Rivers of Chile » class 3

Río Bío-Bío (El Nacimiento)

kurt casey — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:38:00 +0000

The famed Bío-Bío, Chile’s second longest river, originates in the heart of Mapuche-Pehuenche territory. The nacimiento, or birthplace of the river, is primeval and unforgettable. Araucarias, one of the Earth’s three oldest surviving tree species, stand sentinel along a shore framed by distant peaks straddling the border between Chile and Argentina.

Float this headwater run when the river is swollen from snowmelt. Below the confluence with the Río Rucanuco, the Bío-Bío opens up to broad vistas of the surrounding countryside. For the next 50-60 km, cattle graze in the adjacent fields while you float through occasional class II rapids. Approximately 10 km upstream from Lonquimay, a surprise series of angled ledge drops require precise maneuvering in a raft.

To find the headwater lakes, drive east from Victoria, 614 km south of Santiago, to Lonquimay. From Lonquimay, drive southeast approximately 75 km toward Laguna de Gualletué (Mapuche for “land where the oak trees grow”) and the Pehuenche town of Icalma. An alternate route to Icalma leads east from Temuco through Cunco and Melipeuco. Put in on Laguna de Icalma (Mapuche for “clean as a mirror”) out of which the Río Rucanuco flows, or turn off just before the lake at a sign pointing towards Laguna de Gualletué and the Bío-Bío. Numerous dirt tracks and a lack of signs can lead to confusion. Persistence will pay off by staying on the main two-wheel track and continuing north toward the distant hills approximately 10 km from the turnoff. The elevation at put in is 1145 meters.

The takeout is reached by returning to Lonquimay and driving north 20 km to the put-in at Balsadero Caracoles. This 100 KM class II•III run is best in spring or early summer but I have seen it in early February and it still looked boatable. Flows range from 1000 to 5000 CFS and average gradient is 4 mpk or 20 FPM making it suitable for multi-day family raft trip. The fishing is very good so bring a rod.

Nearby rivers include Llanquen and the Cautin. A gate on a private road prevents access from the lower Bio Bio and other tribuataries such as Queuco, Lomin, Ralco and Chalquivin.

Topo maps titled • Laguna de Icalma, Liucura, Laguna Marinanqui, Lonquimay

Río Bío-Bío (Lower)

kurt casey — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:27:58 +0000

Although the upper canyons now lay dormant under man made reservoirs, the lowest section of the Bío-Bío still offers intermittent whitewater, easy access, and pleasant scenery and a reminder of what was lost upstream. Its class II-III rapids will challenge, terrify, and delight the novice. During the mellow interludes, you will have plenty of time to gaze off into the distance at Cerro La Pepa (1853 m) and Volcán Calláqui (3050 m).

Narrow stretch of river visible from the road

The Bío-Bío valley was the southern terminus of the Spanish colonial empire. Excluding a few coastal settlements, the conquistadors never subdued the inland Mapuches, who held fast for nearly 300 years by fiercely defended their homeland. They were one of the few indigenous tribes in the Americas to withstand the Spanish onslaught, maintaining a traditional lifestyle long after Chilean independence in 1821.

Two of the six proposed dam sites in the Bío-Bío watershed, Huequecura and Aguas Blancas, are situated along this section of the river. If built, these dams would flood most of the run. Plans for the lowest hydroelectric site, Quitramen, include a four-dam complex that would inundate the floodplain between Santa Barbara and the Pan American Highway.

From Los Angeles, 517 km south of Santiago, drive 3 km south on the Pan American Highway, then turn east on the paved road to Santa Barbara. Continue upstream 42 km to the put-in at the confluence with the Río Queuco at elevation 330 meters. Take out at Puente Quilaco, 1 km upstream from Santa Barbara elevation 145 meters. To decrease the amount of flatwater, take out 16 km upstream from Santa Barbara immediately after passing under a concrete arch spanning the narrow canyon. You will have a short, strenuous climb to reach the highway.

This 40 km stretch is best run in high water spring runoff but is adequate for year round paddling. With average gradient of 5 mkm or 26 FPM the river provides plenty of puch and play oppourtunites with springtime flows exceeding 10,000 CFS.

