Canyoning in Pucón: Rappel down Villarrica's glacier river

Rappel down three waterfalls and trek a glacier-fed canyon

Half-day canyoning activity in Pucón on the Correntoso River, where you descend three waterfalls between 9 and 12 meters using ropes and rappelling techniques, then trek through the water of a volcanic canyon carved by Villarrica glacier melt. No swimming ability or prior canyoning experience required. A certified bilingual guide provides all safety instruction and equipment. Children from age 10 are welcome.

The experience

You arrive at the Correntoso River for a 4-hour activity that starts with a certified guide walking you through the gear and the basics of rappelling, no experience needed. The water level is low enough that swimming ability doesn't matter. The real work is learning to control your descent on the rope as you lower yourself down each of the three waterfalls, which range from 9 to 12 meters high. Between rappels, you move through the river itself on foot, wading and scrambling over rocks in what the operator calls aquatic trekking, following the canyon deeper into the volcanic landscape.

The Correntoso flows from Villarrica, Chile's most active volcano, so the water is cold and the canyon walls rise steeply around you. The guide stays with the group throughout, managing the ropes and talking you through each descent so the adrenaline stays in check. An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your accommodation and brings you back when the activity ends, so you don't need a car or navigation to get there.

You'll receive photos and videos from the day, and a cold drink is included. The activity is rated low difficulty despite the rappelling, which means the physical demand is manageable for most people. The guide handles the technical setup, and your job is to follow instructions and trust the rope.

What’s included

• Certified bilingual guide (English and Spanish).
• all canyoning equipment including ropes and harnesses.
• photos and videos from the activity.
• soda or pop.
• air-conditioned vehicle pickup and return from your Pucón accommodation.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Child (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Ermitaño Expediciones

Is this one for you?The pickup from your accommodation means you don't need a car or local knowledge to reach the river. Book this if you're staying in Pucón without transport and want a half-day activity that fits between other plans.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 17 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the water like in the Correntoso River during this activity?

The water level is low, so you wade and scramble through it rather than swim. No swimming ability is required. The water comes from Villarrica glacier melt, so it's cold.

How high are the waterfalls I'll rappel down?

The three waterfalls range from 9 to 12 meters in height. The guide manages the ropes and teaches you rappelling technique before each descent.

Do I need canyoning experience to book this?

No previous experience is necessary. The certified guide provides all safety instruction and equipment, and the activity is rated low difficulty.

How does the pickup work if I don't have a car?

An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your accommodation in Pucón and returns you after the 4-hour activity ends, so you don't need to arrange your own transport.