Chaltén Kayak
A row that runs through the valley of the Río De las Vueltas immersed in an impressive landscape of mountains and glaciers.
Data sheet
Starts from El Chaltén
Difficulty: demanding
Total activity time: 6 hours
Paddling time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Transfers IN/OUT incluides
Optional lunch in Ea. Bonanza
Sit-on-Top or touring double kayaks
Departure from El Chaltén: 9:00 am
Arrival in El Chalten: 3:30 p.m.
Group: 4 minimum, 10 maximum
Minimum age: 12 years
Summary
Activity
The excursion proposes to travel, in sit-on-top or touring kayaks (according to the experience of the paddler) the bends of the shallow waters of the meandering De las Vueltas river.
De las Vueltas river
This river with category I rapids is born in Lago Del Desierto, 37 km north of El Chaltén, and heads south until it flows into the great Lake Viedma, as it receives the contribution of numerous rivers of glacial origin..
Scenery
During the journey, the native forest is crossed in one of its most spectacular scenic spots, with unique views of the surrounding hills and glaciers and the imposing Fitz Roy massif..
Run from October 1 to April 30.
Itinerary
At 8:30 a.m., you must report to the company's operational base, located at Av. San Martin 872, where the kayak guides will receive you and provide you with all the necessary technical and safety equipment, and give the group a briefing about their use.
It is highly recommended to bring a change of underwear and a towel to return dry after the experience in the river, so all personal clothing will be placed in waterproof bags provided by the company that will go in the hatches of the kayaks.
Once the equipment has been delivered and everyone has changed, at 9:00 a.m. the transfer van starts the travel about 13 miles along Provincial Route 41 on the way to Lago del Desierto to the Laguna Cóndor Viewpoint.
About 9:30 a.m., the group arrives on the shores of Laguna Cóndor, where everyone should already have their neoprene suits, boots and gloves, semi-dry jacket, life jacket and helmet on. The guide will give the on-site technical and safety talk, clearing up all the queries and doubts of the public, who do not need to have any previous experience.
At 10:00 a.m., the paddling begins from the right bank of the Condor Lagoon, descending a shallow and meandering section of the river, surrounded by native forest.
As you go downstream you will discover the different views of the Northeast and East faces of the Fitz Roy massif and Cerro Eléctrico to the West, and the wooded Del Bosque range to the East.
You will travel about 7.5 miles that require between one and a half to two hours -according to the flow of the river and the wind conditions- until you reach the disembarkation point at Estancia Bonanza, at approximately 12:30 pm.
Once at the Estancia, it is time to change your clothes and at 1:00 p.m. enjoy a delicious lunch while contemplating the unique view of Cerro Fitz Roy.
After lunch, at 2:30 p.m. you return in the company van to the operational base in El Chaltén, where the activity ends at approximately 3:00 p.m.
As a souvenir of an unforgettable day, you can take photos and videos of the excursion with you free of charge!
Journey
The entire row covers 7.5 miles, demanding an hour and a half to two hours from its starting point on the right bank of the Laguna Cóndor to Estancia Bonanza.
Schedules
Departure
Report at the Operational Base at 8:30 a.m..
Departure from El Chaltén at 9:00 a.m..
With lunch
Return at 2:30 p.m. approx.
Arrival in El Chalten at 3:00 p.m. approx.
No lunch
Return at 1:00 p.m. approx.
Arrival in El Chalten at 1:30 p.m. approx.
It includes:
Technical equipment included: neoprene suit, thermal shirt, semi-dry jacket, neoprene boots, mittens, life jacket, paddle and helmet.
Waterproof bag.
Bilingual guide.
Transfer from the operational base at Av. San Martin 872 to Mirador Laguna Condor..
Lunch at Estancia Bonanza.
Transfer from Estancia Bonanza to the operational base, Av. San Martin 872.
Photos and videos of the experience.
Civil liability and personal accident insurance.
Not included
In/Out transfers from the hotel to the operational base..
Tips.
We recommend bringing:
Towel.
Change of underwear.
All photos are courtesy of Comarka Expediciones.