Topo maps of region Laguna de la Laja • Loncopangue, Rucalhue

Rio Dillo

kurt casey — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:12:01 +0000

To reach the put-in from Curracautín go west on the paved road towards Victoria and you will cross Puente Dillo in 4-1/2 kilometers (first you will pass over Puente Amantible). After crossing the bridge immediately turn right and drive up a private road until you reach a locked gate. We were given permission from landowner to leave our vehicle and access the river through a grassy trail. Because the banks are steep, slippery and nearly vertical there are few access points to the river. The elevation at this point is 500 meters and on November 19 first descent we had an estimated flow of 600 CFS. We were told the river has year round flow.

Dillo whitewater

The land owner’s name and phone number is Raul Coulon Lopez 89224878

To reach takeout from Puente Dillo continue west on paved road but after only 100 meters go straight onto the gravel road and follow it 8 km to Rari Ruca bridge on the Cautín at 420 meters elevation. There is a fluvial gauge on the north side of bridge. This 8 km stretch of class 3 and 4 whitewater drops 80 meters for average drop of 10 mkm or 50 FPM. After 2 km on the Dillo it joins with Rio Blanco doubling the flow then after another 4 km joins with Cautín. The takeout is 2 km downstream at Puente Rari Ruca. There is a fluvial gauge on the north west side of the bridge and on our mid November first descent it registered 7 (possibly .7 as it was hard to read).

A for sure radical class 5 adventure lies upstream. 22 additional km of as yet un-run river remain virgen. A potential put in for this stretch is on the major tributary at Puente Corcoludo which can be reached via the unpaved road to Termas Tolhuaca at an elevation of 1063 meters. Bed rock sluice boxes, heavy vegetation will makes this a time intensive venture. If someone gives it a go please let me know how it worked out.

Use topo map 1:50,000 scale of the area titled Curacautín G-063

Other nearby rivers include Cautín, Blanco del Sur, Blanco de Cautín, Captren, Truful Truful, Calbuco and Quepe

Rio Captren

kurt casey — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:53:28 +0000

The Captren flows off the snow-covered, north western flank of Volcan Llaima (3125 meters) and has it’s headwaters within The Parque Nacional Conguillio at Laguna Captren. The river, however, is not runnable in its upper reaches but instead provides the right combination of gradient and flow for it’s final 3 km descent to the confluence with Rio Cautín. Upon reaching the Cautín it is another 3 km of big water boating until the first takeout opportunity at the old Puente Cautín.

Approach to the falls

Roger and Emilio scouting the falls

To reach the put in from Temuco take ruta 5 north to Lautaro then to Curacautín. At the eastern edge of the town follow signs to RUTA INTERLAGOS or Parque Nacional Congillio. Follow the road until you reach Puente Blanco Del Sur. Immediately after the bridge turn right on a gravel road and follow it 400 meters until you reach the wooden bridge over Captren. Put in here by seal launching off the bank.

To reach the takeout continue approximately 5-6 km downstream and find a gravel road to the right that leads to the old bridge over the Cautín River.

On the 6 km run the first 2 km has swift moving clear water passing through a densely forested mini canyon. Some class 3 rapids quickly turn to the class 5+ Captren falls. At 7 meters in height these falls need just the right flow to safely make it to the lip with multiple holes, fallen trees and volcanic razor rocks guarding the approach.

After either running or portaging (a bit difficult but possible) the falls the river enters a 30 meter deep canyon and within a few meters enters the big water of the Cautín.

Other nearby rivers: Quepe, Truful Truful, Alpehue, Queupude, Calbuco, Blanco del Sur, Cautín.

I would recommend a 1:50,000 scale topo map of the area titled Curacautín G-063

Rio Blanco (Cautín)

kurt casey — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:38:56 +0000

The Rio Blanco is an easy access, class 3 run flowing off the snowfields on the southern flank of Volcan Tolhuaca.

Tolhuaca Volcano view from put in

The run is best done during peak spring runoff or after extended periods of heavy rain. The water is ice cold. It is perhaps the only run in Chile where I would suggest poggies or gloves.

Mellow rapids at put in

To reach the take out in from Curacautín go a few kilometers east towards the Argentine border and stop at Puente Blanco where the river passes underneath the bridge.

