Kayaking and trekking La Leona River, El Calafate

An hour on the river, then hours walking through stone trees and ancient bones

Kayak and trek the La Leona River in El Calafate on a full-day activity combining paddling and hiking through the Patagonian steppe. You paddle downstream for an hour in provided equipment with a guide, then land and walk for several hours through a petrified forest where dinosaur bones are visible, learning about the region's geology and wildlife along the way. Hotel pickup and drop-off, bilingual guide, technical gear, and a picnic lunch are included. Minimum age is 12.

The experience

The day starts with an hour on the water. You paddle the La Leona River in a kayak with all equipment provided (neoprene suit, life jacket, waterproof bag for your clothes, semi-dry jacket and neoprene shoes), while a bilingual guide leads. The river runs clear and the current carries you downstream through landscape that opens up as you go.

Once you land, the trekking begins through the petrified forest, where the ground itself is the attraction. Trees turned to stone millions of years ago stand where they fell, and dinosaur bones surface in the rock. Your guide points out the flora and fauna adapted to the steppe, and explains the geology that shaped this place. The walk takes several hours and covers uneven ground. You'll want sturdy walking shoes and layers. Bring a long-sleeved shirt, light coat, and shorts or leggings. A picnic lunch breaks up the day.

The full day runs eight hours from hotel pickup to drop-off. You need at least a moderate level of fitness for the combination of paddling and walking, and the minimum age is 12. The guide speaks English and Spanish, so you get real-time explanation of what you're seeing rather than a silent walk through.

What’s included

• Round-trip hotel transfers.
• bilingual guide.
• kayak, neoprene suit, semi-dry jacket, neoprene shoes, life jacket and waterproof bag.
• kayaking and trekking along the La Leona River and through the petrified forest.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by SALUM TOUR & TRAVEL

Is this one for you?Eight hours from pickup to drop-off leaves little room for other activities that day, so plan this as your main outing. The moderate fitness requirement and several hours of walking over uneven ground mean you'll want to rest afterward, not move on to another site.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the La Leona River like to paddle?

The La Leona runs clear and moves at a pace a guide can lead. You paddle downstream for about an hour with the current helping you along. The river passes through open steppe landscape with geological formations visible from the water.

What will I see in the petrified forest?

The petrified forest contains trees turned to stone and dinosaur bones visible in the rock. Your guide points out how the ancient trees fell and fossilized in place, and explains the geological processes that created the landscape you're walking through.

What equipment do I need to bring, and what's provided?

The operator provides kayaks, neoprene suits, semi-dry jackets, neoprene shoes, life jackets and waterproof bags for your clothes. You bring walking shoes, a long-sleeved shirt, a light coat, shorts or leggings, and a box lunch.

How fit do I need to be for this activity?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness for the combination of an hour paddling and several hours trekking over uneven ground. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.

Does the price include lunch?

Lunch is not included. You bring a box lunch to eat during the trek. Hotel transfers, all kayaking and trekking equipment, and the bilingual guide are included in the price.