rafting

FROM USD 150

Half Day Rafting in El Chaltén

Experience 16 km of rafting on the Río de las Vueltas, combining Fitz Roy views, calm waters and exciting Class III to III+ rapids.

Why Choose This Activity?

  • 16 km River Adventure
  • Class III to III+ Rapids
  • No Rafting Experience Needed
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A half-day rafting adventure through the Patagonian landscape of El Chaltén.

Easy Cancellation

If you need to cancel or postpone, just send us an email and we will take care of everything.

Direct Communication With the Operator

You will have the WhatsApp for the operator of your choose excursion. No more lost pick ups!

English-Speaking Guide and Small Groups

Almost all of our tours are done in small groups. All of them have English speaking guides.

OVERVIEW

Discover the Río de las Vueltas on a half-day rafting adventure from El Chaltén, combining dramatic Patagonian scenery with an exciting series of Class III to III+ rapids.

The experience begins at the operational base at Av. San Martín 872 in El Chaltén, where your guides will provide the technical and safety equipment needed for the activity. Once everyone is ready, a short 5-minute vehicle transfer takes the group to the river, where the guides provide a technical and safety briefing before entering the water.

The first 6 km follow a calm and winding section of the Río de las Vueltas. This part of the journey offers views of Mount Fitz Roy and its surrounding peaks, as well as the Andean forest, Patagonian steppe and local wildlife. It also gives participants time to become familiar with the raft and practice paddling and safety techniques.

The adventure becomes more intense as the river enters the canyon. Over the following 10 km, you will navigate a succession of Class III to III+ rapids, combining teamwork, splashes and adrenaline with the impressive landscapes surrounding El Chaltén.

Time on the water is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on weather conditions and river flow. At the end of the rafting section, a vehicle will take you back to the operational base, where you can change and enjoy a hot drink with a sweet or savory snack.

No previous rafting experience is required, although participants must meet the age and health requirements for this activity.

About Us

PeritoMorenoGlacier.com, a site by RipioTurismo, celebrates South America as the vibrant garden of our world, rich in colorful landscapes, cultural heritage, gastronomy, and warm hospitality. With +20 years of expertise, we craft custom trips across Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Our carefully selected hotels and local partners ensure the best service possible. We cater to FITs, groups, adventure seekers, and the 50+ age group with luxury tours.

ITINERARY

Itinerary

Meeting at the Operational Base

Morning Meeting Time: 10:45 AM
Afternoon Meeting Time: 2:45 PM

Meet your guides at the Comarka operational base at Av. San Martín 625, El Chaltén, at your assigned meeting time. Upon arrival, you will receive the technical and safety equipment required for the rafting activity.

Transfer to the Río de las Vueltas

Once the group is ready, you will take a short 5-minute vehicle transfer to the river access point.

Before entering the water, your guides will provide a technical and safety briefing covering paddling techniques, rafting commands, and teamwork.

First Section: Scenic Rafting

The adventure begins with approximately 6 km of calm, winding water.

This first section allows you to become familiar with the raft and practice paddling techniques while enjoying views of Mount Fitz Roy, the surrounding peaks, the Andean forest, and the Patagonian steppe.

Second Section: Class III to III+ Rapids

The river then enters a canyon, where the most adventurous section begins.

Over approximately 10 km, you will navigate a series of Class III to III+ rapids, following your guide’s instructions and working together with the rest of the crew.

The entire rafting section takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on river flow and weather conditions.

Return to El Chaltén

After completing the rafting section, a vehicle will be waiting at the river exit point to transfer you back to the operational base in El Chaltén.

Back at the base, you will have time to change into dry clothes and enjoy a hot drink accompanied by a sweet or savory snack.