To reach put in go 200 meters towards the east and turn on road towards Laguna Blanca. Go 6 km then turn left into Fundo Los Prados. the road meanders around and reaches a wooden bridge over the river in another 1 km.

The 6 km stretch of river passes 2 bridges on route and numerous islands. The river is basically one continuous class 3 rapid but the best concentration of whitewater is in the first 2 km.

We ran the river in mid November with flow estimated at 600 CFS. The river drops 150 meters over 6 km with average gradient of 25 mpk or 125 FPM.

Note: you can turn the trip into a longer run by continuing to alternative takeouts downstream. 5 KM downstream you pass optional takeout at Puente Trahuico which is on the Interlagos road. 9 more km downstream one can takeout at Puente Rariruca (see description for Rio Dillo for directions to here) on the Cautín. running this complete stretch would make for a 20 km run. Along this additional stretch the river would grow in volume with additional flow of tributaries Negro, Amantible, Dillo and eventually Cautín.

I would recommend a 1:50,000 scale topo map of the area titled Curacautín G-063

Other nearby rivers: Quepe, Truful Truful, Dillo, Captren, Blanco del Sur, Calbuco and Cautín.

Rio Calbuco

kurt casey — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:41:09 +0000

Draining the South Western flank of Volcan Llaima (3125 meters) is the deceivingly innocent Rio Calbuco. After meandering thru braided debris flows coming off the flanks of the volcano, the river tightens up at Puente Calbuco for it’s thundering 8 km descent to the confluence with Rio Quepe below town of Cherquenco.

Fields Marshall at confluence of Rio Tigre

I camped along the upper stretches of this river with my family in December 2004 but it was not until November 2009 that the river was run by a group of Pennsylvania kayakers Emilio Ledonne, Ken Craig, Roger Pyle, Fields Marshall, Keith Schloss and Kurt Casey.

To reach the take out go east on paved road S-31 from Temuco to Vilcun then on to Cherquenco. Upon entering Cherquenco turn right upon reaching the plaza and follow the road about 2 km down to steel and concrete bridge over the Quepe River. Continue 200 hundred kilometers and turn left. Go 200 meters and park in the town cemetery, which has access to the Calbuco River (note this point is 100 meters above the confluence with Rio Quepe with an elevation of approximately 500 meters.

To reach the put in return to the plaza in Cherquenco and turn right and proceed over the swinging bridge high above the Quepe river (See description for Quepe if this marginally runnable river is of interest) Continue 2 kilometers on this paved road then turn right on the unpaved RUTA INTERLAGOS. Continue 6 km to Puente Calbuco (elevation 640 meters).

On the downstream side of the bridge is a gauge. We ran the river on November 20, 2009 with a gauge reading of 1.4. I would guess the flow at the bridge was 400 CFS. The first hundred meters was a bit scratchy but the river quickly turned to bedrock with a continuous, channelized character. Class 3-4 rapids continue for 1-1/2 kilometers where the Estero El Tigre cascades in from the left and bumps up the flow another 200 CFS.

The whitewater is continuous and reasonable for next 600 meters but then quickly enters a class 5+ slot canyon that culminates in an awe inspiring 30 meters falls. Do not blunder blindly into this canyon as there is no eddy before the big falls.

30 meter high Calbuco Falls

The portage around the falls is an adventure in itself. After great views from the top a fisherman’s trail needs to be located several hundred meters downstream to reach the base. Cliffs and dense foliage make locating the trail a formidable task. Multiple logging trails criss-cross the forest making for a very confusing journey.

Scouting the Calbuco Falls

To our surprise we found the Interlagos road while trying to find the trail down to the river and realized it is possible to visit the falls without a kayak. If you driver from Cherquenco and turn onto the Ruta Inerlagos road (same as for put-in), proceed 3.8 KM then park car and climb through a fence on the right. Walk several hundred meters into the forest and you will eventually reach the cliffs above the river. Follow the cliffs upstream until you reach the falls.

Overall this class 3-4 stretch drops 140 meters in 8 km. 40 of those meters are lost within the 1 km stretch of the falls, and the remaining 100 meters of gradient is consistently spaced out over 7 km of river making for an average gradient of 15 m/km or 75 FPM (excluding the falls). The river is best run in the high water spring runoff or after prolonged periods of heavy rain.

