Cambios

Add a new log entry always on top in the appropriate season sub-chapter and use format:

=Section Log, Alerts and Suggestions=

==Season 2023/24==

We hitchhiked from Villa Futalaufquen to Trevelin and caught another ride from there all the way to Futaleufú, Chile (border control closes at 7pm). The tourist info in Trevelin (at the town square) told us that there is a bus from Trevelin to the border, and then a connecting bus at the other side, but it doesn’t run every day. We forgot to note down the schedule, but it might work out for you. We had no issue bringing oats and spices through customs after checking “yes” in the self-declaration form. Buses from Futaleufu-Palena run only Tuesdays 0900, 1630 and Thursdays 1330. As schedules are subject to changes it’s best to check timings at the bus terminal.

The minibus schedule from RMB to Coyhaique is Wednesdays 0800 and Sundays 1000. We initially opted for the bus due to incoming rainy weather and the ferry only runs on Thursdays 0430 and Sundays 0900. However we did not manage to get onto the minibus as seats were full and apparently you require a whatsapp reservation (Alicia Rosas +56966092922 / Hugo Jara +56999351839). We ended up staying at hostel El Viajero (15K per person) which is a fantastic find. We sat out the rain next to a lovely wood-fired stove and took the ferry the next morning at 0430. Note that internet connection is slow in town but we found out that the Almacen Isla Del Palena (which also sells the ferry tickets) has Starlink and they were happy to host us for the duration of our video calls.

I was prepared for all the difficult rapids up to the ferry-boat and I first scouted the Rapid {27P} [4.2/178] and the Rapid {27P} [23.4/135], which I had read are the most tricky ones. In the end, I passed all of those paddling but the next day, I was surprised by Rapid {27P} [47.0/104]. I tried to avoid the shallow water on the right and I went to the center but I soon realized that was the worst possible line I could choose! I paddled over a huge tree trunk perpendicular to the flow but the huge wave formed right after the trunk, capsized me! It seems the left side of the river would be the best choice. Anyway, better scout this one first because there are trees everywhere. There were a lot of other wild rapids all over the river, where I had to focus to keep the raft perpendicular to the waves but I achieved that and I had no other problems. I could usually identify submerged trees from the little wave formed around them, so I was able to avoid them. It was only a couple of times that the water was too shallow, so I had to disembark and lift the bow of the raft to carry it over the little water that was flowing over the rocks.

I guess the River was quite close to its maximum according to the shoreline. Nevertheless, I found it not special challenging. I found it useful to scout the first Rapid {27P} [4.2/178] just after the bridge as its pretty fast. Same is true for Rapid {27P} [23.4/135] which has some boulders and some counter currents. Highest speed was 23 km/h. In general you can circumvent the stronger currents in this upper part by paddling close to the shoreline. This changes after the joining of Rio Frio. The river is now pretty powerful and its better to go for the center of the currents as sometimes whirlpools can form on the sides. Saying that its technical not challenging and fun to ride these big waves. Watch out for sunken trees even in the ‘calmer’ parts as river is still fast. There is a nice camp spot between the trees just before Bridge {27P-L} [18.5/65] at S 43° 48.426’ W 072° 21.151’. After the bridge to La Junta all rapids were easy or even disappeared in the high waters.

==Season 2021/22==

The Palena River is a juvel for all Packrafters with some experience. It was a pleasure to paddle down all the way from Palena to Rául Marín Balmaceda and see the changes of the river day by day. I started right under the brigde 2km beside Palena. There was not that much water in the upper part, I had to carry the Packraft 4 times during the first 20 Kilometers. Since it is an unregulated stream, the riverbelt and the rapids are changing constantly. I observed some of the rapids before I started kayaking, which was absolutly necessary. The confluencia with Río Frío is spectacular, because the colores of the 2 rivers starts to mix. The river speeds up in the lower parts, gets wider and more effected by the wind, who appears usually from the seaside. Be aware of the tides which influences the level of the River after -43.88645/ -72.83230 up to 3m. After reaching the fjord I saw penguins and hundrets of seawolves (Punta islote) which came veeery close to my boat 😅. Enjoy!

==Season 2020/21==

As Shaun mentioned, Kara Davis and Jen Ni described this section quite well. I combined 27P, 28P, and the Rio Frío which was totally worth the added transport effort. If you enjoy the rapids of the upper Palena, you’ll love the Rio Frío. La Junta was a nice lunch stop and upon meeting some familiar cycle tourists, turned into an afternoon off. Note that the take out/camp here is a popular swimming spot, so take care of your belongings when going to town. I left my headphones in the sun to dry and they were gone when I returned. Despite that and rain the final day, I have nothing but good things to say about Rio Palena. The termas are aptly named. The surrounding moss and tannin in the water make you feel like a gingerbread man soaking in a forest gnome’s tea kettle. After seeing no one on the river except 1 fishing tour, I was very surprised to encounter a group of 50 paddlers as part of the Decenso Colectivo Ruta de Palena. This is an organized group that paddles from Palena to Puerto Raul Marin in 4 days this time each year. The ferry still runs Thursdays and Sundays, although it left around 11:30, not 9:40 as the website states. No problem to buy a ticket upon boarding.

==Season 2019/20==

I combined this section with GPT28P. These two sections are spectacular, varied, fun and challenging. I barely saw another person the entire time, and there’s something very satisfying about following a single river all the way out to the ocean. Very enjoyable and memorable.

*Comments posted on Facebook by Jen Ni January 5 2019

Our impression was that the river can be separated into 5 subsections, each with different character. All parts are attractive and felt quite remote. For camping you generally have the choice between sandy/rocky river banks and farm land.

==Season 2017/18==

Notes to consider before beginning: Be aware that the Chilean border control outside of Carrenleufú requires you to declare items in your possession, so keep this in mind when resupplying. They will confiscate certain foods, including produce and honey brought from Argentina.

==Season 2016/17==

=Resupply and Accommodation=

==Resupply and Accommodation along the Route==

=Transport to and from Route=