FROM USD 279

Darwin Experience: Kayaks & Adventure

Embark on a thrilling adventure kayaking on Charles Darwin’s route along the Santa Cruz River, ending with a delicious lunch at Estancia El Rincon.

Why Choose This Activity?

  • Kayak on Charles Darwin's Route
  • Explore Santa Cruz River's Wonders
  • Lunch at Estancia El Rincon
BOOK NOW

Embark on an Epic Kayaking Journey in Patagonia

Easy Cancellation

If you need to cancel or postpone, just send us an email and we will take care of everything.

Direct Communication With the Operator

You will have the WhatsApp for the operator of your choose excursion. No more lost pick ups!

English-Speaking Guide and Small Groups

Almost all of our tours are done in small groups. All of them have English speaking guides.

OVERVIEW

Discover Patagonia from a different perspective with the Darwin Experience, a kayaking adventure along the Santa Cruz River, following a route once explored by Charles Darwin.

Travel by 4×4 from El Calafate to the river, where professional guides will provide a safety briefing and all the necessary equipment before the adventure begins.

Paddle 15 km downstream in double kayaks, surrounded by fascinating geological formations and Patagonian wildlife. After completing the descent, enjoy a riverside lunch at Estancia Río Bote before returning to El Calafate.

This approximately 5-hour excursion is rated as high difficulty and is suitable for participants aged 16 to 65. No previous kayaking experience is required, although participants should be comfortable with physical activity.

All necessary technical equipment is provided, including Gore-Tex dry suits, life jackets, boots, and gloves. The activity is subject to weather conditions and may be canceled due to strong winds.

About Us

PeritoMorenoGlacier.com, a site by RipioTurismo, celebrates South America as the vibrant garden of our world, rich in colorful landscapes, cultural heritage, gastronomy, and warm hospitality. With +20 years of expertise, we craft custom trips across Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Our carefully selected hotels and local partners ensure the best service possible. We cater to FITs, groups, adventure seekers, and the 50+ age group with luxury tours.

ITINERARY

Your Darwin Experience begins with pick-up from your hotel or an arranged meeting point in El Calafate. Travel by 4×4 along Route 40 toward the Santa Cruz River, enjoying the landscapes of the Patagonian steppe along the way.

Upon arrival at the river, your guides will provide a technical and safety briefing and distribute the necessary equipment, including Gore-Tex dry suits, life jackets, boots, and gloves. After receiving instructions, prepare to begin the kayaking adventure in double kayaks.

Paddle 15 km downstream along the Santa Cruz River, following part of the historic route explored by Charles Darwin. Throughout the journey, admire remarkable geological formations and the surrounding Patagonian landscapes, with opportunities to observe local wildlife.

The kayaking section finishes at Estancia Río Bote, where a riverside lunch awaits. After enjoying your meal, board the vehicle for the return journey to El Calafate, with drop-off at your hotel.

Duration: Approximately 5 hours.

Departure Times: 8:50 AM (September 1 to April 30) and 10:00 AM (May 2 to August 31).

Duration: Half-Day
Cancellation Policy: 72hs before your tour
Availability: Every day (There will be no departures on December 25.)
Starting Time: 08:50/10:00 AM
Finishing Time: 5 hours after departure
Pick Up: From Your Hotel
Drop Off: At Your Hotel
Language: Spanish and English Speaking Guide
Maximum Group Size: 20
Minimum Booking: 1

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off in El Calafate
  • 4x4 transportation to the Santa Cruz River
  • Kayaking guide
  • Double kayaks
  • Gore-Tex dry suits, Life jackets, Boots and gloves
  • Lunch at Estancia Río Bote.
  • Tips (not included)

OPTIONALS

There's no optionals available for this excursions. Let us know if you need anything on your booking.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If for any reason, you decide to cancel the activity or excursion, the cancellation conditions specified in the product description or in the voucher will be valid.

In the event that the cancellation conditions in the product description do not differ, the provider of tourist services will charge you the following cancellation fees:

a. Up to 72 hours before the start of the activity: full refund (again we indicate that in certain specific cases the term may differ from this general policy)
b. After 72 hours before the start of the activity: no refund.

FAQs

Can non-kayakers join the lunch at Estancia Río Bote?

Yes. Guests who prefer not to kayak can travel directly to Estancia Río Bote and join the group for lunch. This companion option costs 50% of the regular excursion rate. Please request it when booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The excursion may be canceled due to strong winds for safety reasons. If the activity cannot operate, we will contact you to confirm the available rescheduling or refund options.

Are there any age restrictions?

Yes. Participants must be between 16 and 65 years old. The excursion is not suitable for pregnant women.

What does the tour include?

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in El Calafate, 4×4 transportation, a kayaking guide, double kayaks, Gore-Tex dry suits, life jackets, boots, gloves, and lunch at Estancia Río Bote.

Do I need previous kayaking experience?

No previous kayaking experience is required. Guides provide a technical and safety briefing before entering the river. However, the excursion is rated as high difficulty and involves 15 km of paddling, so participants should be prepared for physical activity.

Will my clothes or belongings get wet?

Gore-Tex dry suits are provided to help keep you dry during the activity. However, water exposure is still possible, so we recommend protecting personal belongings and electronic devices with waterproof cases.

Is the activity physically demanding?

Yes. The excursion is classified as high difficulty and involves 15 km of downstream kayaking. Participants should be prepared for sustained paddling, and the level of effort may vary depending on wind and river conditions.

Can I take a camera or phone?

Please check with us before bringing a camera or phone onto the kayak. Any electronic devices taken near the water should be properly secured and protected with waterproof cases.

Can the tour operate on cloudy days?

Yes, cloudy skies do not necessarily prevent the excursion from operating. However, safety conditions are always the priority, and strong winds may result in cancellation.

Can non-swimmers participate?

Participation for non-swimmers must be confirmed with the operator before booking. Although life jackets are provided, this does not automatically mean the activity is suitable for guests who cannot swim. Please contact us to check the requirements.

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Booking Details (1/2)

BOOKING FAQS

How Do I Book?

Just complete the booking form. When you finish, you will be redirected to Paypal, where you can pay for the tour.

What Happens After Booking?

Once you’ve completed your booking and payment, you’ll receive a confirmation of your purchase. Within 24 hours, you’ll receive the voucher you’ll need to participate in the activity.

If you’ve booked an activity for the following day, don’t worry. We’ll make sure to send you the voucher before your activity begins.

I Have Other Questions...

Just head to our Contact Page and send us your enquiries.

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