Other nearby rivers: Quepe, Truful Truful, Alpehue, Queupude, Captren, Blanco del Sur, Cautín.

I would highly recommend a 1:50,000 scale topo map of the area titled Laguna Quepe G-074

Río Fuy (Lower)

kurt casey — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:50:50 +0000

Flowing warm and transparent out of Lago Pirehueico deep in the heart of Chile’s Lake District, the Fuy’s astonishing clarity is a sight to behold. With a dense canopy of coihue trees overhanging its banks, the river has an exotic, even ethereal, Gondwanaland feel to it.

Michael Shields crashing thru the wavetrain below Puente Huilo-Huilo its bigger than it looks

In the spring, the river’s continuous, eddy-hopping, boulder-garden rapids get big and pushy, offering quite a contrast to the waterfalls upstream. The most difficult rapid, 300 m downstream from the put-in, should be scouted. Below Puente Huilo-Huilo, the Fuy opens up for flattop views of Volcáns El Mocho (2422 m) and Choshuenco (2415 m). Kayakers love this run, although for some unknown reason, rafters rarely drop in. Since the Fuy is threatened by hydroelectric development, get to know this river before ENDESA takes it away from you.

From Lanco, 763 km south of Santiago, drive east to Panguipulli (Mapuche for “city of roses”) on CH 203. Continue around the north side of Lago Panguipulli towards Choshuenco. For an alternate route from Pucón, drive east from Villarica, then south on the pavement through the lovely lakeside villas of Lican Ray and Coñaripe. Continue east to Carirringue, turn south, and drive past Lago Neltume. At the T intersection, turn west to reach Puente Huilo-Huilo. Put in here, or drive back upstream 1.2 km to a gate. Continue down the road 500 m to the trailhead, then walk ten minutes to the river below a small diversion project. Elevation 300 meters.

To reach the take-out, drive down CH 203 towards Panguipulli. Cross Puente Huilo-Huilo and unmarked Puente Punahue, turn right, and drive 400 m to Puente Llanquihue elevation 195 meters. Or continue down to Lago Panguipulli, and take out on the bucolic, black sand beach in Choshuenco.

This 4.5 km class III+•IV run is best in spring and early summer with flows of 1500-2000 CFS. There are usually no portages and average gradient is 23 mpk or 120 FPM.

Nearby rives include the Neltume, Enco, Reyehueco, Llizan, San Pedro and Llancahue

Topo map labled Neltume, Choshuenco

Río Petrohué (Lower)

John Foss (posthumously) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:27:49 +0000

The lower Petrohué is a popular commercial raft trip and a good run for intermediate kayakers. Its wide-open rapids require a minimum of maneuvering to negotiate safely. Surfing the warm, azure waves entail backing down and stroking hard because there are few convenient eddies. Calm interludes allow ample time to gaze at the lofty heights of Volcán Osorno (2652 m) looming over the river to the north.

Refer to the upper Petrohué description for directions to Parque Nacional Vicente Perez Rosales. Starting at the base of the Saltos del Río Petrohué involves running a turbulent class IV rapid immediately upon entry into the river. For an easier alternative, drive down the road a couple of kilometers to the campground at Los Patos elevation 85 meters. Put in on an irrigated boulder pile, bumping and grinding 200 m down to the confluence with the Petrohué.

To find the take-out, drive 13.5 km from the Los Patos campground towards Ralún. Park your vehicle at Puente Huenu-Huenu, a bridge spanning a tiny creek flowing into the Petrohué. Scout this small tributary well; it is easy to miss. You’ll have to hike up this streambed to avoid kilometers of flatwater and a commercial take-out fee downstream. Elevation here is 25 meters above sea level.

This 12 km class III stretch is boatable year round with flows ranging from 1500 CFS upwards. Average gradient is 5 mpk or 26 FPM with no portages.

