Border information: if you are joining in Santiago, you will most likely enter Chile at Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (IATA code: SCL).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.
Today we will leave the bright lights of Santiago behind and head to San Javier to take a wine tour at one of the famous vineyards of the region. After lunch, we will head to the laid back farming village of Buchupureo on the Chilean coast, where we can relax by the beach for a couple of hours.
Today we continue our journey to the town of Pucón, set on the shores of Lago Villarrica.
Today is a free day to enjoy a range of optional activities, such as an expedition to climb the Volcano which looms over Pucón, heading out horse riding through the surrounding forests, or an evening visit to the nearby natural hot springs.
Border information: Exit Chile at Mamuil Malal, enter Argentina at Mamuil Malal.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).
Today we have a free day to enjoy the beautiful mountain town of Bariloche and the stunning surrounding lakes, mountains and forests. We have options to explore the area by foot, mountain bike, kayak or boat.
Border Information: Exit Argentina at Rio Futaleufú, enter Chile at Rio Futaleufú.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 Chalten is rough and mostly unpaved meaning that the going is slow.
Free day for optional activities or just enjoying the scenery.
Today we will leave Futaleufú and drive through the Chilean fjords to Queluat National Park. Here we can take a walk to see the incredible hanging Glacier.
Today we drive south through the magnificent Chilean scenery to the beautiful area of Cerro Castillo National Reserve.In Cerro Castillo we will camp in a lovely family-run campsite with basic facilities, where we will enjoy a Chilean BBQ.
Today we have a free day to hike to the stunning turquoise waters of Laguna Cerro Castillo or to go horse riding.
Border Information: Exit Chile at Huemules, enter Argentina at Huemules.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.
Today we continue our journey south to the town of El Calafate, the gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier, where we will stay for two nights in this busy Argentinian town.
Today we will head out on an included full day guided visit to view the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most spectacular sights in Patagonia.
Border information: Exit Argentina at Integracion Austral, enter Chile at Integracion AustralContinuing south, we head back into Chile to cross the Magellan Straits over to the island of Tierra del Fuego.
Border information: Exit Chile at San Sebastian, enter Argentina at San Sebastian.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!
We will have a free day in the remote town of Ushuaia, with time for optional activities such as a visit to the hauntingly beautiful Tierra del Fuego National Park, boat trips to see the scenery and wildlife of the Beagle Channel, or heading out horse riding along the coast.
Border information: Exit Argentina at San Sebastian, enter Chile at San Sebastian.Today we start heading back north on a full day drive back across the Magellan Straits and up the Chilean side of the mainland.
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'.
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.
Today we depart from our camp at Paine Grande and hike into the stunning French Valley. In the afternoon, we will make our way to Camp Cuernos.The hike is approximately 8 hours
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.
This is our final day of the W-Walk and the most spectacular. The day begins with a steady climb from our camp site up Rio Asencio. Be prepared for the final hour which is a relatively steep scramble up to the Tarn and Mirrador Las Torres, affording great views of the iconic Towers. Our hike today is approximately 8 hours for the return trip (16km).
Today we will head north to reach the small town of El Chalten, situated in Los Glaciares National Park and famous for its incredible mountains, glaciers and world-class trekking opportunities.
We will have two free days to enjoy the stunning Los Glaciares National Park and the incredible scenery of the nearby Mt. Fitz Roy. There are lots of trekking and walking opportunities here, as well as boat trips, horse riding, and many other fantastic options.
Second free day for optional activities and exploration.
Today we will have a full day drive across the plains of Patagonia towards the South Atlantic coast.
Today we continue our drive north up the Atlantic coast to the small town of Camarones.
This morning we have an included visit to the incredible remote colony of Magellanic Penguins in Cabo Dos Bahias (Cape Two Bays), close to the town of Camarones. After seeing the phenomenal sight of thousands of penguins nesting on the shore, we will continue our drive north to the coastal town of Puerto Madryn.
Today we will have a free day for optional activities in and around Puerto Madryn. There is the opportunity to take a tour to the Valdes Peninsular to see its desolate scenery and abundant marine life, head out on a boat trip in search of dolphins and whales, or perhaps go for afternoon tea in a Welsh tea house in the nearby towns of Gaiman or Trelew.
Today we have a full day's drive heading north towards Buenos Aires. We will see a definite change in the landscape today as the vegetation becomes more and more lush and green as we come out of the Patagonia region and into the pampas of Buenos Aires.
Another full day drive will take us across the beautiful grasslands of Buenos Aires province and to the cosmoplitan Argentine capital itself.
Today is 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Today we have a full drive day north to the Brazilian eco-tourism capital of Bonito.
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!
Second free day for optional activities in Bonito.
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.
Full day in the Pantanal.
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.
Today we will drive to the remote town of Brotas in southeastern Brazil.
Today is free to take part in optional adventure activities such as white water rafting or canyoning, or to simply relax by the pool!
Today we have a full day drive to the colonial town of Paraty on the Emerald Coast of the Atlantic!
Today we will have an included boat trip around the incredible islands and beaches off the coast.
Today we will have free time to explore the town, take a historical tour, walk along the stunning scenery of the coastline, head out snorkelling or diving, or simply relax on the idyllic beaches.
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.
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.
