Kayaking Laguna Del Inca from Santiago: Paddle the Andes

Paddle between towering summits and emerald waters at altitude

Kayak Laguna Del Inca, a turquoise lagoon nestled at nearly 3,000 meters in the Andes, on a full day trip from Santiago that includes all gear, a guide and lunch. You paddle between steep snowcapped peaks with views of Aconcagua Mount—the highest mountain in the Americas at 21,000 feet—and return to your hotel by evening. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included; airport pickup is available for an extra charge.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak and explore Andean lagoon

• Travel to Andean lagoon
• Kayak in turquoise lagoon waters
• Enjoy views of snowcapped mountains
• Visit nearby ski resort area
• View Aconcagua mount from road

The Experience

Laguna Del Inca sits at 9,200 feet among mountains that rise above 15,000 feet, and the lagoon itself glows emerald against the rock. You'll paddle a kayak equipped with spray skirt, dry bags and bilge pump—gear that keeps you stable and dry on water this cold and this high. The guide stays with your group (one guide for every four paddlers) and speaks English or Spanish. A lunch box with sandwich, fruit, energy bars, isotonic juice and chocolate fuels the day, and you're back at your hotel by evening.

The trip runs eight to ten hours total, including the drive from Santiago and time on the water. Hotel pickup happens in the morning; if you need airport pickup instead, that's an extra $30 per person. The road passes a well-known ski resort surrounded by imposing mountains a few kilometers from the Argentina border, and Aconcagua Mount stays visible the whole way. The lagoon itself is an Andean lake of clear turquoise water, sometimes with snow on the peaks that frame it. The operation runs in all weather, so dress for cold and wind at altitude.

Two options are available at checkout: the kayaking day trip alone, or kayaking combined with a vineyard visit and lunch. If you choose the vineyard option, that experience is added to your day. You can request a single kayak instead of a double, and vegetarian lunch is available if you let the operator know when booking. Minimum age is 14; the cockpit width is 45 centimeters, and weight and height limits apply (maximum 100 kg / 220 lbs and 190 cm / 6.2 ft).

What’s included

• Kayak, paddle, dry bags, spray skirt and bilge pump.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• lunch box with sandwich, fruit, energy bars, isotonic juice and chocolate.
• a guide who speaks English or Spanish (one guide per four paddlers).
• all instruction and safety briefing.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Andes Explora

Is this one for you?Book this trip if you want to paddle at altitude with all the logistics arranged—the guide, the gear, the lunch and the drive from Santiago are included, so you show up and kayak. The two-option checkout lets you add a vineyard visit if you want to see more than the mountains in a single day.

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Top questions

What is Laguna Del Inca like when you get there?

Laguna Del Inca is a turquoise lagoon at almost 3,000 meters in the Andes, surrounded by huge steep peaks that are sometimes snowcapped. Aconcagua Mount, the highest mountain in the Americas at 21,000 feet, is visible from the water and from the road on the way there.

How long does the full day take, and what's included in that time?

The trip runs eight to ten hours total, which covers hotel pickup, the drive from Santiago, time paddling on the lagoon, lunch, and the return drive to your hotel. Transfer times depend on traffic and the time of day you depart.

What kayaking gear do I get, and do I need my own equipment?

Kayak, paddle, dry bags, spray skirt and bilge pump are all included in the rental. You bring your own clothing appropriate for cold mountain weather and water; the operator will tell you what to wear when you book.

Can I choose between a single kayak and a double?

Yes—the standard setup is a double kayak, but you can request a single kayak in the booking details if you prefer to paddle alone.

What's the difference between the two options at checkout?

One option is the kayaking day trip by itself. The other adds a vineyard visit and lunch to your day, so you experience both the lagoon and a wine region before returning to Santiago.

Is airport pickup available, and does it cost extra?

Airport pickup and drop-off are available for an extra charge of $30 USD per person. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the base price.