Welcome to whitewater paradise!

Well almost. There’s a few logistics to sort out first..

It’s no secret that Chile has amazing whitewater. Whether you’re in to dropping off clean waterfalls, steep creeking or big volume, this whitewater mecca has it all and if it’s not on your wish-list, then it probably should be!

(If you’re looking for more of river-guide, then check out my other blog ‘Chile for Everyone’)

Commercial trip or self-supported?

There’s a couple of options when it comes to kayaking in Chile and I would say choosing the right one for you is very much dependent on the length of your trip and whether you have wheels. If you’re short on time and haven’t lined up renting a truck, then seriously consider doing a guided trip. Even if you’re a solid paddler.

These trips may seem a bit pricey initially, but remember to consider the costs you would otherwise incur, such as truck rental, airport transfers etc. And most importantly, you’ll have local guides with local knowledge and the latest info on levels, taking you to the best rivers each day, which is all invaluable and will likely be very much appreciated once you start your trip. (They’ll probably be feeding and housing you too).

Having worked as a guide on several commercial trips, with a variety of providers, I can really see the benefits of a guided trip for making the most of your time here (especially if that time is limited).

Of course your experience level is an important factor also. If you definitely need guidance on the river or don’t have a solid whitewater roll, then a guided/coached trip is likely the best option for you.

If you have more time to play with, as well as all your own kayaks, and have rented a truck with a group of kayaking pals, then you’re likely to do pretty well solo. Just be sure to chat to locals, read up on runs, check flows regularly and get up-to-date beta incase of new wood, changed rapids etc. If you have the time, the truck and the crew, then you’re in for one awesome Chilean whitewater adventure! It’s roadtrip time!

Where to go and when?

There’s several awesome locations to head to for epic kayaking in Chile. Deciding where to head should be based on when you’re arriving and the most up to date info on levels. For instance

If you’re super keen to get the Río Claro (aka clean waterfall paradise) then you’ll need to head there early -around October/ November’s been the prime time the last couple of years. This epic river has a short window and drops out fast, but so worth it if you can catch her whilst she’s still up! (But also be sure not to go in too high, this would be a very scary canyon with too much water).

Where: Parque Nacional Radal Siete Tazas (closest town is Molina)

When: Early season, October- November (check levels with locals)How: Rent a truck and drive south from Santiago for approximately 3.5 hours

Why: For the cleanest waterfalls of your life!!

The most well-known kayaking hub is Pucon which pretty much has options year round, but if you want to catch gems such as Nevados then get there early, again October/ November time. Other Pucon Classics such as the Trancura and Palguin rare runnable for several months, but will likely be on the low side from December onwards.

Once flows are getting low in Pucon, most paddlers head down South, to the mighty Futaleufú. Many will wait until January or even February, when the levels are more manageable and the weather is warmer -because who doesn’t like waves in the sunshine?. If you like REALLY big water though (and don’t mind the cooler climate) then head down to Futa pretty much anytime before December -there definitely won’t be a shortage of water!

Where: Pucon

When: Early-middle of season (October- December, with a couple of low water options later on)

How: Rent a truck and drive; catch a flight to Temuco (about 1.5 hours from Pucon); or get the night bus (about 9 hours from Santiago)

Why: So much great whitewater all in pretty close proximity!

Where: Futaleufú

When: December- February (can actually paddle anytime, but earlier is VERY big)

How: Rent a truck and drive/ find people with a space in their truck (could get a series of buses but not guaranteed to take kayaks)

Why: Amazing big water fun in a beautiful valley!

Essentials for a self-supported paddling trip to Chile..

• Kayak, paddles and gear (possible to buy in-country, either new or second hand, but more limited on choice) • Spare paddles/ splits • A truck (likely rented, as it’s pretty difficult for non-Chileans to buy vehicles here) • A crew (ideally with someone who’s paddled here before, but not essential) • ‘Kayak Chile’ Guide Book

Some handy contacts

Kayak Shops: Rivers, Lakes and Oceans - Pucon,  Pucon Kayak Shop exclusively sells Peak PS equipment in the town of Pucon & Pueblito Expediciones - Valdivia &

Kayak rentals: Pucon Kayak Retreat, Kayak Chile

Guided trips: Pucon Kayak Retreat, Kayak Chile, Eli Castleberry Guiding. Long time Team Peak PS Kayaker Steve Brooks and core partners Kayak School Arlberg also run trips to Chile based out of their lodge in Pucon.

Chile Guidebook: 'Whitewater Chile: A Paddler’s Guide’ (Tyler Curtis, Mariann Saether & Ben May)

Big thank you to everyone that made my time in Chile so awesome. Particular thanks goes to Eli Castleberry, Ben May of Kayak Chile and Josh Telling and Tom Botteril of Rapid Skills for the guiding opportunities, hospitality, ice cream, pancakes, photos and most of all- the awesome times on the rivers of Chile! And a HUGE thank you to PeakUK for keeping me warm, dry and very happy whilst on the water and to Pyranha Kayaks for the epic boof machine, aka small Scorch!