About This Route
The Río Baker, Patagonia’s mightiest river by volume, thunders from Lago Bertrand through Cochrane in Aysén Region, Chile, with Class IV rapids like Portal del Diablo. This 190-kilometer beast features glacier-fed swells and remote canyons, perfect for multi-day expeditions. Operators use safety catarafts pioneered by Earth River for stability on high-water runs.
Safety Considerations
Extreme remoteness demands self-sufficiency; satellite beacons essential. Turbid, icy flows (8°C/46°F) heighten drowning risks. Guides follow conservative scouting per Expedition Chile protocols. High winds from Patagonia steppes capsize unwary crafts. Expert-only; scout rapids, monitor Puente Benítez gauge.
Essential Gear
Outfit with NRS Otter PFD, full drysuit (Kokatat Gore-Tex), helmet, bombproof throw rope, group shelter tarp, and PLB like ACR ResQLink. Food cache for multi-days; bear spray for Andean wildlife.