Get to know the Chilean rivers from the first row through this exciting adventure sport possible for all kinds of people... You don’t need to be an expert in the field , just let yourself be carried by the currents and do some teamwork while enjoying the wonderful scenery that surrounds you.
Popular tours
Here's a list of the best tours with Rafting in their activities. To see the full list, visit our Tours in Rafting
Rafting on Baker River3 Hours
If you love adrenaline, this spectacular tour will take you to download it completely, descending the rapids of class 2 and 3+ of the…
- FromUS$88per person
Rafting in Aysén5 Hours
If you like adventure and nature you can not miss this activity! Get to know the Aysén River and its surroundings navigating through…
- On Request
Rafting is a sport that consists of sailing the waters of rough rivers on pneumatic vessels or rafts that are maneuvered by expert guides who usually sit on the back of the raft. The rest of the participants are located on the sides, from where they help to control vessel.
Rafting is one of the most popular adventure sports, because practising it does not require a lot of preparation. The rafts usually seat between 4 and 8 passengers, and the difficulty and risk depend on the flow of the river, for each route covers a certain distance and a difficulty level (between 1,5 and 35 km).
This sport can be practised by families, enjoying the journey through easy rivers, but also by those who like the extra adrenaline proportioned by waterfalls and rapids.
History
Rafting was initially developed by navigators, who sailed rapids and water inclines in small boats and rafts. These abilities, necessary for exploring, hunting, and fishing, would later become a very popular form of entertainment in several regions of Europe and the United States.
Nowadays, several international rafting competitions are held. Emerging in the 50's, they have been historically dominated by the Europeans.
Classification of rivers according to their difficulty level
- Class I: Easy. Rapid flow with small waves and meanders. Few obstructions, all of which are obvious and easily surmountable with little training. The risk is low and self rescue is easy.
- Class II: Beginner. Direct rapids, with clear and broad canals which are evident without previous exploration. Occasional maneuvering is required, but rocks and medium size waves are easily surmounted by trained paddlers. Little risk for swimmers, and group help is rarely required.
- Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with high, irregular waves often capable of swamping a canoe. Narrow rapids that often require complex maneuvering and a precise control of the vessel. Big waves and strainers are easily avoidable. Previous exploration is recommended for non-experts. Injury to swimmers is rare and self-rescue is easy, but may require from the group to avoid prolonged swims.
- Class IV: Advanced. Powerful, intense, predictable rapids, that require precise maneuvering in their turbulent waters. Depending on the characteristics of the river, large waves and holes may require fast maneuvering under pressure. Quick eddy turns are necessary to initiate other maneuvers, explore the rapids, or rest. Scouting is often necessary, and water conditions make self rescue a very difficult task. Group assistance is necessary and requires previously developed skills.
- Class V: Expert. Extremely long, violent, and unobstructed rapids, which expose paddlers to big risks. Descents may present large, unavoidable waves and holes, steeps falls, and demanding and complex routes. There may be long distances between backwaters, which requires an excellent physical condition. Scouting is mandatory, and sometimes can be hard. Swimming is dangerous, and rescues are difficult even for experts.
- Class VI: Extreme. This class of rapids is an example of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. Mistakes will lead to serious injuries and rescue may be not possible. For expert teams only, provided that all the necessary precautions have been taken.
Rafting in Chile
Chilean rivers are a hot destination for "white water" fanatics. They are perfect for practicing both rafting and kayaking. The rivers that get most of the attention are Bío-Bío and Futaleufú, both of which are class V. The other Chilean rivers fluctuate between classes III and IV.
Nevertheless, rafting in more tranquil waters is becoming an excellent choice for family trips, which combine the fun of descending a river while enjoying the scenery and nature.
Rivers for practicing rafting in Chile:
Central Chile
- Maipo River: Región Metropolitana, in the Melocoton sector, 22 kilometers (14 mi) from the small village of Guayacan. Season: from spring to summer. Class III and IV
- Teno River: VII Region. Spring. Class III
- Maule River: VII Region. Spring. Class III
- Claro River: VII Region. Located in the Radal 7 Tazas National Reserve. Its waterfalls characterize it
Araucanía and Lakes
- Bío-Bío River: VIII Region. Southeast of Los Ángeles. Class V.
- Trancura River: IX Region. 14 kilometers from Pucón. November to March. Class III and IV.
- Petrohué River: X Región.
Patagonia
- Futaleufú River: X Region. Located 155 kilometers southeast from Chaitén. From mid January to mid March. Class V
- Espolon River: X Region. It is considered the training river for the Futaleufu
- Baker River: XI Region of Aysen. Located 10 kilometers northeast of Cochrane. Summer. Class V
- Serrano River: XII Region. Class I.
Equipment & Recommendations
In order to go rafting you only need adequate clothing for the season. Due to the low water temperature of some rivers, neoprene suits are used to insulate you from cold and humidity. Besides, rocks are always present, and falling from the raft is not rare, so wearing a helmet and a life jacket is essential.
The rest of the equipment is supplied by the agency with which you book your tour. This is the standard equipmet for going rafting:
- Raft
- Paddles
- Life jacket
- Helmet
- Neoprene suit
- Bathing suit or clothes for getting wet
Recommendations
- Choose a reputable and experienced agency.
- Demand qualified guides and complete safety equipment.
- Being a good swimmer is a great advantage.
GoTips
Websites
Chile Rafting
Chile Expeditions
Eight great rivers to practice rafiting
Books
Basic Essentials Rafting, 2nd Edition. Author: Jib Ellison. 2000
Whitewater Rafting. Author: Cecil Kuhne. 1995
World Whitewater: A Global Guide for River Runners. Author: Jim Cassidy. 1999
Destinations
These are de destinations where you can Rafting
Baker River
Known to be the largest river in Chile, the river receives experts from rafting and kayaking from all corners of the world, this in…
Cajón del Maipo
The cajón del Maipo is one of the natural attractions of the Metropolitan Region located at the foot of the Andes mountain range. Come…
Carretera Austral Sur
The Carretera Austral South begins in Coyhaique and ends Villa O'Higgins. This is a journey that presents different landscapes, such…
Lake Llanquihue
Llanquihue Lake located in the Lakes Region is the second most grande of Chile and is characterized by its intense blue color, that…
Puerto Bertrand
This place is bathed by the waters of Lake General Carrera, this place comes from the Baker River, the largest river in Chile. This…
Tamango National Reserve
Tamango national reserve is within walking distance of Cochrane, is one of the must-sees of the circuit of the Patagonoa and is located…
Torres del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most spectacular national parks in the country. A world biosphere reserve, it has a huge…
Trancura River
The Río Trancura is one of the most important rivers of the Chilean Andean sector and is the main affluent of Lake Villarrica. Many…
Vicente Perez Rosales National Park
The Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park is the oldest park in Chile and is part of the reserve of the biosphere forests temperate rainforests…
Villarrica
Villarrica is the operational Center for tourists travelling between Pucón and Licán Ray. It has a strong presence of the mapuche culture…
Villarrica National Park
The Villarrica National Park is characterized by the presence of the Lanin and Villarrica volcanoes, and the development of activities…