Trips

Santiago

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 important meeting. Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Santiago 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 Santiago. In Santiago we will stay in a centrally-located hostel. Hotel for the night: Happy House Hostel Happy House Hostel Moneda 1829 Santiago Chile Tel - +56 2 2688 4849 Activity Approximate Cost Explore and discover the streets of Santiago Free Learn more about Santiago and its history on a free walking tour of the centre from a knowledgeable local guide Free About Santiago: Chile's capital, Santiago, is a large, modern city with a very European atmosphere. In the centre of the city, wide tree-lined boulevards lead to pleasant plazas and leafy parks, and on a clear day the snow-capped peaks of the Andes provide a magnificent backdrop to the Santiago skyline. Much of the centre is pedestrianised, which together with the wide streets and efficient metro system make Santiago an easy city to explore on foot. There are plenty of interesting museums where you can learn more about Chilean history and culture, from the City of Santiago Museum which chronicles the city’s history, to the Natural History Museum and Museum of Pre-Colombian Art. The city's many wonderful parks are also worth a visit, particularly O'Higgins and San Cristóbal which offers great views of the city from Cerro San Lucia. As you would expect from a capital city of this size, Santiago is full of busy bars and restaurants and has some lively nightlife to offer. For cheap eats full of local flavour, head to the Mercado Central which is packed full of food stalls and simple cafes and restaurants. For a real treat, you might want to head out to one of the more upmarket neighbourhoods like Bellavista or Providencia, home to some really world-class restaurants and great bars. Barrio Brasil is also worth a look; this old neighbourhood attracts an arty and bohemian crowd and there are often interesting events going on here. If you have the time, there's also plenty to do in the area surrounding the city. Santiago is right in the middle of Chile's wine producing region, so it is relatively straightforward to arrange full day or half day tours out to the local wineries. You may also be interested in visiting the seaside town of Valparaíso, which can be visited as a day trip from Santiago.

Pucon

Today we leave Santiago for a full day drive south to the beautiful Lake District of Chile and the lakeside town of Pucón. In Pucón we will stay in dorm beds in a friendly local hostel. Estimated Drive Time - 11-12 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!). About Pucón: Southern Chile's lake district boasts some lake and mountain scenery comparable with what the Swiss Alps or New Zealand have to offer! Beautiful deep blue lakes are flanked by majestic forest-clad mountains with snowy peaks to provide picture-postcard views and a perfect spot for walking and camping. The attractive small town of Pucón is located at the heart of the Chilean lakes, a great place to stop for a few days so you can explore the area and get involved in some of the many adventure activities on offer here. At certain times of year it's even possible to do a day climb of the nearby Villarrica volcano - a challenging trek, but one that anyone who is reasonably fit should be able to manage - and you're rewarded with some fantastic views of the surrounding area from the summit. The whole area is great for trekking and there are plenty of options to do some fantastic self-guided walks. Alternatively Pucón offers great horse riding, white-water rafting and mountain-biking opportunities. For those who would prefer to relax, there are also some great thermal springs nearby - the natural pools at Pozones are located in a beautiful setting and are a great place to go and soak your weary limbs in the evening!

Pucon

We will have two free days in Pucón to enjoy a range of optional activities, including a sunrise expedition to climb the Villarica volcano which looms over Pucón, heading out horse riding through the surrounding forests, or an evening visit to the nearby natural hot springs. Activity Approximate Cost Trek up the snowcapped volcano Mt Villarica CLP 85000 Horseriding, white-water rafting or hikes around Pucon CLP 35000 Relax in the soothing waters of the Pozones natural hot springs CLP 10000 Explore the stunning views and hiking trails of the nearby Huerquehue National Park CLP 7000 Learn all about Pucón and the history of its people on a free walking tour of the town Free Explore the spectacular Lake District near Pucón by mountain bike CLP 10000 Head on an exciting white-water rafting trip on the rapids of the Trancura River near Pucón CLP 25000 Take part in a fantastic canyoning expedition through the gorges of the Chilean Lake District near Pucón CLP 25000

