Packrafting on the Olivia River

Packrafting uses a small, light inflatable raft that you paddle yourself, and it suits people who want a taste of white-water style adventure without technical skills. On this tour a guide meets you in town, drives you out to the Olivia River, fits you with the equipment and runs a briefing on paddling, steering and what to do if you end up in the water. You then float and paddle a section of the river through forest and open valley, with the mountains as a backdrop and sections of gentle current broken by livelier stretches. The experience is rated very highly by travellers, with a perfect score from more than sixty reviews. It lasts about five hours in total, including transfers and equipment, so it fits into a morning or an afternoon and leaves the rest of the day free. The water in Tierra del Fuego is cold, so operators provide protective clothing, and the river flow changes with rain and melt, which means the exact route depends on conditions. It is a good choice for active travellers, couples and friends who like a hands-on activity, and for anyone who has done the standard cruise and park days and wants something different for a free afternoon.

It helps to understand how the day works. The raft is stable and forgiving, and the guide paddles with the group or in a lead raft, choosing the line and calling out the turns. You will be asked to follow instructions about holding the paddle, staying seated and keeping together. On gentle sections you can look around: the forest, the sky and sometimes birds along the banks. On livelier sections the instruction becomes more important, and the guide may stop to scout.

Preparation is easy but worth getting right. Wear a warm base layer under the gear that the operator supplies, and bring a dry change of clothes for afterwards, as well as a towel and a warm drink if possible. Quick-drying fabrics are better than cotton. Leave valuables in the vehicle or at the hotel, and ask the operator whether a waterproof bag is provided for a phone. Tell the guide in advance if you have any health concerns or cannot swim confidently, because requirements for age and fitness are set by the operator.

Think about where it fits. It is a lighter day than a glacier trek and more active than a cruise, so it works well on a rest day between bigger outings, or as a half-day add-on when the weather rules out something higher in the mountains. River levels vary through the year, so ask about conditions when you book, and keep the plan flexible, because heavy rain or very high water can alter or cancel a trip. For families, check the minimum age on the booking page, because river activities usually have a limit.