Caunehue whitewater

This short class IV+ stretch is on the northern shore of Lago Ranco just east of the town of Futrono in Chile’s recently created Region XIV aptly called Region de Los Rios.

Slide drop

To reach the put in while traveling south on Ruta 5 exit 17 KM south of Los Lagos and follow a good paved road 44 km to pleasant town of Futrono. Continue east around the northern shore of the lake to the first major bridge which is over the Caunehue. This stretch of river is found while on the way to the Florin, the Curringue or the Saltos De Nilahue.

Caunehue Canyon

A slide will be visible upstream from the bridge and this is the put-in. Leave your car near the bridge and hike upstream on river left. Run the first slide on the left to avoid a nasty undercut and siphon on the right side of slide.

Directly after the slide you enter the beautiful canyon seen looking downstream from the bridge. Make sure you get a good scout from the bridge beforehand.
It’s a massive ramp from the right to the left with a nasty undercut on the right and big hole on the left, take speed and follow the main line of water!!!

After this the river goes left and you can not scout it but it is a class II rapid!!!!

The next 2 class IV+ rapids you can scout it from the left. Start the first one on the middle left, go right of the big rock in the middle, boof right and stay middle left. Run the second rapid far left then you will have 2 more class III rapids.

The takeout is a rocky beach on river left where you can see a house on the hill. Follow a trail to the house then back to the bridge to collect you car.

Don’t forget, when you run the first slide, you are committed to run the remainder of the canyon.

In a fairly high water year in early December 2009 we ran the 1 km stretch of river with approximately 900 CFS (30 cumecs)

Fotos by Jakub Šedivý

French kayaker Valentin Grollemund

I first started looking at this creek in 1995 but it was not until 2009 that I was able to get back to run it. Equipped with a good topo map, several days of rain, a good group and a newly constructed access road everything fell into place to add another class 4-5 steep creek to the countless options in the Pucon area.

In the canyon of the Trafanpulli

The river is a bit of a geological mystery as it comes within 400 meters of entering Lago Caburgua but then swings northwest and continues another 12 KM before entering Lago Colico. At very high flows some water spills into a flood channel and indeed enters Lago Carburgua. This unique feature means that one river can split and feed two distinct drainages that each runs its parallel course before once again joining each other 80 km downstream where the Allipen joins the Tolten.

To get to the river from Pucon there are two options. Both options take more than two hours although neither option is more than 140 KM. Option 1 is go west to Villarrica and cross over Tolten bridge on main road towards Temuco. Immediately turn right and follow newly constructed road to Pedregozo. From there continue north either on the Interlagos road or the road towards Los Laureles. At a T junction turn right towards Lago Colico and follow its north shore to Puerto Trafanpulli. Continue east and you will begin passing over bridges over the Rio Trfanpulli. Each has a sign with its own bridge number.

The other option is leave Pucon and go east to Curarrehue then north up the Machin valley thru Reigolil and westward down to the Trafanpulli.

Elevations of bridges 2-5 are as follows along with distance between them.

Bridge 2 is at 359 meters and it is 3 km to bridge 3 at 393 meters elevation. It is then 5 km to bridge 4 at 424 meters elevation and another 6.9 km to bridge # 5 at 481 meters elevation. Whitewater is minimal on the bridge to bridge sections but logistics are simple. For the real whitewater us bridge 5 as takeout and proceed east on main road for about 3 km. There will be a turn off to the left with a sign “Al Cercon”. Most likely this gate will be locked and you will need to park the vehicle, climb over the fence and begin hiking with all your gear. After hiking for 3 km (40 minutes) and climbing 200 vertical meters you will come to gravel road forking off to the left with a sign saying “El Zapato”. Follow this road for approximately ½ km as it descends down to a bridge over the river.

