About kayaking in Aysen

  • A sea kayak is one of the best ways to explore Aysen; fill the hull with supplies and travel completely self-sufficiently
  • For those looking for kayaking expeditions in waters that really show off some of the highlights of the region, there are three rivers that do just that: the Palena, the Baker and the Exploradores
  • Get close up to the patterned and weather-worn surfaces of the Marble Caves, Chapels and Cathedral by kayak on Lago General Carrera
  • You don't need to be an experienced kayaker to join a kayaking trip as there's something for everyone
  • Stay at a comfortable lodge and explore the area by sea kayak on one of their excursions

Where to kayak

The Palena River

This river travels along Aysen's northern border starting at Palena lake and finishing on the edge of the Corcovado National Park. You can join half or full-day kayaking excursions. If you're visiting in February, you may even dare to get involved in the 'Ruta del Palena', an annual festival that retraces the route taken by the original settlers over two days and 80 kilometres in kayaks, canoes, rafts and rowing boats. This is a great way to meet locals; you all camp halfway and there's a big party to celebrate at the end.

Kayaking aysen

The Baker River

The Baker River is a great option for those who have little kayaking experience. Follow the river from Cochrane to Caleta Tortel along an old trade route. It's worth noting, however, that there is a long portage around a waterfall so you must be able to carry your kayak.

Putting the kayaks in on the Baker River, Aysen Patagonia

Putting the kayaks in on the Baker River

Exploradores Valley

The Exploradores Valley is an extremely rewarding yet challenging place to kayak, with head winds and the risk of adverse weather conditions the entire way. Embark on a trip that ends at the awe-inspiring San Rafael Glacier with an exploration of the southern side of the glacier's ice caves.

Kayaking Aysen

The Marble Caves, Chapels and Cathedral

A fantastic way to get up close to these weird and wonderful formations in the rocks on Lago General Carrera is to do a kayaking excursion from the lakeside just south of Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Don't miss out on this incredible spectacle of nature. 

Kayaking in Aysen

Drifting beside the spectacular marble caves, Aysen

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What our customers think of Kayaking in Aysen

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Kayaking the Baker River is something I would never go to Patagonia and miss doing. It's an incredible experience! The logistics were great, planned out and flawless. The food was beyond our dreams! We could not have had a greater time on our kayak portion of the trip.

Travelled: November 2016

Julie and Nic - Hawaii, USA

The wilderness, the most dramatic scenery you can experience and the people, warm with compassion and incredible depth of care for their communities. Read the full review

Travelled: October 2016

Nic and Julie Iannarone -

Review:

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