| Starts | Ushuaia, Argentina |
|---|---|
| Ends | Santiago, Spain |
| Region | Argentina |
| Duration | 23 days |
| Tour Operator | Intrepid Travel |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Ushuaia/Tierra del Fuego & Finishing: Ushuaia/Tierra del Fuego
Border information: If you are starting in Ushuaia, enter Argentina at Ushuaia Airport. Today is an arrival day with a pre departure meeting at 18:00 hrs. There are no activities planned so you can arrive at any time. Your leader will leave a note in reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Your leader will collect your kitty and check your passport and insurance details at this meeting. In Ushuaia we stay in dorm accommodation in a hostel. Hotel for the night: Hostal Los Cormoranes Hostal Los Cormoranes Kamshen 788, esquina Alem Ushuaia Tel: +54 02901 423459 About Ushuaia: Ushuaia lies at the southernmost tip of the Americas, the most southerly city on the island of Tierra del Fuego and often referred to as "the city at the end of the world". The town itself is low-lying and unassuming, centred around one main street and a waterfront that overlooks the Beagle Channel. Originally Ushuaia was little more than a remote outpost, first colonised by a British- funded mission in the late 1800's and subsequently used by the Argentinian government as a penal colony. What was once a sleepy small town has grown rapidly in recent years, much of which is due to tourist development and particularly to the increasing number of Antarctica trips calling to port here.There's plenty to do in Ushuaia and the surrounding area. The town itself is home to an interesting museum where you can learn more about the history of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego and the indigenous people who originally lived here. The surrounding scenery is also impressive, so it's worth getting out on a boat-trip into the Beagle Channel, which will give you some great views of town with the Martial range in the background. You can also explore Tierra del Fuego National Park, another beautiful spot with some spectacular lake and mountain scenery. The area is famous for its biting winds, so remember to pack your thermal undies if you're heading here, whatever time of year you're going to be visiting! About Tierra Del Fuego: Tierra del Fuego ("Land of Fire") is a large island separated from mainland South America by the Magellan Straits. Most of the island belongs to Chile, but 30% of the archipelago is in Argentina, including Argentina's southernmost town, Ushuaia. This is Patagonia at its most remote,with a landscape of windswept plains, forests and swamplands, home to Rheas, Condors, Buzzard Eagles, Seals and Sea Lions, all of which thrive in these conditions. Originally the home of the Yamana and Ona Indians, sadly there are not any indigenous communities left here. The people who inhabit Tierra del Fuego today are the descendants of the colonial settlers who came here from Europe in nineteenth and twentieth centuries, mostly from Britain, Spain and Yugoslavia.
Day 2 - Starting: Strait of Magellan & Finishing: Strait of Magellan
Border information: Exit Argentina at San Sebastian, enter Chile at San Sebastian. We head north on a full day's drive, including a ferry crossing of the infamous Magellan Straits and enter Chile.Tonight we bush camp for the night. Drive time - 9 hours (please note that all drive times given here are approximate estimates only and are given with the best intentions - however please be aware that the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!). Activity Follow in Darwin's footsteps across the Strait of Magellan Included in Kitty About Strait of Magellan: Separatyng Tierra del Fuego from mainland Argeninta are the infamous Strait of Magellan. This treacherous stretch of water is about 500km long and takes it's name from the explorer Magellan who first navigated these waters in 1520. It was the only ship out of a total of 17 attempting the passage that sucessfully managed to reach the Pacific. Before the Panama Canal was built, the Strait provided a useful route between Chile, Peru and Europe, and though they are less important as a major shipping route today, they still see a fair amount of traffic.
