Rivers of Chile» Region XIV De Los Rios

Rio Llancahue (Lower)

jared — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:56:58 +0000

Jared Seiler dropping the “Suavemente” aka “Purty Thirty” at the start of the Lower section.

The Rio Llancahue located on the southeastern slope of Volcan Villarica is reached via Conaripe. It is roughly an hour and a half drive from Pucon. It is easily found by following signs to the famous hot springs “Termas Geometricas”. The upper section is a well known classic class 4-5 creek run that was first descented by John Foss and Zack Cowan in 1995. The upper section is most frequented by boaters and is a warm up run compared to what lurks downstream.
The middle section, contains some unrun rapids and is usually skipped for an easier take out option for the upper section located where the road is first visable from the river, after the “class 5″ rapid, often portaged river right during high water due to a must make eddy at the bottom. Anyone who has run the middle section usually parked their car at the Termas Vergara, there is an unrun rapid you want to get out above. The middle is considered a “park n huck” to the daring ones with intentions of running the biggest drop on the river which also marks the end of the middle section… or now… maybe the beginning of the lower section, and is arguably the most bad ass 60′ waterfall in Chile. The drop is called “Gerd’s drop”, first descented by Gerd Serrasolses in 2006. It has since been run by only 6 other huckers. Immediately following this monster drop is one of the cleanest 30′ waterfalls in Chile, called the “Suavemente” or the “Purty Thirty”. In the past when boaters would run this drop they would climb back out of the gorge in fear of what may be around the corner due to a diffucult to scout gorge that appeared to be unrunnable. Numerous groups throughout the years peered into the canyon through dense brush and steep cliffed walls, but no one ever mustered up the courage to drop in to this unknown.

Until, December 23rd 2011 a group of 5 brave kayakers, Jared Seiler, Evan Garcia, Ian Garcia, 3 of the 7 who have run Gerd’s drop, Jonny Meyers, and Anton Immler decided it was time to drop in for the first descent of the Lower section. Before dropping in the crew researched the section with Google Earth and found the run to be 9 km to Puente Llancahue, with the steepest part of the run being in the first 3km, in total dropping over 400 meters of gradient. Roughly 200Fpm, with the steepest 1km at probably around 400fpm. They figured if they could get through the first 1 km they could expect a gradual tapering off of the steep gradient. The day before the mission a crew led by Jared Seiler scouted most of the first 1 km after the “Purty thirty” which proved the findings from Google Earth to be the steepest and most continuous section. What the crew found was very promisingly runnable looking slides and waterfalls stacked between tiny catchable eddies and a potentially portageable left bank at a seemingly perfect water level. Jared informed the boys of the epicness of the run and made plans to drop in the next day. Coming from Pucon in the morning the crew put on below Gerd’s drop at 2 in the afternoon on a bright sunny day. Starting with the “Purty Thirty” they got out to scout on the left. A runnable 15′ first slide to autoboof put them in a must make eddy before a very continuous looking section. On the 2nd descent a boater missed this eddy and was forced to run the succeeding drops blind…The boys spent about an hour scouting an approximately 200′ long slide with a technical 2 part lead in rapid. After much debate Jared Seiler decided to go for it and ran the entire slide cleanly until spinning around backwards and flipping in the last 20′ of the slide. After a quick roll and celebration he caught the small must make eddy on the right at the bottom before another long slide. After a thumbs up, Evan Garcia and Anton Immler followed Seiler’s line with a little carnage of their own, but mostly cleaned it. Ian and Jonny opted for a seal launch half way down the slide which slightly tamed the rowdy beast. The lead in drops to this slide become worse at lower levels and a boater was badly pinned on a separate descent a week later in the lip of the first drop for over 20 minutes before he could be rescued. The entire slide can be portaged on the left. Seiler decided to call the slide “La Longaniza”.

