Rafting the Petrohué River, Puerto Varas

5.0 (4 reviews)
During your 1.5-mile raft excursion, jump from a cliff into the water, listen to stories, and take in the mountainous landscapes.

Overview

Embark on a thrilling rafting journey down the majestic RÍo Petrohué ("Petrohué River") in southern Chile. After hotel pick-up in Puerto Varas, you may enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside before suiting up in the provided rafting gear and listening to a safety briefing. Next, it's common to board your raft, practice safety drills, and enjoy an optional cliff jump into the crystal clear waters. After 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of rafting, you may reach the base station where you can enjoy a provided snack before your guide drives you back to your hotel in Puerto Varas.

Highlights

  • Embark on a 1.5 mile (2.4 km) rafting adventure down the RÍo Petrohué
  • Listen to instructions and practice safety drills with experienced guides 
  • Take in the beautiful mountainous landscape from the river
  • Jump into the crystal clear waters from a 16.5-foot (5 m) rock
  • Enjoy the scenic drive to and from your hotel in Puerto Varas

Know before you go

Duration
5 hours
Recommended for
12 years old & up
Group
Small group

What you'll do

Kickstart your rafting experience down the RÍo Petrohué with the convenience of hotel pick-up from your accommodation in Puerto Varas before enjoying a short scenic drive through the southern countryside. Once you reach the base station on the banks of the RÍo Petrohué, it's common to fill out necessary forms and gear up for the journey ahead. Then, your guide may provide a comprehensive safety talk to ensure you're well-prepared for the thrilling ride down the river.

You'll likely enter the river at a calm starting point, giving you time to become comfortable in the raft. In a tranquil part of the river, your guide may have you practice essential skills like rescuing a partner from the water. If you're craving an extra thrill, you may also have the opportunity to jump off a safe cliff nearly 16.5 feet (5 m) high, plunging into the crystal-clear waters of the river. Next, you'll likely continue the journey down the river and encounter various dynamic Class III and IV rapids, each presenting an exciting challenge.

As you put your newly acquired rafting skills to the test, your guide will help you navigate through the rushing waters, offering instruction along the way. When you experience calmer river sections, look around you at the beautiful mountain landscapes as your guides entertain you with local stories. After around an hour and a half of rafting, it's common to reach the base station, where you can enjoy a light snack, reflect on the experience, and check out photos and videos. From here, you can enjoy provided transportation back to your hotel in Puerto Varas.

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Traveler reviews

4 total ratings, 3 with reviews
5.0
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
5.0
Guides, Drivers and Staff
5.0
Transport
5.0
Joanna
Joanna W.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 22, 2024
Super fun white water experience - lots of big rapids and fun guides. Read more

Super fun white water experience - lots of big rapids and fun guides.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mike
Mike S.
Waterford, MI | Reviewed on Apr 02, 2024

This was so much fun! Our guides were amazing and had our group smiling the whole time. This rafting trip is not too far from Puerto Varas. I would definitely go on another tour with Ko'Kayak!

ashley
ashley c.
Roswell, GA | Reviewed on Dec 11, 2022
What a great outfitter in the most amazing setting imaginable. The guides were all so fun and extremely professional. Highly recommend and the beers afterwards were well deserved! Read more

What a great outfitter in the most amazing setting imaginable. The guides were all so fun and extremely professional. Highly recommend and the beers afterwards were well deserved!

Tips for future travelers

They provided complete dry suits and booties so all you need is a swimsuit, a towel and a spirit of adventure.

Quality of Experience
Perfect mix of professional and fun
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We loved all the team but our guide Chris was especially engaging
Transport
They picked us up at our hotel on time and dropped us back after. Made the whole day super easy.

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