Day 3 - Starting: Torres del Paine National Park & Finishing: Torres del Paine National Park
Today we drive to Torres del Paine National Park. This is one of the most outstanding areas of beauty in Chile and the highlight of the trip for many passengers. We stop en route in Puerto Natales to pick up ur local guides and cook as all meals will be catered for while in Torres del Paine NP.Tonight we camp for the night at a stunning lakeside campsite with facilities. Drive time - 6 hours. Activity 4 days to explore and trek the rugged Torres del Paine Included in Kitty National Park About Torres Del Paine National Park: Parque Nacional Torres del Paine is home to what is undoubtedly some of themost spectacular scenery in all of Patagonia, if not all of South America. Risingup high above the Patagonian steppe are the 3 impressive granite towers that give the park it's name, surrounded by towering mountain peaks, the most famous of which are Los Cuernos and Paine Grande.The park is a magical natural wonderland full of deep lakes, sparkling glaciers and cascading waterfalls, and it's also an important habitat for a wide variety of wildlife including the Patagonian rhea and guanaco, as well as flamingoes, condors and other birds. The best way to explore is definitely to get out there on foot or perhaps on horse-back. The park is criss-crossed by a good network of trails, making it possible for you to see all the main sights either by doing a series of day hikes, or by doing a circular hike like the W-walk, taking a few days and stopping off at the parks refugios or camping along the way. Horse-riding and kayaking can also be arranged locally, and boats and catamarans offer trips across Lago Grey and Lago Pehoe in season.
Day 4 - Starting: Torres Del Paine National Park & Finishing: Torres Del Paine National Park
During the next few days you will get to walk part of the famous W-walk circuit with a local guide. You can also complete the full trek if you have pre-booked this option. Today we take the catamaran across Lake Pehoe to the Paine Grande Campsite. From here the group splits into 2 groups (base package group and W-walk extension group) and we walk with our respective local guides to view Glacier Grey. We then walk back down to Paine Grande where we will spend the night camping. Approximate distance: 22 km, estimated duration: 8 hrs. Activity W-walk extension - 2 days W-walk extension The extension package is to include the entire of the famous W-walk in Torres del Paine - included are two extra nights camping on the trail with facilities, food for the duration of the trek, and the service of an expert English speaking local guide : AUD 341/NZD 375/CAD 321/CHF 240/EUR 227/USD 252/ZAR 2880/ GBP 160. Please note that this package must be pre booked through your sales agent. Please book as early as possible to ensure availability. For further information on the W-walk please refer to the trip notes. Base package Guided base package to trek part of the famous W-walk. Included in Kitty The package includes camping with facilities in Paine Grande, food during the trekking days and the service of an expert English speaking local guide.
Day 5 - Starting: Torres Del Paine National Park & Finishing: Torres Del Paine National Park
Base package group: If you have not opted for the optional 2 day W-walk extension package, this morning will be free time around Paine Grande. You then board the catamaran back to Pudeto, where the truck will meet you and drive you to our campsite for the night. W-walk extension group: If you have chosen the optional 2 day W-walk extension, you will leave Paine Grande and trek up the French Valley with your local guide. From here you will continue trekking to Campsite Cuernos where you will spend the night camping. Approximate distance: 27 km, estimated duration: 11 hrs.
Day 6 - Starting: Torres Del Paine National Park & Finishing: Torres Del Paine National Park
Base package group: Today is free for those that have not booked the W-walk optional 2 day extension package. There are many other optional activities available near our campsite, or maybe take a day to relax and just enjoy the spectacular views from the campsite. W-walk extension group: For those of you that continue on the W-walk, your local guide will direct you along Lago Nordenskjold to Las Torres Campsite where you will spend the night camping. Approximate distance: 11 km, estimated time: 5 hrs. Activity Zodiac boat trips, horse rides and trekking in Torres del USD 90 Paine National Park
Day 7 - Starting: Torres Del Paine National Park & Finishing: Torres Del Paine National Park
Today is our last full day in this beautiful National Park. Base package group: The truck will take us to the base of the famous three peaks which give the name to the park. From there we will walk up the Torres with our local guide before we make our way back to the truck and onto our campsite for the night. Approximate distance: 20 km, estimated time: 8 hrs. W-walk extension group: This morning we will hike up to see the Torres and come back down to Las Torres Campsite where the Dragoman truck will be waiting to return the whole group to the campsite for the night. Approximate distance: 20 km, estimated time: 8 hrs.
