CHILE & ARGENTINA ADVENTURE

Itinerary

• Flight Inclusive itinerary
• Land Only itinerary

Day 1

Depart London.

Day 2

Fly on to Santiago. Free time in Santiago. A pre-departure meeting will be presented at 1800hrs at our hotel

Day 3

We drive south along the Panamerican Highway today from Santiago to Pucón. As we pass through the Central Valley and into the northern Lake District, the impressive snow-capped peaks of the Andes are always visible to our left. Pucón itself sits on the shore of Lake Villarrica and is a lively centre for outdoor activities.

Day 4

It just has to be done - an ascent of the Volcano Villarica! From the summit, snow capped at 2847m, you'll be able to appreciate magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. This is technically straightforward - more a strenuous uphill hike than a climb, but it requires stamina and commitment. We use local mountain guides and mountain equipment in case of emergencies. Others may want to enjoy a relaxing day walking in the temperate rainforest of the National Park Huerquehue, situated to the south of Villarrica. There are plenty of thermal baths to choose from in the evening.

Day 5

From Pucon, we'll journey along the seven lakes route to Bariloche and arrive at our camp by 1800hrs. In the evening we can head into town for our first taste of Argentinean steak and wine. Shops are open late so there will be plenty of time to check out the various artisan markets and the famous Bariloche chocolate stalls.

Day 6

Skirting the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, we now head south for Futaleufu in Chile, our base for a day of adventure. On arrival we'll stock up on supplies before making camp alongside Rio Grande. In the evening our expert guide will be on hand to brief those who wish to raft the world famous Futaleufu River.

Day 7

The rafters will depart camp around 0700hrs this morning and having experienced the best of the waters in Chile, will return to camp around 1500hrs. Those not wishing to get wet can take several options, including an introductory fly fishing course on Rio Futaleufu or a day's mountain biking. There are also some short treks nearby along with some classic horse back riding – no experience is necessary. All of these activities are optional and locally payable.

Day 8

A stunning mornings drive as we climb out of the Futaleufu valley and join the famous Carreterra Austral at Villa Santa Lucia. Jurassic landscapes greet us as we journey deeper into the forests. Our destination is Queulat National Park where we'll camp a short distance from the hanging glacier of Puyuhuapi. Darwin himself spent considerable time in this area naming several species of bird. We will have plenty of time to trek to the viewpoint of this hanging glacier and on return to camp, hot showers, campfire and dinner.

Day 9

A long travelling day in the truck but also one of the most dramatic. We continue along the Camino Austral next to turbulent rivers and turquoise lakes before our lunch stop at Coyhaique. A further 4 hours driving will see us travel through the climatically violent Devil's Valley and then onto the shores of Lago General Carrera where we'll make camp.

Day 10

An early breakfast this morning and then a challenging drive along narrow cliff tracks en route to the border with Argentina. We may well be graced with the magnificent Andean Condor circling overhead before tackling the infamous 'Route 40' south to Bajo Caracoles. Guanaco, Rhea and Armadillo should be seen along with wild horses and the occasional solitary Gaucho. Our camp is basic but sheltered from the harsh winds and looking west toward the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, Mt. San Lorenzo will provide a magical backdrop as we bed down for the night.

Day 11

The last of the long drives will see us push farther south on Route 40 to El Chaltén. En route we'll take in magnificent views of Lake Cardiel and Viedma, the latter with gigantic icebergs drifting towards its southeastern shores. This small town now plays host to mountaineers from around the world who try their skills on Mt. Fitzroy. On arrival, late afternoon, we have the option of several short treks before dinner and a relaxing evening where we have hot showers and a laundry service.

Day 12

There are many alternative treks, both long and short, and our leader will be able to fully brief us on all options. The best steaks and wines will be a fine welcome home and afterwards we can sample the microbreweries and local hospitality.

Day 13

A short drive this morning to the charming lakeside town of El Calafate. We will have a free afternoon and evening to relax after some long drives, and to soak up some of the local atmosphere.

Day 14

A full days excursion to the region's most famous glaciers – Perito Moreno. There are amazing views of the glacier from the walkways within the national park, and the air is filled with thunderous noises as huge icebergs calve from its face into Lake Argentino. In the afternoon we can take an optional trip on the Safari Nautico catamaran for a closer look at the snout.

Day 15

Back into Chile as we make an impressive arrival into the Torres del Paine National Park. Our camp for the evening overlooks Lake Pehoé and offers amazing views of the jagged peaks of the Paine Massif.

Day 16 - 17

An hour's drive takes us further into the Paine National Park, and as we get closer there are magnificent views of the peaks of Paine Grande and Almirante Nieto. We can spend these two days exploring other parts of the Paine National Park, including a trek up to Lago Grey - in the distance we will see Grey glacier where the 200m thick wall of ice continually sends large blocks of ice, some as large as houses, plunging into the freezing waters. The other day can be spent hiking up to the Paine Towers base camp and lookout. Weather permitting, we should be rewarded with some superb views and graced with condors soaring overhead.

Day 18

As we depart Torres del Paine, we will stop for final photographs of the park as viewed from across Lake Sarmiento. Having lunched in Pt. Natales, we now head east towards Punta Delgada and our first chance to explore the rusting hull of the steam ship "Amadeo". We will camp close to Primera Angostura, the first narrow section of the Straits of Magellan

Day 19

An early ferry across the Straits, then back into Argentina and our final drive southwards across Tierra del Fuego to the remote port of Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, 54°48'S 68°18'W – congratulations!

Day 20

A great boat trip today along the Beagle Channel, the strip of water that separates Tierra del Fuego from the island to the south, Navarino. As well as enjoying spectacular views of the mountains and glaciers behind Ushuaia, we should see plenty of marine wildlife along the channel, including sealions, cormorants and many sub-Antarctic birds

Day 21

Fly to Buenos Aires, stay overnight.

Day 22

Depart for London

Day 23

Arrive London