Rafting Rio de las Vueltas in Patagonia: Class III rapids

Paddle through 10 km of rapids framed by Cerro Fitz Roy

Rafting experience on the Rio de las Vueltas in Patagonia, a glacial river where you paddle 15 km total: 6 km of calm water to scout Cerro Fitz Roy and practice technique, then 10 km of class III to III+ rapids. A live guide in English or Spanish leads the descent, provides all technical gear, and returns you by van to the base for tea and a snack. Minimum age 12. High physical fitness required.

The experience

The Rio de las Vueltas is born in Lago del Desierto and flows into Lake Viedma, carving through a canyon that frames the Andean forest, steppe and the satellite needles around Cerro Fitz Roy. You start at the Comarka Rafting base, where guides fit you into a neoprene suit, thermal shirt, jacket, life jacket, helmet, neoprene boots and mittens. A 5-minute van ride takes you to the river entrance, where the guide walks through safety and rowing technique before you push off.

The first 6 km moves through calm, meandering water: the chance to settle into the raft, practice strokes and watch for native birds and fauna while the landscape unfolds around you. After you cross the rapid called Portage, the river tightens into a canyon and the pace shifts. The next 10 km is a succession of class III to III+ rapids that demand focus and rhythm from every paddler. This is the adrenaline stretch, where the guide reads the current and calls the moves and you execute them.

Once you reach the takeout, a van is waiting to drive you back to the base. You change out of the wet gear, then recover with tea, coffee, mate and snacks before heading back to El Chaltén. The whole experience runs about 3 hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

• Live guide in English or Spanish.
• full technical gear including neoprene suit, thermal shirt, jacket, life jacket, helmet, neoprene boots, mittens and paddle.
• van transport to the river entrance and back to the base.
• tea, coffee, mate and snacks after the run.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jan 2027

AgesAdult (12 to 65 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 16 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 4 days ago

Good to know

Demanding physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Comarka Rafting

Is this one for you?The van pickup and return to the base means you don't need a car or a ride arranged separately. Book this if you're staying in El Chaltén without transport, or add the Calafate round-trip option at checkout if you're based there.

Traveler reviews

4.85★★★★★★★★★★

52 verified traveler reviews

5 ★50

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

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 is the Rio de las Vueltas like as a rafting river?

The Rio de las Vueltas is a glacial river that splits into two distinct sections: the first 6 km flows calm and meandering through the Andean forest and steppe, framed by Cerro Fitz Roy, and the second 10 km drops into a canyon with class III to III+ rapids that demand active paddling and teamwork.

Do I need rafting experience to paddle this river?

No prior experience is required. The guide teaches safety and rowing technique during the calm first section, where you practice strokes and get comfortable in the raft before the rapids begin.

What equipment do I get, and do I need to bring anything?

The outfitter provides a neoprene suit, thermal shirt, jacket, life jacket, helmet, neoprene boots, mittens and paddle. Bring a change of clothes and a towel. The base has a place to change after the run.

How do I get to the river if I don't have a car?

The guide picks you up at the Comarka Rafting base in El Chaltén and drives you 5 minutes to the river entrance in a van. After the descent, the van returns you to the base. If you're staying in El Calafate, round-trip van transport from there is available as an add-on option at checkout.

What happens after the rapids end?

Once you reach the takeout, a van drives you back to the Comarka base, where you change into dry clothes. The outfitter provides tea, coffee, mate and snacks to recover before you head back to town.