This section of river is 4 km down to bridge number 5. The put in is at around 685 meters. We chose to get off the river about 1 km prior to bridge # 5 where we could see the road and from there walked back to get our vehicle 1 KM upstream. The 3 km stretch we ran dropped 185 meters for average gradient of 62 MPK or 310 FPM. We had a estimated flow of 250 CFS which was scratchy and a bit disconcerting at the beginning but as the river quickly channelized in a mature bedrock canyon, the flow proved to be acceptable. Another 100 CFS would be optimal but anything over 500 CFS would be too high. There were 2 short portages that may have been runnable with a little extra juice otherwise the drops were continuous and clean with the largest being a 5 meter falls. For the intrepid boat hiker the maps indicate an additional 2 km stretch upstream with average gradient of 50 mpk but one 300 meter section where river drops 50 meters that must be peppered with waterfalls.

I have seen the river in late January and it had the same flow as when we did it on a rainy spring day on December 1st. For that reason I would guess the run is boatable thru the summer months as the main source of water is snowmelt and groundwater.

Note: Take food and beer and fill your vehicles tank as the nearest stores are at least an hour away.

Other nearby rivers include Blanco de Caburgua, Solipulli, and Truful Truful

Topo maps are very useful and 1:50,000 are available from the IGM Instituto Geographica Militar. The river spills onto two maps with titles being Nevados De Caburgua G-06 and Lago Caburgua 3900-7145

Mellow takeout on the Renegado

The normal stretch is a class 4, 8 km section with ideal flows of 300 to 700 CFS. Most everything is boat scoutable but an occasional scout or portage may be required due to logs or mini box canyons.

Fields Marshall Rio Renegado

To reach the takeout follow the main road from city of Chillan on Ruta 5 eastwards towards the ski center and hotsprings of Volcan Chillan. The takeout bridge is at Puente Renegado in town of Los Lleques elevation 700 meters. The adjacent Restuarant Renegado provides good cheap hot food and cold beer at the takeout.

To reach the put in continue 8 KM upstream and turn left 300 meters before reaching the entrance to Cueva Los Pincherias. There is a wooden bridge over the river here elevation at 975 meters.

The river drops 275 meters in 8 km or average of 34.5 MPK or 175 FPM. The consistent gradient and mature volcanic streambed makes for good whitewater the whole trip. the rapids towards the end are slightly more difficult than anything in first 6 km.

Hairboaters and waterfall junkies take note: Below the takeout bridge there remains an as yet unrun 2.5 KM stretch down to the Diguillin river at elevation 425 meters with average gradient of 110 mpk or whopping 550 FPM. Puente Blanco lies halfway down this radical stretch providing for good bailout and/or scouting options. We have walked from Puente Blanco on a good trail down to the Diguillin where the river makes it’s boldest statement with first a 5 meter falls into a moving pool followed by final 35 meter plunge into the Diguillin river.

Lower stretch of Renegado viewed from Puente Blanco

35 meter Renegado Falls

While running the Renegado or nearby Diguillin a cool place to stay is the boater friendly Mission Impossible Lodge. the owner is a French kayaker named Bertrand Deschamps. Lodge is located about 15 km up stream of takeout in the Valle Shangri-La. Apart from excellent food the lodge features an indoor climbing wall and skateboard ramp, WIFI internet, 3 hot tubs, views of the Chillan volcano, and a cool form of zipline unique to Chile. Info at www.milodge.com or bertrand@misnowchile.com

Topo map of region is 1:50,000 scale titled Recinto 3645-7130

Other nearby rivers include Diguilin, Rio Chillan, Ñuble, Los Sauces, Laja, Perquilaquen

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

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

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

The emerald Río Manso flows through a wild canyon in Parque Nacional Nahual Huapi (Mapuche for “Tiger Island”) south of the ski resort town of San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. The river drains the southeast flank of Monte Tronador (3491 m) (‘Thunderer’ or ‘Anon’ in Mapuche, whose meaning is almost identical to the Spanish), a white behemoth that dominates the skyline. Manso means gentle or calm, but like the Pacific Ocean, the river belies its name.

