Rafting the Petrohué River: Class III–IV Rapids and Volcanic Views from Puerto Varas
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5 hours total; ~1.5 hours on the river
Fitness Level
Suitable for people with moderate fitness who are comfortable swimming and following safety commands; not for those with serious heart or spinal conditions.
Overview
Plunge through class III–IV rapids framed by Osorno Volcano and glacier-fed water on a half-day rafting trip from Puerto Varas. Expect 1.5 hours on the river, complete gear, a guide-led safety briefing, and a satisfying local snack afterward.
Rafting the Petrohué River: Class III–IV Rapids and Volcanic Views from Puerto Varas
Select participants and date
The raft slides from the gravel bar and the river takes the lead. Spray flashes like glass in the low southern sun, and the boat lunges into churning emerald water that has been carved from volcanic rock. For an hour and a half you read the river’s moods—eddy, boil, tongue of foam—while the Osorno Volcano watches from across the valley, its snowcap a quiet counterweight to the river’s roar.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring a waterproof pouch
Phones and wallets should be secured in a waterproof case—guides will take photos but your device won’t survive a swim unless protected.
Wear quick-dry layers
Temperatures are cool on the water; synthetic base layers and a fleece under the provided wetsuit keep you comfortable before and after the run.
Know your pickup point
Operator picks up at main hotels in Puerto Varas and along the route to Ensenada—confirm the pickup location and time when you book.
Hydrate and eat light
Have a light breakfast and hydrate; the physical bursts of paddling are short but intense and you’ll want steady energy.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Torrent duck (often seen on fast rivers)
- Southern river otter (occasional sightings near calmer pools)
History
The river corridor sits within Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park; the area reflects both indigenous Huilliche connections and later German-settler influence in the Lake District.
Conservation
The river’s clarity and fish runs are sensitive to development—stick to marked trails, pack out waste, and use local operators that follow park regulations.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Varas
Recommended Gear
Water shoes or secure sandals
Protects feet on rocky take-out points and provides grip in the raft.
Synthetic base layer
Dries quickly and insulates better than cotton under a wetsuit.
Waterproof phone pouch
Keeps your phone or small camera dry and usable for photos.
Quick-dry towel and dry change of clothes
You’ll appreciate a warm change after the cold, glacier-fed river run.