This 52 day trip links up two of the most cosmopolitan cities of South America, Santiago and Buenos Aires with the party capital of Rio De Janeiro. We explore the real wilderness Argentina and Chile - it's all about Patagonia. It's a journey for lovers of the outdoors, with plenty of camping in national parks of outstanding natural beauty, and the chance to trek, climb, bike, and horse ride through some breathtaking scenery.
Perhaps the highlight will be the 5 day visit to Torres del Paine National Park, where there will be plenty of time to trek the W Walk; or maybe riding or trekking around the magnificent Los Glaciares National Park around the dramatic peaks of Mount Fitz Roy will be your highlight but there is even more in time spent with the Gauchos, the spectacular Lake District with its twin towns of Bariloche and Pucon or the penguins and right whales of the Peninsula Valdes.
Then we travel across the north of Argentina to another icon, the mighty Iguazu Falls. Entering Brazil, we head to one of the world's most important environmental habitats, the wetlands of the Pantanal, stay on a traditional Brazilian cattle ranch, and continue on to the eco-tourism and outdoor activity capital of Bonito. South of Rio is one of Brazil's prettiest coastlines, the Emerald Coast where we stay in the UNESCO world heritage colonial town of Paraty, to enjoy its relaxed and laid back atmosphere - a real contrast to the vibrance and glamour of Rio.
A truly epic road trip through vast wildernesses plus the beautiful coastline in Brazil as well as Rio de Janeiro. For lovers of the outdoors, who are prepared to sacrifice a few home comforts for the challenge and beauty of pristine landscapes, loads of activities to enjoy and the chance to chill on the Emerald Coast. Great wild camping, mixed with hostels and hotels and wonderful opportunities for walking, horseriding, rafting, ice trekking etc.
Whet your palette during wine tasting at a vineyard in San Javier
Visit the stunning Queulat National Park and take a trek through the 'Enchanted Forest' to view the magnificent Hanging Glacier
Enjoy a traditional Chilean BBQ
Guided full day trip to the Perito Moreno Glacier
Head out to the remote corner of Chilean Tierra del Fuego. If time allows, visit the King Penguin colony at Bahia Inutil, the only colony of these type of penguins outside of Antarctica
Welcome to Santiago, the cosmopolitan Chilean capital! There will be an important group meeting at 6:00pm at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this meeting.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Optional Activities
Discover all of Santiago's sights on a hop-on/hop-off bus around the city
Tour: 21,000 CLP
Learn more about Santiago and its history on a free walking tour of the centre from a knowledgeable local guide
Tour: Free
Take in the breathtaking vista of the city skyline backdropped by the mighty Andes from the viewpoints at Cerro San Cristobal or Cerro San Lucia
Cable car: 2,500 CLP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Included Activities
Whet your palette during wine tasting at a vineyard in San Javier
Today we continue our journey to the town of Pucón, set on the shores of Lago Villarrica.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Optional Activities
Take part in a fantastic canyoning expedition through the gorges of the Chilean Lake District near Pucón
Canyoning tour: 25,000 CLP
Horseriding or hikes around Pucon
Horse riding (3hrs): 35,000 CLP
Explore the stunning views and hiking trails of the nearby Huerquehue National Park
Entrance to NP and public bus fare : 7,000 CLP
Head on an exciting white-water rafting trip on the rapids of the Trancura River near Pucón
Rafting : 25,000 CLP
Relax in the soothing waters of the Pozones natural hot springs
Entrance : 12,000 CLP
Learn all about Pucón and the history of its people on a free walking tour of the town
Tips only : Free
Trek up the snowcapped volcano Mt Villarica
Chairlift : 10,000 CLP
Tour: 95,000 CLP
Today we journey through the Andes into Argentina and to the picturesque town of Bariloche via the scenic Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route).
