Kayaking Machonico Lakes: Siete Lagos Trail paddling

Paddle between mountains and waterfalls on two connected lakes

Kayak the Machonico and Pichi Machonico Lakes near San Martin de los Andes with a professional guide, hotel pickup, and all equipment provided. You navigate calm, clear waters through a narrow channel lined with Andean forest, stop for a snack on the smaller lake, and return by kayak to your starting point. Small groups stay under four people, and the guide speaks English or Spanish.

The experience

The day starts with a safety briefing from your guide, then you push off into Machonico Lake, a dark blue expanse ringed by mountains. The water is calm enough that the crossing feels manageable even if you've never paddled before. About thirty minutes in, you reach a narrow channel, only thirty meters wide, that connects to Pichi Machonico Lake. The channel is where the forest closes in: transparent emerald water, steep banks, and the quiet that comes from being deep in the Andes. No engine noise, no crowds.

Pichi Machonico is smaller and more enclosed, surrounded by forest with waterfalls and caves visible from the water. You beach the kayaks here and eat a snack while the silence settles around you. The whole experience takes about five hours from pickup to drop-off, which means you're back at your lodging by early afternoon if you start in the morning. The guide handles navigation and safety. You handle the paddle.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so you don't arrange transport separately. All kayaking gear (kayak, paddle, life jacket) comes with the booking. Bring a swimsuit, comfortable shoes and a towel. You can pack your own snacks if you want something beyond what's provided. The minimum age is fifteen, and you need at least a moderate fitness level to handle five hours of paddling, but the lakes themselves are forgiving water.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• kayak, paddle and life jacket for each paddler.
• a snack stop on Pichi Machonico Lake.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 29 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Tangol

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you can follow the safety briefing and navigation in whichever language you're comfortable with. Small groups of four mean you set the pace on the water and have room to ask questions without holding up a larger group.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided 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 are the Machonico Lakes like when you get there?

Machonico Lake is a large, calm expanse of dark blue water surrounded by mountains. The connecting channel is narrow and lined with Andean forest and transparent emerald water. Pichi Machonico is smaller, enclosed by forest with visible waterfalls and caves, and this is where you stop to snack and rest.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

No prior experience is required. The guide gives a safety briefing before you start, and the lakes have calm water. You do need a moderate fitness level to paddle for about five hours, and you must be at least fifteen years old.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide in English or Spanish, and all kayaking equipment (kayak, paddle and life jacket) are included. You provide your own food and drinks, though you can bring snacks to eat during the stop on Pichi Machonico Lake.

How long does the whole experience take?

The activity runs about five hours from the time your guide picks you up at your hotel to when you're dropped off afterward. Most of that time is on the water. The snack break on Pichi Machonico Lake gives you time to rest.

How many people go on this kayaking trip?

Groups are limited to four people maximum, so you paddle as a small group with your guide. A minimum of two people per booking is required.