Day 8 - Starting: El Calafate & Finishing: El Calafate
Border information: Exit Chile at Cerro Castillo, enter Argentina at Cerro Castillo. Today we enter Argentina and drive to El Calafate, gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier. In El Calafate we stay in dorm accommodation in a lovely hostel. Drive time - 9 hours. About El Calafate: El Calafate is a small town on the southern shore of Lago Argentino in Patagonia. Originally a sheep station and trading outpost, today the town has developed a bustling small town atmosphere thanks to a growing tourist trade. Most people base themselves here whilst visiting the nearby Perito Moreno Glacier, located a short distance away at the southern reaches of the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Interestingly the town takes its name from the Calafate berry, and locals claim that if you eat one of these and make a wish, you are guaranteed to return to Patagonia
Day 9 - Starting: El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier & Finishing: El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier
Today we go on a full day's guided visit to view the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the more spectacular sights in Patagonia. Activity Guided full day trip to the Perito Moreno Glacier Included in Kitty Boat trip beneath the Perito Moreno Glacier ARS 180 About Perito Moreno Glacier: If Patagonia is synonymous with jaw-droppingly beautiful mountain scenery, then the Perito Moreno Glacier certainly doesn't disappoint. This incredible glacier is the highlight of the southern region of Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park, a spectacular wall of ice over 60m tall above the water and 5km wide. One of only three Patagonian glaciers that are not retreating, you can stand on one of the many catwalks and marvel at the glacier, listening to it creak and watching as enormous chunks crash into the water. It's also possible to take a short boat trip out onto the lake in order to get up even closer to the face of the glacier itself.
Day 10 - Starting: El Chalten & Finishing: El Chalten
Short drive to El Chalten, situated in Los Glaciares National Park and famous for its world class trekking opportunities. In El Chalten we stay in dorm accommodation in a hostel. Drive time - 4 hours. About El Chalten: The clouds that form around the summit of the surrounding mountains were mistaken for smoke, which gave the name "Chalten" which means volcano. The picturesque landscape is a perfect place for hiking, as there is so much to explore and the rewards of constant beautiful sights gives a perfect reason to hike. The clouds that form around the summit of the surrounding mountains were mistaken for smoke, which gave the name "Chalten" which means volcano. The picturesque landscape is a perfect place for hiking, as there is so much to explore and the rewards of constant beautiful sights gives a perfect reason to hike.
Day 11-12 - Starting: Los Glaciares National Park, El Chalten & Finishing: Los Glaciares National Park, El Chalten
Two days to enjoy the stunning Los Glaciares National Park and Fitzroy National Park where lots of treks are available. There is also a wide range of activities available from horse riding to glacier trekking and a boat trip on Viedma Lake. Activity Glacier trek, hikes and horseriding in Los Glaciares National Park USD 50 About Los Glaciares National Park: Los Glaciares National Park is probably home to some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Argentina, if not South America. This is classic picture-book Patagonia, 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 well established trails through the park and maps can be picked up locally, so you can plan a short walk that will just take you a couple of hours, or the more adventurous might choose to hike out for a whole day or even overnight. Los Glaciares covers a massive area and there are two main gateways to the park; to the south, El Calafate provides access to Lago Argentino and the Perito Moreno Glacier and surrounding area, then in the North, the small town of El Chalten can be used as a base to explore the Fitzroy Mountains and Lake Viedma and it's glacier.
Day 13 - Starting: Argentinian Patagonia & Finishing: Argentinian Patagonia
Full day's drive north along the famous Ruta 40 (Route 40). Tonight we bush camp for the night. Drive time - 11 hours. ActivityJourney across the wild plains of Patagonia Included in Kitty 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 plateau. The area is split down the middle, with Chilean Patagonia on the east, and Argentinian Patagonia on the west. Renowned for its desolate landscape, 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 (or 5' 11) as oppose to 1.55m (5' 1) which was the average height of a Spaniard at the time. 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 Fitzroy Range.
