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Guided Whitewater Kayak & Packraft Trips in Chile

Chilean Patagonia and the Araucanía region are home to some of the most spectacular rivers on the planet. CWC offers professionally guided whitewater kayaking and packrafting trips across both regions — for Class II paddlers exploring new water and advanced paddlers charging world-class rapids alike. We partner with local Chilean outfitters, chefs, and guides to create a seamless, authentic experience that puts you on extraordinary rivers while supporting the communities that call this place home.

These trips are built around paddling — but Chile delivers far beyond the river. Expect hiking into the Patagonian Andes, soaking in natural thermal hot springs, riding into alpine wilderness, and evenings around the campfire with authentic Chilean food, regional wines, and the kind of conversation that only happens somewhere genuinely far from ordinary life.

2026-2027 dates now booking! Scroll down for more details and availability – experience the magic of Chile.

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Details:

Whitewater Kayaking and Packrafting Trips

We offer 8-day all-inclusive paddling trips, as well as customizable a la carte trips.

Our whitewater trips are designed for kayakers and packrafters of all skill levels — from Class II paddlers exploring new rivers to advanced paddlers ready to charge their first waterfall. We work with local Chilean outfitters, chefs, and guides to create a seamless experience that supports local businesses and puts you on world-class water.

Dreaming of becoming a kayaker? Check out the Adventure Trips tab and learn more about our Learn to Kayak programs.

Trips run December through March — Chile’s summer season — when rivers are running at their best and days are long. Group sizes are kept small by design. Every trip is professionally guided by CWC and local instructors with real expedition experience on these rivers.

The Rivers

La Araucanía We begin in Pucón — a hub for outdoor adventure in the Chilean lake district. Rivers in this region include the Liacura, Trancura, Palguin, Maichin, and Puesco. We then travel south to Neltume, home of the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve and the Fuy and San Pedro rivers. The varied character of these rivers — from technical creek runs to big volume Class III — makes this region ideal for paddlers at multiple skill levels.

Puerto Varas/Ensenada We’ll explore the incomparable Petrohue river which has sections rated class II to IV allowing you to get comfortable in a big volume river and take your progression step-by-step.

Patagonia For advanced paddlers the Futaleufú river in Chilean Patagonia is one of the most iconic whitewater destinations on the planet. The Futa and its tributaries — the Espolon and Azul — offer everything from scenic Class II float sections to world-class Class V rapids. The landscape is staggering — glacial turquoise water, ancient forest, and the Andes on every horizon.

Trip Options

Sit back enjoy one of our all-inclusive trips or create your customized experience.

Choose from our options to build your own trip:

  • Professional guiding
  • Coaching & Instruction
  • Kayak or packraft rental
  • Paddling gear rental (PFD, helmet, sprayskirt, paddle)
  • Lodging
  • Camping
  • Meal packages
  • Activities – rafting, hiking, mountain biking, thermal pools, horseback riding, shopping
  • Design your own trip
  • No minimum number of guests required

Inclusive 8-Day Trip Packages Include:

  • Professional guiding and instruction (6 days of paddling)
  • Lodging
  • Meals (alcohol not included)
  • Activities (hiking, hot springs, cultural excursions)
  • Customized trips especially for your group
  • Minimum of 4 guests

Adventure Trips - No experience required

Adventure Trip Not a paddler yet? No problem. Our Adventure Trip is fully guided and designed for people with zero paddling experience. Think inflatable kayaks on mellow water, guided rafting through stunning canyons, hiking to giant waterfalls, soaking in thermal hot springs, and freshly prepared meals around the campfire. This is the perfect way to experience Chilean Patagonia without any prior paddling background.

Learn to Kayak Interested in learning a new sport in a spectacular location? We offer an introduction to kayaking course in both La Araucanía and in the Futaleufu valley where we have great beginner options to get you started on your kayaking journey.

Off the Water Activities

Chile is extraordinary beyond the rivers. On rest days and evenings you’ll have the opportunity to hike into the Patagonian Andes, visit crystal clear alpine lakes, soak in natural thermal hot springs, and summit an active volcano if you’re feeling ambitious. Meals are prepared by local chefs using authentic Chilean ingredients — expect fresh seafood, regional wines, and the kind of campfire conversations that only happen somewhere genuinely far from ordinary life.

