Packrafting the Olivia River: Andes trek and row combo

Row your own boat down a Patagonian river flanked by glaciers and peat bogs

Packrafting experience along the Olivia River combines a 40-minute low-intensity trek through Tierra del Fuego forests with one hour of rowing your own inflatable boat downstream. You carry a 6 kg packraft to Butterfly Lagoon, learn rowing technique on the water, then navigate the river past snow-capped Andes peaks, resting on a river beach for lunch. Live guide in English or Spanish, pickup, lunch, helmet and shoe rental included. Children from age 10 welcome.

The experience

The Andes Mountains frame this half-day activity, which splits into two parts: a walk and a row. You start by carrying your own lightweight inflatable boat (6 kg total) through native forest and peat bogs on a 40-minute trek at low intensity. The landscape shifts as you move: open terrain gives way to dense growth, and the snow-capped peaks stay visible above the treeline. When you reach Butterfly Lagoon, you inflate the boat, get a safety and technique briefing, and push off into the water.

The rowing leg lasts about an hour. You steer your own packraft downstream on the Olivia River, letting the current carry you while you navigate. The river passes through sections lined with native forest and low brush. The peaks stay overhead. Midway down, you pull onto a small beach where a tributary stream feeds in, and that's where lunch happens: surrounded by the water and the mountains, with no other people around. After eating, you continue downstream, collecting any litter you spot along the banks as part of the low-impact ethic the operator emphasizes.

Transport to and from the river is included, as is accident insurance. You get a helmet for the water, and if you need them, shoe and coat rental. The guide speaks English or Spanish and stays with the group throughout. Children from age 10 can join, though the operator notes the activity is not suitable for anyone with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transport.
• accident insurance.
• lunch on the river beach.
• inflatable packraft and helmet.
• trekking poles.
• shoe and coat rental if needed.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (18 to 55 years) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Child (10 to 14 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 7 · max 6 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 28 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by TAUN USHUAIA

Is this one for you?Small groups work well here since you're managing your own boat on calm water with a guide nearby. The low-intensity trek and steady rowing suit anyone who wants to be active without pushing hard: families with kids from 10 up, or travelers who prefer moving at their own pace over a structured schedule.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years); Child (10 to 14 years). Children under 10 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.

How fit do I need to be for packrafting on the Olivia River?

The trek is low-intensity and lasts 40 minutes, so minimal physical condition is required: the operator emphasizes that a desire to enjoy nature matters more than fitness level. The rowing is steady rather than strenuous, and you control your own pace on the water.

What happens at Butterfly Lagoon before we start rowing?

Butterfly Lagoon is where you inflate your packraft and receive a safety and rowing technique briefing. The lagoon sits at the start of the Olivia River, so once you're ready, you push off directly into the water from there.

Do I need my own gear, or is equipment provided?

The operator provides the inflatable packraft, helmet, and trekking poles. Shoe and coat rental are available if you need them. You carry the packraft (6 kg) during the trek, but it's compact and designed to be light.

Where do we eat lunch, and what's included?

Lunch is served on a small river beach where the Laguna Esmeralda stream meets the Olivia River, roughly halfway through the rowing section. You eat surrounded by the water and mountains, and the meal is included in the activity price.

How long is the entire activity, and what time does it start?

The full experience takes five hours from start to finish. Hotel pickup is included, and the guide will confirm the exact departure time when you book.