Patagonia Packrafting

Immersion

Learn to Packraft

A 4-day guided and instructional packrafting program for beginners, based in the Puelo Valley, Chilean Patagonia.

Learn to packraft in Patagonian rivers, Chile.

The Patagonia Packrafting Immersion is a 4-day guided and instructional program designed for international travelers who want to learn packrafting properly, with time, context, and southern rivers — not rushed lessons or tourist-style trips.

This is not a certification course and not a classic tour.

It is a carefully designed learning experience, combining professional instruction, daily progression, and guided river time in the heart of Chilean Patagonia.

You will finish the program with:

Solid technical foundations
Better river awareness and decision-making
Confidence paddling a river — not just flatwater

Who this program is for:

Travelers visiting Patagonia who want more than a classic outdoor tour

Outdoor-oriented people curious about packrafting as a river-based skill, not just an activity

Beginners or paddlers with very basic experience looking for a solid and safe learning foundation

People who want to learn packrafting in Patagonia following international teaching and safety standards

Participants who value learning, safety, and progression over adrenaline

No previous packrafting experience is required.

Kayak or rafting background is helpful, but not necessary.

Program format & philosophy

Duration: 4 fixed days
Group size: Maximum 4 participants
Instructor: One professional instructor (very personalized)
Style: Progressive, conscious, hands-on

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

Flatwater
Class I – I+

Development

Class II
Eddy turns, ferry angles, river positioning

Progression

Class II+
Optional Class II+/III features only if rivers conditions and group allow

⚠️ Class III is not promised.

If it happens, it is a natural outcome of the group’s level and river conditions — 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

4-day packrafting itinerary – Puelo Valley

Day 1 — Río Puelo | Las Gualas Section

Flatwater and Class I sections
Friendly Class II “school rapid”
Fundamentals, boat control, confidence building

Day 2 — Río Puelo | Lago Tagua Tagua downstream

Large-volume river
A couple of Class II
Macro river reading and decision-making
Portage around El Salto (Class II+/III depending on level)

♨️ Termas del Sol hot springs included after paddling

A key part of the experience: physical recovery, mental reset, and Patagonia atmosphere.

Day 3 — Río Manso

Mostly flatwater
A couple of Class II rapids
Technique refinement, flow, and corrections

Day 4 — Puelo Chico

Class II / II+
Optional Class II+/III features (conditional)
Integration of all skills learned during the program

This final day is about putting everything together, not pushing limits.

What’s included:

Professional instruction and guided packrafting

Daily logistics and local transportation

Lago Tagua Tagua ferry (when applicable)

Daily box lunch

Risk management and trip planning

Small group experience (max 4 participants)

Termas del Sol hot springs experience

What’s not included:

Packrafting equipment

(Equipment rental available on request)

Accommodation

(Clear recommendations provided)

Breakfasts and dinners

Personal insurance

Transportation to/from Puelo

Dates & price

Dates:

📅 October 2026 – Dates to be confirmed

Price:

👉 USD 1,350 per person

This price reflects:

Small group size
Personalized instruction
Professional risk management
Local knowledge and logistics

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.