Topo map titled Puerto Montt

Río Claro (Tinguiririca)

John Foss (posthumously) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:25:47 +0000

This tributary of the Tinguiririca features great views of the Cordilleras Rubiana and Huemulina, good class III whitewater, and a wealth of desert wildflowers in the spring. Aspiring intermediate boaters will enjoy this river. On our only run, we had a scratchy flow of 7-10 cms. With more water, its pool-drop rapids would undoubtedly get more exciting.

From San Fernando, 132 km south of Santiago, drive east 27 km following the signs to Sierra’s de Bellavista. After crossing the Tinguiririca at Puente Negro, continue to the take-out at Puente Las Piñas. Pass through the village of Sierra’s de Bellavista then drive 2 km to Fundo Huemul Alto. Access may be a problem, so make sure you obtain permission to enter the ranch when you drive upstream from Sierra’s de Bellavista. Continue 1 km past Fundo Huemul Alto, keeping to the left when in doubt. Park your car in an open field near the apiary. Walk 1.5 km down to the river on a road that eventually turns into a foot path.. Put-in elevation is 860 meters.

This 12 km class III+ run has average gradient of 15 mpk or 75 FPM with no portages and 400 plus CFS volume only achievable in winter and spring.

Topo map titled Sierras de Bellavista, Río Clarillo

Rio Cachapoal (Lower)

John Foss (posthumously) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:36:25 +0000

The lower Cachapoal flows into the Coya industrial zone. None of the rapids are very difficult, and all are boat-scoutable from eddies. Beware of a collapsed bridge on river left approximately 1 km upstream from the take-out. Because of all the dams. Diversions and mining activity the river does not live up to the standards of other Chilean Rivers.

The Cachapoal valley was the southern terminus of the far-flung Inca empire that extended north into Colombia. Thwarted by the Mapuche’s staunch opposition, the Inca invaders were unable to penetrate further south. They retreated from Chile soon after Pizarro’s invasion of Peru in 1521.

From Rancagua, 87 km south of Santiago, drive east 22 km on the paved Carretera el Cobre to Coya. After passing through this eyesore, continue 12 km upstream on the north side of the river to the put-in at 880 meters which is also 3 km below the Central Sauzal. Do not put in at Central Pangal because of the construction debris and a lethal, low-head concrete bridge 3 km downstream. Take out a few kilometers below the Pangal-Cachapoal confluence at Central Sauzal elevation 660 meters, an ENDESA hydroelectric project in Coya. An obscure road in the center of town provides access to the dam.

This 8.5 km long class 3+/4- run is runnable is spring summer and fall with minimum flows being 1500 CFS. Average gradient is 14 mpk or 75 FPM.

Topo map titled Sewell, Rancagua

Río Simpson (Cajón de Farrellones)

John Foss (posthumously) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:33:03 +0000

Cajón de Farellones is a good run flowing through Reserva Nacional Río Simpson. This section courses through a secluded canyon featuring some occasional pool-drop rapids and playful holes between all the of flatwater. More class II-III rapids lie upstream of the put-in, with access from a bridge on the road to the Coihaique airport.
The accessible section of the park, named after Chilean naval officer Enrique Simpson who produced the first maps of the Aisén region in the early 1870s, features impressive roadside vistas from the valley floor.
From Coihaique (Tehuelche for ‘landscape of lakes’), 82 km east of Puerto Aisén, drive a few kilometers west of the city to the put-in at Puente La Pasarela, elevation 224 meters, approximately 200 m downstream from Puente Coihaique #3. Drive 13 km downstream around the gorge passing through a tunnel en route to the take-out at Puente El Moro elevation 140 meters. Park your car at the locked gate adjacent to the bridge and walk down to the river.
To be safe, don’t swallow any water. A sewage treatment plant lies upstream of the put-in.

This gentle class II•III, 14 km stretch is best run in spring and early summer with flows over 1000 CFS. The average gradient is 32 FPM

Topo maps titled Coihaique, Río Correntoso

Río Simpson (Lower)

John Foss (posthumously) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:31:45 +0000

The lower Simpson flows through a glacially scoured valley that forms the northern boundary of Parque Nacional Río Simpson, and the southern extant of Reserva Nacional Coihaique. Vertical crags, plummeting waterfalls, virgin temperate rainforest, and a lush floral carpet of colorful wildflowers provide a picturesque panorama while driving through the valley. The mellow whitewater sports intermittent rapids interspersed between long flatwater pools. Most of the rapids can be scouted from the paved road that parallels the river.
From Puerto Aisén, 44 km northwest of Coihaique, drive east on the glorious pavement of highway 240. Park your car at Puente J. Sepúlveda near km marker 25 at elevation 110 meters, across the road from Salto Velo de la Novia and put in. Take out 8 km downstream near km marker 32.5 adjacent to Puente Cascade #2 and Cascada de La Virgen elevation 60 meters. You’ll have a short hike up to the road.

