Explore Chile’s Iconic Rivers with Tailored Experiences for All Paddlers!

Trip Overview

Embark on a 7-day all-inclusive kayaking retreat in the heart of Chile’s whitewater paradise. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced paddler, our expert instructors will guide you through thrilling rivers tailored to your skill level. Stay riverside at the Pucon Kayak Retreat, where comfort meets adventure, and enjoy delicious meals, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable paddling experiences.

Who This Trip is For

*Minimum two persons per skill group.

✅ Beginners – Learn the basics on calm waters & gentle rapids.
✅ Intermediates – Develop skills on Class II+ to III+ rivers with coaching.
✅ Advanced Kayakers – Tackle Class III+ to IV+ rapids and push your limits.
✅ Multisport Adventures (non-kayakers) – Yes, non-kayakers have an even sweeter schedule than the kayakers. Email [email protected] for details.

*Sample Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

• Airport Pickup: Shuttle from Temuco or Pucon (Designated Transfer Hours: 11 AM to 5 PM).
• Welcome Briefing: Meet your guides, review the itinerary, and gear up.
• Outfitting & Warm-Up Paddle: Flatwater session to assess skills & shake off travel stiffness.
• Riverside Hot Tub & Cocktails: Pending arrival times we like to have the hot tub fired up ready to relax.
• Lodging: Rio Suite, Hosteria, Dormitory, or Camping options.

Day 2-6: Daily Paddling & Progression

Each day, groups split based on skill level with dedicated instructors and safety kayakers.

Beginner Group (Class I-II)

• Morning: Basic strokes, rolling, eddy turns, ferrying.
• Afternoon: Intro to small rapids on the Liucura River, Trancura Delta, Middle Trancura, San Pedro & other gentle sections.
• Special: Scenic float trips & rescue practice.

Intermediate Group (Class II+ to III+)

• Runs on Lower Trancura, Lower Liucura to Confluence, and Lower Fuy.
• Rio San Pedro day for all skill levels. Beginners in inflatables or raft.
• Special: Video analysis for skill improvement.

Advanced Group (Class IV-V)

• Rapid scouting, boofing, & technical maneuvers coaching.
• Runs on Trancura Alto, Trancura Bajo, Upper Palguin, Lower Fuy.
• Rio San Pedro day for all skill levels. Beginners in inflatables or raft.
• Special: Optional waterfall drops & creeking workshops.

Day 7: Final River Run & Celebration

• Choose your favorite river for a final run with your group.
• Afternoon: Chill at the retreat, enjoy a Chilean BBQ & slideshow.
• Evening: Farewell gathering & awards ceremony.

What’s Included?

✔ Daily guided kayaking with professional instructors
✔ Three meals, appetizers & accommodations at Pucon Kayak Retreat
✔ Shuttle service from Temuco Airport (11 AM to 5 PM pickups)
✔ Daily transportation to and from paddling locations
✔ Kayak & gear rental (optional)
✔ Professional safety & instruction tailored to skill level
✔ Riverside FIRE & ICE CHALLENGE (HOT TUB & RIVER DIP)
✔ Yoga dome or river terrace sessions 

What’s NOT Included?

✖ Flights to and from Chile
✖ Additional airport transfers outside of designated hours (we will assist you with transfers outside of scheduled times)
✖ Travel insurance (required)
✖ Alcoholic beverages & personal expenses
✖ Tips for guides & staff (optional but appreciated!)

Pricing & Booking

💰 Prices vary by lodging:

• Rio Suite: $3,390
• Hosteria: $2,790
• Dormitory: $2,690
• Camping: $2,590

📅 Available Dates: Multiple sessions from November to March.

📩 Reserve Your Spot Today! Six minute GROUP PLANNING & DISCOUNT FORM.

“I’m not good enough to go kayaking in Chile,”

Did you know Chile’s Lakes District has arguably the world’s best beginner and intermediate kayak rivers? Yes, intermediate kayakers come to Chile to get student centric kayak instruction and explore fun rivers too. And we recruit industry leading instructors to for best instruction.

With more than 15 class II to III+ river sections, the rivers in the Pucon area guarantee proper features to challenge and progress your kayaking. Team Buena Onda instructors are trained to benefit your river running with skills such as control kayak on ferries, improve combat rolls, pierce and catch eddies. By the time you leave your kayaking and confidence will improve.

It is our goal to give you foundational kayak tools so you continue to improve all year. Your Trancura riverside base is as good as kayaking gets, with development rapids both upstream and downstream and rivers in every direction. There is even a clean ten foot waterfall for the thrill seekers. It’s whitewater heaven, and you get to kayak multiple times daily.

Did we mention volcanos and hot springs?

Day 1.

Bienvenidos a Pucon Chile: Orientation

Arrival to Temuco Airport (ZCO) between 11 AM to 5 PM.
Boat outfitting and welcome. If time allows we will get you on the river ASAP to wash off the jet lag.
Welcome to Pucon Kayak Retreat appetizers, provisions, and dinner by fire.

Day 2.

Skills Assessment on Lago Villarrica and Rio Tolten Chile Kayaking 

AM – Rio Tolten & Lago Villarrica (I to III). Rolls and Strokes at Lago Villarrica
PM – Rio Tolten (II to III) Plus Artisan Ice Cream

Day 4.

Lower Maichin Canyon Plus Multi-Sport Activity 

AM – Lower Maichin (II to III) Canyon Chile Kayaking.
PM – Multi-Sport Activity

Day 5.

Turbio Lava Falls, Swimming Holes, and Liucura Play Wave to Trancura Confluence

AM – Optional Turbio Lava Falls and Swimming Holes Hike
PM – Liucura Play Wave to Trancura Confluence. Surfing is our favorite way to gain confidence with boat control and combat rolling.
Lago Caburuga Vista and Appetizers. For the afternoon we’ll drive the group to overlook Lago Caburgua with vistas of two volcanos.

Day 7.

Farewell Celebration Chilean Asado & Video
Optional – Palguin Ten Foot Waterfall with Pool Safety Set

AM – Optional Palguin clean ten foot waterfall.
PM – Lower Trancura River
Evening – Farewell Chilean Asado Celebration

Day 8.

Pucon Shopping and Airport Transfers

AM – Pucon souvenirs and crafts shopping.
PM – Temuco Airport (ZCO) Departure Flights Between 11 AM to 5 PM.