In summer months, we can swim through the transparent waters.
The last section of our journey is after the meeting of the Manso with the Villegas River, and it’s the most fun part.
“Forward hard!” the guide will say, as our rafts blast through white-caped waves, leaving all onboard drenched with crystal clear mountain water.

In the afternoon, at an old sawmill in the tiny village of Paraje Villegas, we’ll arrive at our campsite. After changing into dry clothes and enjoying a snack and tea, we’ll get busy preparing camp.
Around the fire pit, after dinner, we’ll relive the day’s adventures.

Day 2: Mountain Bike/Horseback Riding
The day starts with a hearty breakfast while our guides prepare the bikes and horses.

After a technical chat where we’ll go over basic skills, we cross the hanging bridge over the Manso that connects us with a place that has been sheltered from time, where the few pioneers maintain traditions over a century old.
We’ll travel 20 km, crossing creeks and lush green plains, through forests and alongside farms, always keeping the incredible Manso River in site.

This is a great outing for getting used to your sport of choice since the difficulty builds gradually and ends with a long and fun descent through an ancient coihue, cypress and native Patagonian forest.
At the end of the trail, we cross the river once again to arrive at the Tierraventura Base Camp, our second campsite.
After relaxing and enjoying a warm shower, it’s time for dinner.

Day 3: Rafting to the Border
The day starts with a delicious breakfast at our adventure camp. Then,  we’ll organizer our gear, listen to our guides go over a safety talk and then we’ll hop onboard the river.
The first part of today’s section of the Manso heads through a narrow canyon, with the Cerro Bastión peak and its many waterfalls at our side. The “Velvet Canyon” is the last peaceful section; as soon as we’re through it, we’ll be welcomed by “The First Rapid” where it’ll become clear that calm is behind us and action lies ahead!

With short breaks in between, we’ll start dropping through the chain of rapids that run from entertaining Class IIs to violent Class IVs like “The Devil’s Intestine” or, ironically, the rapid known as “Relax”. 

“Forward,” the guide instructs, and the team paddles without ceasing as we fall into a hole that sends us rocking and rolling, and shows us clearly the power of the Manso in its last bounces towards the international border with Chile.
The Safety Kayaker is always at our side providing optimal safety.
The “International” Rapid is a Class II that announces our arrival at the international  border and the end of the day’s rafting.
Once we’re back into warm clothes, we head back to our camp at Tierraventura for lunch. The stories of adventure and adrenaline will keep everyone grinning through lunch. Then it’s time to head back to Bariloche.

Important

3 days / 2 nights. 2 nights camping

Includes:

    • Full river equipment
    • Camping equipment
    • Professional guides
    • All food
    • Insurance
    • Paramedics
    • CD with photos from the expedition

Does not include:

    • personal clothing (see “What to Bring”)
    • personal hygiene items
    • Tips and extra expenses
    • Transfer Airport/Hotel in/out
    • Hotel accommodations

Minimum age: 18 years
Difficulty: Strenuous.  Expeditions in remote areas provide maximum adventure and involve long days of physical activity and wild landscapes where unexpected events can occur and where the most important is not the comfort level. Very high level of physical fitness is required, as well as understanding and previous experience.
Season: October to April

What to Bring:
    • 1 Jacket or parka
    • 1 fleece or sweater
    • 1 trekking pants
    • 1 trekking shoes
    • 1 sandals
    • 1 pair of socks
    • 1 t-shirt
    • 1 capilene or synthetic shirt
    • 1 wool or fleece hat
    • 1 headlamp
    • 1 shorts
    • Sun glasses and sunscreen
    • Personal hygiene items