Darwin Experience tour group
group starting the Darwin Experience
girls paddling in the kayak
people kayaking in the river
two kayaks sailing
roasted eggplant focaccias
couple observed the fauna of the patagonian steppe
guide explaining to a couple about the kayak
4 people in double kayaks on the Santa Cruz river
two boys in the kayak
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Kayak Tour & Lunch from El Calafate – Darwin Experience

Kayak tour on the Santa Cruz river and lunch at a Patagonian "estancia"

El Calafate
1 day
Spanish and English
Starts: From your accommodation in El Calafate at 9:00 a.m.
Ends: To your accommodation in El Calafate at 2:30 p.m.
Free cancellation!

Briefing

Get to know the Darwin Experince with this kayaking activity on the Santa Cruz River. You will have the opportunity to explore and experience the natural landscapes that inspired Charles Darwin during his famous journey through Patagonia in the 19th century. Navigate through Paraje Charles Furh and discover the different geological formations and variety of fauna.

Afterwards, you will enjoy a delicious lunch on the banks of the Santa Cruz River to recharge your batteries and return to El Calafate along the famous Route 40.

Are you up for it? 🚣 Keep reading:

Tour details

Included

  • Round-trip 4x4 transportation
  • Technical talk
  • Certified guide (Spanish/English)
  • Lunch at Estancia El Rincón with a beverage.
  • Gore Tex drysuit, lifejacket, boots and gloves
  • Single or double kayak

Not included

  • Other meals

Important information

👬 LIMITATION: Only allowed for people from 16 years old (up to 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult).

🚫 NOT SUITABLE: People with heart or respiratory problems, recent surgeries, pregnant women, reduced mobility, obesity or vertigo.

⚠️ You must be in moderate physical condition to perform the activity.

You can add the extra “Accompanying person”. The companion will not paddle the kayak but will enjoy the rest of the tour in 4x4 and lunch. The companion has no age limit (can be older or younger than 16 years old).

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

If you cancel at least 9 days before the tour starts, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of no-show, no refunds will be given.

Tour itinerary

Darwin Experience: Kayak in Rio Santa Cruz

Duration: 5 hours and a half

Difficulty: medium - high

Group size: maximum 8 people

Pick up in El Calafate 📍

The Darwin Experience: Kayak in Rio Santa Cruz tour will start with a 4x4 pick up from your accommodation in El Calafate at around 9 am. You will head towards Charles Furh, located 25 miles (40 km) from the city.

Technical talk

Once there, you will help unload the kayaks from the vans and do some warm-up exercises while the guide gives you a technical talk on how to do the activity properly.

guide explaining the kayaking activity

Kayaking Santa Cruz River 🚣

Ready, get in the kayak and let the adventure begin! You will embark on an exciting 80-minute kayak tour on the Santa Cruz River. During this stretch you will have breathtaking views of the Patagonian steppe with unique geological formations and a great variety of wildlife.

two people kayaking down the river watching sheep

Lunch at Estancia El Rincón 🍴

You will arrive at Estancia El Rincón where you will enjoy a riverside lunch while you relax after the activity. After lunch, you will head back along a gravel road and the mythical Route 40 until you reach El Calafate where the Darwin Experience tour will end.

lunch by the Santa Cruz river

What to bring to Kayak & Lunch from El Calafate – Darwin Experience tour

  • ID card or passport
  • Camera
  • Warm and comfortable clothes
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

Where does the tour Kayak & Lunch from El Calafate – Darwin Experience start

🚌 Pick up and return:

The tour starts with pick up at your accommodation in El Calafate at 9:00 am. Remember to tell us the name of your accommodation when you make your reservation. For your convenience, the tour ends at the same place at 2:30 pm.

✈️ Plan your entire trip:

Be sure to arrange your transfer to or from El Calafate Airport before or after the tour:

📍 How to get to El Calafate?

Check our complete guide and discover all the routes and transportation options to get to this amazing destination.

Questions & Answers

  • Will I be picked up at my accommodation in El Calafate?

    Pick up is included in any accommodation with reception located in El Calafate. If, on the other hand, you are staying in an Airbnb, or in an accommodation without reception, they will not be able to pick you up. In that case, a meeting point in downtown El Calafate will be indicated.

  • What does lunch include?

    The menu you will taste at Estancia El Rincón consists of focaccia with pickled eggplants, provoleta, steaks, salads, chocolate mousse and beverages (wine, water and juice).

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