dsc08270

FROM USD 180

Half Day Kayak in El Chaltén

Kayak along the Río de las Vueltas with views of Mount Fitz Roy, gentle rapids, expert guides, and an included countryside picnic.

Why Choose This Activity?

  • Kayaking with Views of Mount Fitz Roy
  • Countryside Picnic Included
  • Professional Guides & Safety Equipment
BOOK NOW

Explore the Río de las Vueltas by kayak with views of Mount Fitz Roy

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 El Chaltén from a different perspective with a guided kayaking adventure along the Río de las Vueltas, surrounded by Andean Patagonian forests and spectacular views of Mount Fitz Roy.

This approximately 5-hour experience includes a 12 km kayaking journey through winding waters and gentle Class I rapids. Along the way, enjoy the stunning Patagonian scenery and stop for an included countryside meal featuring regional specialties, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverages.

The activity uses double or single touring kayaks, assigned by the guide according to participants’ experience and availability. No previous kayaking experience is required, making it an accessible adventure for beginners.

The tour has a moderate difficulty level and is suitable for participants aged 12 to 70 who meet the physical requirements. All necessary equipment, bilingual guides, and transportation from the operational base to the river and back are included.

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

Meeting at the Operational Base

Morning Meeting Time: 8:45 AM (9:00 AM departure)
Afternoon Meeting Time: 2:45 PM (3:00 PM departure)

Meet your guides at Av. San Martín 625, El Chaltén, where you’ll receive the necessary technical and safety equipment. Your guide will assign double or single kayaks based on experience and availability.

Transfer to Laguna Cóndor

Travel approximately 21 km (40 minutes) along Provincial Route 41 to the Laguna Cóndor viewpoint, where the adventure begins.

After a safety briefing and equipment check, get ready to enter the river.

Kayaking Along the Río de las Vueltas

Paddle approximately 12 km through the Río de las Vueltas, navigating winding waters and gentle Class I rapids while enjoying views of Mount Fitz Roy and the Andean Patagonian forest.

The navigation lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on wind and river conditions.

Countryside Meal

Halfway through the journey, stop for an included meal:

  • Morning departure: Beef cooked in a traditional disc plow with vegetables.
  • Afternoon departure: Patagonian platter with cheeses, cold cuts, dips, pickled specialties, and crackers.

Both options include dessert, non-alcoholic beverages, and a toast at the end of the experience.

Return to El Chaltén

Finish kayaking at the Fitz Roy viewpoint, approximately 10 km from El Chaltén, and return by vehicle to the operational base (approximately 20 minutes).

Estimated Return Times:

  • Morning departure: 2:00 PM
  • Afternoon departure: 8:00 PM

Total duration: approximately 5 hours. The itinerary may vary depending on weather and river conditions.

Duration: AM or PM, Half-Day
Cancellation Policy: 72 Hours Cancellation Policy
Availability: Daily departures, Oct 1 – Apr 30
Starting Time: 9:00 AM / 3:00 PM
Finishing Time: 2:00 PM / 8:00 PM
Pick Up: Meeting Point
Drop Off: Meeting Point
Language: English, Spanish
Maximum Group Size: 12
Minimum Booking: 1

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Bilingual kayak guide (English/Spanish)
  • Technical and safety equipment (dry suit, thermal fleece, helmet, life jacket, boots, paddling gloves, and paddles).
  • Transfer from the operational base to the kayaking starting point.
  • Return transfer from the Fitz Roy viewpoint to the operational base in El Chaltén.
  • Countryside picnic (meal according to departure time, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverages).
  • Toast at the end of the experience.
  • Civil liability and personal accident insurance.
  • Transportation from/to El Calafate.
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off.
  • Photographs and videos of the experience.
  • Tips

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

Is this tour available on Dec 24, 25, 31, or Jan 1?

Yes. The tour operates on December 24th and 31st. On December 25th and January 1st, only the afternoon departure at 3:00 PM is available, with a return at approximately 8:00 PM.

Does this tour have any age restrictions?

Yes. Participants must be between 12 and 70 years old. Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Is this tour available for people with reduced mobility?

This activity involves getting in and out of a kayak and actively paddling along the river. It is generally not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Travelers with specific mobility limitations should consult us before booking.

What are your cancellation policies?

This tour has a cancellation policy of up to 72 hours before the activity.

What happens after booking?

After booking and finalizing payment, you will receive a confirmation for your purchase. Then, in less than 24 hours, you will receive the voucher that you can use to take the excursions.

If the reservation is for the next day, we will be attentive and we will send you the voucher before your excursion begins.

What happens if the weather conditions are not suitable for kayaking?

If the weather conditions are not safe for kayaking, the activity may be postponed or canceled. Our team will assess the situation and inform participants in advance. If the activity is canceled, we will offer alternative dates or a full refund.

Do I need previous kayaking, rafting or paddling experience?

No previous kayaking experience is required. The activity has a moderate difficulty level, and guides provide a technical and safety briefing before entering the river.

How much does wind influence this activity?

Wind is one of the main variables in Patagonia. It can affect route, pace, comfort and, occasionally, whether the activity can operate safely. Guides make decisions based on real conditions on the day.

What if I fall into the water?

Safety procedures and equipment are designed for that possibility. Follow the guide’s briefing carefully and stay calm; the team will explain the appropriate recovery procedure before the activity begins.

Will my clothes or belongings get wet?

There is always some chance of spray or water exposure. Keep valuables in protected storage or waterproof packaging and follow the operator’s clothing instructions.

Is the activity physically exhausting?

The activity has a moderate difficulty level and involves approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of kayaking. Participants should be comfortable with physical activity, although no previous kayaking experience is required.

Can I take a camera or phone?

Usually yes, but only with suitable waterproof protection and secure attachment. For valuable equipment, ask the operator which storage options are available before departure.

Is this activity enjoyable on cloudy days?

Yes. Patagonia’s lakes and rivers remain scenic in changing weather, and cloud cover can create dramatic mountain light. Safety conditions matter more than sunshine.

How are participants grouped during the activity?

The guide assigns double or single touring kayaks based on participants’ experience and equipment availability. Single kayaks are reserved for experienced paddlers. Each departure accommodates a maximum of 12 participants.

Can non-swimmers participate?

This depends on the specific activity and operator requirements. Even when flotation equipment is provided, travelers who cannot swim should declare this before booking so suitability can be confirmed.

Why choose a paddling activity instead of a conventional sightseeing tour?

Paddling provides a quieter, more immersive perspective at water level and adds an active component to the scenery. It is ideal for travelers who want more participation than a standard panoramic excursion.

Book Now!

Step 1 of 2

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.

Explore Similar Excursions & Tours