A Whitewater guide to the rivers of chile

Rio Espolon

The Espolon is a mellow float with some occasional play and spectacular water quality. For 20 years the river has been a favorite training run for beginner kayakers visiting the Futaleufú area. With easy roadside access and close proximity to the town of Futaleufú the river sees a surprising number of visitors in the [...]

Rio Futaleufú (Macal section)

The Futaleufú river is known globally for its big volume and furious rapids. Until people visit and get to know the area they are often unaware that more mellow sections of the river exist. For those groups traveling with children, fishermen, or beginning boaters the lower Macal stretch makes for a nice float.

Pablo, Diego, [...]

Rio Futaleufú (bridge to bridge)

The bridge to bridge section on the Lower Futaleufú is one of the funnest stretches of whitewater on earth. This section provides ample pushy, big volume, class 3-4 rapids. Due to an upstream dam in Argentina the water is warm (relative to other nearby Chilean Rivers)
Many kayakers running this section for the first are [...]

Rio Azul

The Azul is a nice class 2-3 run to do in the Futaleufu area. Access is relatively easy for put in and take out. The run is best done with water in early season (November/December) or after a heavy
rain. Local rafting outfits often take their clients on Ducky trips of the river and several [...]

Ri­o Michinmahuida

A class 4-5 kayak trip with unsurpassed scenery located in vicinity of Futaleufú. On a sunny day the put in has spectacular views of Volcan Michinmahuida whose hanging glaciers (ventisqueros) are the source of some high quality whitewater.

River soon after put in foto by Xavier
The trip can be made from Futaleufú in one very long day [...]

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 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