Day 14 - Starting: Puerto Rio Tranquilo, Carretera Austral & Finishing: Puerto Rio Tranquilo, Carretera Austral
Border information: Exit Argentina at Los Antiguos, enter Chile at Chile Chico. Drive day through magnificent scenery. From this point we will join the famous Carretera Austral, probably one of the most stunning roads in South America. Please note that the road from here onwards is rough and mostly unpaved meaning that the going is slow. If time and weather conditions allow we will have the opportunity to go on a boat trip to see the stunning Capillas de Marmol (Marble Chapels). Tonight we stay in basic campsite on the shores of Lago General Carrera. Drive time - 5 hours. About Carretera Austral: The Carretera Austral or Southern Highway is a fantastic route that passes between Puerto Monte 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. You need to have a flexible itinerary and to be able to camp in the wild, as settlements are few and far between. The attraction of this are are the wide-open spaces and the national parks. We spend our time driving through magnificent scenery, hiking, visiting glaciers and generally exploring this area of outstanding natural beauty.
Day 15 - Starting: Cerro Castillo National Reserve & Finishing: Cerro Castillo National Reserve
If not possible yesterday there may be an opportunity to see the stunning Capillas de Marmol (Marble Chapels) this morning. We then continue north on Carretera Austral on a short drive to Cerro Castillo National Reserve. In Cerro Castillo NR we stay in a lovely family run campsite. Drive time - 3 hours.
Day 16 - Starting: Puyuhuapi and Queulat NP & Finishing: Puyuhuapi and Queulat NP
Today we drive to Queluat National Park and if time allows there is an optional walk to see the hanging Colgante Glacier. Tonight we camp near Puyuhuapi. Drive time - 6 hours. Activity Visit Quelat National Park Included in Kitty
Day 17 - Starting: Futaleufu & Finishing: Futaleufu
Drive through the Chilean Fjords to Futaleufu. In Futaleufu we stay in a local campsite. Drive time - 5 hours
Day 18 - Starting: Bariloche & Finishing: Bariloche
Border information: Exit Chile at Rio Futaleufu, enter Argentina at Rio Futaleufu. Today we will cross into Argentina and continue our journey to the picturesque town of Bariloche. In Bariloche we stay in dorm beds in a hostel outside of town. Drive time - 7 hours. About Bariloche: The Argentinian resort town of Bariloche has a picture perfect setting on the shores of Nahuel Hapi Lake, flanked by the peaks of the surrounding andean mountains. The scenery here is truly stunning, so it's a must to get out and 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 it's handmade chocolates and there are some really spectacular displays in the local chocolate shops. Because of it's 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.
Day 19 - Starting: Bariloche & Finishing: Bariloche
Today is a free day to enjoy this beautiful mountain town. Perhaps explore on a mountain bike, take a trip along the river in a kayak or enjoy the delights on a chocolate factory tour! Activity Horse riding and mountain biking around Bariloche USD 80
Day 20 - Starting: Pucon & Finishing: Pucon
Border information: Exit Chile at Mamuil Malal, enter Argentina at Mamuil Malal. Drive north via the scenic Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route) and we cross into the Lake District of Chile and the town of Pucon. In Pucon we stay in dorm accommodation in a hostel. Drive time - 10 hours. About Pucon: Southern Chile's lake district boasts some lake and mountain scenery comparable with what the Swiss Alos 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 Pucon is located at the heart of the northern 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. In fact the whole area is great for trekking and there are plenty of options to do some great self-guided walks. Alternatively Pucon offers great horse riding, white-water rafting and mountain-biking opportunities. And if all this talk of activity just sounds a little too much, there are also some great thermal springs to relax in nearby, the natural pools at Pozones have a beautiful setting and is a great place to go and soak your weary limbs in the evening.
Day 21 - Starting: Pucon & Finishing: Pucon
Today is a free day with a range of activities available from hiking to hot springs. Activity Discover the Chilean Lake District Included in Kitty Trek up the snowcapped volcano Mt Villarica USD 100 Horseriding, white-water rafting or hikes around Pucon USD 50
Day 22 - Starting: Santiago & Finishing: Santiago
Today we have a full days drive to Santiago. In Santiago we stay in a good quality hostel in the centre. Drive time - 11-12 hours. About Santiago: Bisected by the Mapocho River, Chile's capital 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 Cristobal 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 (central market) 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 Valapariso, which can be visited as a day trip from Santiago.
Day 23 - Starting: Santiago & Finishing: Santiago
The trip ends this morning. No accommodation is provided. Border information: If you are leaving in Santiago, exit Chile at Santiago Airport.
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