Graham Seiler running the bottom half of “La Longaniza”

The crew briefly scouted the next slide which they ran down a left channel where the river is split by an island with both left and right channels looking runnable and the crew chose the left which ended in a 15′ waterfall. The line turned out to be pretty stout and was named “Survivor slide” aka “fight club”. The right channel has been run since and is equally challenging. Immediately following the 15′ waterfall the crew caught an eddy on the left above the last slide of the steepest section where their shuttle driver awaited with a rope in case someone was swept into the last slide that ended with a heinous hydraulic and boxed in walls. The crew called this one “the Gambler”. This drop has since been run. A short pool led to the start of a section later named, the “Quality and Quantity” section which begins with a 6′ boof run down the middle then a series of 2 class 4 boogie water sections broken up by a calm section and proceeds into another continuous rapid which Evan nearly ran blind before catching a small eddy to have a look. Good thing because this rapid had one of the ugliest siphons on the run followed immediately by a 6′ weir hole. Evan ran a clean line down the left and boofed the hole in the middle. The siphon on river right was later named “cancha tomate” and the following weir hole “wachito culiado”. Best scouted and portaged on the right. Small eddies on either sides afterwards allowed a set up to run the next 6′ horseshoe hole boofing right of center named “puta la wea”. Continuing mostly down the left through class 4 boogie you come to a drop run left under two big old growth logs perched in an A-frame position. Another half a km brought the crew to a narrow slot boof into a fairly large pool marking the end of the “QQ” section. Continuing roughly a half a kilometer you come to a rapid where the water ramps off the left wall through a fluffy hole. More boogie arrives at a manky slot rapid portaged on the right. Potentially run right. More boogie gradually mellowing out brought the group to 2 stout looking converging channels dropping into a big hole partially backed by a boulder on the right. Scout and portaged left. This drop was later run on the 2nd descent down the left channel and was named “the shitter” upon finding a toilet seat lid at the bottom The river continues at a fun pace and gradually goes flat. At this point the 1st crew thought they were finished with the run, but 4 more 15′ drops awaited downstream along with a landslide that diverted the river through a forest! The first 15′ after the “false run out”was only run by Evan on the first descent where a bad line on the left through a manky pile of rocks coined the name “ass banger”. Jared ran the drop on the 2nd descent with a more thought out line that turned out better off the middle clearing the rocks in the landing zone. More boogie water leads quickly into the 2nd of the last four 15′. Called “el nombre de mi polola” or “La Pacha Mama” one of the best drops on the run. A stout lead in down the left splits two directions with both 15′ drops on either side proved runnable. Big logs piled in the middle between the two falls characterizes the drop. This drop is difficult to see coming and is best scouted by scraping over a far right channel into a small eddy on the right. This drop may be mandatory, but if you feel the need to portage you probably shouldn’t be on the run. Wood could be an issue in this drop in which case a throw and go portage from the logs could be done or maybe hellish bush whacking through the woods on the right would be the best option. Soon after this falls is the landslide forest. Run cautiously through a maze of trees and strainers on the left. More boogie…seriously very little flat water on this run, brings you to a super gnar 15′ falls into a tunnel like siphon on the right, run only by scraping down the FAR LEFT, as far from this potential boater swallowing siphon as possible, one of the nastiest siphons I’ve seen! More boogie water leads to the last drop, 15′ down the middle boof with a possible plug line on the left. Dubbed the 4.20 drop. Finally, finishing off with 2 km of shallow run out to Puente Llancahue. A gauge for the run can be judged by the middle bridge embutment 3 inches showing on the river right corner of the lowest concrete slab is optimal. If water is over this the run will become very dangerous due to washed out eddies. The first descent was done in a very low water year in late December. During a regular season I would imagine this section will be runnable in late January. The river holds water very well and if you think it may be too high don’t go!!! (I believe higher water descents will be possible in the future- but not unless you know the run very well-as you will not be able to stop in some of the steep sections). You can also judge the flow at the put-in by looking at the lip of Gerd’s drop. If water is spilling over a right channel at the lip it is probably too high. This run requires class 5+ skill level with exceptional eddy catching skills. Arguably, the stoutest steep creek run in Chile! Cuidado mother F@*&er$!!!
photos taken by Andraz Krpic

Check out this video with the 1st Descent

Rio Pilmaiquen

kurt casey — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:16:56 +0000

Big volume, warm water playboating in Southern Chile. Draining Lago Puyehuehue, the river forms the boundary between the 14th Region de los Rios and the 9th Region de los Lagos. Easy logistics and a nearby town make for a fun day of boating.