Its narrow gorge is cloaked in lush vegetation, including impenetrable colihue and quila thickets. Most of the rapids are short, steep technical drops. Hydrologists report December flows of 48 cms that can turn the trip into a scary nightmare. At least one rapid becomes unscoutable, unportagable, and marginally runnable. Mistakes can turn into epics due to the Manso’s remote, mountainous location, which eliminates the feasibility of hiking out. Therefore, paddlers would be well advised to wait until early January, paying close attention to the weather so other plans can be made if the river becomes swollen from rain. For maximum vistas and minimal misery, try to run the Manso on a sunny day. Although the water is warm, a lack of sunlight in the narrow gorge can make for a cold day on the river.

For most mortals, the run begins in a large pool below Cascada de los Alerces elevation 750 meters. In January 1998, Brennan Guth joined local soccer legend Diego Maradona in Bariloche’s “Hall of Fame” after the first successful descent of this 16 m-high waterfall.

A kilometer downstream of Cascada de los Alerces, the calm water ends abruptly at a triple waterfall with the last drop the highest at about 5 m. All three falls are runnable, but if you are hesitant, there is an easy portage over a hill on the left.

Shortly after the triple falls, the river begins to gorge up. Continuing downstream, you will run five rapids in quick succession. Depending on the flow, it may be prudent to portage a sticky, river-wide hole at the end of this sequence. Portage on the left, following a well-trodden, machete-cut trail. Calm water follows, leading into a left-hand bend with rapids. Directly below the bend is a big, marginal waterfall with a tricky entry. Skilled, confident boaters can reasonably run the rapids and the hole, then get out on the left to portage the falls. A route has been cut through the bamboo, but the muddy, wet rock is treacherous. Not that in 2009 the Demshitz crew ran this falls making every drop on the river runnable.

After the above falls/ portage, a major rapid ensues with a large boulder in the center of the river at the bottom. The last class V rapid is the toughest and most difficult to portage. At higher flows, the only eddy is a tiny one at the top on river right. In the past, paddlers have traversed 5 m down the right wall, then downclimbed to the water. After securing a fixed line, boats were hauled down. People used the line for a backup while walking along a treacherous ledge. At lower flows, the rapid is runnable, and the portage much easier. However, there is still only room for one boat at a time in the eddy. If you find yourself on the river at high flows and are unable to eddy out at the top, sneak down between the pillow and rock on the far right. From here, run tight around the left side of the big boulder downstream. Eddy out behind the boulder, then boof into the next eddy directly below. You must avoid a nasty hole that extends from the left to the center of the river.

One more rapid follows before the gorge opens up. From here the whitewater eases to class III as a wall of mountains appear on both sides of the river. Eventually, the river empties into Lago Steffen, named after a German explorer who passed through the area in the 1880s. Hitch a ride on a powerboat or paddle 8 km across the lake to the take-out. Easterly winds help to surf you across the lake. Running the Manso can be a long day, so get an early start.

From Osorno, 913 km south of Santiago, drive east over Paso de Puyehue into Argentina. Drive southeast to the resort town of San Carlos de Bariloche. Continue 35 km to just south of Villa Mascardi. Turn west onto a dirt road towards Cerro Tronador and Los Alerces, and drive 25 km to Cascada de los Alerces. Follow the road to the end, then walk a few hundred meters down the trail to the river.

To reach the take-out, return to the main highway and drive south 22 km past Lago Guillelmo. Turn west on an unmarked road just before the sign Cañadon de la Mosca, and continue 11 km down the road to Lago Steffen elevation 509 meters.

This 16 km stretch (plus 8 km of flatwater across lake) averages 15 mpk or 80 fpm. It is runnable in summer months at rated as follows class  IV+ at  650-800 cfs with 2 portages,  class V- at 800-1300 cfs with two portages,  class V•V+ at any flow over 1300 cFS or  at any flows if you run what most people portage.

