Packrafting in Chile & Patagonia
Certified packraft courses, safety clinics, and guided river experiences in the Chilean Patagonia.
Based in Río Puelo – Cochamó.
WHY SCOUTINGRIOS
ScoutingRios is a packrafting project rooted in safety, skill development, and conscious progression in wild river environments.
Our approach is based on working with small groups in Patagonia river conditions, where decision-making, river reading, and adaptability are essential.
We believe packrafting is not only about moving through rivers, but about understanding them, respecting natural forces, and developing skills through direct experience.
Packrafting Programs in the Puelo Valley
SERVICES
Packraft Courses & Safety Clinics
Internationally certified packraft courses and safety clinics focused on technique, river reading, rescue skills, and decision-making.
From first-time packrafters to advanced whitewater progression, always based on real river conditions.
Guided Trips
Half-day, full-day, and multi-day guided packraft trips in Patagonia.
Designed for paddlers who want to explore safely while learning in real conditions.
Patagonia Packrafting Programs
Multi-day packrafting programs in Chilean Patagonia, ranging from progressive, valley-based journeys with daily sections to remote wilderness expeditions, depending on the program and experience level.
CULTURE OF PACKRAFTING – SCOUTINGRIOS BLOG
Learn, reflect, and progress.
Articles focused on packrafting culture, safety, progression, and river knowledge.
Before you paddle – FAQs
Which option is best for me: a course, a guided trip, or a program?
If you want to learn technique, safety, and river reading, a course is the best option. If you already have experience and want to explore rivers with support, guided trips are ideal. Programs combine learning and exploration over several days, offering a more immersive experience.
Can I join solo, or do I need to come with a group?
Yes, you can join solo without any problem. Many participants arrive individually, and groups are formed on site, creating a close and collaborative environment.
For fully personalized one-on-one days, a rate adjustment may apply and will always be clearly communicated before confirming the booking.
How physically demanding are the activities?
You don’t need to be an athlete. The level of physical demand varies depending on the activity and is always adapted to the group’s experience level and the environmental conditions.
What happens if weather or river levels are not suitable?
Safety comes first. If conditions are not appropriate, plans are adjusted, a different river section is chosen, or technical content is worked on instead. Activities are never forced.
What makes Scoutingrios different from other packrafting options?
The focus is on education, safety, decision-making, and small group work, using Patagonian rivers as a real classroom for learning and exploration.
From Puerto Montt, there are two main routes, both using Route V-69 in the final section:
Option 1: Puerto Montt – Puerto Varas – Ensenada – Cochamó – Río Puelo
Route: V-69
Approximate distance: 190–200 km
Estimated travel time: 3.5 to 4.5 hours
A fully overland and very scenic route, following Lake Llanquihue and continuing toward Cochamó and the Río Puelo Valley.
Option 2: Puerto Montt – Caleta La Arena – Caleta Puelche – Río Puelo
Route: V-69
Approximate distance: 140–150 km
Estimated travel time: 3 to 4 hours
Includes a ferry crossing at La Arena – Puelche (about 30 minutes).
The ferry operates all day on a first-come, first-served basis. During high season, arriving early is recommended.
Closest airport
Puerto Montt Airport (El Tepual).
From there, you can rent a vehicle or coordinate transportation.
Waldo Aguayo Riquelme
Founder and lead guide of Scoutingrios, with a professional background focused on packrafting, river safety, and river exploration in Chilean Patagonia.
He is a Packraft Level 4 Instructor certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA), currently the only instructor with this certification in South America.
His training includes international standards such as IRF and Rescue 3, with experience teaching courses and guiding in Chile and abroad.
His approach combines technical skills, safety, decision-making, and respect for the environment, using rivers as a real classroom to develop conscious, autonomous, and well-prepared paddlers.
Ready to paddle with awareness and confidence?
Contact us for more information about courses, guided trips, or expeditions.
📍 Río Puelo, Cochamó – Chilean Patagonia
📧 contacto@scoutingrios.cl or scoutingrios@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp available +56957008520
What people say about paddling with us
“Waldo gives precise and clear instructions. He never overwhelmed me with too many tips at once. He shares the most essential and helpful strategies to know for a given river…”
Moon Fry
★★★★★ — Google Review · January 2026
Based ind Río Puelo · Chilean Patagonia
Scoutingrios is a packrafting project focused on safety, skill development, and real river experience in the regions of Los Lagos, Aysén, and Magallanes.
Our base is located in Río Puelo, in the commune of Cochamó, from where we develop courses, guided trips, and expeditions across different areas of Chilean Patagonia.
SCOUTINGRIOS
Packraft en Chile y Patagonia
Cursos certificados de packraft, clínicas de seguridad y experiencias guiadas en ríos de la Patagonia chilena.
Base en Río Puelo – Cochamó.