C h i l e
Introduction
It is already well known, that Chile is a Mekka for paddlers...
Too far ? To expensive ? Well like always in life this is only a question of priorities ;-)
Foto: Monica River: Rio Claro / Siete Tazas
Should you not be in the lucky situation, of disposing of more then 4 weeks for your trip, then you are obliged to set priorities again because like in Brasil, there are huge distances between the rivers.
My hint: Coming from Santiago, you should start to paddle at the hight of the Rio Claro, because from there on, the rivers keep what this name is promising: nice and clear water !
From there, hit to Pucon, where you may set up your base camp. Around Pucon, you may paddle at least six rivers (or sections) between class III to IV-V . Pucon itself offers also a bit of fun, and a lot of opportunities for recreation days and non paddling accompaniment: from thermal bathes up to a trip on top of the Vulcan Villa Rica. The best time to have good water levels and lots of paddlers around, is from mid December to mid January...
Note:
The WW Scale used, corresponds with the “traditional” standard.
It is pointed out, that the classification of the
difficulties of White Water is always very subjective. In addition
rivers always are subject to natural alterations.
Therefore,
the author does not take over any
responsibility !!!
River descriptions