R i o    C l a r o  (S i e t e  T a z a s )

Character

Going south from Santiago, the Rio Claro is the first creek with the type of waterfalls you always dream of.  

The upper sections have more expedition character and end with the famous Siete Tazas, which may also be run from "normal" paddlers.

It is not very known among paddlers, but the lower section of the Rio Claro offers also a nice run, with lower difficulties, but a nice landscape.  

 

                                                                                Siete Tazas, the last two drops

How to get there:

Leave the Ruta 5 at Molina. In Molina, the Parque Nacional Siete Tazas is indicated with signs. The dirt road is on the orographic right side of the river and after approx.  35 km you will cross the Rio Claro for the fist time. After approx. 10 km you reach Radal with the border station. From here you will reach the big parking of the Siete Tazas after approx. 5 km and another approx. 5 km ahead you reach the end of the road, at the Parque Ingles.       

CampingPegelinfo

Either on the campground in Radal or at the Parque Ingles at the end of the road where you have several options. You will find here a small market and a simple restaurant, nevertheless it is recommended to buy your food already in Molina. 

Sections:

1. 22 Tazas (2 hours hike up from Parque Ingles) 

Difficulty:    WW IV - V  

Expedition:  Q Q Q Q Q

2. Canyon (Parque Ingles - Siete Tazas)  

Difficulty:    WW VI (usually only run by experts)

Expedition:  Q Q Q Q Q

3. Siete Tazas 

Difficulty:    WW IV 

Expedition:  Q Q Q Q Q

 

4. Radal - Puente

Difficulty:    WW III  

Expedition:  Q Q Q Q Q

 

Other:

The big earthquake in February 2010 caused a crack in the rock in the Canyon section, which deviated all water and dried out the Siete Tazas. Apparently, the water came back to its original flow after some month.

 

 

                                                                     The last two drops in March 2010. 

 

Photo: Monica,    Paddler: Andreas
         "Empty River" Source: Internet