Darwin Experience in kayak and 4x4 along the Santa Cruz River with lunch at the ranch

Description

Are you brave enough to paddle the same river explored by Darwin almost 200 years ago?
In the vast Patagonian region, where the wind rules the silence and history hides in every stone, an adventure experience is born, offering a mix of adventure, landscape, and total connection with nature.

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

And at the end of the effort, a homemade lunch awaits you in a remote ranch... the perfect way to end a day you won't forget.

🛶 Kayak among geological giants
Paddle 15 km along one of the most emblematic rivers in Patagonia. A journey that combines physical challenge, observation, and a beauty that can't be captured in photos.
📜 Historical route
This is the same river that Charles Darwin and Fitz Roy explored during their time in Patagonia. Today, you get to explore it, with everything taken care of.
🍽️ Lunch at a remote ranch
Focaccia, provoleta, criollo beef, and chocolate mousse. Because after paddling, the body craves flavor.
🚙 Included 4x4 transfers
40 km one way and 65 km back from El Calafate in vehicles prepared for the Patagonian terrain.
🔒 Limited spots for safety and quality
Only 16 people per outing. This ensures personalized attention and a more authentic experience.
🎒 Companion option
Don't want to paddle? Join only for lunch and 4x4 transfers, paying 50% of the fee.

"Incredible. You feel like you're in another world, just you, the river, and the vastness."
"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 tour. It is a boutique experience, with space for just a few adventurers per day.

Adult Price: 376 USD per person (AGE +16)
Children Price: cannot participate in the activity
Infants Price: cannot participate in 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
Included Pick-up: Our transfers will pick up passengers from central areas of El Calafate and surroundings

✅ What does your experience include?
✔️ Round trip 4x4 vehicle transfer from El Calafate
🚣‍♀️ Kayak navigation on the Santa Cruz River (15 km)
🧥 Complete technical equipment: double kayak, Gore-Tex dry suit, life jacket, boots, and gloves
🥗 Gourmet lunch at a Patagonian ranch: appetizer, main course, dessert, and beverages included
🗺️ Accompaniment of certified guide throughout the activity
📸 Stops for photos and free time at the ranch
📃 Taxes included

❗What is not included in your experience?
Everything essential is already covered so you can enjoy without worries. However, there are some items not included:
❌ Optional tips
They are not included, but you can leave them if you want to thank the team for their service.
❌ Personal purchases
Souvenirs, extra snacks, or any items outside of the planned experience are the traveler's responsibility.
💡 Useful tip: You don't need to bring anything other than a desire to explore. If you still have questions, contact us before booking.

🎒 What to bring for this experience?
We recommend you come prepared to enjoy every moment without surprises:
🧥 Layered warm clothing: The weather on the glacier can change quickly. Bring a waterproof jacket, hat, and gloves.
👟 Closed and comfortable footwear: Ideally sports or trekking shoes (open-toed footwear is not allowed).
🕶️ Sunglasses and sunscreen: The radiation in icy areas is stronger than it seems.
📸 Cell phone or camera: You'll want to take memories of this unique experience with you.
🎒 Small backpack: To store your personal items during the activity.
💡 We provide all the necessary technical equipment for paddling: dry suit, boots, life jacket, and neoprene gloves. You just need to come ready to explore.

Supplier: Fontenay Tours