A Whitewater guide to the rivers of chile

Rio Achibueno

I am not sure where this river derived its name but the “bueno” portion is very fitting. I first visited the river on December 13, 1997 with John Foss, Josh Lowry and Robbie Dastin. The scenery was spectacular and the boating and camping outstanding.
The river is best run during late spring and early [...]

Rio Truful Truful

Flowing off the southern side of Volcan Llaima (3125 m) is one of the best class 3 runs in Chile. The crystal clear waters cascade through lava fields at a breakneck pace while the surrouning snow peaks are fringed with Aruacaria trees making for an exciting and beautiful trip. The river name is [...]

Rio Carhuello

This springtime gem is right in the Pucon area. It was first run until the winter of 1994 when locals Robby Dastin, Gigo Castillo and Rick Bravo made the initial exploration. Several days of rain are required make this small catchment runnable. The stretch that is commonly run is 4 km or less in length [...]

Rio Quepe

How to describe the the Rio Quepe is a paradox. One description is terrifying class 3 but because of the committing nature and one 5+ canyon I would say it is better described as class four difficulty with long portage. The source of the river is a high lake on the western flank of Volcan [...]

Rio Yeso

The Yeso is an class 4+/5- creek run in the headwaters of the Maipo Valley. The source of the river are the high peaks on the Argentinian border near the Termas del Plomo. The highest peak is Cerro Marmolejo at 6108 meters. The run is only 3 KM long but with easy logisitcs and is [...]

Rio Curringue

It was not until December of 2004 that this classic river was discovered. Robbie Dastin, Pucon resident and Pioneer of numerous Chilean first descents found the river and did the first D with Russel Kelly and Mateo Wilson. The water source is Cerro Encanto (1890 meters) and other lower peaks forming the border with [...]

Rio Llancahue

Flowing off both the southern flanks of Volcan Villarica (2840 meters) and Volcan Quetrupillan (2360 meters) is the Rio Llancahue. The river is directly south of the town of Pucon on the opposite side of the volcano. Pronounced Yan-Cow-Weh the river derives its name from Mapudungo or the local Mapuche dialect. the meaning is “place [...]

Rio Nevado

The Rio Nevado is one of Pucon’s classic steep creek runs. The river cascades off the Picos del Caburgua (1952 meters) and forms one of the upper tributaries of the Liucura. The run is just outside of the border of the beautiful National Park Huerquehue. Once again it was local Robbie Dastin who sleuthed this [...]

Rio Plata

This seldom run, low volume steep creek enters Lago Villarica directly opposite Pucon. It only runs in the spring or after an intense prolonged summer storm. On some maps such as 1:50,000 Topo titled Lago Caburgua it is also called Rio Quilque.

Nate Elliot in Plata Canyon
The run was first pioneered by locals Robbie Dastin and [...]

22 teacups – 22 tazas – Rio Claro

Twenty Two tazas – a series of twenty two 1 to 2 meters drops in a natural park setting 3 hours south of Santiago Chile.

Rio Desague

The Rio Desagüe (sometimes called Rio Carburgua) is another spring run in the Pucon area. In high water years it has water into early January but in low water years it can be gone by December 1st. the river is a tributary of the Liucura and its waters eventually enter Lago Villarica in Pucon. On [...]

Rio Turbio

The Rio Turbio is one of the Pucon areas spingtime gems. It is only minutes from town and provides action packed excitement.

Rio Melado

The Rio Mealdo is a high volume wildnerness run located in Central Chile. For years running it from the source had been on the radar screen of many indiviuduals. I know of three unsuccessful attemps (two of which I was on) before we were able to successfully get to the put in early december [...]

Rio Blanco (de Maule)

This rare wilderness run is a tributary of the Maule and located in the heart of Central Chile. It is surrounded by many well known runs yet to my knowledge has only been run once. The river flows of the southern flank of Volcan Descabezado Grande whose elevation of 3830 meters makes it a dominant [...]

Rio Reyehueco

Flowing off the Southern flanks of Volcan Quetrupillan (2009 mters above sea level) and within a two hour drive of Pucon is the little known Rio Reyehueco. The river lies 21 km to the east of Coñaripe on the road to Liquiñe. It is strategically located midway between the Llancahue and Lizan Rivers.

Kurt casey at [...]

Rio Fuy

Learn about the River Fuy in Chile with this Article

Alumine River Argentina

Alumine river is the best river in Argentina!! At least some people think so .. Find out why.

Lower Liucura River in Pucon

The Lower Liucura River 20 minutes for the center of Pucon, Chile is the classic class three run with a great playspot ( in lower water months).