I see myself facing the end of one of the best
season in Tucuman Argentina… my hometown.
Since last January my friend Diego and me were
paddling the classics and opening new sections and I am very glad to say that
all our effort was completely worth.
Well, for all those boaters who have been to
Argentina I am going to say that they need to come back and paddle in the North
West… So, here I go with details!
Loro River: I-II
It is a dam release river at only 15 minutes’
drive from the downtown of Tucuman towards north in El Cadillal village, this
is a very well-known area for tourism. Very good for beginners and kayak school.
This run is very enjoyable for all the family and friends with the route on the
side all the time. It is possible to paddle from Las Turbinas (put in) to
Puente carretero or to Puente de Trapani. First run is 3 km. and the second is
about 5km. excellent view
Lules River: II-III
Start at the triple confluence in the village
of Potreros de las Tablas (Put in) and is one hour drive from Tucuman. This run
is about 2:30 hs. Or 3 hs. depending on water level. the more water the more
fun you will have. Once you get there you will see yourself into the wild where
are steep wall with a very dense jungle and some nice side creeks. There is no
exit and take care after few km with the broken dam, at low water is not a
problem but you must scout at high water level. For the take out you need to go
to the town of Lules and go to a place called La quebrada de Lules, everyone in
town knows that place so that will be easy to find your finish.
Los Sosa River: II
III IV V
Only needs 45 minutes to get there on a fresh
route with the river beside. From Tucuman drive south towards Tafi del Valle. Basically
this river has 5 main section on Rp. 307.
Section La Heladera: (IV-V)
Put in is on the old house situated
on the left after passing the small
creek La Heladera and take out is on the left side where the route gets closer
to the river and there is a empty house with single track to the river.
Section Fin del Mundo: (III-IV)
Put in is the take out of Heladera
section. Take out Rp 307 after passing the Indian statue parking on t
the right
on the last U turn.
Section Indio Vialidad: (IV-V)
Put in is the take out of the Fin
del Mundo and the take out is the house of Vialidad.
Section Vialidad Aforo: (II-III)
Put in at the Vialidad house and
take out is in Aforo house.
Section Aforo abajo: (II-III)
Put in is Aforo station, the stretch
is about 4 km. but you have many take out because you will see the route on
your left side. Everyone like this river because the access, continuous rapids,
landscape and more. You will need to come over here!
Pueblo Viejo River: III-IV
it is also a very fun run with very continuous
rapids on the first part and the second part is a bit easier but be careful
with logs. About level water you will be able to see it from the route couple
of times, do not underestimate this river because sometimes can surprise you.
Section Usina – Barrio: (IV)
Put in is at the power station you
have to walk to the river between the bushes and then dawn for 200 m beside the
river until the place where the water is release. If you are able to paddle
this 200 m then you are going to have a great run. Take out is on the river
left some where after passing the little village. The stretch is about 3.5 km.
Section Barrio- Puente: (III-IV)
Put in is the take out of the first
section abode and the end is on the bridge. The stretch is 10 km more or less.
Oh! Always take left each time the river split.
Cochuna River: IV
The Cochuna river is also a very
characteristic river from the area, pretty similar to Pueblo Viejo river but
with a bit more of gradient. Very continuous run and with high water is an
intense class 5 run!
Lower: (IV)
The put in of this section is at the
bridge and the only one that cross the river just before “Las Banderitas” which
is a very steep dirt route. This section runs very continuous with some places
to scout before big trees across the river, make sure to eddy with enough time.
After 7 km the river join the confluence with Potrero River and from there the
river takes the name of Medina River that becomes a class III big water run,
super fun too! A bit more down you will get to the dam, there the portage is on
the left next to the gate. Be aware. After the dam is only 1 km to the take out
on the river left and is the place where the miner trail starts at Alpachiri
village.
Upper: (???)
Never done before… it is seem to be
a steep creek of 7 km with 2 km of walking to get the put in. unfortunately I
did not have chance to run it this summer. I cannot wait for the next raining
season.
Potrero River: IV-V
“The Perl”… yes, it is how do we
call this new discover! I am so glad and proud to be able to say that in
Tucuman we have a world class river. Diego Budeguer and I did the first descend
the last February. It is a big pity that I don’t have pics or video to show.
The reason is because we did not expects such a river, we put in around 12.30
pm and honestly I tough the river was going to be easier… resuming this river
has 3 hours of class V into a deep gorge with slides, waterfall it, big
boulders. After the first 3 hours the river starts to more friendly until meets
Medina River where a big water class III becomes.
Medina River: II-III
I have written up that this river is
a super fun run as you can see in the picture!
You can paddle from the dam to the
bridge (the only one) at the main route.
Well, to all those interested in
this type of rivers are always welcome!
Text: Fabian A. Bonanno
