R i o  C l a r o (Teno)
Character		The Rio Claro keeps what’s it’s name promises; opposite to the Teno it has crystal clear water. The difficulties are moderate, but it never becomes boring: Mainly open rapids with some short technical parts and short gorges. A play boat will assure you good fun. This nice gorge is above the entrance you normally reach. Unfortunately the access to this seciotn is blocked through a locked gate.                                              Paddler & ©Foto: Todd Ericson
Put-In  / Take-Out	Well here there is a little problem... There are two put-ins, one at the orographic right side and one at the orographic left side. For both accesses to the river, a vehicle with elevated wheelbase (truck) is recommended. On the right side there is a dirt road to the upper put-in (we entered at 35° 4'28.50"S,  70°48'37.86"W), but since this is private property, the access is blocked by two locked gates. On the left side, the access via a dirt road is so far free, follow the road, always in left direction, until the end (35° 2'17.04"S,  70°48'30.05"W). Best to ask Todd (Hosteria Los Queñes) or at the Pizzeria in the village how to get access to the upper put-in. Put-out at the bridge in Los Queñes.      At the put-out there are often local kayak competitions.
Distance	Upper put-in (right) approx. 10 km;  Lower put-in (left) approx. 5 km.
Gauge               LW  /  MW  /  HW	The gauge is at the bridge in Los Queñes. LW: 2,5 m MW: 2,7 m HW: 3,0 m The picture were taken at lower middle water.
Difficulty	WW II-III (sometimes up to III+) The river is mostly carved into a steep valley without access to the road. At higher water level, the river becomes much faster, but will not increase significantly the difficulties.
	The upper put-in is definitely the most difficult oft he river, with guaranteed expedition character…       ...after that you will find relaxing WW.       A play boat is definitely the right choice...       ... but with a big boat you will also have fun, especially due to the spectacular landscape.       That easy WW should not be underestimated showed us this sticking accident. It cost us some time and only through Mikes safe boat control, we could get the stuck boat free !       The river passes some spectacular gorges...       ...but most oft he time you can access the margins...       ...in-between open an joyful rapids,...       ...which get more technical towards the end.       Short before he pu-out the river surprises with the most difficult rapid of t he section.
	Photos: Andreas       Paddler: JP, Felipe, Juan Pablo, Jaime, Mike, Johannes, Andreas