Come to Cascada de las Animas

And enjoy the longest section of the Maipo River!

9.4

Kilometers

Cascada de las Animas operates the longest rafting section of the Maipo River. No other operator can offer you more!
34

Quick

On the descent you will be confronted with 34 rapids, 8 of which are category IV and +IV!

UPPER SECTION OF THE MAIPO RIVER

10AM - 14PM
$35.000

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65

Minutes

Of uninterrupted adrenaline! We offer the longest section of all Maipo River Rafting operators.
15

Guides

More than 15 certified guides and support staff, many of them members of the Chilean Rafting National Team, experts in the Maipo River and its surroundings.
 
River Map

River Map

Why choose Cascada de las Animas for Rafting?

Hypalon rafts

We operate only with rafts of the best material on the market. We do not use PVC like other operators in Cajón del Maipo.

We do not overload rafts

In Cascada de las Ánimas we do not use the rafts to their maximum capacity so that the descent is agile and entertaining.

12-foot rafts

We have 16 feet rafts (normal) and we are the only ones to also have 12 feet rafts (smaller) for those who are looking for even more adventure in the descent.

The most complete river equipment

Booties, wetsuit, windbreaker, helmet, lifejacket, and we are the only ones who also deliver neoprene jacket and gloves.

The best facilities at the river's edge

Excellent bathrooms and dressing rooms, barbecue areas, swimming pool, restaurant, cafeteria, ample private parking with caretaker and many other activities that can be carried out in the same place.

ISO 9001

We are the only ISO 9001 certified company

UPPER SECTION OF THE MAIPO RIVER

10 AM - 15 PM

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Consultation Phone

+56 9 71096012
Give us a call! We are attentive to answer your questions about rafting!

Consultation Phone

+56 9 56875983
Give us a call! We are attentive to answer your questions about rafting!

Enjoy it with your family and friends, with your company
or as part of a romantic date with someone special.
We offer you an unforgettable adventure, with an excellent personalized service
, and with guides, who carry in their hearts,
the passion for rivers and rafting.


Cascada de las Ánimas offers several programs on the Maipo River, a water course classified as Class 4 between November and February (during thaws) and Class 3 the rest of the year, according to the international scale applied for this activity (ranging from I to VI). This is a great opportunity, since, due to its proximity to Santiago, it is easily accessible for any type of visitor.


The Maipo is born as a small mountain stream on the eastern slope of the volcano that gives it its name, but it quickly transforms into a great torrent as it descends in its race towards the sea. When passing by Cascada de las Ánimas, the river has an elevation of 1,100 meters above sea level and descends between large rocks that form obstacles that become an important challenge for navigators. It is precisely in these places where we find the most demanding rapids.


Anyone is welcome to experience rafting; in fact, more than 70% of our clients raft with us for the first time. To ensure that everyone enjoys a great trip, we take care to have state-of-the-art rafts and equipment, as well as highly trained and experienced guides, who will always supervise your safety and be attentive to your needs.

Rafting in the Cajón del Maipo, near Santiago

We specialize in rafting on the Maipo River. For this sport, it is the best and most famous river in the central zone of Chile. We are located in the Cajón del Maipo, at the foot of the spectacular Andes Mountains, only 50 kilometers from the city of Santiago.

Cascada de las Ánimas, the most respected tourism company in Chile

Our Rafting is operated by Cascada de las Animas, the oldest and most respected adventure tour operator. With Cascada de las Animas, you can expect high quality service and equipment. With almost 40 years of experience in adventure tourism in Chile, our team of guides includes some of the best in the world, including several members of the Chilean Rafting National Team.

You don't need to know about rafting to participate in our trips. We are confident that our river rafting trips will challenge you, regardless of your level of experience. All this, in an atmosphere of camaraderie, action and adventure.

A complete adventure destination

When you visit our Ecotourism Center, you can also find many other activities and adventures. Also, several lodging, camping, picnic, restaurant and pub options to complement your trip. Make Cascada de las Animas your destination for rafting and much more.

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Security Commitment

Cascada de las Animas is the most experienced rafting company in Chile. Our first priority is your safety at all times. Your leader guide will give you a safety talk and you will be given the basic techniques of how to paddle in order to be prepared for the rapids. You will also be taught some basic signals and specific words and finally we will answer all your questions and doubts. On each trip you will be accompanied by a safety team at all times. One or more expert kayakers and in some cases rescue rafts with specialized guides who will be constantly with the group ready to rescue anyone who falls out of their raft.

The guides of Cascada de las Ánimas are certified in first aid.

Our guides are all certified in first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Some of them have advanced courses in first aid such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR). They have full first aid kits that are carried on the rafts throughout the descent and are checked before and after each trip. In the event of an accident, the guides are fully familiar with evacuation and carry cell phones at all times. We also have the support of a vehicle that accompanies us throughout the descent. The guides at Cascada de las Animas are experts in rescue techniques.

Our guides are experts in whitewater rescue techniques as well as wildlife and survival, so they are a great asset if you and your family have limited experience in this type of adventure. They will take all the time necessary to make you feel comfortable and at ease at all times. The guides at Cascada de las Animas are experienced and dedicated.

Most of our guides have years of rafting experience and know the Maipo River and its surroundings to perfection. Our company has a training program for new guides that allows us to keep our existing guides in continuous training and preparation. Our guides live and breathe torrential waters, and spend most of their free time practicing kayaking and rafting in other rivers in Chile and the world, always improving their knowledge and techniques.

The guides of Cascada de las Ánimas are members of the Chilean Rafting Team.

