Kayaking in La Leona River, El Calafate: Full-day paddle and trek

Paddle downriver, then walk the steppe to a high viewpoint

Kayak La Leona River in El Calafate for a full day of paddling and trekking on the Patagonian steppe. You paddle a double kayak downriver for roughly 75 minutes covering 8 kilometers, then stop to trek through Cerro Los Hornos to a viewpoint overlooking the landscape. The operator provides all technical gear (wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, paddling mitts) plus a guide in English or Spanish, hotel pickup, and a snack break with hot drinks and pastries.

The experience

The day starts with a safety briefing and gear fitting at the launch point. You'll get a neoprene wetsuit, semi-dry jacket, helmet, paddling mitts and life jacket, then practice basic maneuvers in the water with the guide before the main paddle begins. The guides stay in single kayaks while participants paddle double kayaks, and they're constantly checking your form and positioning as you move downriver. The first paddle lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes and covers 8 kilometers, with the guides pointing out the river's operation and the geomorphology of the area as you go.

Once you reach Cerro Fortaleza, you beach the kayaks and stop for lunch. From there you trek through Cerro Los Hornos to a viewpoint overlooking the steppe. The whole day runs nine hours from pickup to return, and the operator handles transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What’s included

• Double kayak and paddles.
• neoprene wetsuit, semi-dry jacket, helmet, paddling mitts and life jacket.
• waterproof bag for your belongings.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport.
• tourism activities insurance covering personal accidents and civil liability.
• hot drinks, alfajores or brownies, and nuts during the snack break.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (13 to 17 years) · Under 13: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 20 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 35 pickup points.

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 today

Good to know

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

Operated by Receptivo Aborigen Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day on the water and the steppe combined. The nine-hour commitment includes both the paddle and the trek, so you experience the river and the landscape in one outing. If you prefer a shorter time on the water, look for a half-day kayaking option instead.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (13 to 17 years). Under 13: they can't be included in the booking.

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 kayak experience do I need before booking this?

No prior kayaking experience is required. The guides teach you safety, paddling technique, turns and braking in the water before the main paddle, and they assist throughout the day. You do need at least moderate physical fitness and should be comfortable in cold water wearing a wetsuit.

How cold is the water and what gear keeps me warm?

La Leona River runs cold in Patagonia. The operator provides a neoprene wetsuit, semi-dry jacket, paddling mitts and helmet to keep you warm and protected. The wetsuit and boots are fitted to your size at the start.

What happens during the trek after paddling?

After lunch at Cerro Fortaleza, you trek through Cerro Los Hornos to reach a viewpoint over the Patagonian landscape. The trek is part of the full-day activity and lets you see the steppe from above after paddling the river below.

Is lunch included, and what do you eat?

The day includes a snack break with hot drinks, alfajores or brownies, and nuts. A boxed lunch is not included in the standard booking.

What is the minimum age for this activity?

Children are welcome from age 13. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health.

Does the price include getting to the river from my hotel?

Yes, hotel pickup in El Calafate is included. The operator provides air-conditioned transport to and from the launch point.