Bariloche

Border information: Exit Chile at Mamuil Malal, enter Argentina at Mamuil Malal. Today we cross the Andes into Argentina and continue our journey to the picturesque town of Bariloche via the scenic Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route). In Bariloche we stay in dorm beds in a friendly family-run hostel outside of town. Estimated Drive Time - 9-10 hours. About Bariloche: The Argentinian resort town of Bariloche has a picture-perfect setting on the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake, flanked by the peaks of the surrounding Andean mountains. The scenery here is truly stunning, so it's a magical place to explore and take in all the amazing views. In winter, the town is a popular centre for skiing and in summer the focus shifts to walking, mountain-biking, horse-riding and kayaking and canoeing on the lakes - and if all that sounds too much like hard work, you can sit back and enjoy the view on a leisurely boat trip across to Victoria Island. Bariloche itself is also an interesting place to wander around. The town is famous for its handmade chocolates, and there are some really spectacular displays in the local chocolate shops. Because of its popularity with Argentinians as well as international tourists, the town has a lively bar and restaurant scene with some great places to choose from. This is a particularly good place to sample some world-class Argentinian steak, and wild boar and Patagonian lamb is also worth a try here too!

Bariloche

Today will be a free day to enjoy the beautiful mountain town of Bariloche and the stunning surrounding lakes, mountains and forests. We have the options to explore the area by foot, mountain bike, kayak or boat. Activity Approximate Cost Horse riding and mountain biking around Bariloche ARS 1600 Discover the incredible scenery of the Nauhel Huapi Lake and the Victoria Islands on a boat trip from Bariloche ARS 1200 Hire mountain bikes to explore the forests and hills surrounding Lake Nauhel Huapi and Bariloche ARS 390 Visit the interesting Fenoglio Chocolate Museum in Bariloche, and learn all about the town's tradition of chocolate making ARS 50 Explore the nearby Lago Gutierrez and take in its amazing views from the water on a half-day tandem kayaking trip ARS 550 Explore the best viewpoints around Bariloche and some of the locals' favourite spots, such as the summit of Cerro Campanario, the beautiful beach of Playa Bonita, and the delightful waterfalls of Los Duendes Free

Futaleufu

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 in 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. In Futaleufú we stay in a local campsite. Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours. About Futaleufú: Futaleufú is a serene frontier town in the northern part of Chilean Patagonia - its name comes from the swirling river that passes by the town, which means "Big River" in the Mapuche language. The town is becoming increasingly popular with travellers through Patagonia due to its wonderful scenery and outdoor activities in the area.

Puyuhuapi

Today we will leave Futaleufú and drive through the Chilean fjords to Queluat National Park. If time allows there is an optional walk to see the incredible hanging Colgante Glacier. Tonight we will camp at a basic campsite near Puyuhuapi. Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours. Activity Approximate Cost Visit the stunning Queulat National Park, and take a trek through the 'Enchanted Forest' to view the magnificent Hanging Glacier Included in Kitty About Carretera Austral: The Carretera Austral (meaning Southern Highway) is a fantastic route that passes between Puerto Montt and Coyhaique, through vast tracts of untouched wilderness, past soaring snow-capped mountains, glaciers, glass-green fjords and staggering, beautiful valleys. This is Chile at its best and is a perfect area to explore by overland vehicle, driving through magnificent scenery in this area of outstanding natural beauty. About Puyuhuapi and Queulat National Park: Puyuhuapi is a small village in Chilean Patagonia along the Carretera Austral, and is the gateway to the Queulat National Park. The National Park is dominated by the Patagonian Andes, and it covers a large section of the Puyuhuapi Volcanic Group south of Lake Risopatrón. There are two small ice fields in the National Park with glaciers of up to 12kms long, including the centrepiece Queulat Hanging Glacier, which spills out over the edge of a cliff and has a waterfall of melt-water pouring from its base. The park is also full of temperate rainforest comprising mainly of Coihue and Tepa trees, and has a large variety of birds such as the Magellanic woodpecker. 

Cerro Castillo National Reserve

Today is another drive day 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. Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours. Activity Approximate Cost Enjoy a traditional Chilean BBQ Included in Kitty About Cerro Castillo National Reserve: The Cerro Castillo National Reserve is a nature reserve near the southern section of the Carretera Austral, famous for its rugged landscapes centred around the photogenic rocky mountain of Cerro Castillo. There are abundant Lenga tree forests and several mammals in the area such as South Andean deer and guanacos, and birds including Austral parakeets and Andean condors.

