Packrafting Patagonia Verde
5-Day Training & Expedition Module
A 5-day progression starting with focused river training in Río Puelo and culminates in a two-night expedition through the Ventisquero Valley.
From training to expedition
This 5-day program is designed for paddlers who want to move beyond basic river skills and begin developing the competence required for multi-day packrafting travel.
The first part of the program focuses on technical river training in the Puelo watershed. Here we refine boat control, river reading, positioning, and group safety systems while navigating Class II water.
During the second half, these skills are applied during a two-night expedition into the Ventisquero Valley — a remote and beautiful river corridor where participants experience what it means to travel by packraft through wild terrain.
This progression from training to expedition allows participants to connect technique with real river travel: managing gear, making decisions as a group, and adapting to the dynamics of moving water.
It is not a certification course and not a classic guided trip. It is a structured learning experience designed to develop river awareness, judgment, and confidence in multi-day packrafting environments.
Who this program is for:
Packrafters with basic river experience looking to continue developing their skills
Paddlers comfortable navigating Class II rivers
Outdoor travelers interested in multi-day packrafting journeys
People who want to deepen their river reading, positioning, and safety systems
Participants who value learning, safety, and progression over adrenaline
A kayak or rafting background can be helpful, but is not required.
Program format & philosophy
- Duration: 5 days
- Group size: Maximum 4 participants
- Instructor: One professional instructor
- Style: Progressive training and expedition-based learning
We focus on:
- Learning by doing
- Reading the river and understanding flow
- Risk management and decision-making
- Adjusting the program daily based on conditions and group progress
Safety and judgment are part of the learning — not an afterthought.
Technical progression
The progression is gradual and realistic.
Start
• Review of core river skills
• Class II river sections
Development
• Ferry angles and river positioning
• Eddy turns and line choice
Application
• Class II / II+ river features
• Decision-making in moving water
⚠ Class III is not promised.
If it happens, it is a natural outcome of river conditions and group level — not a selling point.
Base location
Puelo Valley – Chilean Patagonia
A unique region combining:
- Large-volume rivers
- Remote landscapes
- Low traffic and clean water
- Direct access to multiple river sections
5-day packrafting itinerary – Puelo & Ventisquero
Day 1 — Río Puelo | Technical river training
Boat control and maneuvering in moving water
Ferry angles, eddy turns, and river positioning
Reading river features and choosing lines
Building a solid technical foundation in Class II water
The goal of the first day is to establish a common technical base for the group.
Day 2 — Puelo Valley rivers | Skill development
Depending on river levels and group progression, training may take place on Río Puelo or Puelo Chico.
Refining boat control and positioning
Line selection and efficient movement in current
Group communication and safety systems
Developing confidence in Class II / II+ water
Termas del Sol hot springs included after paddling
A moment to recover, relax, and reset before the expedition phase of the program.
Day 3 — Ventisquero expedition | Approach and hike in
Morning departure from the town of Puelo
Overland travel toward Primer Corral, including a ferry crossing across Lago Tagua Tagua
Arrival at Pasarela del Correntoso and expedition briefing
17 km hike into the Ventisquero Valley carrying packrafts and expedition equipment
Arrival and camp setup at Camping Bernardita
This day marks the transition from training to expedition travel.
Day 4 — Ventisquero expedition | River travel and base camp
Morning hike of approximately 10 km further into the valley
Preparation of boats and expedition gear
First river descent through the Ventisquero corridor
Return to Camping Bernardita, maintaining a base camp for the expedition
This day focuses on applying river skills while traveling through remote terrain.
Day 5 — Ventisquero expedition | River descent and return
Breaking camp and preparing for the final river section
River descent beginning with a Class II+ section, followed by Class II water
Continued navigation through the Ventisquero Valley to the take-out
Return journey toward Puelo, including a ferry crossing across Lago Tagua Tagua
The final day completes the transition from technical training to expedition-style river travel.
What’s included:
• Professional instruction and guided packrafting
• Expedition logistics and local transportation during the program
• Lago Tagua Tagua ferry crossings
• Daily box lunches during program days
• Expedition planning and risk management
• Small group experience (max 4 participants)
• Ventisquero expedition logistics and base camp camping
• Camping at Bernardita during the expedition
• Termas del Sol hot springs experience
What’s not included:
• Packrafting equipment
(Equipment rental available on request)
• Accommodation in Puelo before or after the program
(Clear recommendations provided)
• Breakfasts and dinners
• Personal insurance
• Transportation to/from Puelo
Dates & price
Dates:
October 2026 – Dates to be confirmed
Price:
USD 1,680 per person
This price reflects:
• Small group size (maximum 4 participants)
• Personalized instruction and coaching
• Professional risk management and safety systems
• Expedition logistics and local transportation
• Access to remote river environments
Reservations & cancellation policy
- Deposit: 40% to secure your spot
- Balance: Due 7 days before the program
- Minimum: 2 participants to run the program
Cancellation policy
- 30+ days: 100% refund (minus bank fees)
- 15–30 days: 50% refund
- Less than 15 days: non-refundable
- (Spot may be transferred to another participant)
Additional Information
Is this packrafting program suitable for beginners?
Yes. This program is specifically designed for beginners and people with little or no packrafting experience.
We focus on building solid foundations through progressive learning, guided river time, and clear decision-making — not rushed lessons or tourist-style trips.
Where in Patagonia is the program based?
The program is based in the Puelo Valley, in northern Chilean Patagonia.
This area offers a unique combination of clear rivers, varied flow conditions, and a natural learning progression, making it an ideal place to learn packrafting in real river environments.
Is this a certification course?
No. This is not a certification course.
The Patagonia Packrafting Immersion follows international teaching and safety standards, without the pressure or structure of formal certification programs.
What rivers will we paddle during the program?
The specific rivers and sections depend on weather conditions, water levels, and group progression.
We select rivers within the Puelo watershed that best support safe learning, skill development, and real-world river experience.
The Puelo Valley is located in northern Chilean Patagonia, approximately 3 to 4 hours by road from Puerto Montt, the closest city with a commercial airport.
International travelers typically arrive in Chile via Santiago (SCL). From Santiago, a domestic flight of about 1 hour and 45 minutes connects to Puerto Montt (PMC).
From Puerto Montt, the Puelo Valley can be reached by rental car or private transfer. The journey combines paved and gravel roads and is part of the Patagonia travel experience.
Detailed arrival information and meeting points are shared with participants once the program is confirmed.
The program is led by Waldo Aguayo Riquelme, founder and lead guide of Scoutingrios, based in the Puelo Valley, Chilean Patagonia.
With a professional background focused on packrafting, river safety, and expedition-style learning, Waldo is an ACA Packraft Level 4 Instructor, with international training through organizations such as IRF and Rescue 3, and extensive experience teaching and guiding in Patagonia and abroad.
This program reflects a teaching approach grounded in international safety standards, local river knowledge, and progressive learning.
How to apply
- Confirm availability
- Ask questions
- Discuss equipment needs
- Make sure this program is the right fit for you
We believe the best experiences start with a good conversation.