Darwin Experience kayaking and 4WD on the Santa Cruz River with lunch at the lodge

🌊 Darwin Experience: Paddle the Explorers River

Do you dare to paddle down the same river that Darwin explored almost 200 years ago?
In the Patagonian vastness, where the wind is the master of silence and history is hidden in every stone, an experience of adventure, landscape and total connection with nature is born.

During this journey, you will travel a stretch of the legendary Santa Cruz River in a double kayak, accompanied by expert guides, surrounded by ancient geological formations, open skies and fauna that surprises you when you least expect it.

And at the end of the effort, a home-cooked lunch awaits you at a remote ranch... the finishing touch for a day you won't forget.

🛶Kayak among geological giants
Sail 15 km along one of the most emblematic rivers in Patagonia. A journey that mixes physical challenge, observation and beauty that doesn't fit in the photos.
📜Historical route
This is the same river that Charles Darwin and Fitz Roy traveled during their passage through Patagonia. Today you'll explore it, but with everything figured out.
🍽️Lunch in a secluded stay
Focaccia, provoleta cheese, criollo steak and chocolate mousse. Because after paddling, the body asks for flavor.
🚙4×4 transfers included
40 km one way and 65 km back from El Calafate in vehicles prepared for the Patagonian terrain.
🔒Limited places for safety and quality
Only 16 people per outing. This way we guarantee personalized attention and a more authentic experience.
🎒Companion option
Don't you want to row? You can only join lunch and 4WD transfers, paying 50% of the fare.

“Incredible. You feel that you are in another world, just you, the river and the immensity.”
“The lunch was spectacular, homemade, warm and with Patagonian wines.”
“One of the best experiences of our entire trip to Patagonia.”

This is not a mass outing. It's a boutique experience, with room for just a few adventurers per day.

Adult Price: 376 USD per person (YEARS +16)
Price Children: cannot do the activity
Price Infants: they cannot do the activity
Duration: 6 hours
Pick up time for the tour: 09:00 AM to 09:30 AM
Minimum age for the tour: 16 years
Pick-up included: Our transfers will pick up passengers in the downtown areas of El Calafate and surrounding areas

✅ What does your experience include?
✔️ Round trip transfer in a 4x4 vehicle from El Calafate
🚣‍♀️ Kayak sailing on the Santa Cruz River (15 km)
🧥 Full technical equipment: double kayak, Gore-Tex dry suit, life vest, boots and gloves
🥗 Gourmet lunch at a Patagonian ranch: starter, main course, dessert and drinks included
🗺️ Certified guide support throughout the activity
📸 Stops for photos and free time during the stay
📃 Taxes included

❗ What's not included in your experience?
All the essentials are already covered so you can enjoy without worry. Even so, there are some items that are not covered:
❌ Optional tips
They are not included, but you can leave them if you want to thank the team for their attention.
❌ Personal shopping
Souvenirs, extra snacks or any item not included in the experience are at the expense of the traveler.
💡 Useful type: You don't need to bring anything but a desire to explore. If you still have questions, write to us before booking.

ℹ️ Important information before booking
We want you to enjoy this experience to the fullest. Please read these key points carefully before confirming your place:
🔞 Minimum age required: 16 years old.
🚶‍♂️ Moderate physical condition: The activity includes rowing in cold waters, so good mobility and general condition are recommended.
♿ Not wheelchair accessible: The experience requires full autonomy of movement.
🚐 Super limited spaces: Only 16 people per outing. We suggest booking in advance to secure your spot.
❄️ Patagonian climate: Wind and cold are part of the environment. Come prepared for the adventure.
💡 An experience designed for those who seek to experience Patagonia from the inside, in direct contact with nature and in front of an imposing glacier.

🎒 What to bring for this experience?
We recommend that you come prepared to enjoy every moment without surprises:
🧥 Layered outerwear: The climate on the glacier can change rapidly. I brought a waterproof jacket, hat and gloves.
👟 Closed and comfortable footwear: Ideally sports or trekking shoes (open shoes are not allowed).
🕶️ Sunglasses and sunscreen: Radiation in icy areas is stronger than it seems.
📸 Cell phone or camera: You're going to want to take back memories of this unique experience.
🎒 Small backpack: To store your personal things during the activity.
💡 We give you all the necessary technical equipment for paddling: dry suit, boots, life jacket and neoprene gloves. You just have to come wanting to explore.