Rafting on the Corcovado River

Near Esquel and Trevelin, in the province of Chubut, the town of Corcovado opens its doors to an increasingly exclusive tourism. The river of the same name is one of the main watercourses suitable for adrenaline-filled descents, with different levels of difficulty for all tastes. 

The river has other names. They are known as Carrenleufú for the valley of origin,Palena, such its name in Chile when it crosses the border and heads towards the Pacific. The tourist village is the destination of rafting lovers, but not only experts looking for adrenaline arrive, but also families and groups of friends who want to be baptized in these icy waters that are born in Lake Vintter, whose basin occupies the western end of the province.

The source has a stable flow, supported by Lake Vintter itself. As it receives other tributaries and the rainfall regime begins to prevail, the river flows to the northeast between rapids and poorly defined runoff, turns its course suddenly and continues to receive contributions from streams and rivers. In Corcovado, the Huemul River crosses the city and flows into the Carrenleufú, draining the waters of the Carbón stream and the Mallín Grande. Downstream, already heading west, its largest tributaries are the Hielo and Encuentro rivers and the El Cajón stream.

The lower basin that runs from Corcovado to the border community of Carrenleufú is inserted in an area of greater rainfall. In this section the river runs through encased valleys, product of erosion in the rock, whose characteristics show a favorable place to enjoy rafting through the succession of rapids, backwaters and waterfalls.

Adventure in corcovado

In Patagonia, the thaws of the mountain range nourish the mountain rivers and make them particularly delicious to paddle against the jolts of the rapids and enjoy rafting. The Corcovado is one of the main destinations, especially for nautical baptisms. The activity is safe and a lot of fun. Every summer the expectations are latent in Corcovado to receive the splashes of the torrent, to be stunned by natureto shout with joyfright.

Adventure in corcovado is the order of the day and rugged beauty floods the river rides. The floats are planned in two sections, one simpler and one for experts. The first section is ideal for groups of friendsfamilies looking for a more controlled initiative, although there is no lack of the adrenaline quota that these water activities carry. The second section includes levels of more difficulty for advanced and experts in this sport.

Before leaving, the crew participate in a technical talk on water strategies and safety measures and receive the equipment of helmets and vests. When they are ready to get on the gomones, the expeditioners and guides move to the starting points, where the adventure begins. The instructors give the first signals and soon the successive rapids arrive that connect with the emotions and make you jump out of laughterfrights. Summer is the ideal time to visit Corcovado and enjoy the expeditions to the river that roars and caresses at the same time.

Proposals from Comarka Expeditions

Classic Corcovado RiverAfter the technical talk at the Comarka Expediciones base, at the Sol y Luna campsite, the adventure begins a few minutes near Corcovado, on the beach of the village sawmill, with all the equipment indicated for the float. It is one of the most demanded activities that does not require experience. There are 2 hours of maneuvers in the river, traveling 13 km, between paddles and dives and return to the rubber. It can be considered a baptism for those people who want to begin to practice full enjoyment more frequently in the midst of the meandering rapids.

Corcovado River to the border
In this case, the excursion departs 10 km from the city, on the Hielo River. The tour has a high level of difficulty, ideal for visitors looking for extreme adrenaline in the mountain rivers. For 4 hours, you can enjoy the 22 km itinerary, with an intermediate stop for lunch and replenishment. It ends at the Carrenleufú footbridge, from where you can have an excellent view of the river of transparent and steep beauty. This outing is for people over 12 years old.

Corvado River down from full moon
The experience is done on full moon nights, in the first section of 13 km. It combines doses of adrenaline with a natural frame more than imposing in the light of the moon. To the usual equipment are added helmet with flashlight and vest with fluorescences.

Departures include refreshments. Excursions can be hired from EsquelTrevelinwithout transfer, directly at the provider's base.