Morning End of Service: approximately 2:00 PM
Afternoon End of Service: approximately 6:00 PM

Duration: AM or PM
Cancellation Policy: 72 Hours Cancellation Policy
Availability: Daily
Starting Time: 10:45 AM or 2:45 PM
Finishing Time: 2:00 PM or 6:00 PM
Pick Up: Meeting Point
Drop Off: Meeting Point
Language: English, Spanish
Maximum Group Size: 16
Minimum Booking: 1

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Full technical and safety equipment: 3 mm wetsuit, micropolar layer, jacket, life jacket, helmet, neoprene boots, gloves and paddle
  • Bilingual rafting guide in English and Spanish
  • Transfers required during the rafting activity
  • Return transfer from the end of the rafting section to the operational base
  • Hot drink after rafting
  • Sweet or savory snack
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Photos of the activity
  • Any service not specifically listed as included

OPTIONALS

There's no optionals available for this excursions. Let us know if you need anything on your booking.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If for any reason, you decide to cancel the activity or excursion, the cancellation conditions specified in the product description or in the voucher will be valid.

In the event that the cancellation conditions in the product description do not differ, the provider of tourist services will charge you the following cancellation fees:

a. Up to 72 hours before the start of the activity: full refund (again we indicate that in certain specific cases the term may differ from this general policy)
b. After 72 hours before the start of the activity: no refund.

FAQs

Is this tour available on December 24th, 25th, 31st and January 1st?

Yes. Chaltén Rafting operates on these dates with special departure times:

  • December 24: Morning departure only at 10:00 AM
  • December 25: Afternoon departure only at 2:30 PM
  • December 31: Morning departure only at 10:00 AM
  • January 1: Afternoon departure only at 2:30 PM

What is the minimum age to participate?

The minimum age is 16 years old. Participants between 16 and 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a towel, a change of underwear or swimsuit, a thermal shirt, sunscreen, and sunglasses with a secure strap. All technical and safety equipment required for rafting is provided.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included. Participants must make their own way to the Comarka operational base in El Chaltén. Transfers required as part of the rafting activity are included.

Do I need previous kayaking, rafting or paddling experience?

No. Previous rafting experience is not required. The activity is rated as moderate difficulty, and the guides provide a technical and safety briefing before entering the river.

How much does wind influence this activity?

Weather conditions can influence the experience and the time spent on the river. Navigation normally lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on weather conditions and river flow. The guides assess conditions locally to ensure the activity can be carried out safely.

What if I fall into the water?

Falling into the water is an inherent possibility during white-water rafting. Participants wear a life jacket, helmet and full technical equipment, and the guides explain the necessary safety procedures before entering the river. Always follow the guide’s instructions if this occurs.

Will my clothes or belongings get wet?

Yes. You should expect to get wet during the rafting section. Technical clothing and equipment are provided, but you should bring a towel and dry clothes for after the activity. Avoid taking unnecessary valuables onto the raft.

Is the activity physically exhausting?

The activity is considered to have a moderate level of difficulty. Participants will need to paddle and work as a team, particularly during the Class III to III+ rapids, so a reasonable level of physical fitness is required.

Can I take a camera or phone?

Because this is a white-water activity and you should expect to get wet, taking unsecured cameras or phones onto the raft is not recommended. If you want to bring a waterproof or securely attached device, check with your guide before entering the river.

Is this activity enjoyable on cloudy days?

Yes. Cloudy conditions do not necessarily prevent the activity from operating. The rafting experience combines the scenery of the Río de las Vueltas with the Class III to III+ rapids, although operation and navigation time always depend on overall weather and river conditions.

How are participants grouped during the activity?

Each departure has a maximum capacity of 15 passengers, with approximately 7 to 8 participants per raft. The guides organize the groups according to operational and safety requirements.

Why choose a paddling activity instead of a conventional sightseeing tour?

Rafting offers a more active way to experience the landscapes around El Chaltén. Instead of observing the Río de las Vueltas only from land, you travel through 16 km of the river, combining views of Mount Fitz Roy, the Andean forest and Patagonian steppe with an exciting section of Class III to III+ rapids.

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Booking Details (1/2)

BOOKING FAQS

How Do I Book?

Just complete the booking form. When you finish, you will be redirected to Paypal, where you can pay for the tour.

What Happens After Booking?

Once you’ve completed your booking and payment, you’ll receive a confirmation of your purchase. Within 24 hours, you’ll receive the voucher you’ll need to participate in the activity.

If you’ve booked an activity for the following day, don’t worry. We’ll make sure to send you the voucher before your activity begins.

I Have Other Questions...

Just head to our Contact Page and send us your enquiries.

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