Topo maps titled Villa Mascardi

View of the big rapid at high water which features a 3-4 meter drop into a huge hole

From Puyuhuapi, 199 km south of Chaitén, drive south through Parque Nacional Queulat. Take out 1.5 km downstream from the Carretera Austral/Puerto Cisnes junction, where an obscure trail on river right winds down to the shore elevation 120 meters. Look for the trail below an island roughly 500 m after the last class IV rapid. Put in approximately 10 km upstream on the Carretera Austral, where a small break in the forest leads down to the river to elevation 200 meters. A friendly roadside hosteria at km 140 near Puente Río Cisnes has a hot shower. If you want to drive to the 33 km to the coast, excellent fresh seafood can be purchased in Puerto Cisnes.

Typical rapid at high water

This stretch is runnable year round. Normal flows are 1500 to 1800 CFS but can get big after sustained heavy rains. The 10 km stretch class IV•IV+ stretch has average gradient of only 8 mpk or 40 FPM but still features some good class IV action especially at high water.

Other nearby rivers include Veintisqueros, Manihuales, Simpson. And Figueroa

Topo map titled Río Queulat

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

Upon entry into the first canyon, we portaged a undercut 5 m-high entry waterfall. At high flows, do not paddle blindly into this limestone gorge prior to scouting. Climb up and over a steep hill on the right for a look. At low flows it is possible to catch an eddy just above the lip of the waterfall. In the next canyon, a magnificent waterfall cascades over vertical granite into the river from the left. Below here the river flows through numerous other short class III-IV gorges of alternating sedimentary rocks and granite. Interspersed between the canyons are nondescript, class III boulder garden rapids.

Run the Blanco at high water in November for some potentially great whitewater action.  Clay Wright, Josh Lowry, and I had a scratchy but runnable flow of 500 cfs at the take-out on our mid-December 1994 first descent. The whitewater would be much more exciting at higher flows, especially where tilted ramps of limestone and granite form wild, continuous, slidin’ slabs. The lengthy shuttle and windy, flatwater finale make for a long day, so get an early start. A number of great campsites provide the opportunity to linger overnight in one of the canyons.

From the frontier town of El Blanco, approximately 30 km south of Coihaique, continue south following the signs to Cochrane. Along the way, Cerro Castillo comes into view to the north. Excellent camping abounds in the Nothofagus forest adjacent to Laguna Chiguay. Put in where the road makes an abrupt turn to the south at the confluence of Estero Chico Blanco and Estero Los Mallines elevation 770 meters. If Estero Blanco Chico is high enough, put in 4 km upstream along the road below the lethal culverts. Take out 26 km downstream at Puente El Blanco, 500 m west of El Blanco at elevation 425 meters..

This 26 km class IV run is best done in spring months with flows in 500-800 CFS range. Average gradient is 13 mpk or 70 FPM. There is usually one portage.

Some other nearby rivers include Pollux, Simpson, and Ibañez,

Topo map titled Balmaceda

Beware: Petrohué means “place of flies” in Mapuche, and no one doubts that the hard-biting tabanos and Culihuachos rule here in December and January. But don’t let the flies deter your plans, great whitewater abounds on the upper Petrohué. The action includes big, bouncy, class IV drops, surfing waves, and friendly play holes. Approximately 3 km below the put-in, a volcanic wash draining the southern slopes of Osorno marks the top of an obscure, difficult island drop that should always be scouted and is often portaged. The river turns sharply to the left and pinches down into a narrow slot. A big rock and turbulent hole command the right side forcing a precise move to the left. At higher flows, careful inspection will reveal a far left sneak route.

Continuing downstream, the tumultuous Saltos del Río Petrohué serves as a logical take-out at elevation 120 meters. Although the Saltos has been run at high water from the lip of the last waterfall, it is usually portaged because of the tortured water that bursts through the deadly fluted and fissured basalt chutes directly upstream. Scout the continuous class III-IV action leading to the waterfall prior to embarking on a trip. Once the horde of tourists appears at the overlook, you should move to river right and take out. Obscure trails lead out to the road. Reenter the park via the tourist gate to run the falls or continue down the lower class III run. In the past, the friendly rangers have let us enter for free. Proceed down the main trail to the saltos, or turn right onto the Los Enamorados trail that provides access below the falls.

