Patagonia Rowing Expedition

Five days of world-class whitewater, authentic culture, and transformative leadership on the Río Petrohué.

Adventure Awaits

Row through the wild heart of Patagonia, where snowcapped volcanoes rise above emerald rivers. Over five days, you’ll train in whitewater rowing, build resilience through guided mindset coaching, and connect deeply with Chilean culture. With space for only six participants, this expedition offers hands-on instruction, shared adventure, and the chance to challenge yourself in one of the most stunning river valleys on earth.

Trip Overview

  • Dates: March 15–21, 2026

  • Location: Ensenada, Chile (Petrohué River, near Puerto Varas)

  • Group Size: Maximum 6 participants — intimate, personalized, and adventurous.

  • Cost: $2750

Experience the best of Patagonia: challenging and scenic rowing, intentional mindset coaching, and the camaraderie of a small group in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Itinerary &

Schedule

March 15 — Arrival in Puerto Montt by 5:00 PM for group shuttle. Welcome dinner & orientation at Nahuen Karu.
March 16–20 — Daily rowing clinics and expeditions on the Río Petrohué. Each day blends skill-building, adventure, and mindset practice. One evening hot springs outing optional.
March 21 — Group shuttle departs early to Puerto Montt airport (arrive by 7:00 AM). Farewell breakfast en route.

FAQs

Arrival and Departure

  • Arrival: March 15 — flights must arrive before 5:00 PM at Puerto Montt Airport (PMC). Group shuttle departs at 5:00 PM.

  • Departure: March 21 — group shuttle arrives at the airport by 7:00 AM. Book flights after 9:00 AM.

    You are welcome to extend your travels in Patagonia before or after the trip — we highly recommend exploring!

Where Will We Stay?

Nahuen Karu Hostel, Ensenada, Chile
Cozy, welcoming, and perfectly located near the river and the volcano. Shared rooms with local hospitality and easy access to the Petrohué.

What is Included?

✔ 5 full days on the river with professional instruction

✔ All rafting equipment (boats, oars, safety gear)

✔ Welcome dinner + closing Chilean asado farewell dinner

✔ Airport transfers (March 15 arrival, March 21 departure)

✔ Leadership and mindset coaching woven into each day

✔ Six night of Lodging at Nahuen Karu Hostel (shared rooms)

What’s Not Included

✘ Flights to/from Chile

✘ Meals except for welcome + farewell dinners

✘ Personal travel/medical insurance (required)

✘ Personal gear

✘ Instructor Tips. 10-20% is the industry standard

Do I need to be in great shape to join?

Not at all! You don’t need to be an athlete to row in Patagonia — just adventurous and willing to learn. We’ll provide you with a simple fitness routine ahead of time so you feel confident and prepared, and we’ll pace each day to match the group’s energy and ability.

What if I’ve never rowed before?

Perfect — this course is for beginners and intermediates. We’ll start with foundational rowing technique, body mechanics, and safety. Instruction builds progressively, so you’ll feel confident and supported each step of the way.

Meet Your Instructors

This expedition is led by Jess Lewis and Claudio Martinez, combining international expertise with deep local knowledge. Jess is an ACA Instructor Trainer Candidate in Rafting, an ACA Swiftwater Rescue Instructor, and a Wilderness Guide, with decades of experience guiding and teaching in rivers around the world. Claudio is a seasoned Chilean river guide and ACA-certified instructor who knows the Petrohué intimately, bringing not only technical mastery but also cultural connection to the experience. Together, they offer world-class rowing instruction, proven risk management, and the kind of mentorship that helps you grow as both a rower and a leader.

  • Founder of Wyld Heart, ACA Instructor Trainer Candidate, Swiftwater Rescue Instructor, and Wilderness Guide. Jess brings decades of guiding and leadership experience, blending technical skill with mindset coaching to help people step into resilience and confidence on the river. Jess is fluent in Spanish and lived in Chile for a number of years, she cannot wait to welcome people to her ‘heart home.’


  • A lifelong Chilean river guide and educator, Claudio knows the Petrohué and surrounding region inside and out. His expertise in local waters, cultural connection, and whitewater instruction makes him an invaluable partner, ensuring both safety and authentic immersion in Patagonia. Claudio is also fluent in English and is looking forward to showing people his home.

The Nitty Gritty Details

  • Reserve your spot directly through our website. A 50% deposit is required at registration to secure your place, with the remaining balance due 90 days prior to departure.

    We accept payments via credit card or Venmo @WyldHeartCo. Please note that credit card payments may include a small processing fee.

    Have questions or want to talk it through first? I’d love to connect with you directly:
    Email: jess@wyldheartco.com
    Phone: 719.966.7010

  • A 50% deposit is due at registration. Of this, $750 is non-refundable and non-transferable.

    • More than 120 days prior to departure: Full refund of any payments made, less the $750 non-refundable portion of your deposit.

    • 91–120 days prior: 50% refund of trip cost, less $750.

    • 61–90 days prior: 25% refund of trip cost, less $750.

    • 60 days or fewer prior: No refund.

    If Wyld Heart cancels a trip for reasons other than force majeure (natural disasters, political instability, pandemics, etc.), you’ll receive a full refund including your deposit. If cancellation is due to force majeure, we’ll make every effort to refund recoverable costs or apply your payment toward a future trip.

    All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to: jess@wyldheartco.com.

  • Wyld Heart requires all participants to carry travel insurance with emergency medical and evacuation coverage. We also strongly recommend a policy that includes trip cancellation protection in case unforeseen circumstances prevent you from joining.

    Popular providers our guests use include Allianz, Travel Guard, World Nomads, and AIG Travel. Some participants also use coverage offered through their credit card provider, or airline.

Let’s work together

This isn’t about being fearless. It’s about choosing courage, building strength, and stepping into your expedition ready for whatever comes. Are you ready to train your Wyld Heart?