![\"the-futaleufu-river-best-places-to-kayak-in-latin-america\"](\"https:\/\/www.cheapoair.com\/miles-away\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/The-Futaleuf\u00fa-River-Best-Places-to-Kayak-in-Latin-America.jpg\")
<\/a>Image via Flickr \u2013 CC BY 2.0<\/a> \u2013 Zachary Collier<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n A true hotspot for global kayakers, the Futaleuf\u00fa River \u2014 or Fu as some of the locals call it \u2014 is a great place to get to know the Latin American kayaking scene. The river runs through Chile\u2019s Patagonia region and is known for its appeal to more experienced kayakers. The icy waters are Class IV and V and great for those craving for whitewater experiences. If adrenaline-rushes are your thing, then the Fu is a place you should check out. [perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]With lush riverbanks and wonderful opportunities to relax and meditate, the Fu goes beyond just kayaking \u2014 it is an opportunity to connect with nature and other similar explorers and adventurers.[\/perfectpullquote]<\/span><\/p>\n Image via Flickr \u2013 CC BY 2.0<\/a> \u2013 Javier Rubilar<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n Patagonia is known as the go-to place for everything outdoors. The water route that spreads across the Andes opens up to an active volcano on the coast of Vulcan Chaiten. Paddling in open seas can be physically exhausting but ultimately it ends up being an incredibly rewarding experience. The weather in the area can also be daunting, but being able to kayak amongst glaciers and islands of ice is like nothing else in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n Image via Flickr \u2013 CC BY 2.0<\/a> \u2013 Zach Dischner<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n The Sea of Cortez is great for those who are just getting their feet wet with kayaking. The waters are crystal clear, calm, warm, and filled with amazing wildlife. The area is famous for its impressive whale watching opportunities, and the Bah\u00eda de Loreto National Park<\/a> is actually a blue whale sanctuary. The park itself is made up of 5 islands off the coast of Loreto and kayakers will most definitely be able to catch a glimpse of a whale, a dolphin, or a sea lion. Kayakers also have plenty of opportunities to hop off their boats and take some time to snorkel through the water to check out the diverse marine life. For a family and animal-friend kayak tour, the Sea of Cortez is definitely the place to go!<\/span><\/p>\n Image via Flickr \u2013 CC BY 2.0<\/a> \u2013 Millie0418<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n One of the largest lakes in South America, Lake Titicaca is located at the border of Peru and Bolivia. Visitors can check out the Uros Floating Islands, amazing man-made isles made of intertwined reeds that feel like walking on a giant sponge. After the visit, kayakers are welcome to explore many of the cities that dot the shoreline.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Image via Flickr \u2013 CC BY 2.0<\/a> \u2013 Cordelia Persen<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n Perhaps one of the best reasons to visit Lake Nicaragua is to spend some time in Granada. Las Isletas<\/em>,\u00a0an archipelago\u00a0formed by a volcanic eruption that occurred thousands of years ago, is located right off the coast. Kayaking through the isles feels like cutting through a floating jungle. [perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Many of the islands are owned and inhabited by very wealthy foreigners, and kayak tours throughout them is a watery and natural version of Beverly Hills.[\/perfectpullquote] Image via Flickr \u2013 CC BY 2.0<\/a> \u2013 Jos\u00e9 Pablo Orozco Mar\u00edn<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n If lazily floating down turquoise waters isn\u2019t what you\u2019re looking for in your kayaking adventure, then taking time to visit the Pacuare River is in order! The river crashes and turns revealing vertical drops and exciting waterfalls. Because the surrounding areas are so diverse, many tours feature animal-themed trips where you can see jaguars, toucans, and monkeys. But if straight ride-and-drive is more your thing, the river is also home to Class III and Class IV rapids that pull visitors through the Rio Pacuare gorge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Image via Flickr \u2013 CC BY 2.0<\/a> \u2013 Mark Rowland<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n The Apur\u00edmac River is nestled in the middle of Peru\u2019s Cuzco region and acts as a source to the Amazon River flowing for almost 500 miles until it becomes the Ene River. Kayakers are welcome to join in the fun at various spots along the Apur\u00edmac which can require varying levels of expertise. For those who booked flights to Peru<\/a> looking for a more relaxed experience, visitors have the opportunity to visit thermal baths in Konoc just west of Cuzco. If, on the other hand,\u00a0 you\u2019re up for a challenge, you’ll find it when the frothy, unforgiving side of the Apur\u00edmac becomes the Acobamba Abyss<\/a>. The water here has crazy vertical drops, huge boulders, and tons of jungle vegetation. Similar to Grand Canyon rapids, the Abyss is definitely not for the faint of heart!<\/span><\/p>\n Image via Flickr \u2013 CC BY 2.0<\/a> \u2013 kansasphoto<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n In contrast to the adrenaline-pumping kayaking of the Pacuare, the Damas Islands<\/a> feature an easy-going trip through the mangroves. The islands are known for their amazing wildlife, and because the waters are so calm, trips can be taken at night to see animals that are only active after-hours. The estuaries are home to black-tipped sharks, playful monkeys, and sloths that will smile you back as the kayak pass.<\/span><\/p>\n Image via Flickr \u2013 CC BY 2.0<\/a> \u2013 Craig Nagy<\/a><\/p><\/div>\nSea Kayaking, Patagonia<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Sea of Cortez, Mexico<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Lake Titicaca, Peru<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Lake Nicaragua, Nicaragua<\/h2>\n
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\nLas Isletas<\/em> are filled with monkeys, colorful birds, and flowers. The water is quite calm so kayakers can jump in and out of their boats to fully enjoy the experience!<\/span><\/p>\nThe Pacuare, Costa Rica<\/h2>\n
<\/a>The Apur\u00edmac River, Peru<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Damas Islands, Costa Rica<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Nohoch Che\u2019en Park, Belize<\/h2>\n
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