Hike in to Pilmaiquen

From Ruta 5 take the Osorno exit and go east on paved road 47 km to town of Entre Lagos. From Entre Lagos the put in is reached by returning 5.3 KM and turning right in Pilmaiquen and proceeding 2 km´s to La Central. Cross over the dam wall and there is a place to park on right side just before coming to the gate to enter power plant. Walk into the magical, old growth forest on the left and walk about 200 meters and take second fork in trail to the left. It leads to some steps and another trail that leads down to old river corridor. Put in as soon as you have water and paddle out below the dam discharge and the main flow. From here it is almost one continuous class 3 wave train rapid to the takeout at Puente Rucatayo 7 km downstream. The GPS coordinates of this point are 40°38’17.88″S and 72°38’59.57″W.

Beginning of river

To get to the takeout return back to the paved road and turn right towards Osorno. Go 6.1 KM then turn right towards Rucatayo. The road forks and stay to left and you reach takeout bridge in 2 km. Cross bridge and enter a field. The obvious trail leads to a religious shrine so walk upstream about 150 meters to find the trail the reaches the river. Takeout GPS coordinates of this point are 40°36’56.81″S and 72°42’48.69″W

On our Jan 22, 2011 trip we had an estimated flow of 3000 CFS.. It was big and fun but there is no limit to how high you can run the river. Probably the bigger the better.

Giant Arrayan tree on hike-in

On a sad note the river could shortly be gone. Just above the takeout we came to a dam site buzzing with activity. Damm walls are already being built but a local told us the project will be halted for 1 year. This is a cool river so get it before it is gone.

Nearby town of Entre Lagos is a nice place. There is a great restaurant called K on Pedro de Valdivia 307.

Other nearby rivers include the Gol Gol, Iculpe and Rio Bueno

Topo map of region is titled Entre Lagos IGM 025

Rio Iculpe

kurt casey — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:07:44 +0000

A new classic flowing off the northern flanks of the Puyehue Volcano (2240 meters) in Chile’s Region de Los Rios. The river feeds into southern shore of Lago Ranco.

Fields Marshall below first drop

This small volume creek has easy access and requires little water to make it runnable. The volcanic riverbed provides for multiple small waterfalls and in between continuous, boulder garden rapids.

Typical view on the Iculpe

From ruta 5 take the La union exit towards Rio Bueno and follow highway T-85, 50 kms to town of Lago Ranco on southern shore of lake of same name. Go east 2 km and you cross Puente Iculpe. Here the flows can look low but very little water is needed for the run upstream. Continue east 1.2 KM and turn right onto a road leading to Salto Los Mañios. Continue 7.2 km from this point and you will reach the takeout. The forest is very dense along the river and a small cliff band makes access and egress difficult. Every 200 meters there are small yellow km markings hanging on trees on right side of road as you head upstream but you need to be paying attention to see them. At km 7.2 there is a break in the barb wire fence just big enough for a car to enter. Immediately turn left and you will find a trail that heads some 200 meters down to the river where a small gauge is installed at On our scratchy Jan 21, 2011 first descent the gauge read just under 60 and I estimate the flow at 150 CFS. I would guess a perfect flow would be 65 to 70 on same gauge and around 300 CFS.

Sunset over Lang Ranco with views of Molcho Volcano to North

To reach the put in continue upstream 2 km from takeout and put in below the second bridge. The first bridge is over an un-named tributary.

