Kayaking in Torres del Paine
Torres del Paine's secluded waterways are perfect for paddling through. The many lagoons, rivers and glacier-fronted lakes offer something for all kayaking abilities.
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Reasons to go
- From whales to glaciers, fjords to lakes, kayaking gives you a far more intimate view of the scenery and wildlife of Patagonia
- No experience is necessary to take to the water, though more technical trips are available for seasoned kayakers
- As the region is peppered with lakes, rivers and streams, you can fit kayaking into your itinerary just about anywhere
- Spend a morning paddling, or take on a more adventurous multi-day trip
Kayaking in Patagonia
Top 3 places to go kayaking
1. Lake Districts: Wild and adventurous kayaking. Kayakers from around the world come to the Futaleufu river in Chile, known for its strong currents and deep blue waters created by glacial sediment. Across the border, Argentina is lush and green and full of remote kayaking locations. Find out more.
2. Torres del Paine: The national parks in central Patagonia are fabulous for dramatic scenery and shorter kayaking trips. Here you'll be able to kayak amongst fjords, glaciers and icebergs, with mountains as your backdrop. Find out more.
3. Aysen: A region full of waterways, kayaking is one of the best ways to see its treasures. Try sea kayaking, visit the remarkable marble caves and cathedral, or pick one of the winding, remote rivers to explore. Find out more.
Putting the kayaks in on the Baker River
What our customers think of Patagonia Kayaking Tours
Patagonia Kayaking Tours trips scored 4.4/5 from 78 reviews
What a great way to end our trip. The kayaking was challenging enough and rewarding and better than expected.
Travelled: November 2017
Steve and Jenny - Australia
Kayaking down the Rio Serrano was the highlight - I truly felt like we were in the wilderness because we didn't see any other people!
Travelled: January 2017
Mary - South Dakota
The kayaking in Patagonia was tremendous. Continually beautiful. There is something about being on the water that I just absolutely love.
Travelled: December 2016
Anne -
Kayaking the Baker River is something I would never go to Patagonia and miss doing. It's an incredible experience! The logistics were great, planned out and flawless. The food was beyond our dreams! We could not have had a greater time on our kayak portion of the trip.
Travelled: November 2016
Julie and Nic - Hawaii, USA
Review:
Kayaking on turquoise waters in Patagonia
Paddle up to the wall of the Grey Glacier, Torres del Paine
Serrano River with views of the Paine massif, Torres del Paine
Kayaking with sea lions, Peninsula Valdés
A whale greets a kayaker in the Chilean Fjords
Drifting beside the spectacular marble caves, Aysen
Travellers beach their kayaks to set up camp for the night, Aysen
Kayaking by waterfalls
The calm before kayakers set off on the water
Kayakers paddle past a huge iceberg on Lago Grey, Torres del Paine
Getting up close to noisy sealions, Valdes
Types of Kayaking Trips
Day trips
You don't need any kayaking experience to jump in a kayak for a day and get a whole new perspective on the scenery. Whether you make it the most adventurous day of your trip, or just a day to rest your legs after some serious hiking, kayaking can take you places that you simply can't get to otherwise.
The best places to kayak for a day are in Torres del Paine, where you can kayak up to the towering wall of a glacier and reach out to the icebergs floating beside you, the lake districts where the lakes and rivers are pristine, or Ushuaia and Valdes where penguins and sealions await.
Kayakers paddle past a huge iceberg on Lago Grey, Torres del Paine
2-4 day river tours
Kayak by day and wild camp wild by night. Multi-day kayak trips are open to novices as well as more experienced kayakers; all your equipment and food will be provided so you can just focus on the scenery.
The beauty of these longer kayaking trips is getting well off the beaten track. Discover tiny hidden coves and islands, and drift through fjords completely hidden from the nearest road or walking trail. What these areas lack in people they more than make up for in wildlife - consider the Chilean Fjords for up close encounters with whales, and Peninsula Valdes to arrive at hidden beaches teeming with sealions and penguins.
Kayak expeditions
Experienced sea kayakers will be looking for a more meaty challenge, and Patagonia will not disappoint. Audacious and infamous routes include kayaking to Cape Horn, a remote exploration of the Chilean fjords, kayaking deep into the Pumalin national park.
These trips tend to be longer days with even more remote routes, and strong winds can make for challenging conditions. The rewards are more than worth it to see untouched Patagonia.
Kayaking crystal clear waters in Pumalín Park
Where to go Kayaking in Patagonia
Kayaking & rafting in the Patagonian Lake District
See the Lake District like you should - from the water! Paddle on the region's pristine blue lakes and rivers and see waterfalls, forest-clad mountains and snow capped-volcanoes.
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Kayaking in Aysen
Kayaking in Aysen gives you access to some wildly remote corners, where you can travel for days without seeing any signs of civilization.
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Tierra del Fuego
Tierra del Fuego is a region of moss-covered forests, craggy mountains and winding fjords, with adventure enough to set any explorer's soul alight.
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Patagonia is a vast and varied region, with a wealth of things to see and do, a range of places to stay and a limited transport network.
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