Class 3 Rivers in Chile

This class 2-3 tributary of the Malleco is best run after massive rainfall or in the high water winter months

This Winter/Spring run flows of the northwestern flanks of Volcan Tolhuaca 2806 meters and forms the border between Chile´s 8

This Winter/Spring run flows of the peaks of Cordon Infiernillo (1972 meters) , Blanquillo (1780 meters) and Cordon Cholguan (2148

  Meaning rainbow in local language the Huepíl is nailbiting run through an overlooked part of Chile´s 8th region… The

An isolated tributary of the Upper Bio Bio watershed flowing of the Northside of both Volcan Longquimay and Volcan Tolhuaca.

The Rio Blanco Del Sur near Curacautin has a fantastic 10 meter drop that has a very long season, can

Known as the Rio Pichapinga in it´s upper section and Rio Llaima in the lowers stretch this is a winter/springtime

This river also called the Rio Nalcalhue (and in its lower sections the Zahuil or Huanehue) is only boatable after

A class 3-4 winter creek run in Chile’s 14th Region de Los Rios..During the winter months when everything else is

When the winter rains hit Chile there are a ton of rivers to kayak that are dry in the summer

Short steep tributary creek of the Rio Espolon just outside of the town of Futalueufu. Flowing out of Lago Rosas

Crystal clear water in a very impressive canyon.. This class 4 stretch of water lies just over the Argentinian border

A low volume gem flowing of southwestern flank of volcan Calbuco (Mapuche word meaning blue water¨) Located in Chile´s 10th

Jared Seiler dropping the “Suavemente” aka “Purty Thirty” at the start of the Lower section. The Rio Llancahue located on

Flowing off the Western flank of Volcan El Mocho (2422 meters) in Chile´s 14th Region de Los Lagos is a

A fun class 3+ run in Chile´s South Central Andes. Flowing off the North Western Flank of the imposing Sierra

A Native Mapuche word perhaps meaning ¨rock magic¨ Cura-rock, Calcu-witchcraft Located in the comuna de Cunco, Region de la Araucania,

The Ñiblinto is a newly found classic flowing of the NorthWest flank of the Chillan Volcano in Chile´s Central Andes.

The Rio Cato is mellow, class 3, low elevation drainage in Chile´s south central Andes located immediately to the south

The crystal clear water flowing of the Western Flank of the Nevados de Chillan Volcano (3212 Meters above sea level)are

The Rio Ñirementum is a journey deep into Chile´s traditional Mapuche culture. The river is within the boundaries of the

One of many overlooked tributaries of the Bio Bio in Chile´s 8th Region. The Quillaleo (pronounce Ki-yah-leh-yo) is an upper

A fun creek run flowing off the Cordillera Huerere into the Northwestern corner of Lago Colico in Chile´s 9th Region

The Rio Claro is a small creek in downtown Pucon..It is more of a novelty run for locals in the

This is a gem that is well worth to drive south for. About half an hour before you get to

The Rio Mosco flows from the Mosco glaciar just outside of Villa O´higgins, and is a nice little run if

Following the road from Villa O´higgins to Lago Christie close to the Argentine border, you will have to do a

Hundreds of people visit the Futaleufu River in Chile´s XI region every year for its pristine whitewater and unforgettable scenery

The headwaters of Chile´s Rio Palena are found in the Chubut region of Argentina where the river is called the

The Rio Bonito is a new classic in Chilean creek boating. Although short, the river packs a hell of a

Big volume, warm water playboating in Southern Chile. Draining Lago Puyehuehue, the river forms the boundary between the 14th Region

A class 3 run through a seldom visited part of Southern Chile. Flowing off the snowfields of Cerro Puntiagudo, the

A small class 3 creek with its headwaters in Parque Nacional Vicente Perez Rosales in Chile´s 10th Region de Los

A new classic flowing off the northern flanks of the Puyehue Volcano (2240 meters) in Chile’s Region de Los Rios.

