Santiago To Rio Via Ushuaia

All content by Intrepid

52 days (ex Santiago)

Destinations visited: Chile, Santiago, Brazil, Rio De Janeiro, Argentina, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$3,225

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Description

Explore some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet on this amazing Overland trip through three of South America's most dynamic countries. Starting in colourful Santiago, the journey continues to Bariloche, Argentina's adventure capital, before venturing south into the frozen wilds of Patagonia. Appreciate the beauty of nature while trekking through pristine wilderness. Experience the thrill of spotting exotic animals, gaze in awe at the towering cliffs of the Perito Moreno Glacier and discover the abundant flora and fauna of Brazil's jungles. Along the way, visit some of South America's most vibrant cities, meet friendly locals and savour spectacular views of breathtaking scenery. Get set for the experience of a lifetime on this epic 52-day adventure.

Highlights

Seek out the cultural charms of Chile's capital.
Santiago.
Admire the beauty of Bariloche.
Witness wildlife in Tierra del Fuego.
Stare in the wonder at the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Spot Magellanic penguins off the Atlantic Coast.
Roam the sophisticated streets of Buenos Aires.
Be amazed by the raw power of Iguazu Falls.
Spy colourful birds in the Pantanal.
Worship the sun on the beaches of Paraty.
Revel with lively locals in Rio de Janeiro.

Itinerary

Day 1 Santiago

Visit Chile and discover the cosmopolitan streets of Santiago.

Day 2 Salto del Laja

Camp amid spectacular scenery and perhaps visit the Mamalluca Observatory - the view of the night sky is extraordinary.

Days 3-5 Pucon

Journey to the small town of Pucon and make the most of the beautiful landscapes that this part of the world is famous for. Try hiking, horse riding or rafting during the day, and then relax back at camp by night.

Days 6-8 Barlioche

Cross the border into Argentina and kick back in the resort town of Bariloche. For a dose of adventure try mountain biking or horse riding. Feeling a little indulgent? Then why not relax in a cafe and sample the decadent chocolate delicacies this town is known for.

Day 9 Esquel

Relax in easy-going Esquel, the traditional southern terminal of La Trochita. In this chilled out basecamp, admire the epic scenery at the foothills of the surrounding mountains.

Days 10-11 Rio Pinturas/Cueva de las Manos

Travel to Rio Pinturas for a night of camping and then discover the wild beauty of Monte Leon National Park. Spend time exploring the diverse landscapes of this area and have fun spotting the native inhabitants - pumas, wolves, penguins and guanacos can all be found here, as well as many species of birds.

Days 12-13 Magellan Straits

Sail through the treacherous Magellan straits and experience the inhospitable winds and currents that the frontier explorers braved to pass between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Days 14-15 Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia

Travel to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, then venture into windswept Tierra del Fuego to see a diverse array of wildlife, from colonies of seals to majestic condors.

Day 16 Magellan Straits

Traverse the Magellan straits and head back to Chile to arrive in the remote Punta Delgada. Spend the night in a bush camp under the South American stars.

Day 17 Puerto Natales

Watch the breathtaking Patagonian landscape roll by on the drive to Puerto Natales. Spend the night at an idyllic lakeside camp.

Days 18-21 Torres del Paine National Park

Trek through pristine wilderness and marvel at the park's granite cliffs, barren plains, clear lakes and dramatic waterfalls.

Days 22-23 Perito Moreno Glacier/El Calafate

Be amazed by the blue beauty of the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier. Watch as chunks of ice break off and fall into the lake below.

Days 24-26 Los Glaciares National Park/El Chalten

Enter a world of incredible natural beauty. Hike past crystal lakes and soak up stunning glacial scenery.

Days 27-28 Bush Camp/Camarones

Travel through remote parts of Argentina and enjoy camping in the bush at night. Explore the Camarones and perhaps spot some of the thousands of penguins that call it home.

Days 29-30 Puerto Madryn/Valdez Peninsula

Keep watch for a wide range of aquatic creatures while exploring the Valdes Peninsula with a local guide. Whales, penguins and sea lions all call this area home as do a host of land animals and birds.

Day 31 Bush Camp

Camp under the stars near Monte Hermoso on the way to the Argentinean capital.

Days 32-35 Buenos Aires

Delight in the rich culture of Buenos Aires. Wander grand boulevards, admire the city's splendid buildings or enjoy its famed nightlife.

Day 36 Concordia

Drive towards the western shore of the Uruguayan River and bush camp at the border town of Concordia.

Day 37 San Ignacio Mini

Discover the impressive sight of San Ignacio Mini's intricately carved ruins.

Days 38-40 Iguazu Falls

The mighty falls of Iguazu are a breathtaking spectacle not to be missed. Explore the Iguazu Falls from both the Argentinean and Brazilian banks and marvel at the magical, misty rainbows that surround the splendour.

Days 41-43 Bonito

The ecotourism capital of Brazil awaits at Bonito, where the list of optional activities include hiking scenic forest trails and snorkelling among colourful river fish. For even more exhilarating adventures, why not try caving, horse riding, abseiling or whitewater rafting.

Days 44-46 Pantanal

The Panatanal wetlands are the largest in the world and one of the most incredible places to visit in Brazil. Truly exotic wildlife inhabits these haunts so keep on the lookout.

Day 47 Brotas

The tiny town of Brotas is Brazil's very own adventure sports hub. Dabble in a touch of canyoning or prepare to get splashed with some whitewater rafting.

Days 48-50 Paraty

While away the hours with a walk along Brazil's beautiful secluded beaches at Paraty. Island hop on a local boat ride or explore the depths of the crystal clear waters on a scuba diving excursion.

Days 51-52 Rio de Janeiro

Get ready for the ride that is Rio de Janeiro. Brazil's former capital is a breathtaking city and the thumping heart of this pulsating country. Get moving to the rhythm of the samba and say hello to the small hours in this city that never sleeps.

Group Size

Maximum of 22 travellers per group

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (29 nts), Bush camp (no facilities) (8 nts), Hotel (7 nts), Hostel (5 nts), Hacienda (2 nts)

Transport

Ferry, Overland vehicle

Budget

Allow USD $780 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$3,225

Book now

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