Here, in the south of Chile, we find one of the best areas in the world for those who seek out the adventure that only a river trip will offer. The pristine rivers of the Araucania Region, The Lakes Region and of Patagonia offer every type of trip imaginable. Your opportunities abound from half day trips to mutiday trips from class II to V and every thing in between. We will be exploring remote corners of the unspoiled Andes where very few people have visited before.

Pucon, entrance to the mountains, is located in the ninth region of Chile, 800 km. South of Santiago. Commonly known as the adventure capital of the Southern Andes. Pucon offers an incredible amount of recreational activities for the adrenaline junky and the family alike.

Who we are...

We are a group of professionals who have worked and lived in close contact with nature for many years. We enjoy traveling and discovering beautiful corners of this earth. Chile is one of the places we have a strong connection to. Many of its ecosystems are fragile and are constantly being threatened by rapid development. We strive to have a positive impact on the places we visit and to teach about the importance and necessity of protecting forests, mountains, and rivers, as well as acknowledging and respecting the indigenous cultures that inhabit the land. Our challenge is to develop Ecotourism as a sustainable business and to use it to educate and inform people of our responsibility as caretakers of this planet.

Rick Bravo, North American, has more than ten years of experience as a river guide, four in South America . He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in Organizational Communications. Rick manages all of our activities and is our main contact in North America.

What we offer...

Our programs are designed to immerse you in a foreign culture, stretch and challenge your physical abilities and your imagination. With the help of local guides we offer trips from "mild to wild". We provide an opportunity for you to experience another rhythm of life and see a variety of Chile's natural areas. To ensure close contact with the environments we visit, and to guarantee safety we work in small groups, where our guides can give your their personal attention and service.

Part of the money you pay for our programs is used to give local children with limited educational and economic resources an opportunity to learn about our philosophy and directly participate in our activities. These children are the future of the preservation of the earth's precious natural resources.

All of our river trips include the option of rental kayak equipment or inflatable two person kayaks (duckys).

The Futaluefu- 8 days , Class III to V+
Located in the Southern Andes on the Chile/Argentina border, EL RIO FUTALEUFU is a master piece of mother nature. El Rio Futaluefu is one of the worlds greatest white-water rivers. High volume coupled with a heavy gradient create incredibly challenging rapids. We operate from our own base camp located on the Blue River. We run one section per day, leading up to the most challenging day in " Infierno Canyon". We include one day of horseback riding, as well as another free day for relaxation. Travel time accounts for one day each way. Rios Bravo always supports the local population by purchasing vegetables, meats and baked goods from local farmers for all trip meals.

The Palena- 8 days, class I and II
In the heart of Patagonia El Rio Palena gently makes its way to the Pacific Ocean. We pass through some of the most wilderness areas in the region with hanging glaciers, waterfalls and untouched forests. We spend 5 days on the water with all equipment, each afternoon we will stop, set up camp and enjoy solitary relaxation. The trout and salmon fishing on the trip is incredible, both fly and spinner. This is an incredible way to get out into the true wilderness with all the amenities.

The San Pedro- 3 day, Class III to IV ( combining a day of horseback riding)
Nestled in the Lakes region of South Central Chile, an hour and a half south of Pucon, lies EL Rio San Pedro. Our journey starts with tranquil water on the majestic El Lago Riniue. Half an hour later the river emerges from the lake, as the current quickens, we race toward our first rapid. A few hours later we stop for lunch, and a bit of swimming and snorkeling in amazingly clear water. On sunny days underwater visibility can reach up to 60 feet! Further down stream, that afternoon we set up camp, have a barbeque, and settle in for the night.

The second day begins with a relaxing breakfast as your guides break down camp and prepare for the action-packed day ahead. With rapids like Piernas Blancas One and Two there is some good action to be had. After a long day it is nice to relax around the bon fire and talk about the days events. On the third day, horses meet you at camp and you're off for a full day of riding. Exciting white-water mixed with the warm rays of the sun in January, make EL RIO SAN PEDRO the perfect trip for beginners and advanced boaters.

The Fuy- full day trip, Class III to IV
Also in the Lakes region, EL RIO FUY offers some very exciting and challenging white-water. This trip is a double-run. Lunch is served after the first run; on the second run we will be familiar with this section of whitewater and will take more challenging lines. The FUY is a beautiful, wild and scenic river, and a must see for the adrenaline seeker.

The Bio Bio- 4 day trip, Class III to V+

The world -famous BIO BIO combines beautiful scenery with an amazing variety of white water. We leave Pucon and arrive at the put-in midday, where we first enjoy lunch and prepare for our journey downstream. As we head towards the canyon, we warm up with a half day of class 2 and 3 white water, followed by a night of relaxation and a Chilean asado at camp. Our second day consists of a full day rafting on class 2 and 3 water, as we further prepare for the class 5 canyon. On our third day we enter the incredible Nerecko Canyon and its famous class 5 rapids, including Lost Yak, Lava South, and Jugbuster. We celebrate our success in the canyon with another asado, and a night of storytelling around the campfire. On the following morning, we will leave the BIO BIO and arrive in Pucon around midday.

The Liucura- full day trip, Class II to III

This river is the ideal trip for any family with children 4 years and up. It begins in tranquil water with incredible bird watching and then onto tame class II whitewater. After lunch and some sun on the beach, we enter the Rio Trancura at La Junta rapid. For the last leg of the trip we navigate class III water. On the LIUCURA with the spectacular scenery, and Volcano Villarrica looming in the backdrop, this trip is a beautiful experience.

Duckies - For those who want more excitement than your normal raft trip, these inflatable boats are ideal. The guide leads you down the river in his kayak and you control the destiny of your own boat. While learning the basics we master class II , we then enter rapids class III. Also, duckies may be added to any of our river trips for those who want more excitement than the raft has to offer. For all Sketchers: Class III in the raft is class IV in the ducky.

Kayak School- One to three days. Learn the basics on the lake, then take a ride to the Hot springs to learn the roll. Day two you experience the currents on the river, ferry angles, catching eddies, and safety techniques. Day three you start with the rapids, scouting, choosing your line , and more practice.

CANYONING
What is Canyoning? Outfitted in special equipment, we follow the water as it cuts through spectacular gorges. This requires jumping and swimming in deep pools, as well as the excitement of rappelling over powerful waterfalls. Impressive rock formations and crystal clear water surround us as we descend through time. With its wide valleys and deep gorges, the area around Pucon provides the ideal environment for the sport of Canyoning. (Our premier trip, Salto De Puesco, is available from Dec. through April)

RAPPELLING at Salto Claro
Situated 15 minutes from the center of Pucón, lying amidst a spectacular scenery of natural beauty, El Salto Claro is, with 84 meters, one of the highest and most impressive waterfalls in the region.

You won't forget this adventure!!

Duration: approximately 3 hours.