Fields Marshall on upper Iculpe

The 2 KM stretch described here is class 4. Adding another 2 km below this takeout will provide non stop class 5 low volume creeking. Carefully choose your takeout or you might wind up on the 200 meter or 650 foot Salto Los Mañios…….

Topo map of area is called Lago Ranco IGM 016

Other nearby Rivers include Hueinahue, Riñinahue, Curringue, Canahue, Rio Bueno, and Nilahue.

Rio Hueinahue

kurt casey — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 21:32:48 +0000

The Hueinahue makes a bold statement 7.5 KM before it enters Lago Mahuie. Here the river tumbles over a spectacular bedrock falls before joining the Rio Remahue and flowing into the lake. The Rio Remahue (which contains about two thirds of the combined flow) makes an even bolder statement plunging over 200 meters just above its confluence with the Hueinahue.

Fileds Marshall below first drop of middle canyon

The river is crystal clear and offers boating opportunities from class 4-5 creeking, to bigger volume class 5 river running and finally mellow and scenic class 2-3 floating into the lake. The headwaters are in the 2000-meter peaks on the Argentine border and are more rain fed than snowmelt.

final drop in middle canyon

The drainage is in Chile´s Region de Los Rios and is best reached from the Futrono turn off on ruta 5, 17 km below Los Lagos. From here it is 44 km of paved road to Futrono on shores of Lago Ranco. Continue another 28 km on good paved road around the north shore of Lago Ranco to Llifén. From here it is another 35 km to Puerto Hueinahue at the mouth of the river and on the eastern side of Lago Mahuie. The elevation here is 81 meters above sea level.

The beautiful Lago Mahuie

The put in for the middle and lower sections is reached by following the new road upstream along the river. The lower put in is at a field, 6 km upstream just before the point where the road goes from flat to steep. From this point the river is class 2-3 boulder gardens all the way to the lake. We ran the river in mid January after several days of rain and had nice level of around 1800 CFS. The elevation at lower put in is 150 meters giving the 6 km stretch an average gradient of 12 m/km or 60 FPM.

Slide leading into falls on upper Hueinahue

If one continues upstream another 1.2 km you will cross over a log bridge over the Hueinahue Canyon with a thundering waterfall. It is here that one leaves the car. There is a small gate on the right leading up to the home of Antonio Rossi (cell phone 9-78541368) who is the caretaker for El Fundo La Encantado and after asking permission you can follow a trail down to La Junta, or the put-in for the middle stretch. Here the elevation is 200 meters and the one km stretch drops 50 m/km or 250 FPM. The rapids are big and long and interspersed with flat stretches. The first two rapids are solid class 5, followed by two class 3 rapids then one, long final class 5+ which at normal flows can not be portaged at river level. The middle stretch is more runnable when the lower stretch getting low.

Above the waterfall the main branch of Hueinahue is much lower volumen and more creek like. The Access requires shouldering the boat and walking up a good trail on river right. The river is bedrock and reminiscent of the Rio Nevados. A 3 km walk will provide 2 km of class 5 kayaking that averages 50 m/km.

The upper and lower sections of the river are best run in spring months of November/December and the middle section can be run lower.

The IGM topo map of the área is titled Hueinahue 018

Other nearby rivers include the Nilahue, Curringüe, Currahue, Florin, Riñinahue and Iculpe

Rio Caunehue

Valentin — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:45:22 +0000

A short burst of paddling in the Futrono Zone. Best during highwater springtime run off or after periods of sustained rain.