Lago Todos los Santos sits at the bottom of a deep glacial trough, creating a glaciated fiord-like topography. The stunning, simmering giant, Volcán Osorno (2652 m), towers above the river to the north. Other peaks on the horizon include Volcán Calbuco (2003 m) to the south, the eroded neck of Volcán Puntiagudo (2493 m) to the northeast, and Monte Tronador (3491 m) straddling the continental divide to the southeast.

The Petrohué was slated as another component in ENDESA’s nationwide hydroelectric development scheme. Local opposition thwarted ENDESA’s plans for a dam. The outcry forced ENDESA to relinquish its water rights, thus preserving one of Chile’s finest free-flowing rivers from source to sea.

From the resort town of Puerto Varas, 996 km south of Santiago, drive east around the southern edge of Lago Llanquihue, the fourth largest lake in South America. After reaching Ensenada, continue east 16 km into the park and the outlet to Lago Todos los Santos elevation 190 meters. These two lakes were once connected in early interglacial epochs, but subsequent lava flows from the eruptions of Osorno and Calbuco separated the two. Good campsites site lie a few kilometers downstream from the Saltos at the Los Patos campground.

The 6 km class IV•V- run is boatable year round with flows varying greatly from 1500 CFS upwards. Average gradient is 12 mpk or 60 FPM

Topo map titled Puerto Montt

Don’t be fooled by the low average gradient on the upper Cisnes. Its citadel rock walls reverberate with the roar of great whitewater rising from the abyss. Located east of the Carretera Austral, this precipitous canyon forms the southeastern boundary of Parque Nacional Queulat. Although off the beaten, dusty track, the magnificence of this canyon makes the added time and effort to reach it worthwhile.

Rapids of little consequence make up the first half of the trip. Below the confluence with Estero Quemas, an inviting, narrow side canyon from the north, the river begins to flex its muscles. Numerous scouts are required at blind horizon lines created by boulders polished white by millennia of rushing waters. As the gradient steepens, a portage or two may be prudent depending on the water level, although all the drops have been run. High water runs would be sketchy due to the presence of sieves, undercuts, and one unportagable rapid. In case of an accident, bailout possibilities in the gorge are arduous, if not impossible.

From Villa Amengual near Cisnes Medio, 288 km south of Chaitén on the Carretera Austral, drive east approximately 20 km on X-25 towards La Tapera and the Argentine border. Finding the arbitrary put-in and take-out requires your attention to the topography. After ascending a few switchbacks, look down at the end of the canyon. Take out shortly downstream from here (elevation 430 meters) by hiking up to the road. Put in 12 km upstream from this point at a pullout on the left (elevation 310 meters), where the road descends close to river level. Vehicle traffic is sparse in this region, so be prepared to “hoof it” on the shuttle.

Fishing is absolute amazing and you can see the fish in pools below you as you boat.

This 12 km class IV+•V- stretch is best run at early and mid summer flows of  300 to 700 CFS with average gradient of  10 mpk or 50 fpm

Topo map titled Laguna Las Quemas

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

Excluding some excellent drops in the gorge above Puente Figueroa (which is on Rio Pico), most of the run contains intermittent class II-III boulder garden rapids. If you put in on Lago Verde (elevation 260 meters), a big class V rapid must be negotiated just above the confluence with the main stem. You can preview most of the run from the road parallels the river, except for a short, narrow canyon towards the bottom. Below the take-out, the river flows class II for many kilometers down to Lago Rosselot.

From La Junta, 151 km south of Chaitén, drive east approximately 60 km towards Lago Verde.. Put in either at Lago Verde (260 meters elevation) or in the meadow at the confluence of the Río de Los Nevados and Río Pico (elevation 290 meters). Take out 10 km downstream from Puente Figueroa along the road at elevation 200 meters. The 12 km stretch beginning on the Rio Pico put-in has average drop of 40 FPM and best run in spring and early summer months before the Pico gets too low. This signifies a level at the takeout of 1500 to 2500 CFS.

