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Nómada Chile

Petrohue Packrafting Adventure

Petrohue Packrafting Adventure

Chile is a paradise for those seeking rivers, white water, and new experiences. From some of the world's most renowned rivers to waterways born among Patagonia's volcanoes, forests, and mountains, here the river is part of the landscape and the adventure.

Petrohué Packrafting Adventure takes you to the heart of this territory for an authentic introduction to white water packrafting. Over 4 days, you will learn to read the river, understand its movement, and gain confidence on the water through a progression designed to enjoy, learn, and advance safely.

The adventure begins in the calmer currents of the Petrohué River, surrounded by native forests, volcanoes, and the wild landscape of southern Chile. Day by day, you will incorporate new skills: navigation, current reading, paddling techniques, and rescue and self-rescue safety fundamentals, until you face Class III rapids (depending on individual progression).

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It's not just about going down a river. It's about learning to try.

The entire program is accompanied by expert instructors and designed so that each day combines learning, nature, and adventure, in one of Chile's most spectacular whitewater settings. But here, learning goes beyond paddling techniques and tools for moving safely in the river. As you learn to read its currents, recognize its rhythms, and understand how the water moves, you also begin to see it in a different way.

Because getting to know a river up close changes our relationship with it. Between the forest, the water, and the silence of Patagonia, the adventure gradually transforms into something more intimate: a connection with nature that awakens respect, admiration, and the desire to protect what we have come to know.

Lodge accommodation, breakfasts and meals included as per the program, equipment, and guiding: everything is prepared so you only have to focus on the river, the forest, and the experience.

At the end of the trip, you will not only have experienced the Petrohué from a different perspective. You will have taken your first steps to become a paddler.

  • Day 1 — Welcome and first sunset in front of the volcano

    We'll pick you up at the airport and head to the lodge, in the heart of Northern Patagonia. Before even touching the water, the landscape will leave its mark on you: we'll end the first day with a platter of snacks, some drinks, and a sunset view of the volcano. A relaxed evening to arrive, settle in, and let the place begin to work its magic.

  • Day 2 — Theoretical class and first contact with the river

    The morning begins with classes: technique, equipment, and basic river reading and interpretation—everything you need before getting into the packraft. With that foundation, we head straight to the Class I-II section of the Petrohué River, from Río Frío to the Ralún Bridge—the ideal stretch for the first day on calm waters. In the afternoon, we’ll lower the intensity with a trip to the Petrohué Waterfalls and Lake Todos los Santos, two of the most photographed spots in southern Chile.

  • Day 3 — Rescue, knots, and your first Class II+

    Second day of class, this time focused on the essentials for paddling with more autonomy: basic rescue, rope use, and knots. With these tools already incorporated, we leveled up on the water: packrafting in the Class II+ section, from El Cable to Hueñu Hueñu Park. After lunch, the body appreciated the Cochamó Hot Springs, and we ended the day with dinner at the lodge.

  • Day 4 — The Class III Challenge

    Before heading out, a meeting to review the day's section in detail and adjust the plan according to each participant's skill level — because at Petrohué Packrafting Adventure, progress always goes at your pace. With everything clear, we will paddle the most suitable section. This day is the highlight of the program, where everything learned on previous days comes together. It will be a long day on the river. To finish, as such a day deserves: a Patagonian barbecue among the group.

  • Day 5 — Farewell

    Transfer back to the airport or Puerto Varas, depending on how you prefer to end your trip. If you want to extend the experience a little longer, we can arrange an extra night or day in the area — the river and North Patagonia cannot be exhausted in four days.