PUCON RIVER FEST, Araucania, Chile, December 2021
Words: Alejandro Campos | Photography: Pucon River Fest
Pucon River Fest is held in the south of Chile, in the Araucania region. For years, competitors from all over the world (Norway, South Korea, Spain, Scotland, Argentina, Peru, United States, Germany, Colombia, Italy, and Switzerland, among other countries) have taken part. The Pucon River Fest is located in one of the most classic regions for kayaking in the world, Pucon.
Races take place on the local classics: the Upper Palguin River, the Liacura, and the lower section of the Trancura River, one of the most popular rivers in Chile for rafting.
Every year, participants must bring their all to perform and achieve the best possible results amongst a highly competitive field in the Downriver Races (Rio Trancura), the Time Trial (Rio Liucura), the Extreme Slalom (Rio Palguin), and the most well-known and aggressive race of all: the Boater Cross, to be the final champion of this event!
Categories for children, professionals, and seniors encourage paddlers of all ages to take part. Every year, the event takes place between November and December, when the melt begins to have the best possible levels. This year was no exception, and on December 10th and 11th, competitors from around the world came to take part.
The Pucon Riverfest is an event held with great affection among friends of the river worldwide, created for the new generations. The races and gatherings serve as a peaceful demonstration for our free and clean rivers among all enjoying and respecting each one of them.
This year’s winners were: Pro Women: Josefina Erirán (Chile). Pro Men: Guilero Soto (Chile). Junior Men: Jesus Martinez (Chile). For more information, check @PUCON_RIVER_FEST on Instagram. See you in 2022.