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

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

Rio Enco

John Foss (posthumously) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:26:20 +0000

Like the beads of a lapis lazuli necklace, Lagos Riñihue, Panguipulli, Neltume and Pirehuico are linked together by the Rios San Pedro, Enco, Neltume, and Fuy. For beginning kayakers, the Enco is a good place to practice the basics of ferry angles, eddy turns, bracing, and rolling, with little manuevering required in the wide-open rapids. At high water, you’ll find some glassy surfing waves to shred. Rafters will enjoy this placid float amidst beautiful surroundings where vegetation, not rock, lines the river. The low profile summits of Volcáns Mocho (2422 m) and Choshuenco (2415 m) loom in the distance. Stay away from the river in January. The obnoxious, biting black flies, colihuachos, have a voracious appetite.

From Lanco, 763 km south of Santiago, drive east to Panguipulli on CH 203. Travel on a gravel road around the north side of Lago Panguipulli to Choshuenco. Continue south and put in where the river exits Lago Panguipulli. From Pucón take the shortcut south to Lago Panguipulli via Villarica and Lican Ray. To find the take-out, drive 11 km downstream to a point where the road descends to river level. Turn right at an obscure pull-out just above the inlet to Lago Riñihue.

Like the nearby Rio Tolten, the Enco is another fisherman’s. On a summer day you are likely to find wooden dorys navigating its course with intrepid fisherman casting from their decks while a guide manouvers the boat.

The class 2 river can be run year round with high water in winter and spring months. Flows can reach 4000 CFS but with gentle gradient of 16 FPM, this 10 km stretch provides for a relaxing float on big blue wave trains.

Florin River

kurt casey — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:06:57 +0000

The Florin is a seldom run, low volume creek in Lago Ranco region known for its stout falls. It is reached by driving up the Florin from town of Futrono. Some slightly ghetto hot springs add to the attraction. Fotos best describe the run..

Other nearby rivers include the Curringue, Gol Gol, San Pedro, Rininahue and Petrohue

All fotos from “Demshitz”

Slightly Ghetto hot springs

Ian Garcia Looking into slot canyon

Approach to big falls

Jared Seiler @ Double falls

Evan Garcia

Rio San Pedro

kurt casey — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 19:00:20 +0000

The Rio San Pedro (SP) is one of Chile’s premier play kayak/rafting runs through and which descends through a spectacular, yet threatened, river corridor. Draining a series of five major lakes the SP has guaranteed year round flows and relatively warm water. The fifth and final lake in the chain is called Riñihue and it is at this lakes mouth that the SP is born. Its transparent blue waters sport not only fun whitewater but some of country’s finest trout and salmon fishing.

To reach the put-in from Pucon it is a 2 hour drive. There are various routes but the easiest is to go west to Villarica then south to Lican Ray then southeast to Panguipuilli. From here follow the paved road towards Los Lagos for 13 KM then take gravel road another 7KM to the exit of the lake (desague)

You can carry your boat down to lake and paddle to the exit or you can park at Hotel Riñimapu where your car will be safe and you can walk down a grass path to river. Expect to pay the hotel 2500 pesos for each person going on river which usually includes a beverage of your choice. The hotel staff will often shuttle your vehicle for which there is no fixed price so if this option is what you need be courteous and negotiate a fair transaction. For more information the hotel website is http://www.rinimapu.cl/ or you can call Carolina the owner on her cell 92312204

There are 2 takeout options. The first is at a bridge over the SP. To reach this point return to paved road and turn left following road towards Los Lagos for 22 KM. Takeout on river left as there are stairs and a handrail cut into the steep dirt face. Continue downstream for another 8-10 KM and there is another takeout option at balsadero (where a boat ferries your car across the river). There are small signs for the balsadero so be on the lookout. At higher flows usually towards end of November and first half of December a world-class 15 meter wide play wave/hole forms about 4 km below the bridge. We have had up to 7 kayaks on this at same time.

In winter, spring and early summer the river is high volume in a wide range of 7,500 to 50,000 CFS. By middle to late summer the flow drops probably as low as 2,000 CFS. Rapids are all straightforward with one particular section sporting some Futaleufu style exploding waves. The river can be run in 4-5 hours but overnighting and camping/fishing on a sand beach is an attractive option.

