Kayaking Rio Maullin: Paddle the Amazon of Chile

Two and a half hours paddling through swamp forest, native birds, and clear water

Kayak the Rio Maullin, a free-flowing river in southern Chile known as the Amazon of Chile, on a half-day paddle from Puerto Varas. You start at the agency on Lake Llanquihue with a safety briefing and gear check, then paddle across the third-largest lake in South America and down the river's natural outlet, where swamp forest and endemic birds line the banks. The guide shares the river's history during a rest stop where you can swim or relax on the shore. Transport back to the agency includes pizza and craft beer.

The experience

You meet at the kayak shop on Lake Llanquihue, facing the Andes, where the guide fits you with a sea kayak or sit-on-top and walks through the basics of paddling and safety. The lake crossing is calm water, but the real paddle starts once you enter the Rio Maullin's natural outlet: a river that cuts through swamp forest, one of eight places on earth with the highest biodiversity. The guide points out migratory and endemic birds as you move through the water. The ecosystem here is what makes the river worth the trip, not a single landmark.

Two and a half hours on the water passes faster than you'd expect. Midway through, you pull ashore for a break: time to swim in the clear water, eat a snack of fruit and chocolate, or just sit on the bank and listen. The guide talks about the river's history and the forest around you. Weather gear is provided, so rain or cold doesn't stop the paddle.

The return trip is by van back to the agency, where the day closes with pizza and craft beer. Transport from your hotel is included, and the guide takes photos throughout so you have a record of the paddle. The whole outing runs about four hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Private transport from your hotel and back.
• a local guide in English or Spanish.
• kayak and safety gear for the paddle.
• a snack of fruit and chocolate during the break.
• pizza and craft beer at the agency after you return.
• and photographic record of the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 15:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

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 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cahuil Adventure

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a free afternoon in Puerto Varas and want to paddle rather than watch: the Rio Maullin's swamp forest and bird life are what make the paddle itself the point, not a scenic backdrop to a guided tour. The half-day timing fits travelers who want to explore the river without committing a full day, and the small group size keeps the paddle intimate.

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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: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 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 Rio Maullin actually like to paddle?

The Rio Maullin is a slow, clear river flowing through swamp forest: flat water, no rapids. The paddle is steady and quiet, built around watching birds and the forest rather than any technical challenge. The water is calm enough that beginners paddle it comfortably with a guide.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

No. The guide gives a full safety and technique briefing before you leave the shore, and the river itself is gentle. You need a moderate level of fitness (two and a half hours of paddling is steady work), but not prior kayak experience.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

The agency provides weather gear for the paddle, including protective clothing and equipment. Rain or wind doesn't cancel the trip. You're outfitted for it.

What's included in the price besides the paddle?

The price covers the kayak and all safety gear, a local guide in English or Spanish, hotel pickup and return transport, a snack during the paddle, and pizza and craft beer at the agency afterward. The guide also takes photos throughout the day.