Tours and Activities:

White Water Rafting on the Trancura River

When the river volume is plentiful, it is the best moment for both beginners and experts to have fun at each of its sections: the lower and the upper Trancura.

White Water Rafting on the Trancura River prevails among the adventure sports practiced in the surroundings of Pucón. Crystal-clear vertiginous waters add up to the captivating natural environment.

In order to enjoy this activity with the confidence experienced operators offer, we resorted to a travel agency to hire this tour. We were taken to the river by van. The adventure started at a shelter located by the river, where we put on our wetsuits, life jacket and helmet. It was at that very spot that we were given the necessary instructions, which included how to sit on the raft, how to paddle and how to react to the commands of the guide. Once on the lower Trancura River bank, we felt the typical enthusiasm of someone who has this experience for the first time.

The first section was calm. We were told that the river is the main tributary to Lake Villarrica and that it zigzags amidst ravines and valleys. As the moment to face the rapids arrived, we devoted ourselves to listening to the orders of the guides as well as to enjoy. Thus, we went past the rapids known as bridge, the little train, the fisherman, the joint, the lioness, the wall and the footbridge. As we moved on, the river became rougher and it was almost at the end of the ride where the best part appeared. It was the most amusing section. We screamed and laughed without forgetting to paddle properly.

We chose to take this ride with the family in the calmer section of the river. For us, the higher Trancura, where the current is more demanding and maneuvers require more strength and assurance, remained a pending matter. This option features slopes and irregular rocks, as well as some difficult pools that demand more skillful techniques. The ride is escorted by some kayaks for safety matters. Both white water rafting options have become popular and they range between Class II and IV.

The Villarrica Volcano, the surrounding hills upholstered with the native green forest and the fresh air ornamented each bend of the river. Its rough waters produce white shiny foam, which we associated with the strong emotions created by those moments in which the river seems to beat the water craft.

We finally made it to the shelter, where we changed into dry clothes and got ready to taste some cold and hot beverages. We reviewed our fantastic adventure and resolved to try it again in the near future.

Contact

Sol y Nieve

Lincoyan 361-B, (4920000) , Pucón, IX Región de la Araucanía
Tel: +56 45-2444761
Cel: +56 988286571

Turismo Politur

O'Higgins 635, (4920000) , Pucón, IX Región de la Araucanía
Cel: +56 968460264

See also: Hotels in Villarrica and other accommodation venues