At the time of this writing the future of the SP is very grim. The company named Colbun has secured necessary permits needed to damm the river in one of the many controversial megaprojects threatening Chile’s free flowing rivers. Dynamite excavation has begun in earnest. It may your last year to run this world class river so make all efforts to get there before it is gone…I feel like I am writing what I wrote about the Bio Bio in mid 90′s.

Other nearby rivers include the Curringue, Fuy, Florin, and Llancahue.

Rio Llizan

kurt casey — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 03:08:59 +0000

The Rio Llizán tumbles of the Southern Flank of Volcan Quetrupillan (2009 meters). The run has two distinct sections each of which packs action and potential dangers. Unfortunately it is difficult to have proper water level to run both sections at same time. The upper 6 KM run is best run in late December through early February while the lower run is best run as low as possible which usually means March and April.

Jared Seiler in Margarita’s canyon foto by Eva Luna Ramirez

To reach the class 4-5 upper run from Pucon it is a 2-1/2 hour thru Lican Ray, Coñaripe and then the frontier town of Liquiñe. From Liquiñe follow the road east towards Argentina for 3-5 KM then take first left following sign towards Paimun. The put in the locked gate and the end of the road where the Rio Paimun enters the Llizán. The takeout is approximately 6 KM downstream where a road winds down to a bridge over the river and this turn is marked with a sign “Agro Turismo Ñipuche De Rañinuleufu”.

Jared in one of the Llizan drops

The Upper run starts out with 2 KM of easy fast moving flat water and then comes to the crux of the run. A 200 meter long basalt canyon with some burly holes and possibly logs. A wooden bridge crosses over the middle of the rapid and it can be scouted from river right by getting out at Senora Margarita’s house to take a look. Below here the river opens up with several read and run class 4 rapids and at least one possible portage. The takeout is just above the 8 meter high Salto Fosphoros which leads into a lower canyon. A good eddy just above the falls on river left leads up into a campground and the road, The upper run averages 65 FPM gradient factoring in the flatwater and water levels should be in the 10 to 25 CMS (300 to 750 CFS) range. The upper section of river was first run by Zack (El sapo) Cowan and John Foss in March of 1997.

Put in at the Rio Paimun/ good campsite foto Eva Luna Ramirez

The lower run was first probed a year later by Josh Lowry and Robbie Dastin. The put in for the lower run is the takeout of upper run. The action begins with the 8 meter high falls Salto Fosphoros entering a box canyon at a 90 degree angle. The current at base of falls pushes into an undercut wall. The crux of the run is in the canyon a few hundred meters below the falls. Here lies an unscoutable-unportagable 3 meter falls. In less than 1 KM the river enters the much larger Rio Liquiñe. Class 3-4 rapids with one committing class 5 canyon (again with an unscoutable-unportagable rapid) continue for the length of the 4 km until takeout at Termas Rio Liquiñe in the town of Liquiñe. Per Josh Lowry more people have bailed out on this run that have finished it. The only way to make it down is to catch it at super low flow

View of Salto Fosphoros cascading into the lower canyon foto Eva Luna Ramirez

Notes: The Llizan drainage like nearby Fuy and San Pedro is scheduled for a dam project. In addition a Pisicultura is being built at confluence of Rio Paimun starting in 2008. If either or both go thru this river will be either finished or simply ruined.

If in the area there are 3 hot spring options. In town of Liquiñe are the commercial hot springs. Going east toward Argentina are two others Termas Hipolito Muñoz or the Termas Huilo Huilo (recommended).

Rio Curringue

kurt casey — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 23:48:39 +0000

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 Argentina.

Peruvian Kayaker Gian Marco Vellutino

One of the canyons of the Curringue

The river is located east of the shores of Lago Ranco and flows into Lago Maihue. To get to the takeout drive to town of Futrono on North side of Lago Ranco then continue east until pavement ends in Llifen. From here it is approximately 22 km to the turn towards town of Chabranco. You will cross over Puente Curringue and this is the takeout. To reach the put in cross the bridge and follow signs to Termas de Chihuio. The drive is roughly 12 KM and offers no views of the river. The termas are marginal but cheap.

