Volcan Villarica overlooking the streets of Pucon, Chile.
Although fairly flat, the Liucura grows quickly from a small creek to raging big water fiesta when it rains, but even then it still remains class III and is an excellent place to develop your paddling skills. Rodrigo Tuschner is one of the few local paddlers from Pucon and last year he opened Kayak Pucon with his girlfriend Emanuela Passi. Located on the main street in Pucon, his shop is hard to miss and he along with his friend Sergio Vidal are excellent instructors and freestylers. If you want to rent a kayak, take a lesson or be guided around some of the rivers around the area, check out their shop on the main street running through Pucon. Also at www.kayakpucon.cl
Emma Passi in front of Kayak Pucon.
Most people who come to visit Pucon (aka. Pluton) are either tourists from abroad (who come all year around) or wealthy Chileans from Santiago who flock by the thousands in January and February for summer vacation. By this time however the rain has stopped and most rivers around lose their water fast. However, when the Rio Liucura comes down, a small but sweet playspot comes in that you can drive to and hang out all day at during the summer heat. Kayak Pucon usually guides tourists down the Liucura in ducky's twice a day so shuttles can be easy as well.
Rodrigo Tuschner looping on the Liucura.
For Michelle and I, hanging out at the grassy cow pasture on the banks of the Liucura became a special place etched in stone with memories of Chilean friends, vino, parilladas, and ultimately our marriage on February 21, 2004. Thanks to all those whom we shared many good times with while living "pura vida" in Pucon. See some of our wedding pictures here.
Michelle, Sergio, Miguel and others in the eddy at the Liucura playspot.