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Optional Activities
Discover the incredible scenery of the Nauhel Huapi Lake and the Victoria Islands on a boat trip from Bariloche
Full day trip: 1,800 ARS
Hire mountain bikes to explore the forests and hills surrounding Lake Nauhel Huapi and Bariloche
Full day hire, including helmet: 900 ARS
Visit the interesting Fenoglio Chocolate Museum in Bariloche and learn all about the towns tradition of chocolate making
Entrance: 200 ARS
Horse riding around Bariloche
Half day riding: 1,750 ARS
Explore the nearby Lago Gutierrez and take in its amazing views from the water on a half-day tandem kayaking trip
1/2 day: 790 ARS
Today we cross back into Chile and drive to the rafting mecca of Futaleufú. From this point we will join the famous Carretera Austral, probably one of the most stunning roads in South America, surrounded by gorgeous mountain and forest scenery. Please note that the road from here to El Chaltén is rough and mostly unpaved meaning that the going is slow.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Optional Activities
Head out for an exhilarating rafting or kayaking trip on the Grade 5 white water rapids near Futaleufú (if time allows)
2-6 hours. 5 pax minimum: 65,000 CLP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Included Activities
Visit the stunning Queulat National Park and take a trek through the 'Enchanted Forest' to view the magnificent Hanging Glacier
In Cerro Castillo we will camp in a lovely family-run campsite with basic facilities, where we will enjoy a Chilean BBQ.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Included Activities
Enjoy a traditional Chilean BBQ
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Optional Activities
Explore the beautiful mountain scenery of Cerro Castillo on a horse riding trip
2hr 15min ride: 18,000 CLP
Hike to the stunning Laguna Cerro Castillo
NP entrance: 10,000 CLP
Today we will cross into Argentina's Patagonia region and continue our journey south along the famous Ruta 40 (Route 40).
Tonight we will wild camp somewhere in the Rio Pinturas area.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Included Activities
Guided full day trip to the Perito Moreno Glacier
Optional Activities
Boat trip beneath the Perito Moreno Glacier
1 hour: 1,000 ARS
Learn all about glaciers at the fantastic modern Glaciarium Museum in El Calafate and visit its cool ice bar in the basement!
Entrance to museum and ice bar: 600 ARS
Continuing south, we head back into Chile to cross the Magellan Straits over to the island of Tierra del Fuego.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Included Activities
Head out to the remote corner of Chilean Tierra del Fuego. If time allows, visit the King Penguin colony at Bahia Inutil, the only colony of these type of penguins outside of Antarctica
Today we cross over to the Argentine side of Tierra del Fuego and drive to the incredible port town of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Optional Activities
Beagle channel boat trips
4 hours: 2,040 ARS
Take a journey along the Rio Pipo on the Train to the End of the World. Once built by prisoners at Ushuaia's old penal colony
Train trip: 44 USD
Delve into Ushuaia's past and learn about it's maritime tradition and former prison colony at the Maritime Museum
Entrance: 400 ARS
Learn all about Tierra del Fuego's history and nature at the Museum of the End of the World in Ushuaia
Entrance: 300 ARS
Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park on a day tour from Ushuaia
4 hour guided tour: 1,450 ARS
Today we start heading back north on a full day drive back across the Magellan Straits and up the Chilean side of the mainland.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Today we will drive to the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. This is one of the most outstanding areas of natural beauty in the world and a main highlight of the trip for many of our passengers and leaders! We will stop en route in Puerto Natales to stock up on supplies and pick up our local guides and cook who will accompany us during our time in the National Park.
Tonight we will camp at Camping Pehoe, a stunning campsite inside the National Park with incredible views of Los Cuernos mountains, which we will refer to as our 'base campsite'.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Included Activities
4 days in the rugged Torres del Paine National Park, trekking the W walk with a local guide
Embark on the W-Walk with a local guide. Places at the campsites are limited by the National Park, so we book them in advance of your trip. We will be trekking the W-Walk from West to East, to enjoy the spectacular views.
This morning we will wake early and transfer by truck for the morning Catamaran to cross Lago Pehoe. We will then set up camp at Paine Grande, before continuing on our hike towards the lookout for Glacier Grey. The walk returns by the same route.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
The hike is approximately 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today we have a slightly easier day, we will hike from Camping Cuernos along the edge of Lago Nodenskjold, around Almirante Nieto and stay just outside Valley Ascencio. We will arrive at Camp Central after approximately 5 hours hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Our hike today is approximately 8 hours for the return trip (16km).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Optional Activities
Horse riding and trekking around El Chalten
2 hours ride inc transfer: 60 ARS
Take a boat out onto the stunning Viedma Lake and get up close to the Viedma Glacier to see its impressive facade.