Zack “del Sapo” Cowan

The Put in is directly accross from the Termas and provides a good campsite as well. The river is best run in early summer with december usually being optimal. The river is crystal clear with a mature streambed and two distinct tight walled canyons. The drops are class 4-5 and are all runable yet also portagable if water levels make them unsafe.

Runnable flows on the river are estimated to be 600 to 1500 CFS

Kurt Casey

Eva Luna Ramirez “Curringiando”

Rio Llancahue (upper)

kurt casey — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 01:12:51 +0000

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 where the llanca is found” and a llanca is small copper colored stones highly prized in Mapuche culture for decorative jewelry and artwork.

Perfect falls on the LLancahue

From Pucon there are two ways to get to the river. the shortest distance is to drive up the Palguin drainage and over the pass between the two volcanoes. The drive is absolutely spectacular but the road can be deplorable and can only be attempted in good weather with a bomber four wheel drive vehcile with high clearance. At the top of the Palguin drainage you enter the Villarica National Park and the road is unmaintained. To find put in follow directions shown below for standard route.

Leave Pucon to town of Villarica then go south to Lican Ray then around shores of Lago Calafquen to town of CoÃ±aripe. In center of town take left, following signs to Termas Geometrica. After traveling for 13.8 KM you come to the Termas de Vergara. Continue upstream to where you can first see the river and use the pull out on the right as takeout. If you continue boating past this point heads up as you are entering the middle stretch which has some heinous and un run drops.

Travel upstream on same road and you will pass the turn off to the Termas geometricas in 3.2 KM but continue on and in less than 1 KM you will come to a bridge over a tributary called Rio El Venado. There is no sign for the bridge or river but this is one possible put in point. If you choose to put in here there is a waterfall a few hundred meters downstream just above the confluence. Be careful as one year a tree was wedged into these falls. Common option is to drive over the bridge and not very far to the next bridge over main branch. Park at the entrance to Termas de Rincon and put in under the bridge. The elevation here is 900 meters and the takeout elevation is approx 720 m. the river drops 180 meters in 4.4 km for average drop of 40 m/km or 200 FPM. Flow is estimated at 250 to 400 CFS. If you have access to tope maps the river can be found on Liquine. Other nearby runs include Reyeheuco and LLizan. The river is good to do on the way to the Fuy.

The run is a good class 5 creek with crytal clear water and several waterfalls and possibly several portages. There are several nice things about the Llancahue. One is that if you have had enough at any point you can get out and walk to the road with relative ease. Secondly there are several hotsprings including Vergara, El Rincon and Geometrica. Geometrica is pricey at 10,000 pesos but one of the best in Chile. A third point is that you can find nice car camping at several points along the river. A fourth point is that river really never gets to low so can be run year round.

Several groups have ventured further than the above mentioned takeout. In December 2011 Jared Seiler and crew were the first to succesfully run the complete lower stretch. See separate description for this 5+ stretch of stomping whitewater. The downstream action is described as burly, intense, and committing with some massive drops and equally difficult portages/scouts.

After a run on the creek and a soak in one of the nearby hot springs and you can be back in Pucon sipping Pisco sours within 2 hours.

Pura Vida – Kurt Casey

Nate Mack on Llancahue

Rio Reyehueco

kurt casey — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 03:59:18 +0000

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 CoÃ±aripe on the road to LiquiÃ±e. It is strategically located midway between the Llancahue and Lizan Rivers.

Kurt casey at base of Salto Pescado

The river is runnable in spring and very early summer. The first descent was made in early december 2005 by Kurt Casey, Mike deacon and Beech Huntsman. Logistics were provided by Zach “delsapo” Cowan who had a blown out shoulder.

