The Lower Liucura is a popular run for ducky and rafting trips. It was the easiest run that we completed while in Pucón, but in my desire to see as many different rivers during my brief ten day stay as possible, was motivated. Rodrigo let us tag along on one of his commercial ducky trips after a morning spent on the Rio Maichin. The river starts off easy and nearly flat. The bucolic landscape and tower Volcan Villarica please your senses. But all that is short lived. Soon, class II+ rapids ensue followed by the confluence with the Rio Trancura not long after. The confluence rapid boasts some very large waves and can be rated class III- to III. Around the corner is another long class III to III+ rapid that will keep you on your toes, moving around the river, hitting large waves, and dodging rocks. Soon, once again the rapids taper for the final kilometer to take-out. You are greeted by views of three of the areas volcanoes simultaneously which will leave you feeling like the river ended just a little too soon.
Mi 0:
- Absolutely flat water leads to the first rapid.
- First (II+ to III-). The first rapid is on a right turn. We ran down the right avoiding a handful of rocks.
Second (II+ to III-). The second had a nice surf wave at the top on the left.
- Third (II+). The entrance to the confluence with the Trancura. Easy rapid
Rio Liucura Confluence (III+). A large wave train with 6-8 foot tall waves crashing down on you gets a grin on your face.
- Rio Turbio Confluence (III+). A long and rocky rapid can be run down the gut. There are a few hidden waves and holes in there to keep you on your toes. At the end, when it is obvious the river widens out and drops over a shallow shoal, get far left for the cleanest lines.
The Last Rapid (III-). The last rapid occurs when the river splits around a few braided channels. We took one of the middle ones which ended in some nice punch but easy holes.
Take-out: Head out of Pucon on Camino Internacional. Just before the airport turn left on Pje Quelhue and follow a mile or so to the bridge over the river.
Put-in: Consult a map and look for a way to the river above the rapids.