The Hueinahue makes a bold statement 7.5 KM before it enters Lago Mahuie. Here the river tumbles over a spectacular

Most people think of the Bio Bio River drainage and envision the three large dams choking a once magnificent river.

The Rio Las Truchas is one of the few multi-day river trips in Chile and features both outstanding whitewater and

Draining Lago Colico in Chile’s 9th region is a continuous, friendly class 2-3 whitewater river best run in winter or

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

A rumbling steep creek coming off the permanent snowfields of Nevados de Solipulli is the Rio Trafanpulli. In local Mapadungo

The famed Bío-Bío, Chile’s second longest river, originates in the heart of Mapuche-Pehuenche territory. The nacimiento, or birthplace of the

Although the upper canyons now lay dormant under man made reservoirs, the lowest section of the Bío-Bío still offers intermittent

The Renegado is a seldom run creek that plummets off of Volcan Chillan (3186 meters). It is small so usually

To reach the put-in from Curracautín go west on the paved road towards Victoria and you will cross Puente Dillo

The Captren flows off the snow-covered, north western flank of Volcan Llaima (3125 meters) and has it’s headwaters within The

The Rio Blanco is an easy access, class 3 run flowing off the snowfields on the southern flank of Volcan

Draining the South Western flank of Volcan Llaima (3125 meters) is the deceivingly innocent Rio Calbuco. After meandering thru braided

Written by Greg Moore The emerald Río Manso flows through a wild canyon in Parque Nacional Nahual Huapi (Mapuche for

The Palena is a beautiful, although blustery, multi-day trip with nary a trace of whitewater. A dense pall of fog

Boaters migrating down the Carretera Austral inevitably flock to the Piedra del Gato overlook to check out the Río Cisnes.

Volcanic ash and cinders blanket the Río Cajón basin, which lies downwind from Volcán Hudson (1369 m). After laying dormant

Flowing warm and transparent out of Lago Pirehueico deep in the heart of Chile’s Lake District, the Fuy’s astonishing clarity

The Río Blanco cuts through canyons of geology run amok in the northeastern sector of Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo. The

The Río Petrohué drains Lago Todos los Santos in Parque Nacional Vicente Perez Rosales. It is the largest park in

The lower Petrohué is a popular commercial raft trip and a good run for intermediate kayakers. Its wide-open rapids require

This tributary of the Tinguiririca features great views of the Cordilleras Rubiana and Huemulina, good class III whitewater, and a

Don’t be fooled by the low average gradient on the upper Cisnes. Its citadel rock walls reverberate with the roar

On our first descent in February 1998, Joe Larrow, John Hart, Aaron Pruzan, Robby Dastin, and I encountered an irritatingly

After tumbling through a foggy, verdant canyon upstream, the Resbalón meanders into Bahia Murta, the northwest arm of Lago Bertrand.

The upper roars through a chiquitito box canyon 2.5 km below the put-in in Reserva Nacionál Río de Los Cipreses.

The lower Cachapoal flows into the Coya industrial zone. None of the rapids are very difficult, and all are boat-scoutable

Cajón de Farellones is a good run flowing through Reserva Nacional Río Simpson. This section courses through a secluded canyon

The lower Simpson flows through a glacially scoured valley that forms the northern boundary of Parque Nacional Río Simpson, and

During our failed attempt to explore the headwaters of the Río Melado in December 1997 (a wicked high El niño

Bordering the northern edge of Parque Nacional Queulat, the Río Figueroa flows through a beautiful valley of old growth forest.

This description was written by Greg Moore The Clarillo’s clear water, fun class III pool-drop rapids, and lack of flat

Without a doubt, the hydro-developed Río Pangal is one of the most radical whitewater stretches in Chile. The river is

Estero Lechoso is an intense, class V+ committing run of great beauty. Directly below the put-in lies a majestic, runnable

Like a cement truck, the Teno’s cold, gray torrent churns through a short, sheer-walled canyon 22 km above Los Queñes.

