Why go kayaking in Aysen

  • A sea kayak is one of the best ways to explore Aysen; fill the hull with camping gear to travel completely self-sufficiently
  • Follow the Baker River to the mouth of the Chilean Fjords on a multi-day kayaking adventure
  • Paddle to the Marble Caves on Lago General Carrera to explore one of Chile's most surreal natural wonders
  • Explore the Exploradores Valley by kayak, culminating with paddling through an icy lagoon to the face of San Rafael Glacier
  • Stay at a comfortable lodge and spend a day exploring Aysen's many lakes and rivers on one of their kayaking excursions

Where to kayak in Aysen

The Baker River

The Baker River is one of Aysen's greatest rivers, offering fantastic remote paddling in an area that few travellers ever visit. It's also a great option for those who have little kayaking experience.

The multi-day adventure follows the river south from the town of Cochrane on the southern Carretera Austral, camping along the way to reach the picturesque town of Caleta Tortel, which lies on an inlet off on of northern Chile's epic fjords. The river is an old indigenous trading route, and it's worth noting that there is a long portage around one waterfall, so you must be able to carry your kayak.

Kayaking in Aysen

Kayaking on the Baker River

The Marble Caves

Kayaking to the Marble Caves is a perfect soft adventure for those looking to get out on the water. Found on the edge of the centrally located Lago General Carrera, these weird and wonderful rock formations can only be accessed by water.

Trips operate from Puerto Rio Tranquillo, with small groups led by an experienced guide (no experience is needed for participants. 

In a kayak, you can reach parts of the caves that are inaccessible to visiting boats, and floating silently through them as the light from the water bounces around you is a fabulous experience.

Kayaking in Aysen

Kayaking at the Marble Caves

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Felipe says

Approaching the Marble Caves by kayak feels like making your own private discovery of one Chile's most beautiful natural sights, paddling like a pioneer across Lago General Carrera.

Felipe Cruzat Patagonia Sales Consultant

San Rafael Glacier & Exploradores Valley

The San Rafael Glacier spills down from the Northern Patagonian Ice Field, calving into a lagoon while surrounded by temperate rainforest. While it’s possible to visit by boat, a more exciting adventure is to take a multi-day kayaking trip there via the 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 San Rafael Glacier itself, kayaking among the floating ice and with an exploration of the southern side of the glacier's ice caves.

Kayaking in Aysen

Kayaking at San Rafael glacier

Other places to kayak in Aysen

Aysen has plenty of places for short half-day or full day kayaking trips, which can easily be combined with other activities. 

Given the close proximity of lakes and rivers, many lodges offer their own kayaking excursions. These particularly include the lodges around Coyhaique, where there is kayaking on the many lakes or on the Aysen river from Puerto Aysen. 

Accommodation around Puerto Guadal can arrange kayaking on Lago General Carrera, while further north there is the opportunity to paddle the Cochrane River in Patagonia National Park, or the fjords around Queulat National Park

Kayaking in Aysen

Kayaking near Puerto 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:

Kayaking in Aysen: FAQs

  • Who is kayaking in Aysen aimed at?

    Kayaking is popular with visitors of all ages to Aysen

    Although no experience is needed, you must be in reasonably good physical condition and be able to swim. The Marble Caves paddle in particular is well-suited for beginner paddlers.

    Most operators run trips of groups of up to about a dozen people; you should expect to be with people of different ages, nationalities and fitness levels. 

  • How much experience do I need to kayak in Aysen?

    Training will take place during the trip to ensure that everyone is capable of using their kayak. Guides provide a demonstration and a safety talk before you enter the water.

    Shorter trips such as the Marble Caves are suitable for beginners, but even the longer trips down the Baker River involve paddling with the current rather than against it. If you do want to arrive feeling more prepared, consider taking a lesson or spending a day on the water before you leave for your trip.

    Paddling out on the fjords, including around the San Rafael Glacier, is more strenuous, so some kayaking experience is recommended.

  • Can I combine kayaking with something else?

    Absolutely. It's easy to add on kayaking to your time exploring Aysen. This can be as simple as adding a half day of paddling at the Marble Caves, or building out a longer adventure with a multi-day kayaking expedition on the Baker River or to San Rafael Glacier. 

    Many lodges across Aysen can arrange kayaking excursions to explore their local lakes and rivers, in conjunction with other activities during your stay. 

  • Do I need to bring any specialist kit?

    For shorter kayaking excursions all your kayaking and safety equipment will be provided, including specialist clothing. Longer expeditionary trips include all your kayaking and camping equipment, although some may require you to bring your own sleeping bag.

  • Where do you stay on the multi-day kayaking trips?

    Our multi-day kayak trips include staying in wild campsites along the route, allowing you to experience the best of Aysen's wilderness. 

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