Matt doing what he does best - dropping in on the Upper Palguin in Pucon Chile
These big water Alpine Classics have left their mark on this region of Austria and me as I have made it my home ! I have been living here in Austria for the past 23 years , and if you ever get the chance to come on one of our courses , you will see just why I live here . The people , culture , scenery , food and lifestyle add to why you should kayak some of Europe ' s premier whitewater !
6 . Rio Palguin Pucon , Chile
Coming off the Volcano Quetrupillan , the Rio Palguin makes a huge statement for such a small volume river . It has become world-renowned for its waterfalls , drops and slides that brings kayakers to Pucon , Chile . The first rapid on the Upper Palguin is a fantastic place to train on ; the locals have put a bamboo ladder so you can climb back up and run it how many times you like . Though the hole at the top looks intimidating , it is a nice smooth boof if you get the line right !
The rest of the river is pretty similar to a must run drop , slides and , of course , some big waterfalls ; the tallest one is so photogenic . The water is crystal clear , and the scenery is very jungly . The Middle Palguin has changed over the years due to frequent earthquakes around the town of Pucon . The Lower Palguin is another sweet little section , different to the Upper but still great fun . With rapids such as 3 Tontos ( 3 idiots ) and Auto boof , what is not to like about the Lower , even with a small portage that has to be made ?
One of the other reasons that I love the Rio Palguin so much is that it is just a short drive from our home / lodge situated on the flanks of the Volcano Villerica !
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