We are also very proud that most of our guides are members of the Chilean National Rafting Team and have participated in many international competitions. The Cascada Team obtained the 2nd place in the speed event in the last world championship in Bosnia, in addition to a dozen cups and medals in different competitions in Europe and America.

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Logo
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Our Guides

nico

Nicolas Yerovi Astorga

Operations Manager

pangal

Pangal Andrade Astorga

Guide

lore

Lorenzo Andrade Astorga

Guide

christopher

Cristobal Galleguillos Hart

Guide

pedro

Pedro Astorga Leiva

Guide

simon

Simon Yerovi Astorga

Guide

benja

Benjamín Astorga Leiva

Guide

carlos

Carlos Hermosilla Caro

Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

1Is rafting dangerous?
Rafting is exciting, wet, adrenaline-filled and incredibly entertaining, however, like any other sporting activity there is an inherent risk. The risk contributes to the entertainment and is one of the reasons it brings so many people. Our guides are trained to minimize and manage the risks and statistically you are safer in a raft than in your car. The most common problems in rafting are sunburns and falls that can occur when getting in and out of the rafts.
2I can't swim, can I go rafting?
All rafting participants are provided with professional life jackets and helmets. This equipment is indispensable and will keep you protected and on the surface in case you fall into the river. Many people who do not know how to swim go rafting and have an incredible time. But it all depends on the season, because if the river rises a lot due to thaws, it will be necessary to know how to swim. Before leaving, your guide will give you a complete safety briefing to prepare you in case you fall out of the raft. The guides are professionally trained in whitewater rescue and will work as a team with the other guides to ensure a comfortable trip.
3What physical condition do I need to be in for rafting?
On oar rafting trips (the guide is in almost complete control of the raft), you can choose to be active or more passive. Most trips use rafts where everyone paddles, so passengers have to be active the entire trip to move the raft through the rapids and you will need to learn paddle comands to assist the guide. You need to be in good health and our life jackets should fit comfortably. Paddling can be quite tiring at times but our guides will teach you basic paddling techniques that are very entertaining. If you have any doubts about your fitness for rafting, consult your doctor.
4What should I wear in the river?
Luckily this is not a fashion show. Your outfit depends on the time of year, water temperature and weather conditions. As a general rule we recommend that you dress depending on the water temperature and not the ambient temperature. The waters of the Maipo River are very cold so we provide each participant with a special water suit and thermal jacket. In the summer months it is best that you wear a bathing suit or shorts and a t-shirt under the special water suit. In spring, autumn and winter we advise you to wear pants and a fleece or other synthetic material under the wetsuit. Do not wear anything made of cotton because if it gets wet, it takes a long time to dry and it gets colder. For your feet, we recommend that you bring sneakers or sport shoes. We do not recommend hawiallanas, they do not protect your feet and come off easily. Sunglasses or optical lenses should have a safety strap to avoid losing them. Use sunscreen but avoid putting it on your forehead so that it does not get in your eyes.
5What is the best trip for me?
The Maipo River is the best option for beginners at any time of the year. If you are nervous about paddling, there is the option of going in a raft with Oar, this way the guide has all the control and you only have to hold on to the raft during the whole descent. If you are confident with the water, are in good physical condition and like adventure, a raft where everyone paddles is the right choice for you. Our guides will give you basic paddling and safety instructions. During spring and early summer the waters of the Maipo River reach their maximum flow due to snow melt and you can experience class 4 rapids.
6Can children do Rafting?
Height, weight and maturity are the factors to consider when the guide decides if children can participate in the descent. As a general rule, children under 12 years of age are not allowed. If your child is under 12 years of age and you consider that he or she has the capacity to participate in the descent, the lead guide will be the one to decide, putting your child's safety as a priority. Consider that during the thaw season the minimum age for rafting is 16 years old and it is a requirement to know how to swim.
7I am a senior citizen, can I go rafting?
Many adults over 70 and up to 80 years of age who are in good health can raft. If you are in that age range and are rafting for the first time, we recommend a raft with 'oars', that is, the guide is in control of the raft. Depending on how you feel about your first experience you may want to repeat the experience but this time in a more active role where everyone paddles.
8What happens in a typical descent?
The trip begins at our facilities in Cascada de las Animas. Upon arrival, the leader guide will be waiting for you and the first step is to sign the liability waivers, then the guide will give you your wetsuit and full equipment. The leader guide will give a complete safety talk of approximately 20 minutes. After the safety talk, you will walk to the rafts, which have a capacity of 6 to 8 people in addition to the guide. Once in the rafts the guide will give basic paddling instructions and how to react to your command instructions. Then begins the descent where you will be the protagonist of a great adventure!
9What are the chances of falling off the raft and if so, what should I do?
Plan A. Always stay in the raft, but trust us, many people love to fall into the river. It's exciting but can be a little disorienting at first. Many people have rafted dozens of times and have never fallen out of the raft, some swim on their first descent. That's rafting. Before starting the descent your guide will give you instructions on how to react in case you fall into the water and how to stay safe. It is important that you follow your guide's instructions at all times and if you get to swim, this can be the most entertaining part of your trip!
10Can I bring my camera or video camera?
We do not recommend taking any type of cameras on the trip. There are waterproof disposable cameras that work very well. The quality of the photos is quite good and if you lose the camera it is not that serious. If you decide to bring your camera we recommend that you use a waterproof case to protect it. On all our trips we have a professional photographer who accompanies us down the river whose photos you can see and buy after the descent.
11Should I tip the guides?
Tips for the guides are welcome. They work hard to ensure you a safe and entertaining trip. If you feel your guide did a good job, kept you entertained by sharing the wonder of the river and its surroundings feel free to show your appreciation.