about us
THIS IS OUR ADVENTURE STORY
Rio Futaleufú Rafting is a small owner operated business nestled in the Andes Mountains in the quaint town of Futaleufú. Born and raised in Futaleufú, Patagonia, Chile, Mauricio Gallardo San Martin has had the lifelong dream to start his own rafting company in his home town and on one of the best whitewater rivers in the world the Rio Futaleufú.
Mauricio is fulfilling his dream alongside his wife Sharon and family friend Michelle Lloyd who both also share the same passion for whitewater and outdoor adventure. With a lifelong passion for rivers and paddling and more than 20 years' (year round) rafting experience on the Futaleufú River (Seasonal) and internationally, Mauricio's intimate knowledge of the Futaleufú river and extensive experience ensures you have the best person to guide you down this thrilling and beautiful Class IV-V River.
We are a small Chilean / Australian owned and operated company excited to bring you the best of what Futaleufú has to offer.
Owner / Operations Manager / Senior Guide
Mauricio Gallardo San Martin
Mauricio has over 20 years rafting experience on the Rio Futaleufú (Seasonal) and was one of the first local boys along with his brother Adrei to ever raft on this river.
Internationally he also has extensive experience on the;
* Tully, Nth Queensland, Australia Raging Thunder
* Pacuare River, Costa Rica Rios Tropicales
* Nahatlatch River, British Columbia, Canada REO Rafting
*Rio Cangrejal, Honduras Omega Tours
Plus private trips kayaking and rafting on many other rivers, including a 21 day trip on the Colorado River, Grand Canyon USA.
Mauricio
Photographer / Sales / Marketing / Espolón Guide....Whatever needs to be done
Sharon Gallardo San Martin
Sharon in most recent years has been a full time mum to Emilio and Liliana whilst also zipping around on the postie bike delivering the mail in Mission Beach, Queensland.
She has also had a life long passion for the outdoors and more specifically whitewater rafting like her husband Mauricio. Prior to having children they rafted between the hemispheres to have year round summers rafting.
Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Education from Latrobe University, Bendigo Victoria.
Sharon
Sales & Marketing - Australia
Michelle Lloyd
Michelle has always loved the outdoors and adventure experiences such as rafting and outdoor adventure activities. Michelle grew up on a country farm in Far North Queensland and from a young age was either riding her bike or horse, trekking the local walking trails and being a part of the local sports hockey team.
After completing her Tourism and Environmental studies Michelle landed the position of Ecotourism Development Officer with the local Council later becoming Tourism Manager. After many years as Tourism Manager Michelle expanded her wings from managing the local Backpackers and Night Club to developing and owning her own outdoor education facility called Echo Creek Adventure Centre.
Michelle has also represented her country at the World Outrigging Sprint Titles and is still heavily involved in many outrigger paddling events across Australia and the World, including White Water Rafting events.
Michelle