At low water, the Mañihuales sports several good play spots amidst a few class III–IV rapids that can be partially

This beautiful creek flows between two unrunnable canyons. Easily scouted from the road, the Claro starts out class IV in

Following description was provided by former Sobek river guide Monty Becker In contrast to the tumultuous whitewater upstream, the lower

Only 1 km in length this short, difficult run (class V+•VI ) is quite different from the section upstream. After

We were dead tired after many days of nonstop scouting and boating when we crossed Puente Cañal. Draining the glittering

This short 6 km, class V trip makes for an interesting combination of tight, technical boating on the Bosque averaging

The Rio Jeinemeni flows through a very unique part of Chile. Located in Aiysen in the 11th Region of Southern

The Río Los Maitenes is only recommended for that paddler who loves the commitment of a slot canyon, is willing

The Río Avilés is my favorite of the many streams that empty into Lago General Carrera. First explored by Arnd

The best stretch of boating on the upper Maichín consists of a section of a class III-IV rapids above Puente

While paddling down the still free flowing stretch of the Upper Bío-Bío, the magnificent view of Volcán Callaqui (3050 m)

Like the beads of a lapis lazuli necklace, Lagos Riñihue, Panguipulli, Neltume and Pirehuico are linked together by the Rios

Very similar in character to the nearby Río Ralco, the Chalquilvin is the Lomín’s other major tributary. Its sustained gradient

The terminator stretch combines big water playboating potential with the heart stomping option of running the gut of its biggest

This is a 9 km run with a drop of 124 meters or average of 16 m/km (80 FPM). Best

The run is 4km long with average gradient of 165 FPM. Put in is at 1100 meters at Salto Las

The class 4, class 4+ Río Ralco flows through an enchanting, basalt canyon drenched in luscious springs, and draped with

Lying on the doorstep of the lower Bío-Bío, the Río Queuco is one of the most overlooked, easy-access rivers in

This description was actually written by kayaking legend Lars Holbek Salto del Soldado canyon sports a wild class V+ run

The lower Trancura is Pucón’s local playground and sports the most popular day raft trip in the country. This section

Another run in Pucon area this one is pretty small and is therefore called an Estero instead of a Rio.

The Florin is a seldom run, low volume creek in Lago Ranco region known for its stout falls. It is

Vertical ramparts of columnar basalt tower above the Río Colorado, the Lontué’s major tributary. Compared to the Lontué, the Colorado

This Río Claro was the former training site of the U.S. Olympic slalom kayak team. The gringos are gone, but

How many Rio Claros are there in Chile? Quien sabe. The conquistadors could have been a little more creative with

The lower Volcán is a much easier version of the upper run. Although this turbid river maintains its steep, continuous

The upper Volcán is a cold, raging, silty flush plummeting out of the high Andes.  Tight and pushy, its churning

This Río Colorado, one of 37 by the same name in central Chile, is a churning quagmire down to its

This river, although interesting, is not worth going out of your way for. If you are in the Pucon area

Flowing off of the permanent snow fields of Sollipulli is an ice cold tributary of the upper Maichin. It is

This novelty run is only for those curious folks who are in the Pucon area and have already done every

Accumulating first in a lake on the flanks of Volcan Tolhuaca, the Rio Malleco then plunges off a breathtaking 50

The Ventisqueros is a seldom run glacial torrent born on a spectacular hanging glacier in Parque Nacional Quelat about 220

The Rio San Pedro (SP) is one of Chile’s premier play kayak/rafting runs through and which descends through a spectacular,

The Longaví is a short but attractive option for class 3-4 boaters. Located in the 7th region, the Longaví has

A trip up the Cochamó valley is an incredible experience. Tumbling from the massive granite domes of Cerro Torrecillas (2164

I first ran the Río Blanco back in 1991 with John Foss. We had come across the river while driving

For years I had heard rumors of a waterfall infested river in the South of Chile named the Río Negro.

