The Ultimate Paddling Adventure in Chile's Breathtaking Patagonia: The Rio Baker Multi-Day Trip
Join us on our journey along the untamed west coast of South America as we venture deep into the unspoiled wilderness of Patagonia. Along the way, we uncover the crown jewel of paddling adventures – the Rio Baker, a big-water spectacle that even surpasses its more famous cousin, the Futaleufu.
- Written by Team Paddler, Fabian JanzenSetting Out on the Path to Adventure: From Futaleufu to the Rio Baker
- Crossing Lago Bertrand— the source of the Rio Baker
Our epic odyssey commences in Futaleufu, and the mere journey to this gateway is already an adventure. We traverse dusty gravel roads, drive through majestic mountain passes, and follow the winding fjords until we finally arrive at the entrance of the first canyon, 40 kilometers north of the quaint town of Cochrane. The iconic wet and cold Patagonian weather greets us, setting the stage for our grand adventure.
An Unforgettable Day on the Mighty Rio Baker
The following morning, we awaken to the warmth of the sun, preparing ourselves to tackle the four colossal rapids of the first canyon. Even from the canyon's edge, the sheer enormity of the Baker leaves us in awe, making the rapids seem gigantic even from a distance. With adrenaline coursing through our veins, we embark on an unforgettable day of paddling.
Challenges at Salto Neff and Embracing the Power of the Rio Baker
Our journey starts with a jaw-dropping spectacle, the Salto Neff, representing one of the few creek lines on the Rio Baker. Here, we tackle a 4-meter waterfall that spans the river's entire width, sneaking through a narrow channel on its left side. After this exhilarating start, we plunge into the wild main flow of the Baker, experiencing its elemental forces for the first time. The confluence of the crystal-clear Baker waters with the glacier-hued Rio Neff creates a mesmerizing play of colors on the water's surface, giving the Baker its distinctive turquoise-blue tint.
-Embracing the Chaos of Number 1+2 | Paddlers: Marinus Bauer, Fabian Janzen
Following a brief pause in the flat water, we continue straight into rapids one and two, without pause in between. The sensation is indescribable! The canyon walls seem to pulse all around us, making it a challenge to navigate the right line. Unexpected eddies and whirlpools, some as large as minivans, materialize seemingly out of nowhere. The excitement escalates as we approach the third rapid, literally known as Number 3, characterized by its massive diagonal rollers and the dreaded "Eddy of Doom."
Number three may be the Baker's largest rapid, but the subsequent rapids in the following third canyon of the Baker hardly differ in terms of size and power.
-The lesser known lower Canyons of the Baker | Paddlers: Fabian Janzen, Moritz Hottung, Robert Egglestone, Lutz Rothgerber
A Multi-Day Expedition on the Rio Baker
Our thrilling journey doesn't stop there, as David shares an incredible piece of information with us: the Rio Baker is navigable from its source lake all the way to the Pacific. Our enthusiasm knows no bounds, and we decide to embark on a multi-day expedition. Planning proves to be a challenge, given our uncertainty about the number of days required and our remote location, lacking internet or phone reception. In the end, we opt for a three-day adventure, covering a total distance of 180 kilometers through a captivating landscape of rugged mountains, majestic glaciers, and thundering waterfalls.
An Adventure with Obstacles and Triumphs
During our expedition, we tried our hand at fishing, which yielded some feasts back in Futaleufu. Regrettably, our luck wanes at the Baker, leaving us with only one substantial catch to share in the evening. Fortunately, we stumbled upon a picturesque island for our first night's camp, where we set up tents on a lush green meadow in the middle of the river.
-Camp life at the Baker Multi-Day
The second day of paddling is more tranquil. However, it brings its own set of challenges, including a distinctive gorge passage culminating in a jaw-dropping waterfall, which forced us to portage until late in the evening.
-Scouting the Portage
The Final Stretch and a Well-Deserved Reward
The last day proves to be the most demanding yet, but our unwavering motivation drives us forward. Despite the cold, rainy Patagonian weather, we paddle relentlessly, no longer stopping for our midday break. The weather, with its light rain and gusty winds, urges us forward with a singular purpose: to paddle, paddle, paddle.
-The River getting substantially bigger the closer we get to the Pacific
With our hearts pounding, we navigate the final meters of our journey into the fjords of the Pacific Ocean. Finally, we landed at the harbor of Caleta Tortel – tired but elated. We share high-fives and look forward to cold beers, hearty burgers, and a cozy cabin.
Our expedition on the Rio Baker was an extraordinary paddling adventure, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the awe-inspiring beauty and untamed wilderness of Patagonia. For those in search of bigger waves, steeper drops, and the sheer power of nature, the Baker is the ultimate playground. This experience will remain etched in our memories for years to come, continuing to fuel our passion for thrilling paddling adventures.
Reflections and some additional Information:
- Prepare for cold Patagonian weather (Dry Suit and Thermals).
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Bring enough food as groceries can only be bought in Cochran which is 40
kilometers away. - Use Randed Decks, rand skirts, as the power of the Baker is something else.
- Go check out the nearby park & huck on the Rio Cochran to do some creeking in between the big-water fun.
- Organize someone to pick you up or run a shuttle as the drive to Caleta Tortel is quite long.
- Warm up on the Futaleufu to prepare for the Baker.