When is the best time to kayak in Chile?

Chile has world-class paddling all year long. Chile’s summer runs from December to March and we run trips from November to March. Strong paddlers looking to paddle the northern rivers like the Claro should come in November. The Araucanian rivers in Pucón and the rivers in Los Ríos like the Fuy are best for class IV-IV+ paddlers in November and December. January and February are considered peak season and have great water levels and weather for class III or class IV paddlers. For paddlers interested in paddling in the Patagonia or embarking or a road trip south, each part of the season brings distinct advantages and the consistent water levels of the south make it a good choice at any time of year.

Why kayak in Chile?

Chile is a long narrow country sandwiched between the mountains and the see in the extreme south of the world. There are hundreds of clean, classic, and beautiful rivers flowing through different geographies ranging from desert, to tight canyons, to volcano, to expansive big water. In a short trip, paddlers can experience many different rivers and enjoy one of the world’s most vibrant countries. Whether it is smooth big water, tight canyons, introductory whitewater, or waterfalls, Chile has something for every paddler.

Is Chile a safe country?

Chile is one of the cleanest and safest countries in the Americas, especially in the South, where we operate most of our trips. Crime is rare. Petty theft does rarely occur but we know the country well and take measures to prevent this. You can generally depend on people to be kind, caring, and hospitable. In Santiago there is more crime than the South of the country and even more risk in certain areas of the cities and bus stations. If you plan on visiting Santiago, reach out to us and we can guide you on the safest places and best practices.

Outside of the Santiago Metropolitan area, Chile is sparsely populated and quite pristine. Sanitation standards are excellent and food and water is great quality. We often drink from some of the rivers.

How good of a paddler should I be?

All of our trips are tailored to the skills of the specific experience and goals of each guests. We typically paddle class III-IV rivers but Chile offers many rivers that are either easier or harder than that range. Every paddler’s measure of their own skill is subjective and combines their unique experiences and confidence on the water. There is no metric that defines whether a paddler is ready to come to Chile apart from their ambition. If it is something you are thinking about, please feel to reach out and we can discuss what there is to paddle.

Is it kayak instruction or kayak guiding?

Josefa and Axel serve as both guides and instructors. While there is no singular coaching structure, the goal is always for guests to end the trip feeling like improved paddlers. Guest’s are mentored by world-class paddlers. Prior to the trip, Josefa and Axel meet with each guest to learn exactly where they are in their paddling life and design the trip around any instructional goals, should their be any. Safety on the river is crucial to the trip; Josefa and Axel ensure that guests feel supported on the river.

What gear should I bring?

When you arrive to Chile, the kayak and paddle you selected will be waiting for you. We ask that guests bring their own helmet, PFD, spray skirt, dry wear, and base layers. We find that when paddling in remote places, our guests are glad to have their personal gear they feel comfortable in. We also recommend that you bring warm layers and a good rain jacket in addition to your summer attire.

Can I rent gear?

It is possible to rent gear aside from the kayak and paddle but this must be coordinated well in advance. Availability of kayak gear in Chile is highly variable. If you are missing critical components or think you may need to rent, let us know.

Can I bring my own kayak or paddle?

You are welcome to bring your own kayak and paddle but flying to Chile and within Chile with a kayak can be very stressful, difficult, and sometimes impossible. We provide kayaks and paddles to all our guests so they can travel without having to worry.

Is there a minimum number of guests?

We design and price our trips to run with a minimum of three guests. In the rare event that you book a trip and the total number of guests is below the threshold, you have the option to receive a refund or transfer to another trip

We do offer specialty trips with different group compositions but the pricing will differ from that of our trips offered for three to six guests.

Is there Wi-Fi or cell coverage?

Our trips use many different accommodations, some have Wi-Fi and others do not. The quality of the connection varies significantly. There is 4G cell coverage in many parts of Chile north of the Patagonia, there is little to no coverage in the Patagonia outside of towns. We use satellite communication devices in these areas. SIM cards with generous amounts of data are readily available from providers like Entel and Movistar. If you’d like, we can have one ready for you when you arrive.

Do I need any special documentation to enter Chile?

Upon entering Chile, be prepared to present a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining. Depending on the border official, the may ask for proof of sufficient funds or lodging reservations.

Many nationalities, namely those from Europe and North America, may enter Chile as a tourist for up to 90 days. A notable exception is for those traveling with an Australian passport, who will need an e-visa to travel to Chile.

View the full list of Chile’s visa-free policy here.

Some trips involve a border crossing into Argentina by land. This will be done with the guides. Be prepared to present your passport.

Do you help coordinate flights?

Yes. We help coordinate our guests international and domestic flights to make sure everyone arrives as smoothly as possible. Guests are responsible for all airfare, domestic and international, and any accompanying fees.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Absolutely. All of our trips include all meals and food for our guests. Our food is mostly done in-house with plenty of opportunities to explore the local cuisine wherever we are. We want guests to feel confident that we will meet their dietary needs and preferences. Prior to the trip we will collect this information to make it as seamless as possible.

Can non-paddling guests join?

At Chile Kayak Adventures, we put all our effort and resources toward making sure our guests have a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. For this reason, we typically don’t offer spots on our trips to non-paddlers. Our commitment is to be flexible and design the perfect trip each guest. If your involves a non-paddling guest, reach out to find the best way to proceed.

Is there an age restriction?

Our trips are not currently age restricted and we are happy to welcome paddlers of all ages.

Is alcohol provided?

We provide a modest amount of alcohol to our guests who are of age so they can enjoy what Chile has to offer. If guests desire more, we ask that they provide it.

How much does the trip cost?

Our current trips range in cost, from 4800-5500 USD per guest. We also offer custom trips based on your goals, number of people, desired duration, and other factors. We quote these trips as they are requested.

In addition to the value of our trip, you should budget for international and domestic airfare (often 1000-2000 USD) and travel insurance.

We understand that coming to Chile is a significant investment and the quality of the trip is reflective of that. We strive to make all our trips as transparent and inclusive as possible to prevent any additional expenses to our guests beyond what we already discuss.