The Río Claro is located outside of Molina in the Maule Region of central Chile, rising in the Andes within Radal Siete Tazas National Park and flowing northwest before eventually emptying into the Maule River. The drive from Santiago takes approximately two to four hours south. The river is characterized by deep basalt canyons carved by glacial and volcanic activity over tens of millions of years, with crystal-clear water and an abundance of clean waterfalls throughout its multiple paddleable sections. Paddlers commonly describe it as one of the most visually striking rivers in Chile, with narrow gorges, polished basalt walls, and turquoise water.

There are several distinct sections, each requiring different skill levels. The Siete Tazas (Seven Teacups) is the most accessible, consisting of seven waterfalls with clean approaches and landings, making it well-suited for practicing waterfall technique and boofing. Access requires mild rope work to enter and exit the canyon. Upstream lies the Entre Saltos section, which contains the Garganta del Diablo, a two-tiered 180-degree waterfall dropping roughly 20 feet into another 20-foot drop. A mandatory portage exists between Entre Saltos and Siete Tazas, as the river drops into a siphon between these sections — paddlers must exit at the stairs near the bridge approximately one kilometer upstream from the Siete Tazas parking area. Further upstream is the Veintidos Saltos (Twenty-Two Waterfalls) section, accessed via a roughly two-kilometer hike from Parque Inglés on river right. The put-in involves passing boats down as a team. La Leona, an approximately 80-foot (24-meter) waterfall at the end of the canyon system, is considered one of the most technically demanding drops on the river and was first descended in 2018.

Access to the river requires purchasing a daily park pass online in advance and presenting it to park staff at the entrance. The park is open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Mondays. Park staff may inspect kayaking gear upon entry. Group size should be kept small, as eddies are very limited in the narrow canyon sections. The hikes into and out of the canyons are arid and typically take around 40 minutes to two hours depending on the section, so physical fitness and hydration are important considerations. Spring is noted as a particularly recommended season for visiting. Camping and cabin lodging options are available near the river.