Kayaking in Villa La Angostura: Glacier-fed lake with picnic

Paddle turquoise water, stop for a picnic on the shore, learn the geology carved into the rocks

Guided kayaking in Nahuel Huapi National Park near Villa La Angostura puts you in a double kayak on glacier-fed turquoise water, paddling past waterfowl and rocky outcrops scarred by glacial erosion while a guide trained in Antarctica and Norway narrates the geology, history, flora and fauna. The four-hour trip includes double kayaks, paddles, life jackets, safety equipment, and a picnic with regional fruits, cakes, nuts, and hot and cold drinks. Children from age 4 are welcome. Guides speak English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided kayak tour with picnic

• Meet at Bahía Mansa area
• Paddle on Lake Nahuel Huapi
• Observe waterfowl and flora
• Explore rocky outcrops and volcanic ash
• Learn about geology, history, flora, fauna
• Stop for picnic and rest

The experience

You start in Bahía Mansa, the historic center of Villa La Angostura, where the lake opens in front of you. The guide fits you into a double kayak with paddles and life jackets, and you paddle into water so clear and turquoise it looks unreal: that color comes from glacial flour suspended in the melt. The lake is surrounded by moist forest, and as you move across it you watch for waterfowl and the traces of what the glaciers left behind: rocky outcrops carved by ice, volcanic ash deposits visible deep in the water, the whole landscape a record of what happened here thousands of years ago.

The guide talks you through the geology, history, flora and fauna as you paddle, and you stop at natural attractions along the way. After a couple of hours on the water, you pull ashore to a unique spot for a picnic: regional fruits, sweet cakes, nuts, hot and cold drinks, and time to rest in lounge chairs before you paddle back. The whole trip runs four hours. All the equipment (kayaks, paddles, life jackets, safety gear) is provided, and insurance is included.

The guide is Mariano, a Bachelor of Tourism and American Canoe Association kayak instructor with experience guiding in Antarctica, Norway, and Greece. He and his team are trained to include people with disabilities and support families, couples, friends, and solo travelers of any skill level. You'll need to complete a mandatory medical record before you go. Public transportation options are available nearby if you don't have your own transport to the lake.

What’s included

• Double kayaks, paddles, life jackets and safety equipment.
• a picnic with regional fruits, sweet cakes, nuts, and hot and cold drinks.
• insurance.
• lounge chairs for rest on the shore.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 10:30

AgesAdult (18 to 69 years) · Senior (70 to 90 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Dalca Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you're a beginner or paddling with a partner. The double-kayak setup lets you share one boat, and the guide covers geology and glacial history as you paddle turquoise glacier-fed water.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (4 to 10 years). Children under 4 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.

What is the water like on Lake Nahuel Huapi in Villa La Angostura?

The water is turquoise and glacier-fed, so clear that you can see volcanic ash deposits deep in the lake. The color comes from glacial flour suspended in the melt, and the lake is surrounded by moist forest with waterfowl and rocky outcrops scarred by glacial erosion.

How long is the kayaking trip and what happens during it?

The trip runs four hours total. You paddle on the glacier-fed lake for a couple of hours, stop at natural attractions along the way while the guide explains the geology and history, then pull ashore for a picnic with regional fruits, cakes, nuts, and hot and cold drinks before paddling back.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this trip?

No. The guide supports beginners and experts alike, and all participants paddle in double kayaks with a guide, so no solo paddling experience is required. Children from age 4 are welcome.

What is included in the kayaking trip?

Double kayaks, paddles, life jackets, safety equipment, lounge chairs for the picnic, and a picnic menu with regional fruits, sweet cakes, nuts, and hot and cold drinks are all included. Insurance is also included.

Is there anything I should know before booking?

You'll need to complete a mandatory medical record before the trip. The trip is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need them to reach Bahía Mansa.