The Diguillín River (pronounced Dee-Gee-Yin) is a low volume winter/spring run in Chile’s 8th region. Having a granite streambed, crystal

The Río Clarillo is a high-quality springtime creek run in the Santiago area. The beauty of the Clarillo (like its

I have trouble recommending the Río Colorado. On one hand it is one of the closest rivers to Santiago with

This is the training ground for Santiago’s kayaking community. Most Chilean kayakers get their start on the Maipo. Only an

Tumbling off the flanks of the magnificent 3717 meter Volcan Lanin are the headwaters of Pucon’s Trancura River. While lower

Rio Rininahue is just down the road from Salto del Nilahue. It also flows into Lago Ranco. Usually, this river

Located south of Pucon in the Lake District. Rio Nilahue flows into Lago Ranco. The river only has one drop

Located in the Maule region. Rough road to the put-in where the entire river comes from a tunnel. Put-in Notice the water

The Rio Gol Gol, if you can deal with the heinous culiwachos during the summer months(similar to horse flies), is

Max Blackburn running Salto de Alerces on the Rio Manso Argentina.The Rio Manso about 300 km south of Bariloche is

Getting to the Maule can be very confusing but the rewards are worth it. The Maule features warm water and

The Espolon is a mellow float with some occasional play and spectacular water quality. For 20 years the river has

The Futaleufú river is known globally for its big volume and furious rapids. Until people visit and get to know

The bridge to bridge section on the Lower Futaleufú is one of the funnest stretches of whitewater on earth. This

The Azul is a nice class 2-3 run to do in the Futaleufu area. Access is relatively easy for put

The Upper Palguín is one of Chile’s premier waterfall runs. A partial first descent was made in February 1990 by

The Class 5 Baker is one of the world’s premier big water runs. Set in a remote arid location in

The Queupude along with adjacent river the Alpehue both flow off Northern side of Volcan Solipulli and along with Rio

The Rio Llizán tumbles of the Southern Flank of Volcan Quetrupillan (2009 meters). The run has two distinct sections each

A class 4-5 kayak trip with unsurpassed scenery located in vicinity of Futaleufú. On a sunny day the put in

The crystal clear, iridescent waters of the Maichí­n are home to one of the Pucón area’s classic rivers. Set in

The Ri­o Panqui is another Pucon springtime waterfall run. Although the river is referred to by local gringo boaters as

Rio Nuble near Chillan, Chile. Class three and four. 16km upper section. Class 3 and 4 with long stretches of

I am not sure where this river derived its name but the “bueno” portion is very fitting. I first visited

Flowing off the southern side of Volcan Llaima (3125 m) is one of the best class 3 runs in Chile.

This springtime gem is right in the Pucon area. It was first run until the winter of 1994 when locals

How to describe the the Rio Quepe is a paradox. One description is terrifying class 3 but because of the

The Yeso is an class 4+/5- creek run in the headwaters of the Maipo Valley. The source of the river

It was not until December of 2004 that this classic river was discovered. Robbie Dastin, Pucon resident and Pioneer of

Flowing off both the southern flanks of Volcan Villarica (2840 meters) and Volcan Quetrupillan (2360 meters) is the Rio Llancahue.

The Rio Nevado is one of Pucon’s classic steep creek runs. The river cascades off the Picos del Caburgua (1952

This seldom run, low volume steep creek enters Lago Villarica directly opposite Pucon. It only runs in the spring or

Twenty Two tazas – a series of twenty two 1 to 2 meters drops in a natural park setting

The Rio Desagüe (sometimes called Rio Carburgua) is another spring run in the Pucon area. In high water years it

The Rio Turbio is one of the Pucon areas spingtime gems. It is only minutes from town and provides action

The Rio Mealdo is a high volume wildnerness run located in Central Chile. For years running it from the source

This rare wilderness run is a tributary of the Maule and located in the heart of Central Chile. It is

Flowing off the Southern flanks of Volcan Quetrupillan (2009 mters above sea level) and within a two hour drive of

Learn about the River Fuy in Chile with this Article

Alumine river is the best river in Argentina!! At least some people think so .. Find out why.

The Lower Liucura River 20 minutes for the center of Pucon, Chile is the classic class three run with