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Sea Kayak Expedition: Baker River · 6 Days / 5 Nights
Sea Kayak Expedition: Baker River · 6 Days / 5 Nights
Descend the awe-inspiring turquoise waters of Chile's largest river by volume on a self-sufficient expedition of pure exploration. From the remote valleys of the Carretera Austral to the fjords where the river meets the Pacific Ocean, this journey combines moving-water paddling, wild riverside camps, and authentic Patagonian traditions featuring a horse-assisted portage alongside local gauchos.
River touring in high-volume moving water
6 days / 5 nights
Baker River, Aysén Region, Carretera Austral
Balsa Baker → Caleta Tortel
Intermediate – Advanced
Moderate to high
Glacial Volume: paddle across deep emerald and turquoise waters fed by the Patagonian Ice Fields.
Traditional Horse-Assisted Portage: bypass the Baker Falls (Class IV+) using packhorses and the expertise of a local gaucho — a true team effort.
Historic Settlers: camp and share an evening with Gaucho Milton, a legendary settler and pioneer of the Baker River valley.
Arrival in Caleta Tortel: land directly by kayak among the iconic Guaitecas cypress wooden boardwalks.
Traditional Welcome Asado: an authentic spit-roasted lamb barbecue to kick off the expedition with the guide team.
Meet & greet and pick-up at Balmaceda Airport. Scenic drive south along the Carretera Austral to Puerto Bertrand. Expedition meeting, safety briefing, gear check, and packing into waterproof dry bags. In the evening, we celebrate the start of our journey with an authentic Patagonian spit-roasted lamb barbecue. Overnight in Puerto Bertrand.
Morning shuttle to Balsa Baker to launch the kayaks. We begin paddling the Baker's swift turquoise currents, getting accustomed to the river's volume and flow speed. We paddle to the confluence with the Colonia River, where we set up our first wild camp on the riverbank.
We continue down the Baker through boxed canyons and untouched scenic valleys. Dynamic paddling through wave trains and eddy lines as we approach the formidable Baker River Falls (Class IV+ rapid). We pull out just upstream of the canyon to establish camp at the head of the falls, preparing for the logistical operation the following morning.
A day of authentic Patagonian frontier life. With the essential help of a local gaucho and his packhorses, we portage the kayaks and all equipment along an overland trail past the falls to the downstream side of the canyon. We re-enter the water and paddle down to the homestead of Gaucho Milton, a legendary river pioneer. Camp on his property and enjoy an evening of authentic gaucho hospitality.
Early launch from Gaucho Milton's homestead to cover the final stretch of the expedition. The river widens into delta braids where fresh glacial water meets the ocean tides and fjords of the Pacific. Arrival paddling straight to the iconic cypress boardwalks of Caleta Tortel. Kayak take-out, lodging check-in, celebration dinner, and a well-deserved night of rest in town.
Early breakfast followed by private overland transfer north along the Carretera Austral, making a brief stop in Puerto Bertrand before heading directly to Balmaceda Airport to connect with return flights. End of expedition services.
Expedition guides certified in Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and Swiftwater Rescue.
Kayak guides certified by international bodies such as ACA and BCU.
Portage logistics: support from a local gaucho and packhorses for portaging kayaks and equipment around Baker Falls.
Expedition sea kayaks with rudders, spray skirts, touring paddles, high-flotation PFDs, and dry bags.
Technical drysuits and neoprene footwear.
Two-way satellite communication (Garmin inReach / VHF marine radio) and wilderness trauma first aid kits.
All backcountry meals during the expedition, 4-season tents, camp kitchen setup, and the welcome Patagonian asado.
Complete private ground transport (Balmaceda – Puerto Bertrand – Tortel – Balmaceda) and lodging in Puerto Bertrand and Caleta Tortel.
Recommended personal gear to stay comfortable during the paddling and camping days.
Thermal base layers: at least two full sets (merino wool or synthetic, breathable — avoid cotton). One is worn under the drysuit while paddling, the other kept dry for camp.
Technical socks: wool or thermal socks for paddling, plus extra thick, dry pairs reserved for camp only.
Outdoor apparel: waterproof windproof shell (Gore-Tex or similar), waterproof/thermal pants, a fleece or down layer, and thermal gloves.
Footwear: trekking shoes or boots with good grip for camp, portages and rocky or forested trails.
Dry bags and luggage: the expedition provides official dry bags; you're welcome to bring your own for extra personal organization.
Personal items: warm beanie, sun hat or cap, sunglasses with a retainer strap, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
