Kayaking the Santa Cruz River

All year round

If you cancel your reservation up to 48 hours before the start of the activity, we will refund you 100% of the reservation payment. No refunds will be issued on cancellation requests received after the indicated anticipation.

Free cancellation

You can reschedule your booking without any additional cost until 48 hours before the beginning of the activiity.

Free rescheduling

Paddle 15 km along the same river Charles Darwin explored in 1834. A journey through wild Patagonia with lunch at a traditional estancia included.


Duration:

5 hours

Times:

10:00 am to 03:00 pm


Included:

  • Pickup at your accommodation (urban area)
  • Shared transportation
  • Bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
  • Kayak equipment
  • Lunch

Restrictions:

  • Minimum age required of 16 years old
  • Not allowed for pregnant women
  • Not allowed for people over the age of 65

Weather:

In case of suspension for weather conditions, we will refund 100% of your payment.

  • Subject to weather conditions

Cancellation and rescheduling policy:

  • If you cancel your booking up to 48 hours before the activity starts, you will receive a 100% refund of the amount paid to book. If you cancel with less notice, no refund will be issued.

What to bring:

  • Comfortable clothing
  • Warm clothing
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Change of clothes
  • Sunglasses

Description

Price

  • Until August 31, 2026: AR$ 300.000 per person.
  • From September 1 to December 31, 2026: AR$ 350.000 per person.


​Travel from El Calafate along the legendary Route 40, crossing the vast Patagonian steppe to reach the Santa Cruz River, the very waterway Charles Darwin navigated during his explorations in 1834. Upon arrival, you'll receive a safety briefing and complete equipment, including a dry suit, life jacket, boots, and gloves. There’s no need to bring specialized gear; comfortable layered clothing is all you need. From there, you'll paddle approximately 15 kilometers downstream through dramatic geological formations, native wildlife habitats, and landscapes so immense they're difficult to grasp until you're surrounded by them. The journey ends at Estancia Río Bote, where a traditional lunch and beverages await.


This medium-difficulty excursion is suitable even for travelers with no previous kayaking experience. Transportation and equipment are fully arranged, and a 4x4 land-based option is available for anyone who prefers not to paddle while still sharing the day with their group. It solves one of the most common challenges of adventure travel: making sure nobody gets left behind.


Book ahead to secure your spot, especially during Patagonia’s busy season. Check availability today and paddle the river that helped shape the history of South American exploration nearly two centuries ago.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • To book Kayaking the Santa Cruz River, you must choose the date and follow the steps on the website. You can add more tours to your cart before confirming your booking.
  • We accept bookings up to 1 days in advance, subject to availability. Therefore, we recommend booking as early as possible to secure your spot.