Darwin Experience

On this multi-adventure excursion we relive part of Charles Darwin’s journey paddling the Santa Cruz River.

We pick you up at your hotel or meeting point and set off by 4×4 along Route 40 to the Santa Cruz River. There, after a technical briefing, we gear up with Gore-Tex dry suits, life jackets, boots and gloves, and start paddling downriver in double kayaks.

Along the way you’ll see geological formations and a wide variety of wildlife — the very elements that inspired Darwin on his legendary voyage through these lands. After 15 km downriver we reach Estancia Río Bote, where lunch awaits on the riverbank. Afterwards we return to El Calafate to drop you off at your hotel.

Cancelled in the event of strong winds.

Companion option

For those who do NOT wish to paddle: they head straight to Estancia Río Bote to wait for the kayakers for lunch. They pay 50% of the fare.

Departure time

• 08:50 AM (September 1 – April 30)
• 10:00 AM (May 2 – August 31)

Menu

Season September 1 – April 30 (regular menu, no restrictions):

• Starter: focaccia with dips, provoleta with roasted tomatoes.
• Main course: creole-style beef with salads.
• Dessert: chocolate mousse with red berries.
• Drinks: water, juice, wine.

Season May 2 – August 31 (regular menu, no restrictions):

• Starter: cold-cuts platter.
• Main course: lentil stew with red chorizo, beef and pancetta.
• Dessert: chocolate mousse with red berries.
• Drinks: water, juice, wine.

When booking, please let us know of any dietary restriction so we can offer the right menu. We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, celiac and diabetic diets.