A Whitewater guide to the rivers of chile
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 … Read More »
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 … Read More »
This Río Claro was the former training site of the U.S. Olympic slalom kayak team. The gringos are gone, but a few of the slalom gates remain upstream of Puente Los Queñes. Even if you’re not a racer, it’s fun … Read More »
How many Rio Claros are there in Chile? Quien sabe. The conquistadors could have been a little more creative with their claros. For example, how about: Muy Claro, Tan Claro, Clarito, Clarissimo, or the Mapuche word “Aluminé,” meaning “one sees … Read More »
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 … Read More »
The Longaví is a short but attractive option for class 3-4 boaters. Located in the 7th region, the Longaví has a nice flow in winter, spring and early summer and is best run before January. It’s crystal clear waters are … Read More »
For years I had heard rumors of a waterfall infested river in the South of Chile named the Río Negro. This year I ran into a Swiss boater named Toro who not only had heard of the river but in … Read More »
The Río Clarillo is a high-quality springtime creek run in the Santiago area. The beauty of the Clarillo (like its name implies) is its crystal clear waters tumbling unimpeded over granite boulders. Unlike the other runs in the Santiago area, … Read More »
This is the training ground for Santiago’s kayaking community. Most Chilean kayakers get their start on the Maipo. Only an hour from the city with year round flows, a viable rafting community, plenty of places to stay/eat, and relatively easy … Read More »
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 … Read More »
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. … Read More »
Rio Nuble near Chillan, Chile. Class three and four. 16km upper section. Class 3 and 4 with long stretches of flatwater.
Flowing off the southern side of Volcan Llaima (3125 m) is one of the best class 3 runs in Chile. The crystal clear waters cascade through lava fields at a breakneck pace while the surrouning snow peaks are fringed with … Read More »
Twenty Two tazas – a series of twenty two 1 to 2 meters drops in a natural park setting 3 hours south of Santiago Chile.
The Lower Liucura River 20 minutes for the center of Pucon, Chile is the classic class three run with a great playspot ( in lower water months).