An exciting kayak adventure through a pristine wilderness area. The Baker River meanders through the dazzling Aysen area in northern Patagonia with its ancient forests, soaring cliffs and snow capped peaks. You will paddle downstream with nights wild camping and a focus on learning new skills.
Highlights
- Paddle silently through the pristine, remote and relatively unknown Aysen area of Chile
- Kayak between soaring green cliffs and granite monoliths topped with snow
- Fish for trout from the banks of a pristine river
- Hike to waterfalls that cascade through ancient woodlands
- Camp under the immense southern skies and on a clear night, spot the Southern Cross
- Visit the pretty lake district village of Caleta Tortel
- Learn about the history of the area, the least populated in Chile, from your expert guide
Day by day
- Arrive into Cochrane or Puerto Bertrand, own arrangements. Briefing at 7 p.m.
- Depart Cochrane for transfer to Balseo baker. Join kayaks set up and packed with equipment tents, food, dry bags for expedition. Safety briefing, swimming assessment. 5 hours paddling. Camp
- Kayak and take short walks. Paddle through some stronger currents as you descend the Colonia and Gonzales rapids. Continue on calmer waters, 5-6 hours paddling. Portage and camp
- Early rise and optional hike to Lukas Bridges. Continue paddling among the snowy mountain ranges, eternal glaciers and native forests (approx four hours). Camp.
- Kayak to the very pretty Caleta Tortel through dense green forests and more dramatic mountain ranges (approx 6-7 hours paddling). Farewell dinner. Night lodge.
- Trip ends after breakfast. Continue exploring the area or with onward travel.
Extras
- For advice on onward travel in the area or hotel nights please contact us.
- Contact us for a longer 8 day/7 night inclusive navigation by boat and kayak through the fjords of Patagonia including Laguna San Rafael Glacier
Is this trip for me?
- The trip is suitable for novice kayakers who are happy around water, prepared to get wet and are used to travelling in remote areas. There will be a mandatory swimming assessment to ensure safety in the water on Day 1. This will involve participants swimming while dressed in a neoprene suit and booties, jacket (semi-dry) and life jacket – this assessment will take place regardless of weather conditions and is carried out for the safety of all participants.
- Accommodation is in tents so you should be comfortable camping in some wild places
- The trip is guided throughout by experienced wilderness kayak guides certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA) with training in international outdoor schools (such as Outward Bound) and first aid training in remote areas (Wilderness First Responder).
- All camping equipment is provided including two/three man tents, inflatable mattress, kitchen equipment etc.
- Most of the paddling is on calm waters but there are two rapids on the descent.
- There is a 1,000 metre portage during the itinerary so kayakers need to be fairly fit and strong
- Weather in Patagonia is unpredictable so you need to travel with a flexible attitude and be prepared for itinerary changes which will be imposed if the guide feels the safety of the group would be compromised by continuing with the scheduled itinerary.
- OPEN departure of the Baker River trip due to run from 20-24 December 2025 (US$1,100 per person, spaces currently available). This trip is available on request, contact us for details of existing departures. Otherwise if you are a group of 4 kayakers, we can confirm a custom date to suit you. The maximum group size is 8 people, or larger groups by arrangement.