This class II•IV+ run has wilderness feel but it is somewhat roadside and due to its length makes for good multi-day option. If you choose to go further there are additional takeout options but where the road leaves the river you will be committed to floating into Lago Rooselot and crossing a few km to the exit side of the lake.

Note below Lago Rosselot the river continues down to the Carretera Austral. This 12 km stretch sports some world class fishing and is home to several lodges. It is mostly class 2 with one distinct class 4 drop a few km’s into the run. Takeout on lower stretch is at Puente Rooselot. Put in at a boat launch just below a bridge at exit of lake beside Puente Rooselot # 1.

Topo mpas titled Río Figueroa, Lago Verde

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.

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.

From Puerto Ibañez, 164 km south of Coihaique, drive up the road west a few kilometers towards Levicán and Salto Ibañez, a mind-boggling cascade that may be run some day in a Superyak® designed by Jonathan Katz. You will need all of its 21st century features—pliable, bioplasmic hull resin, leakproof AlGore-Tex liner, Rapidmaster interactive scouting software, ARM (Automatic Roll Machine) technology, and a Precognition™ onboard computer with patented “Artificial Huevos”—to make it down this awesome tumult safely.

Continue past Salto Ibañez about 500 m to the lower of two Puente Claro’s. Drive up the hill, veer to the right and continue up the drainage. Follow the river upstream to the other Puente Claro, a recently constructed steel bridge. Walk upstream from the bridge to the bottom of the class VI narrows elevation 410 meters. Take out 4 km downstream at the point where the road leaves the river elevation 300 meters. Average gradient is 27 mpk or 144 FPM with volume of 600 CFS

The next morning we lazily hoisted our boats onto our backs and walked up the steep hill on river right. Scouting from the rim for the next 2 km, we came to a small drainage, lowered our kayaks with ropes, and scrambled down to the river.. We paddled downstream, playing in the class IV rapids while boofing over, ducking under, or walking around some logs. The occasional class V drop provided our adrenaline fix. Rounding the last corner, we caught sight of a couple on the bridge who applauded as we floated underneath.

From Puerto Murta, 195 km south of Coihaique, drive south on the Carretera Austral along Bahía Murta passing through Puerto Tranquilo en route. Drive over the El León, and continue to the bridge spanning the Río El Cañal. To find the put-in, hike upstream two hours on top of the rim on river right trying to avoid nasty stickers along the way. When you arrive at a drainage with a slight trickle of flowing water, lower your boat with a rope, and scramble down to the river. Elevation 310 meters.

The 2 km long class IV+•V- has average gradient of 35 mpk or 185 FPM and best run in spring or mid summer with flows of around 700 CFS.

Topo maps titled Chile Chico • Puerto Guadal

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.

To paddle this creek, you can run the Bío-Bío at high water and bivouac at the confluence with the Llanquén elevation725 meters. Begin your walk on a logging road above the meadow on river left (of the Llanquén.. Continue upstream past the first bridge. When the trail ends, ferry across the Llanquen to gain access to the river right side. Continue on for a couple of hundred meters until you reach a point where you can hike up on top of a terrace and to gain access to a road. Walk upstream another kilometer until you reach Puente Llanquen elevation 725 meters.

The Llanquén is accessible by vehicle from Lonquimay if you choose to drive down the Bío-Bío. Drive 28 km downstream from the normal Bío-Bío put-in at Balsadero Caracoles to the Llanquén, crossing Puente Paz en route. At the bridge you still need to walk your boat upstream.

This Class IV+•V- stretch of river is 3 km long with average gradient of 38 mpk or 200 FPM. Best run in the spring with flows of 250 to 400 CFS.

It can be seen on topo map titled Lolco. A private gate closes the road from the west making the other nearby runs (also tributaries of the Bio-Bio) such as the Ralco, Lomin, Queupe and Chalquilvin a full days journey by car. You may see a road to Ralco on your map but unless you have acces to the key and a good 4 wheel drive vehicle you will not thru. Access to the Llanquén is achieved thru Curracautin then Lonquimay making this a very isolated run that few kayakers have the opportunity to enjoy.