What's Included

Choose from our options to build your own trip:

  • Professional guiding
  • Coaching & Instruction
  • Kayak or packraft rental
  • Paddling gear rental (PFD, helmet, sprayskirt, paddle)
  • Lodging
  • Camping
  • Meal packages
  • Activities – rafting, hiking, mountain biking, thermal pools, horseback riding, shopping
  • Design your own trip

Inclusive 8-Day Trip Packages Include:

  • Professional guiding and instruction (6 days of paddling)
  • Lodging
  • Meals (alcohol not included)
  • Activities (hiking, hot springs, cultural excursions)
  • Customized trips especially for your group
  • Minimum of 4 guests

Locations:

La Araucanía - The Lakes and Volcanoes District

We spend our trip in two distinct locations — the trip begins in Pucon with rivers such as the Liacura, Trancura, Palguin, Maichin and Puesco. Next we’ll travel to Neltume  where we find the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, the Fuy and San Pedro rivers. We’ll explore the varied rivers of this region, as well as enjoy the famous hot springs, hiking and the other incredible activities this region has to offer. You’ll be swept away by this land of volcanoes, rivers and lakes!

This trip is suitable for whitewater kayakers and packrafters class II through V.

We offer an all inclusive 8-day Learn to Kayak trip for new paddlers looking to jump start their whitewater journey. This trip also includes a whitewater rafting trip, hiking, lodging and meals.

Not a kayaker? No problem! Our all-inclusive Adventure Trip is the perfect way to explore beautiful rivers and canyons on a inflatable kayak and guided raft. On this trip you’ll enjoy soaking in the scenery floating around a serene lake, relaxing in thermal pools, hiking to giant waterfalls and freshly prepared gourmet meals.

Futaleufú, Patagonia

Experience the magic of the Futaleufú valley! The big volume crystal clear, turquoise blue Futa has sections rated class II-V and is a “bucket list” river for many paddlers. We also have the beautiful tributaries — the class I-II Espolon River and the class III/IV Azul River for days to explore other rivers in the valley.

These trips are suitable for whitewater kayakers class II through V. Just need a kayak, a guide and a place to camp? Check out our custom options and design your own Futa experience.

We also offer a 8-day Learn to Kayak in Patagonia all inclusive trip for new paddlers looking to jump start their whitewater journey. This trip also includes a whitewater rafting trip on the famous Bridge to Bridge section, hiking and meals.

Puerto Varas to Patagonia

Whether you already LOVE big volume rivers, or you’re ready to get started on your big water journey, we have the trip for you. The trip begins in Ensenada on the pristine Rio Petrohue, which has sections rated class II-III. Next we’ll travel to the Rio Blanco which has an amazing class III+ section to step up your big water boulder garden skills. Finally, we make the trek down to the iconic Futaleufú where you’ll complete your trip on one of the most famous rivers in the world.

This 8 to 12-day trip is suitable for whitewater kayakers class III through IV.

FAQs and Trip Calendar:

Frequently Asked Questions

What skill level do I need? Whitewater kayaking and packrafting trips are open to Class II paddlers and up. The Whitewater Adventure Trip requires no prior paddling experience. We’ll match you to the right rivers for your skill level.

How far in advance should I book? 3-6 months out is ideal. Spots fill early — especially for December departures which are our most popular.

What should I bring? A full packing list is provided when you book. Essentials include a wetsuit or drysuit, sun protection, layers for cool evenings, and broken-in footwear for hiking days. All paddling gear is provided.

Can I come if I’ve never paddled before? Yes — the Adventure Trip is designed specifically for non-paddlers and people with no prior experience.

Do you offer custom or private trips? Yes — we can design a custom Chile trip for private groups. Email info@cwwcollective.com to discuss.

2026/2027 Dates

2026/2027 availability:

  • November 15 through January 31 2026 – La Araucanía
  • January 5 through February 26 2027 – Big Water Tour & Futaleufú
  • March 2027 – Big Water Tour, Futaleufú & La Araucanía

Contact us at info@cwwcollective.com to book your trip of a lifetime.

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