Kayaking Mascardi Lake: Patagonian forest trek combined

Paddle and hike two landscapes in one full day from Bariloche

Kayak Mascardi Lake and trek the native Patagonian forest near Bariloche in a single full-day activity with a professional guide. You'll paddle toward Playa Leones, hike inland to a small lagoon while learning about local flora and fauna, eat lunch on the beach, and paddle back: all at a relaxed pace. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Bariloche are included. The guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese.

The experience

A 45-minute transfer from your Bariloche hotel takes you to Camping Wiritray on Mascardi Lake, where the activity begins. You'll spend 1.5 hours kayaking along the coast toward Playa Leones, one of the most beautiful beaches in Nahuel Huapi National Park, with views of the lake, mountains and surrounding landscape unfolding as you paddle. The guide navigates the route while you focus on the water and the scenery.

After reaching the beach, you leave the kayaks and trek 1.5 hours through the native forest on foot. Your guide shares information about the natural history of the region, its native flora and fauna, and the Mapuche heritage of the area. The trail leads to a small lagoon before returning to Playa Leones, where you'll have lunch by the lakeshore and time to rest before the final paddle back to the starting point.

The pace throughout is relaxed: designed so you absorb the environment rather than rush through it. Bottled water and snacks are provided during the day, and the return transfer to Bariloche is included once you're back at the lakeshore.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Bariloche.
• kayak and paddle.
• bottled water and snacks throughout the day.
• lunch on the beach.
• all instruction and route guidance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Tangol

Is this one for you?Small groups stay under a dozen people, so you're paddling and hiking with a manageable number rather than a large tour crowd. The combination of water and forest means you experience two distinct Patagonian landscapes without switching between separate outings: both fit into one full day from Bariloche.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

What's the actual time spent kayaking and hiking?

You'll spend 1.5 hours kayaking in two sections (the paddle to Playa Leones and the return journey), and 1.5 hours trekking through the forest to the lagoon and back to the beach.

Is the kayaking difficult if I've never paddled before?

The kayaking is at a relaxed pace and doesn't require prior experience, though you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness for the full day of activity. The guide leads the route and you paddle at your own rhythm.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

The activity operates in most weather conditions typical to Patagonia, but the guide will assess conditions on the day and adjust the route if needed to keep you safe on the water and the trail.

Does the price include lunch?

Yes, lunch is included and served on Playa Leones after the hike. Bottled water and snacks are also provided throughout the day.

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?

Hotel pickup in Bariloche is included. The exact time depends on your hotel location and the day's schedule, which the operator will confirm when you book.