Our departure point is Cochrane. Ideally you should arrive here the day prior to departure when your guide will contact you at the hotel (see hotel suggestions on summary page) to  confirm the trip briefing where you can discuss the trip and any specific issues relating to luggage etc.

Collection at 07:30 from your lodge in Cochrane and drive to Balseo Baker, a cable operated raft which will take us across the Baker River. Located about 9 kilometers north of the town we will eat our breakfast on the banks of the river.

The kayaks will be set up and packed with all the equipment, tents, food, dry bags and communication equipment that we will need for our expedition. Before getting into the river there will be a safety briefing and paddling instructions until everybody feels comfortable.

Our first day's paddling route will take us from Balseo Baker to Balseo Colonia our first campsite which is located on the eastern banks of the Baker River.

Approximately 5 hours paddling. Night camping with all meals included (with wine at dinner).

Important Note: For clients choosing the longer version of this trip which includes transfers in/out from Balmaceda airport or Coyhaique and extra hotel nights before and after the trip you should fly into Balmaceda airport at 11.40 hours (flight from Santiago) on the day prior to Day 1. You will meet your transfer vehicle for the drive to Terra Luna Lodge beside the crystalline waters of General Carrera Lake located 290 km south of Balmaceda. This is a 5 hour drive, on the way we will visit 'Villa Cero Castillo' and weather permitting we will take a boat ride to the Marble Chapel, a unique geological formation. Once at the lodge you will meet your kayak guide and enjoy the trip briefing and any technical equipment required for the days to come. Night Terra Luna Lodge with use of the hot tub and sauna. Because of the remoteness of this area, we strongly recommend you join the inclusive version of this trip which is priced from US$1,750 per person.

After our early breakfast and packing up camp we will return to our kayaks. Our destination for the night is the campsite at the El Salton waterfall. During this section of the river in addition to our paddling, we will also have the opportunity to stretch our legs with some short hikes in this beautiful and surprising landscape.

Returning to our kayaks we will enjoy stronger river currents on our adrenaline boosting descent of the Colonia and Gonzales rapids.

Continuing with calmer waters on the next section of the river, we will take our time to rest, eat and take photos with the total day's paddling taking about five to six hours.

At the end of the day, there is a portage where we carry all our equipment approximately 1,000 meters to our campsite at the end of the canyon. The portage process takes us about three to four hours.

Night camping with all meals included (with wine at dinner).

After an early wake up at 0700 we will set out on an optional hike to 'Paso san Carlos'. Our knowledgeable guides will share some information on this historic place before we return to our kayaks and continue our journey down the Baker River.

Our next campsite is located on the shores of the river in a place called Estancia Cascada where we will be greeted by a welcome site as our team awaits us with a delicious lamb asado (Chilean lamb barbeque).

Plenty of time to relax, take short walks in the area, fish in the stream or simply sit and chat with our new friends.

Hours paddling three to four.

All meals included (with wine at dinner).

After a nutritious breakfast, our destination will be Caleta Tortel. The scenery on this last stretch of the river is greener with more cliffs, higher mountains, several small clear rivers and waterfalls draining into the river. The flow of the river is also slower allowing us a smooth and relaxing journey.

After about six to seven hours paddling, we will arrive at our final destination, the pretty village of Caleta Tortel where our transport will be waiting for us together with any personal items left in Cochrane.

Estimated arrival time 15.30 hours.

Night at the beautifully located Hostal Tortel.

All meals included (wine/drinks available at extra cost).

Note: accommodation tonight is included along with dinner and breakfast the following morning when the trip ends.

Important Note: For clients choosing the longer version of this trip (7 days and 6 nights) which includes transfers in and out from Balmaceda airport and extra nights each side of the trip your itinerary will look like this:
Day 4: As above. Kayak. Night Hostal in Caleta Tortel.
Day 5: Today we will transfer back to Terra Luna Lodge via  Cochrane where you will have lunch. Night at Terra Luna Lodge in Puerto Guadual (approximately 4 hours drive) taking the scenic route through the mountains and forests.
Day 6: Transport from Terra Luna Lodge to the airport at Balmaceda or Coyhaique.

This trip is priced from US$1,750 per person