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CALAFATE: Santa Cruz River Kayak Tour: Following Darwin’s Route

About this experience

This multi-adventure experience combines off-road exploration and kayaking in one unforgettable journey through Patagonia.

The tour begins with a 4x4 drive along the iconic Route 40, heading toward the Santa Cruz River while enjoying the vast and remote Patagonian landscapes. Upon arrival, expert guides will provide a technical briefing before equipping you with high-quality gear, including Gore-Tex dry suits, life jackets, boots, and gloves to ensure comfort and safety throughout the activity.

You will then set off paddling downstream in double kayaks, following the historic route once explored by Charles Darwin. Along the approximately 15 km journey, you will discover striking geological formations and a rich variety of native wildlife

The experience concludes at Estancia Río Bote, where a well-deserved lunch awaits by the river. After relaxing and enjoying the surroundings, you will return to El Calafate with drop-off at your hotel.

At a glance

  • Duration: 5 hr
  • Skip-the-line entry

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Adventure tour
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour5 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), Spanish (live guide)

Set aside 5 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

What is included

  • technical briefing and full equipment: Gore-Tex dry suits, life jackets, boots, and gloves.
  • Certified guide and double kayaks.
  • Transfer with guide in a 4x4 vehicle along Route 40 to the Santa Cruz River.
  • Lunch by the riverbank.
  • Pick-up and drop-off at all hotels located in El Calafate.

Itinerary and highlights

El río Santa Cruz ha sido la ruta de uno de los exploradores más emblemáticos de la Patagonia: Charles Darwin, y Patagonia Profunda recrea ese viaje a bordo de kayaks.

Pasamos a buscarlos por su hotel o punto de encuentro. En esta excursión multiaventura partimos en 4×4 por la Ruta 40 desde Calafate hasta el río Santa Cruz

Meeting and pickup information

  • Pick-up and drop-off at all hotels located in El Calafate.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Azul Latina Travel

Accessibility and practical details

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Departure Time – 08:50 AM (September 1st to April 30th) – 10:00 AM (May 2nd to August 31st)
  • Not permitted for children under 16 years old or adults over 65. Not suitable for pregnant women.
  • Regular Menu – No Dietary Restrictions (September 1st to April 30th) Starter: Focaccia with dips, grilled provolone cheese with roasted tomatoes Main Course: Creole-style beef steak with salads Dessert: Chocolate mousse with red berries Beverages: Water, juice, wine Regular Menu – No Dietary Restrictions (May 2nd to August 31st) Starter: Cold cuts platter Main Course: Lentil stew with chorizo, beef, and pancetta Dessert: Chocolate mousse with red berries Beverages: Water, juice, wine
  • At the time of booking, if you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know.
  • This tour may be cancelled due to strong winds.

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 5 hr.
What are the pickup arrangements?
Pick-up and drop-off at all hotels located in El Calafate.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide), Spanish (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 6–12; Adult tickets: age 13+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What is the cancellation policy?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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