Where to Go Kayaking in El Calafate with Guides and Equipment

Surrounded by lakes, rivers, and mountains, El Calafate offers multiple settings to practice kayaking accompanied by professional guides and with all the necessary equipment. From experiences facing the Perito Moreno Glacier to journeys on the Santa Cruz and La Leona rivers, kayaking has become one of the most sought-after activities for tourists who want to get up close to these natural monuments in a different and safe way.

Kayaking in Front of the Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier is the icon of Argentine Patagonia, and being able to contemplate it from a kayak is one of the most impactful experiences you can have in El Calafate. The excursion "Kayaking in Perito Moreno: Glacier Experience" organized by Best Calafate Tours, allows you to paddle just a few meters from the south face of the glacier, inside Los Glaciares National Park, under the supervision of experienced guides.

The activity begins at the Bajo de las Sombras port, where participants receive a technical briefing on equipment use, lake conditions, and safety rules. Afterward, equipped with thermal suits, life jackets, and gloves, they embark on double kayaks to begin the journey on the Brazo Rico of Lago Argentino. As you advance, you can observe the ice calvings crashing into the water with a roar and feel the immensity of the glacier from a perspective completely different from that of the walkways.

The tour lasts approximately one and a half hours and requires no previous experience. It is an ideal proposal for those looking to combine sport, nature, and excitement in a single day. In addition, the program includes a visit to the viewpoint walkways, where a panoramic view of the glacier is obtained, thus completing one of the most comprehensive experiences El Calafate has to offer.

Kayaking in Laguna Cóndor, El Chaltén

About three hours from El Calafate, the town of El Chaltén is known as the National Capital of Trekking, but it is also an excellent spot for kayaking surrounded by mountains and Patagonian forests. From there, you can take the "Kayak Excursion in Laguna Cóndor" an unforgettable experience for many. Laguna Cóndor is located in a high mountain environment, surrounded by lenga forests, snowy peaks, and crystal-clear streams descending from Mount Fitz Roy. Kayaking allows you to navigate its perimeter, enter areas inaccessible on foot, and enjoy the view of hanging glaciers peeking out from among the mountains. The silence of the surroundings and the absence of crowds make it a total disconnection experience.

The excursion includes a specialized guide, all technical equipment, and transfers from El Chaltén. It is ideal for those spending a few days in this town who wish to add a different experience to traditional hikes. Since the waters are calm, the activity is suitable for beginners and can be done during much of the year, weather permitting. It is one of the most recommended proposals for those who want to paddle in the heart of the mountain range, surrounded by some of the most emblematic landscapes of southern Patagonia.

Kayaking on Lago Argentino

Lago Argentino is the largest body of water of glacial origin in Argentina and one of the natural jewels of southern Patagonia. Its dimensions, its turquoise color, and the glaciers that feed it make it an ideal setting for kayaking. The "Kayak on Lago Argentino" excursion offers precisely the possibility of traversing little-traveled sectors of this water mass accompanied by professionals and with top-quality equipment for the journey.

The starting point is usually one of the bays near the city, where the water is calmer and the landscape combines the Patagonian steppe with the distant view of snowy mountains. Along the route, guides interpret the natural environment and explain how the lake and surrounding glaciers were formed. You can also observe birds such as upland geese (cauquenes), black-faced ibises (bandurrias), and steamer ducks (patos vapor) that inhabit the lake's shores. One of the advantages of this excursion is its flexibility: there are half-day and full-day options, depending on the visitor's experience and weather conditions.

Kayaking on the Santa Cruz River

The Santa Cruz River is one of the most important in the province and a waterway loaded with history. Today, you can explore its course from a unique perspective: the water. The "Santa Cruz River by Kayak" excursion is conducted with experienced guides who explain the characteristics of the river and the fauna that inhabits it.

During the journey, you can observe flamingos, ducks, and geese, as well as typical steppe vegetation. Unlike the calm waters of the lakes, the Santa Cruz presents moderate currents, which adds an element of adrenaline without compromising safety. Therefore, this excursion is ideal for those who already have some kayaking experience or are looking for a greater challenge.

The journey can last between two and four hours, depending on the chosen section, and all boats are equipped with life jackets, waterproof suits, and rescue gear. The itinerary also includes a stop to rest and share a snack (merienda) on the riverbank, an opportunity to observe the landscape and appreciate the vastness of the river that crosses a large part of the Santa Cruz province before emptying into the Atlantic.

Kayaking and Trekking on the La Leona River

Another option highly sought after by travelers arriving in El Calafate is the excursion "Kayak on La Leona River and Trekking on Cerro Los Hornos" This is a combined experience ideal for those wishing to spend a whole day in contact with the wildest landscapes of Patagonia.

The tour begins in the area of the La Leona River, a greenish-colored watercourse connecting Lago Argentino with Lago Viedma. There, participants receive the equipment and instructions from the guide before embarking on the kayaks. The first part of the day consists of navigating the river, which has gentle waters but some sectors with light currents, making it entertaining and accessible for all levels. While observing the surroundings, the excursion continues with a trek on Cerro Los Hornos, an area of sedimentary rocks that preserves fossil traces of dinosaurs and offers panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. It is an activity combining moderate physical effort and moments of contemplation, with breaks to rest and enjoy the environment.

Like the previous one, this experience includes transfers, technical equipment, snacks, and the permanent assistance of professional guides. It is a proposal designed for those seeking an active and diverse experience, uniting the best of kayaking and hiking in a single day. Upon completion, travelers return to El Calafate with a deeper understanding of the landscapes that make up southern Patagonia.