2.5hr boat trip: 1,100 ARS
Visit the majestic Lago del Desierto, a remote and serene lake surrounded by stunning forests and mountains
Full day cycling tour: 500 USD
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Optional Activities
Enjoy a spectacular kayaking trip down the Rio de las Vueltas taking in some incredible views of the surrounding mountains
Min 2 passengers: 150 USD
Head on a rock-climbing course in the magnificent landscapes surrounding El Chalten
Full day course: 163 USD
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 12
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Included Activities
Visit the penguin colony at Camarones
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Optional Activities
Set off on a boat trip from Puerto Madryn in search of playful Commerson's dolphins (all year) or Dusky dolphins (December to March) and Southern Right whales (May to December)!
3hrs: 47 USD
Visit the fascinating modern marine interpretation centre of EcoCentro Mar Patagonia and learn all about the unique ecosystems of the Patagonian sea
Entrance: 125 USD
Explore the intriguing Welsh village of Gaiman near Trelew and visit one of its iconic tea houses. Transfers by bus.
Teahouse entrances: 12 USD
Discover the incredible colony of sea lions at Punta Loma near to Puerto Madryn
Entrance: 100 ARS
Explore the incredible shipwrecks and rocky reefs under the water on a scuba diving trip in the Golfo Nuevo off the shore of Puerto Madryn
3hrs: 150 USD
Guided visit to the Valdes Peninsula to meet the elephant seals and sealions
Full tour incl. entrance fee: 64 USD
Visit the outstanding Museum of Paleontology in the Welsh town of Trelew and see the impressive ancient remains
MEF Entrance: 95 USD
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 12
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 11
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Optional Activities
Head out to a tango show in Buenos Aires' oldest cafe the Gran Cafe Tortoni - seeing a slice of iconic Argentine culture in an ideal and intimate setting
Show: 650 ARS
Enjoy a free city tour of Buenos Aires
Tour: Free
Visit the strangely beautiful cemetery of Recoleta the final resting place of many ex-presidents and Argentine icons most famously including the tomb of Eva Peron
Entrance: Free
Try your hand at the art of tango dancing with a private lesson in Buenos Aires
Lesson: 25 USD
See a different side to Buenos Aires on a tour of its incredible street art with some of the local artists
Tour: 20 USD
Learn all about the cuisine of Argentina on a food tour of Buenos Aires visiting several incredible local top-class eateries that you won't find in the guidebooks!
Tour: 85 USD
Border information: if you are joining in Buenos Aires, you will most likely enter Argentina at Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also known as Ezeiza Airport (IATA code: BUE/EZE).
Welcome to Buenos Aires, the wonderful capital of Argentina! There will be an important group meeting at 6:00pm at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting.
Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Buenos Aires before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Buenos Aires.
In Buenos Aires we will stay in a centrally-located hotel.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today will be a free day to explore the incredible city of Buenos Aires, soak up the atmosphere of its streets, and discover its amazing culture, art, and music.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Optional Activities
Learn all about the cuisine of Argentina on a food tour of Buenos Aires visiting several incredible local top-class eateries that you won't find in the guidebooks!
Tour: 85 USD
Watch a football game at La Bombonera
Entrance: 300 ARS
Enjoy a free city tour of Buenos Aires
Tour: Free
Explore the beautiful area of Palermo Viejo see the incredible modern sculpture of Floralis Generica and head out to the area's bars and restaurants at night
Entrance: Free
Visit the strangely beautiful cemetery of Recoleta the final resting place of many ex-presidents and Argentine icons most famously including the tomb of Eva Peron
Entrance: Free
Head out to a tango show in Buenos Aires' oldest cafe the Gran Cafe Tortoni - seeing a slice of iconic Argentine culture in an ideal and intimate setting
Show: 650 ARS
Today we have a full day drive north though the provinces of Entre Rios and Corrientes, aiming to reach the beautiful village of Yapeyú on the banks of the River Uruguay. Yapeyú is very famous amongst Argentines for being the birthplace of their national hero General Jose de San Martin, one of the liberators of South America from Spanish colonial rule.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 11
Optional Activities
Visit the remains of the house of José de San Martín, one of the main liberators of South America (if time allows)
Entrance: Free
Border information: Exit Argentina at Tancredo Neves, enter Brazil at Tancredo Neves.
