The answer depends on your skill level, confidence level, and expectations for instruction and river running. Read resource article, Which Chile kayak trip – Intermediarte or Advanced? 

Good question. From our years of guests flying experiences we composed tangible tips to help travelers research and save their airfare budget. Travel tips include online agencies booking tools, timing, connecting flights… Read more… KAYAKER FRIENDLY CHEAP CHILE AIRFARE TIPS.

Yes. Often, the best way to learn if a kayak or multi-sport trip is right for you is to speak to someone that has experienced it. Several guests offer to speak in person at your request. We recommend reviewing our TESTIMONIALS & ASK A GUEST page. Or email [email protected] to make request.

Most kayak trips have limited non-kayaking options such as a town culinary adventure, Pucon exploration, and hot springs that may or may not be out of pocket.  Here are our two MOST POPULAR NON-KAYAKING OPTIONS for non-kayaking friends or guests to ADD as second week trip with discount. 

VIP PUCON MULTI-SPORT TRIP or VIP PACKRAFT PATAGONIA RIVERS & HOT SPRINGS are idea for non-kayaking friends or a second week trip ADD-on. Available in registration.

Yes. A SPACE HOLD offers guest security to hold a space while they research personal logistics such as airfares, work time off, and personal travel needs. Simply, email [email protected] with subject SPACE HOLD REQUEST, and add your trip dates and any key info. 

Check out our helpful blog, Kayaker Friendly Cheap Chile Air Fare Tips. 

AIRPORT TRANSFERS within the published REGISTRATION ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE TIMES are included with your trip costs. Airport transfers outside of published arrival/departure times require transfer fees or we can help you arrange a Sprinter to Pucon transfer service. 

To be safe RESERVE your space during summer months. Airfares are cheaper the earlier you book. Peak season months (DEC to FEB) and popular trips can fill up as early as June. Groups should check reservations even earlier. 

Secondary and post-secondary programs execute academic programs primarily with academic focus in sustainability, Spanish language and cultural studies. 

Continuing education programs are offered to provide academic learning spaces combined with daily multi-sport adventures.

Email [email protected] or call +1-828-788-5135 to learn more about group pricings and options. 

Yes, the calendar has a few weeks available for group custom trips. Take 3 minutes to complete CUSTOM TRIP FORM and we’ll send you more info.

Yes. Our Chilean staff enthusiastically desire to teach Spanish both prior to and during your trip. Spanish lessons prior to your trip helps support local economy while improving your speaking skills. Email [email protected] to learn more.

PKR recruits and retains industry leaders as our core value proposition, and that shows in the guest-centric instruction/trips, meals, and hospitality services. Your gratuitie is the team’s best feedback available. Like a restaurant meal guests typically tip between 9% to 15% of total trip cost. We recommend splitting your tip approximately 50% to 60% to your primary guides. And the remaining 50% to 40% to general Team Buena Onda contributing staff.

Majority of trips are all-inclusive with lodging, kayak rental, 3 meals/day, airport transfers (between published arrival/departure times), daily transportation, guide/instruction, and equipment needs. Each trip page description and registration has a section titled “What’s included/not included?” for specific trip inclusions. Some trips require guests to pay out of pocket for a culinary dinner out or travel meal. Custom trips vary from DIY to all-inclusive academic or continuing education itineraries.

Guests reserving lodging accommodations are provided linens, towels, and pillows. We do not stock personal toiletries such as toothpaste or shampoo. Campers are required to bring their own camping supplies. 

Within the REGISTRATION guests list dieteray needs. We can accommodate a diverse range of dietary needs such as vegan; vegetarian; gluten, lactose, peanuts, shell fish… intolerance; allergies, and other ingredient intolerances. Retreat meals include a mix of authentic Chilean cuisine and gourmet favorites. An asado – or traditional Chilean barbecue with veggie options – is featured weekly during the peak summer season.

Lodging units have lockable (locks not included) spaces for personal items. Campers may request lockers. Retreat has safe equipment lockers for kayaks and gear. Reception offers a safe for valuables such as cash and passports.

Only campers need to bring camping supplies. Campers may also opt to rent camping supplies. 

Travelers love to geek out with videos, editing, and emails so we built plenty of outlets. This Amazon $USD14 Type C plug can be purchased locally for approximately $USD1. While, we attempt to keep a handful in stock we sometimes run out. 

Internet is currently available to quincho, movie dome, and hosteria zones. We are researching addint network to all units for NOV 2023.

Yes. The commercial washer and dryer is available before 9:00 AM and after 5:00 PM to guests. We encourage guests to use drying lines to reduce high energy demands on system.

The retreat has adapted payment schedule and policies during the Corona pandemic and travel restrictions. Read MORE PAYAMENT SCHEDULE AND POLICIES.

To Chile’s east is the spine of the Andes Mountains. Snow and rain draining from the eastern slope flows west towards the Pacific Ocean. Practically every drainage offers remarkable runs as the volume of water moved is significant over a short distance. Pucón is the epicenter of whitewater based on geography. A landmark destination since the early 1900’s, Pucon was originally a military trading route to Argentina. This means in addition to having the right combination of water and gradient for kayakers, it also has infrastructure, meaning roads you can use to access those rivers. The Rivers & Lakes District, where Pucon is located, is in a highly active tectonic region. This has lead to the formation of many volcanoes and hot springs – and provides a spectacularly beautiful backdrop to nearly any outdoor activity. These factors have combined to make Pucón a vacation destination for South America’s elite for generations. Now kayakers of all ability levels can enjoy the concentration of water in one of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet.

The Chilean healthcare system is ranked higher than the U.S. healthcare system by the World Health Organization (WHO). PKH has helped many groups deal with a variety of accidents, illnesses, and injuries over the years. Chilean hospitals are modern with quality basic equipment such as x-radiography, dental, and general medical assessment and prescription. A typical emergency room visit will cost about $30 USD and most kayakers pay out of pocket for their visit and any subsequent prescriptions that are needed. We recommend you consult with your health insurance provider to know your coverage – some U.S. healthcare providers require you to have a travel amendment to your existing policy. You may also want to consider researching a short-term international insurance provider.

Chile is a considered a safe destination with an extremely low violent crime rate. Chile is the most stable and economically prosperous of all South American countries. The culture is generally very friendly and welcoming of tourists. However, petty theft is common, especially in major cities, bus terminals, and metro areas – but a combination of common sense and awareness is typically all you need to stay safe and out of trouble. We recommend every guest carry a lockable bike cable combo to lock personal gear at all times, on any trip to any destination in the country.

Chile uses the Chilean Peso (CLP). You can find conversion rates for your currency here.

Electric voltage in Chile (and most of South America) is 220 volts, 50 cycles (220v, 50Hz). The use of appliances or electric devices designed for 110 volts need a transformer to operate. Most travel appliances, like laptops, have an auto-volt (110v – 240v) transformer built in that will adapt to Chilean electricity – all you need is an adapter for your plug so it fits into the standard wall sockets found throughout the country. Universal adaptor kits are easy to find and inexpensive. The hostel often has some for sale in reception, so don’t stress if you aren’t able to get one in advance – we will help you charge your electronics, don’t fret.

You do not need a Visa to visit Chile so long as you do not plan to stay in the country for longer than 90-days. Your ‘tourist visa’ will be automatically granted to you upon your arrival as part of the customs process. If you have a passport from a country outside the U.S. or Canada — or if you will be traveling in Chile for longer than 90-days, please email [email protected] for assistance.