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On this excursion, you’ll discover the Patagonian steppe from El Calafate, paddling double kayaks along the Santa Cruz River. The tour begins heading toward Lake Argentino and continues to Estancia Río Bote, part of the route Charles Darwin traveled through the region. The excursion includes a three-course lunch at the estancia and combines nature, adventure, and history in a unique Patagonian landscape.
Price
Adult16+ years
$ 350,000ARS
StartEnd
9:00 am3:30 pm
Start at your hotel in El Calafate
Double kayaks, paddles, Gore-Tex waterproof dry suit, boots, gloves and life jacket
Lunch at estancia
Guide throughout the excursion
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before start
Optionals
Trekking boots
$ 29,600ARS
Companion who does not kayak
$ 175,000ARS
Availability
Highlights
1 / 2
Included
Included
Included
Food
Lunch menu at Estancia Rio Bote
Included
Grilled Provolone Cheese, beef steak and chocolate mousse served at a estancia’s post.
Good to know
The activity is available for people aged 16 and over. It is important to have a good level of physical fitness, as participants must be able to paddle for approximately 2 hours. This excursion is not suitable for pregnant women.
When booking this tour,
we'll give you a free airport transfer to your hotel
we'll give you a free airport transfer to your hotel
Free airport transfer
Book any tour with us and the transfer is on us, so planning your trip is much simpler.
How does the benefit work?This benefit applies to the arrival leg, covering the transfer from El Calafate airport to your hotel in the city. Please note that it does not include the return trip to the airport. You will be able to enter your flight details and arrange the transfer in the next step.
Description
Darwin Experience is an excursion departing from El Calafate that will take you to the Patagonian steppe in a unique way: you will sail in double kayaks along the Santa Cruz River from the famous Charles Fuhr site, located at the mouth of Lake Argentino, to Estancia Río Bote. You will learn part of Charles Darwin's journey through the El Calafate area, navigating this river in the mid-19th century, adding a touch of history to the adventure of kayaking in Patagonia.
The tour begins when we pick you up in 4x4 vehicles from your hotel in El Calafate to head to the Charles Fuhr site, located at 40 km from the city. Upon arrival, we will unload the kayaks from the 4x4s and prepare for the experience by doing warm-up exercises while certified guides explain how the activity works. Then, all the necessary equipment included in the excursion will be provided (Gore-Tex drysuits, life jackets, boots, and gloves). Once you are ready, the kayaking trip along the Santa Cruz River will begin, lasting 80 minutes and traveling 15 km until you reach Estancia Río Bote, while you appreciate the endless Patagonian steppe in this largely unexplored area.
Upon arrival at the estancia, you will be greeted by another guide who will offer you lunch from a menu included in the excursion.
After lunch, the return trip to the city begins in the 4x4 vehicles, after having enjoyed kayaking along the impressive Santa Cruz River.
The excursion offers the option for any of the passengers who do not want to kayak, to go as a companion in the vehicles. He will always be accompanied by a guide and will meet at the estancia for lunch with the rest of the group. The minimum number of passengers to confirm the tour is 2 and the maximum number of passengers is 8.
The tour begins when we pick you up in 4x4 vehicles from your hotel in El Calafate to head to the Charles Fuhr site, located at 40 km from the city. Upon arrival, we will unload the kayaks from the 4x4s and prepare for the experience by doing warm-up exercises while certified guides explain how the activity works. Then, all the necessary equipment included in the excursion will be provided (Gore-Tex drysuits, life jackets, boots, and gloves). Once you are ready, the kayaking trip along the Santa Cruz River will begin, lasting 80 minutes and traveling 15 km until you reach Estancia Río Bote, while you appreciate the endless Patagonian steppe in this largely unexplored area.
Upon arrival at the estancia, you will be greeted by another guide who will offer you lunch from a menu included in the excursion.
After lunch, the return trip to the city begins in the 4x4 vehicles, after having enjoyed kayaking along the impressive Santa Cruz River.
The excursion offers the option for any of the passengers who do not want to kayak, to go as a companion in the vehicles. He will always be accompanied by a guide and will meet at the estancia for lunch with the rest of the group. The minimum number of passengers to confirm the tour is 2 and the maximum number of passengers is 8.
Itinerary
9:00
Pick-up at hotel
40 km distance
Arrival at Charles Furh
15 km kayaking
Estancia Rio Bote
Outdoor lunch
Departure from the estancia
4x4 activity through the steppe
15:30
Drop off at hotel
Included ActivitiesOptional ActivitiesTimings, order, and activities may vary based on the day's organization
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Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the questions other travelers also had before booking.During the kayaking, do the guides take photos and then share them with the passengers?
Yes, the guides take photos during the kayaking tour and then share them with the passengers. Therefore, there is no need to take cameras or phones while kayaking.
Is prior kayaking experience necessary to take this excursion?
No prior kayaking experience is necessary for this excursion as it is designed for people with no technical knowledge of the activity.
Where can I leave my personal belongings while kayaking?
During the kayaking activity, personal belongings are stored in the support vehicle. This vehicle travels to the estancia's outpost where it awaits the group's arrival at the end of the kayaking tour.
Can I drive my own vehicle to the estancia?
It is not possible to get to the estancia by private vehicle. Access is exclusively via the transport provided by the tour
Is the experience cancelled due to bad weather?
The excursion normally takes place under most weather conditions. It is only canceled or rescheduled in the event of strong winds that could affect navigational safety.
How is it recommended to dress for the excursion?
As the weather in Patagonia can be unpredictable, we recommend dressing in layers, including:
- Thermal clothing.
- Fleece sweater or jacket.
- Waterproof jacket or windbreaker.
- Waterproof pants.
- Hiking boots. You can also wear sports shoes with laces, although hiking boots are the recommended option to make the most of the experience.
It is also important to bring:
- Gloves.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Backpack.
What level of difficulty do the rapids present in the section of the Santa Cruz River that is navigated?
The section of the Santa Cruz River navigated on this excursion is of low difficulty (Class II), with calm waters and no rapids that present a significant challenge.
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