 Descending Baker River (4 days / 3 nights)
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Summary |
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Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Location: North Patagonia
Rate: US$ 958 per person (for two people)
Difficult: Intermediate
Season: December to March
Departure: Balseo Baker
Accommodations: camping
Trip Activities: sea kayaking, hiking, wildlife
watching
Weather: see conditions in Balmaceda
Other Trips: Expedition Steffen Glacier, Expedition to Jorge Montt Glacier |
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 Photos
Baker River
Baker River
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This program is designed for people who are comfortable in a dynamic water environment. That is, you must know how to swim, and be capable of letting yourself be rocked and carried by the biggest flow water in Chile and Patagonia, without considering it an enemy or a threat, but as familiar, generous and friendly.
The Baker River is born at Lake Chelenko, known as Lago General Carrera on the Chilean side and Lago Buenos Aires in the Republic of Argentina. It begins at Puerto Beltran, with crystalline waters which join with the Nef River in a furious flow. The current soon meets the sheer walls of the mountains, which try to contain the river in its valleys as it flows south. When the river reaches the town of Cochrane, it is joined by other tributaries flowing from the glacier. They give it yet more power, and change its crystalline color to an emerald green which continues until it merges with the salty fjords of the Pacific Ocean 160 kilometers (96 miles) downstream.
This trip is designed for those who are in good physical condition. The mighty Baker River will do the work of carrying you along, and AguaHielo Expeditions will guide you. To paddle this river in kayak, you will need some technique, but not necessarily before you arrive. During the first day you will learn everything necessary for basic maneuvering and rescue, as well as reading the water. This will give you the confidence you need, to know you are in professional hands and paddling safely on a tame and friendly river.
As you travel the river you will realize that the Baker continues a titanic and age-old battle with the mountains. They insist on holding back its flow, and the river insists on opening paths through them.
Today it is possible to see the effects of this ancient battle, as the river weaves its way through valleys, cuts through high mountain ranges and roars when the vertical cliffs squeeze it through passes like El Salton canyon or the rapids at Borquez and Gonzales. Across thousands of years the river has helped form the geography you see here in the heart of the Patagonian Andes, paddling along this main artery.
Today, the Baker River confronts an enormous new obstacle, a new struggle.
Hydroelectric projects. These giant dam projects seek to stop the river and extract its energy, which would mean a dramatic change in the geography around the Baker River valley. Future generations may never know this giant river and its great force as we see it today.
Perhaps our children will still find the spirit of the Baker River... in stories told by those who manage to survive her remote geography, the people who have lived on her river banks, or, perhaps, those who chose to paddle its waters before Baker river disappears.
 Trip Details
Includes
- Food
in camps.
- Kayak equipment (double or single kayaks,
lifejackets, paddles, spray skirts, safety equipment, dry
bags).
- Camping
equipment (tents, mattresses, pots, dishes).
- Bilingual
guide.
Does Not Include
- Personal equipment
(sleeping bag, camping clothes, and personal objects).
- Meals not mentioned in the program.
Requirements
- Participants know how to swim.
- Participants should be in good physical and mental condition, and willing to work as a team.
- It is absolutely critical that participants follow the safety instructions and decisions of the guide in charge of the trip.
- Participants must read, understand and sign the liability waiver.
Tour Operator and photos
- Agua Hielo Sea Kayak Expeditions
 Reservations
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