Cerro Castillo National Reserve

Today we have a free day to hike to the stunning turquoise waters of Laguna Cerro Castillo or to go horse riding. We camp in the same campsite. Activity Approximate Cost Hike to the stunning Laguna Cerro Castillo Free Explore the beautiful mountain scenery of Cerro Castillo on a horse riding trip CLP 15000

Argentinian Patagonia

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. Estimated Drive Time - 8-9 hours. About Argentinian Patagonia: Patagonia is the name of the region in the far south of South America, the southernmost stretch of the Andes and the surrounding plains and plateaus. The area is split down the middle by the Andes, with Chilean Patagonia on the west, and Argentinian Patagonia on the east. Renowned for its desolate landscapes, unrelenting winds and magnificent lake, mountain and glacial scenery, the name Patagonia comes from the word "Patagon", used by the explorer Magellan to describe the local people who he believed to be giants. Today historians believe that the Patagons were actually Teheulches, with an average height of about 1.8m as opposed to the average height of a Spaniard at the time of 1.55m! Argentinian Patagonia includes the spectacular national parks of Los Glaciares, Nahuel Huapi and Tierra del Fuego, home to the Perito Moreno Glacier, the Argentinian Lake District and the Fitz Roy range.

El Chaltén

Today we will drive into the heart of the Patagonia region and reach the tiny town of El Chaltén, situated in Los Glaciares National Park and famous for its incredible mountains, glaciers and world-class trekking opportunities. In El Chaltén we stay in dorm beds in a hostel. Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours. About El Chaltén: El Chaltén is small remote Patagonian town nestled under the shadow of the iconic Mt. Fitz Roy. The town itself has an interesting origin - the area was disputed between Argentina and Chile for a number of years, so the Argentinians thought they would settle the argument by hastily building the town of El Chaltén in 1985 to claim the territory! The name of Chaltén comes from the Tehuelche word for 'smoky mountain', so called as the early morning clouds gathering around Fitz Roy look remarkably like volcanic smoke. It is a fantastic base from which to explore the northern sections of the incredible Los Glaciares National Park, and is home to many adventure tour operators offering outdoor activities in the area.

El Chaltén, Los Glaciares National Park

Enjoy the stunning Los Glaciares National Park and the incredible scenery of the nearby Mt. Fitz Roy. There are lots of trekking opportunities here, as well as boat trips, horse riding, and mountain biking  Activity Approximate Cost Horse riding and trekking around El Chalten ARS 1600 Freely explore and trek around the walking trails of Los Glaciares National Park, taking in the marvellous vistas of the Fitz Roy mountain range Free Take a boat out onto the stunning Viedma Lake, and get up close to the Viedma Glacier to see its impressive facade. USD 55 Enjoy a spectacular kayaking trip down the Río de las Vueltas, taking in some incredible views of the surrounding mountains USD 125 Head on a rock-climbing course in the magnificent landscapes surrounding El Chaltén USD 90   About Los Glaciares National Park: Los Glaciares National Park is the largest protected area in Argentina, covering a huge area of Argentinian Patagonia along the southern tail of the Andes range. The National Park is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in all of South America. This is classic picture-book Patagonia, and wherever you turn you're surrounded by wide open skies, magnificent mountains, incredible glaciers, glistening lakes and thick verdant forest. By far the best way to explore is to get out on foot - there are plenty of wellestablished trails through the mountains and forests of the National Park that are easy to explore independently with a map, so you can plan many treks around the area from around two hours to an entire challenging day out. As well as the phenomenal needle-like Cerro Torre, the iconic mountain of Fitz Roy looms over our base of El Chaltén, an impossibly-picturesque and steep mountain (which is also the logo for the 'Patagonia' clothing brand!) which can be viewed from many angles on treks in the area. Other activities can include boat trips and ice climbing on the incredible Videma Glacier, a visit to the serene Lago del Desierto, and horse-riding excursions through the incredible landscapes.