This 8 km class III•III+ roadside run has average drop of 6 mpk or 30 FPM and best run in spring/summer months with flows over 1000 CFS

Topo maps titled El Balseo, Río Correntoso

Rio Clarillo (Tinguiririca)

kurt casey — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:23:28 +0000

This description was written by Greg Moore

The Clarillo’s clear water, fun class III pool-drop rapids, and lack of flat water make for an enjoyable run. This small drainage only has boatable flows in the spring when the desert is in bloom. For the ambitious boat hiker, numerous other clear water tributaries of the Tinguirririca beckon upstream.

From San Fernando, 132 km south of Santiago, drive east approximately 30 km up the Tinguiririca drainage to the confluence with the Clarillo. Park your vehicle (elevation 665 meters) and try to rent mules from the locals who live near the Rio Tinguiririca confluence for the 4 km hike upstream.. Put in elevation is 730 meters.

Ideal flows are 600 to 800 CFS and best found in Spring and summer months. Average gradient is 16 mpk or 85 FPM

Topo map titled Río Clarillo

Rio Teno

John Foss (posthumously) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:28:26 +0000

Like a cement truck, the Teno’s cold, gray torrent churns through a short, sheer-walled canyon 22 km above Los Queñes. This mini-gorge sharply contrasts with the glacially-carved valley above and below it. Virtually the entire run is visible from the road that parallels the river.

Portage around an ugly combination of sieves, logs, and a road culvert 2.5 km into the run. Below the portage, the gradient eases up for a few kilometers. After passing a gauging station, you will have to scout an impressive 500 m-long set of cataracts. The whitewater soon reverts to rock-garden class III-IV rapids down to Los Queñes. Lacking definition and eddies at high water, the river turns into a swift, roller coaster ride with good surfing waves. For more hit-and-run surfing, continue below the confluence of the Río Claro, where the river doubles in volume.

From a couple of kilometers north of Curicó, 191 km south of Santiago, turn off the Pan American highway and drive east 46 km through Romeral to Los Queñes. After cruising through town and the Carabinero checkpoint, continue 25 km upstream and put in along the road above the whitewater. At elevation 1150 meters Take out in Los Queñes 675 meters or anywhere else above or below the town.

The 25 KM stretch is mostly class3-4 but also has some 5+ and portages. Ideally flows occur in spring/summer with a braod range of 500 to 3000 CFS.

Rio Mañihuales

John Foss (posthumously) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:48:25 +0000

At low water, the Mañihuales sports several good play spots amidst a few class III–IV rapids that can be partially scouted from the road that parallels the river. Clear, green water courses through a spacious, pastoral valley offering great views of distant peaks. Its wide riverbed indicates a potentially good big water run in the spring.
From Puerto Aisén, drive 19 km east to a turnoff on a gravel road heading northeast. If traveling south on the Carretara Austral, turn west at the Puerto Aisén/Carretara Austral junction. After crossing Puente Duran (and the heinous, sheer-walled gorge of the Río Emperador Guillermo), drive downstream to the take-out located 1 km below Puente Mañihuales # 2. At elevation 65 meters above sea level. To find a convenient put-in, drive upriver about 6 km from the bridge and launch just above a big rock island. At elevation 105 meters.

This class III+•IV- stretch is 7 km in length and drops an average of 6 mpk or 30 FPM with good spring summer flows in excess of 1000 CFS.

Río Jeinemeni

John Foss (posthumously) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:35:19 +0000

Mostly class 3 with grand potential for a good multi-day trip and great fishing, the Jeinemeni forms the border between Chile and Argentina south of Chile Chico. The Río flows in a northerly direction emptying into the eastern shores of Lago General Carrera.