Today we cross the border into Brazil and drive to the city of Foz do Iguacu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Today we will visit the Brazilian side of the phenomenal Iguazu Falls, to get some incredible panoramic vistas of the mighty waterfalls. There is also plenty of time to visit the bird park, take a helicopter ride over the falls, see the incredible Itaipu Dam, or quickly stop into Paraguay to pick up some bargains in the nearcy Ciudad del Este.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Included Activities
Discover the unbelievable Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side
Today we will take a day trip back into Argentina to see the incredible Iguazu Falls from the other side. This is well worth doing as the views are even more spectacular, and you'll be able to look right down into the mighty Garganta del Diablo (the largest waterfall here) from a gantry walkway viewing point). We will have a full day at the Argentine side of the falls, allowing us lots of time to freely explore the site, hike some nature trails, or perhaps take an exhilarating (and very wet) boat ride!
We will return to our base in Foz do Iguacu tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Included Activities
Spend the day exploring the amazing Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian side
Optional Activities
Get a soaking on a boat trip to the Falls
Boat: 1,500 ARS
Today we have a full drive day north to the Brazilian eco-tourism capital of Bonito.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 12
We have two full days in Bonito to take part in the plethora of incredible optional activities here. You could go out on a world-class snorkelling trip, explore the nearby caves, or go abseiling down some of the largest waterfalls in the area, amongst many other possibilities!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Optional Activities
Take an incredible snorkelling trip through the crystal clear waters of the Rio da Prata getting a phenomenal view of the fish and aquatic plants underwater
Snorkelling trip and transport: 290 BRL
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today we have a short drive to Brazil's amazing Southern Pantanal region, where we have a visit a local eco-tourism ranch (or 'fazenda').
We will spend 2 nights here and have a fantastic package of included activities such as exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside on horseback, trips down the wildlife-abundant rivers in boats and canoes, and safaris on the ranch's trucks and on foot where we hope to spot capybaras, caimans, and (if we are very lucky) jaguars and ocelots. Our stay here is an incredible highlight!
In the Southern Pantanal we will stay in dorm accommodation in a well equipped lodge with all the meals and activities included.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Included Activities
Spend 2 nights in the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland area, exploring the flora and fauna with local guides
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
After our morning activities and one final lunch in our beautiful ranch, it is time to leave the Pantanal. We will start driving east towards Sao Paulo state, and wild camp or stay in a local pousada at the end of the day.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Today we will drive to the remote town of Brotas in southeastern Brazil.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Today is free to take part in optional adventure activities such as white water rafting or canyoning, or to simply relax by the pool!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Optional Activities
Go on a half-day canyoning trip through the gorges of the Jacare River near Brotas
Activity: 270 BRL
Head out white-water rafting on the fast moving waters of the Jacare River (approxmiately Grade 3-4)
Activity: 150 BRL
Today we have a full day drive to the colonial town of Paraty on the Emerald Coast of the Atlantic!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Included Activities
Boat trip out to islands and beaches
Optional Activities
Learn all about the fascinating history of Brazil and the Gold Trail on an excellent walking tour of the old colonial town of Paraty
Walking Tour: 35 USD
Enjoy some of the best and most scenic treks in the country on the coastal trails hils and 'tropical fjords' near Paraty
Walking Tour: 50 USD
Explore the ocean islands beaches and mangroves of Atlantic coast in a more serene and tranquil fashion on a sea kayaking expedition around the bay of Paraty
Kayaking: 80 BRL
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
This morning we will drive to the incredible Rio de Janeiro, one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world!
In Rio de Janeiro we will stay in a great hotel in the Flamengo district, close to the beach and the metro station.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Optional Activities
Relax and explore the world famous beaches of Rio de Janeiro including Ipanema Arpoador and of course Copacabana
Entrance: Free
Visit the world famous statue Christ the Redeemer
Train and entrance: 83 BRL
Border information: if you are leaving in Rio de Janeiro, you will most likely exit Brazil at Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport (IATA code: RIO/GIG).
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Rio de Janeiro. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities
Explore the magnificent Botanical Gardens of Rio de Janeiro with over 54 hectares and 6500 species of plants and flowers
Entrance: 8 USD
Take a hike into the Tijuca Rainforest, one of the largest Urban Rainforests in the world.
Hike: 65 USD
Take a cable car up Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain)
Cable car (return ticket): 85 BRL
Show only available departures
$6,610 USD
Status: Open$6,665 USD
Status: Open$6,610 USD
Status: Open$6,720 USD
Status: Open$6,805 USD
Status: Open$6,845 USD
Status: Open$6,845 USD
Status: Open