The river is divided into two distinct sections. The upper is 3 km section dropping 153 meters. the upper has less volume than the lower but is also more channelized and more runnable at lower flows. To reach the put in take the road from east from CoÃ±aripe towards LiquiÃ±e appoximately 20 KM. If you reach the bridge over the Reyehueco you have gone to far and need to backtrack about 2 KM and look for a gravel road to the North with a sign for TrafÃºn. Follow the road 5 KM to a manned gate. This is the entrance to TrafÃºn which is a super cool ancient Mapuche community/logging complex. Zach gained us access by mentioning we were hydrologists doing research on the rivers. Once past the gate continue 4 km and you will pass over the Rio Panco which is a tributary of the Reyehueco. the road will come to an island of land between the two rivers and this is the takeout at 422 meters. To reach the put in continue upstream on either river left or river right (the raod makes a complete circle) until you come to a bridge over the upper Rio Reyehueco. Here the river is small in the 150 CFS (5 m/s volume) but more than sufficent for the mini canyons you enter below with small falls and significant boulder drops.

Beech Huntsman Upper Reyehueco foto by Mike Deacon

the lower run has a totally different character and logistics. To run the lower return to main road and go to bridge over the Reyehueco. This is the takeout at 170 km above sea level. The run is 5 KM long and drops 230 meters for average gradient of 37 m/km (185 FPM). The put in is at 400 meters above sea level.

Lower Reyehueco foto by Mike Deacon

To reach the put in continue east 1 KM and make first left. the road will climb steeply for a few km’s then you will need to find a turn to the left. This raods can be a bit confusing due to logging that has messed up the roads. Follow the road until you reahc a school in Mapuche village of TrafÃºn.chico. We parked at the school and walked the 300 meters to the river (the road had been washed out recently by a flood).

Mike Deacon put in Lower Rio reyehueco

The put in for the river is very entle water with a paltry flow of 300 CFS. This was marginal water for the first KM but in the crux proved to be perfect. there are numerous BIG drops on the run but the crux occurs right before the canyon opens near the takeout. At this point the river is diverted into an aqueduct that feeds a fish hatchery. It appears a portage is impossible and the drop is burly and very hard to scout. We felt trapped but eventually ran (partially blind) a 15 plus foot (5 meter) falls with a left to right angle. The drop was clean and finished the run with another 300 km paddle in boogie water to the takeout bridge.

Kurt casey

Rio Fuy

Fields Marshall — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 18:48:40 +0000

The River Fuy near Neltume, Chile – 2-1/2 hours from Pucon is normally broken up into three sections: Upper , Middle and Lower. The upper in lower to mid flows is a classic class 4+ section filled with beautiful waterfalls. The put in for this section is at the exit of Lago Pirihueco and the takeout is just above and beside the town of Neltume. Ideal flows would be 400 to 1200 CFS and most likely would be in December and January.

The middle is section is class 5 with a 50′ waterfall. The put in is at the base of the still un-run Salto Puma which lies 700 meter below the road entrance to the tourist attraction Salto Huilo Huilo. This 4 KM section is short but intense and best run in the dryer months of February and March. The put in involves a 2 KM walk from the road which is not easy to locate. the 2 KM walk to put in starts 700 meters below the feeder road to Huilo Huilo at a black wooden fence (this is also 2.3 KM above the small puente Llallanca). Leave your vehicle here and scramble down to the base of Salto Puma. Take out is at bridge 4.7 KM downriver.

The lower section is a 4 KM long mostly class 3 wave train best run at extremely hi water (greater than 2500 CFS) when the top and middle are unrunnable.. This would like be winter months and spring flows from September to late November..It can be run much lower it just will not have much kick. the put in and takeout are both at the only road bridges that cross the Fuy.

Nearby rivers include Neltume, Enco, LLancahue, Reyehueco, Llizan, San Pedro

Unfortunately there is a damn project in the works and this river may be dry.