Among the Andean foothills of southern Chile, in spectacular Patagonia, rushes the river…Just a stone’s throw away from the Argentine border, this torrent is born in the melting snows of the Cerro Jeinemene glacier.

From Chile Chico, 160 km south of Coihaique, drive find the road near the border post that goes up to the national park Go up as far as it looks good to you with the source lake at 820 meters. You can also enter from scenic tourist town of Los Antiguos in Argentina, clear customs and follow same road to park.

Take out at Arroyo Quebrada Honda or international highway bridge over river.

Topo maps 1:50,000 Lago Verde, Río de Las Nieves, Chile Chico

Magical question is Can one run the multiple waterfalls on the irrigation canal found between Argentine and Chilean border?

Río Machín (Upper)

John Foss (posthumously) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:31:05 +0000

The best stretch of boating on the upper Maichín consists of a section of a class III-IV rapids above Puente Basas. Approximately 1 km below the put-in, the river flows through a 1.5 km long-columnar basalt gorge. The drops are straightforward and boat scoutable from eddies. The cold, clear river flows through a bucolic countryside of small farms, well-grazed hillsides, and araucaria trees standing sentinel over the valley floor. Most of the river can be seen from the road while driving up.

From Curarrehue, 32 km east of Pucón, drive upstream past the lower run 36 km to Puente Basas Chico, the put-in at 745 meters elevation. Walk upstream 25 m from the bridge on river left to access the river. Beware of a dangerous strainer directly below the bridge. Take out 6.5 km down the road at Puente Maichín elevation 645 meters

Topo map is Reigolil. Nearby rivers include Lower Machin, Solipulli, Rio Blanco de Caburgua, and the Puesco section of Trancura. River can be run in winter and spring months with flows approaching 1000 CFS or early summer when flows drop to 400 CFS minimum before getting to low. Average drop is 80 FPM.

Rio Cautin

kurt casey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:58:13 +0000

This is a 9 km run with a drop of 124 meters or average of 16 m/km (80 FPM). Best run in spring or early summer when flows exceed 700 CFS but can also be run well into summer at lower flows. The river originates from the snowfields on Volcan Lonquimay 2865 meters so the water is always cold.

The emerald waters of the Cautín (Mapuche for “very green”) make for an interesting day of kayaking. Densely forested canyon walls obscure the challenging whitewater found below the rim.

To reach the takeout from Victoria, 614 km south of Santiago, drive east toward Curacautín. The standard takeout is at Puente Manchuria 651 meters above sea level which is at km marker 68.5. On the other side of this swinging bridge is a campground and a hospedaje owned by a German kayaker that does occasional raft trips starting at Puente Manchuria. The hospedaje is called Andenrose with website www.andenrose.com and the owners name is Hans Schondorfer. They have a very nice restaurant and if you are stuck without a shuttle driver you might be able to work something out with owner so your vehicle is waiting at takeout when you get there.

The standard put-in is at Puente Salto de La Princess elevation 775 meters. Exit the main paved road at KM marker 77.7 and follow it 800 meters down a gravel road to the bridge over the Cautin.. Here there is also some rustic camping and restaurant and cabins along the river. The 20 meter falls “Salto de la Princessa” enters from side stream. It looks tempting and has been scouted and comtemplated by many a waterfall huck but to date has yet been run. Put in here and start the 9 km trip. On the descent the whitewater is mostly class 2-3 in this section with the notable exception of one class 3-4 basalt walled canyon. 3.5 KM into the trip you will pass the Termas de Manzanar which feature some okay large pools in a commercial setting. 4.2 km below you will pass under a swinging bridge with a hosteria on the other side that can serve as takeout or alternative put-in. At 7 km you pass the Salto del Indio which cascades in from river right.

For a longer trip with more difficult whitewater and one distinct long class 5 drop put in ½ km upstream of the bridge at km 81 or elevation 860 meters. This additional 3 plus kilometers is steeper with average drop of 26 m/km or 130 FPM. This upper stretch
begins slowly with occasional class III rapids interspersed with meandering flatwater. About 1 km in, the drops become more numerous and increase in difficulty. When a maze of rocks appears approximately 500 m above Puente Salto de la Princesa, the bottom drops out. At high water, portage the log and boulder-choked maelstrom on a narrow terrace 10 m above the river on the right.

