Home > Trips > Sea Kayaking in the Central Chile & near Santiago
 Sea Kayaking in the Central Chile & near Santiago
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The scenery is different in the Central Chile where the country's administrative, economic, political and cultural activities are concentrated. Cities such as Valparaiso, Viņa del Mar, Rancagua, Los Andes, San Antonio, and Talca have developed in almost form of economic activity: agriculture, mining, fishing, tourism, etc., due to an ideal climate and terrain.
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| Colbun
Lake, Chile. |
Sea kayaking can be done in almost any part of the central
coast. There are good protected beaches with wind from
the south east, such as Algarrobo, Quintero, and Concón,
where it’s relatively easy to get in and out of the
water. Though these places are highly populated and with
sea traffic, you can enjoy the marine wildlife such as
the birds, sea lions, cormorants, pelicans, and otters
(if you’re lucky).
As you leave this zone, the rivers become more abundant
and you’ll start to see the first lakes and lagoons
(artificial and natural), that you’ll be able to
paddle as much in sea kayak as in river kayak. Among the
rivers that you can descend, at least in part, in sea kayak
are: Cachapoal, Maule and Rapel. The Cachapoal is located
in the sixth region and is, along with the Tiguiririca,
what feeds the largest artificial lake in Chile, Lake Rapel.
The stretch of the river that’s navigable in sea
kayak in this river can only be done during some parts
of the year.
Among the lakes and lagoons that can be crossed in the
Central Chile are Lakes Rapel and Vichuquén, the
Aculeo and the Inca Lagoons, and the Yeso and Colbún
Reservoirs. The Lake Rapel is a large lake of an interesting
shape, with the majority of its shores covered by summer
homes, mainly on its extreme western and southern shores.
Nevertheless, the zone for landing boats from the Cachapoal
and Tinguiririca Rivers, and the area near the dam are
less inhabited so you will be able to enjoy more of the
plants and animals in the area.
The Aculeo Lagoon, the same as with Lake Rapel, has construction
on a large percentage of its shores. It is small and has
two small islands. It is a favorite destination for windsurfing
(because of its West – East winds that always pick
up in the afternoon) and sea-doos. However, for kayakers
this is not just a good option to cool down in the heat
of the summer near Santiago, but is also a good place to
keep in shape during the Autumn, and Winters seasons.
The Yeso Reservoir, with an altitude of 3 thousand meters
in the middle of Los Andes, is a challenge. Surrounded
by large hills, this turquoise colored water can be a problem
when the cold wind comes from the East, creating big waves
and making the possibility of tipping in cold water (winter
or summer) very unattractive.
The Colbún Dam is the largest in Chile which makes
it interesting to paddle surrounded by hills, abundant
plant and animal life, and small, protected bays.
 Trips to Kayak Australis Central Chile
Sea Kayaking
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