Nearby rivers include Traful-Traful, Quepe and the Queuco. This area is on the way to those traveling to/from Argentina through the international pass called Pino Hachado” and is also en route to the still free flowing headwaters of the now dammed Bio Bio River. An interesting sidetrip is a drive up to the Lonquimay Volcano or to the town of Lonquimay through the old road climbing among Araucaria trees on paso “Los Arenales”.

It is also only 2 hours to Pucon by paved roads from the takeout. Although very commercial the “Termas de Malalcahuello

Rio Queuco

John Foss (posthumously) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:07:01 +0000

Lying on the doorstep of the lower Bío-Bío, the Río Queuco is one of the most overlooked, easy-access rivers in Chile. Flowing beneath the towering granitic heights of Cerro LaPepa (1853 m) and the Cordillera Tricauro, the Queuco sports a 15 to 25 km stretch of continuous, boulder-garden rapids normally runnable until mid-January. Plan on a 4-6 hour trip depending on how much you like to blindly boof or scout easy class IV. The drop just above Puente Queuco is typical of the whitewater you’ll encounter upstream.

Kenny Craig on the Queuco

From Los Angeles, 517 km south of Santiago, drive 3 km south on the Pan American Highway and turn east towards Santa Barbara. After passing through Santa Barbara, continue another 42 km east to Ralco. Inquire in town for a shuttle driver. From “downtown” Ralco, turn east toward Paso de Pucón Mahuida, just past the Carabinero station. When the road returns to river level approximately 20 km upstream, put in at unnamed ferry crossing elevation 600 meters. Take out at Puente Queuco elevation 345 meters, just upstream from the confluence with the Bío-Bío. there is good camping on river left just upstream of the bridge.

Entering the Queuco on tributary Rio Otue

This class 3+, class 4 run averages 62 FPM and is best run in spring months Sept-Nov with flows up to 4000 CFS. December flows usually fall below 1500 CFS and January flows become low enough to look for water elsewhere.

Trancura-Lower

kurt casey — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:40:38 +0000

The lower Trancura is Pucón’s local playground and sports the most popular day raft trip in the country. This section of river is also popular with Kayakers, duckies, shredders and Hidrospeed river boards.

On any given summer day dozens of raft trips will be challenging its class 3 rapids. Year round flows, a paved shuttle road and close proximity to town make for easy logisitics.

To reach the take out follow the main road out of town towards Argentina. Just outside of town turn left on Balsa Quelhue and go 2.7 KM on gravel road to the river. There is public access and parking at the river just before the private egress for the Trancura rafting Company. (note some people prefer to takeout upstream at Pasarela Quelhue. For this takeout continue further on paved road and turn on the gravel road that gives access to airport and follow 2.2 KM to swinging bridge)

To reach the put in take the paved road towards Carburgua. It is 9.2 KM to Puente Metreñehue which crosses over the Trancura. You can park or get dropped here and hike down to the river. I would, however, suggest an alternative put in upstream. Continue ½ KM towards Carburgua and make right hand turn towards Menetue. Continue 1 KM on this gravel road and make first right hand turn just after the Trancura private put-in. Follow this road 500 meters to the river. You will pass a house on the way with lots of ducks and animals. Expect to pay 2 to 3 thousand pesos for private and secure parking with a change house.

The run down the river usually takes 2 hours. Flows at takeout range from 1500 CFS to over 10,000 CFS depending on time of year (river can be run all year long). Rapids are mostly read and run class 2-3. Notable rapids are “El Pescador” which has pushy wave train at entrance leading into a river wide hole at hi flows. Below the Confluence (“ La Junta”) with the Liucura River the flow doubles and the largest rapid of the trip is encountered called La Leona

The Trancura river is the main drainage for the snowpeaks of Parque Nacional Villarica. Given clear weather the three volcanos Quetrupillan, Lanín and Villarica can be seen while descending the river. After running the river there are lots of places in Pucón for good food and cold beer.

For additional action and one step up in difficulty check out the upper Trancura and or the Puesco Section whose descriptions are also found on this website.