El Calafate (Argentina) | El Chalten (Argentina) | Futalefu | Pucon (Chile) | Puerto Varas (Chile) | Punta Arenas (Chile) | Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | San Martin De Los Andes | Santiago (Chile) | Ushuaia (Argentina)
The following are Patagonia Overland: Santiago To Ushuaia With Rio Carnival tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
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Arrive at any time.
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Drive south from Santiago on the Pan-American Highway along the spine of the Andes. Spend a night camping near the Saltos del Laja waterfall before arriving to Pucon, in Chile's beautiful Lake District. The next two days are free to choose from an abundance of optional activities like hiking up the VIllarica Volcano, whitewater rafting, and biking. On one of the evenings, drive to some nearby natural hot springs so soak the muscles after a day of adventure.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Get out and explore the area with options for hiking, biking or getting out on the water.
Drive to the natural hot springs of Los Pozones for a soak in the restorative pools of varying temperatures and depths. Located right next to the Liucura River and surrounded by forest, it is the perfect way to end a day of outdoor adventure and discovery.
The road leads through the mountains into Argentina and to the town of San Martin de los Andes, on the shores of Lake Lacar, one of the area's many glacial lakes. After setting up camp, the rest of the day and the following are free to explore and to choose from some of the many optional activities available. The nearby Lanin National Park offers hiking options, lookout points and incredible views of glacial lakes, forests and the ice-clad Lanin Volcano for which the park is named.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Get out and explore from San Martin de los Andes, gateway to Lanin National park in Argentina's Lake DIstrict.
Drive south along the spectacular "Seven Lakes Route," stopping frequently at viewpoints for photos and to soak in the natural beauty. Cross back into Chile and stop in Frutillar to walk along its iconic pier before travelling along the shores of Lago Llanquihue for great views of Osorno Volcano before arriving to Puerto Varas for the evening.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Enjoy a free day in Puerto Varas to choose from many different optional activities to discover the beautiful surroundings. Visit the nearby waterfalls of Petrohue with views of the iconic Osorno Volcano, take an excursion to Chiloe Island or visit the fish market in Puerto Montt, just to name a few.
Puerto Varas is the perfect base for discovery of the nearby sights and natural features of the Chilean Lake District with many different options to explore, sightsee, get active or just stay local and relax
Travel south from Puerto Varas deep into Patagonia's pristine wilderness along the Carretera Austral, Chile's legendary southern scenic highway. Drive onto ferries when the road goes no further in order to connect to the next stretch of the route, surrounded at all times by spectacular mountain scenery, lush forests and rugged coastline. Set up camp in Chaiten before continuing to town of Futalefu, located in a remote valley at the confluence of the Espolon and Futaleufu rivers. Spend a free day to relax or choose from some of the many optional activities available in the area like horseback riding, canyoning or mountain biking.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Take advantage of a free day in Futalefu to enjoy the outdoors and the natural beauty of the area or to relax.
Continue driving south, soaking in the wild natural beauty in all directions. Stop in the town of Cohaique for a free day to explore with options for trekking, visiting a hanging glacier, or take an excursion to see the marble caves. Drive onto another ferry to continue further south to the next stretch of the highway and cross into Argentina. Spend a night in Los Antiguos before embarking on one of the most remote and inhospitable stretches of road in the heart of the Patagonian steppe, along Argentina's mythic Ruta 40. Stop at the "Cueva de las Manos" UNESCO Heritage site to see prehistoric handprints left on the walls over 9000 years ago. Arrive in the evening to the hamlet of El Chalten, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and home to the iconic Mount FItz Roy. Take advantage of a free day in El Chalten to hike some of the nearby trails, visit a nearby waterfall or go mountain biking.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Enjoy a free day to get active on a trek, visit Queulat National Park, or stick closer to town and relax.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands) is one of the most significant archaeological sites in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tucked away in the deep canyon of the Pinturas River, it houses art created by hunter-gatherer societies dating back over 9,300 years. Ancient artists placed their hands against the rock and blew mineral pigments through bone tubes, leaving a silhouette. Beyond hands, the walls display vivid scenes of guanaco hunting, human figures, and geometric patterns. These provide a unique window into the spiritual and daily lives of Patagonia's first inhabitants.
Take advantage of a free day in El Chalten to hike some of the iconic longer treks like up to Laguna de los Tres or to Laguna Torre, or stay closer to town and check out a lookout point or nearby waterfall. A 3-day pass to Los Glaciares National Park is included.
As Mount Fitz Roy disappears in the rearview mirror, head to the city of El Calafate on the edge of the blue glacial lake of Lago Argentino, the largest freshwater lake in Argentina. Wander the boardwalks in front of the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier and witness giant chunks of ice calve off of the face and crash into the water below. Spend free time with an optional boat trip, a kayak excursion, or explore the city on foot before re-grouping at the campsite in the evening.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Explore Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world's few "advancing" glaciers. See the glacier's magnificent natural beauty firsthand, and enjoy awe-inspiring views (it stretches about 250 sq km/97 sq mi in size and 30km/19 mi in length).
Enjoy time in El Calafate to explore some of the local attractions like a walk in the Laguna Nimez Reserve or visit the Glaciarium Museum. Further afield, optional activities include a boat trip at Perito Moreno Glacier or go ice trekking.
Drive across the sweeping pampas and cross back into Chile to the port city of Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Spend two full days in the park exploring amongst the stunning natural scenery, stopping at viewpoints and camping under the stars. Hike up to base of the iconic basalt towers and keep an eye out for roaming guanacos, pumas and condors who call this place home. Continue south to Punta Arenas for the night.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Spend two days exploring the pristine and spectacular wilderness of Chile's most iconic national park. Hike from the Mirador Grey lookout point to Mirador Serrano for sweeping views of the massif and surrounding landscapes (Distance: 13km; Elevation Gain: 411m; Duration: 4,5-5h). The following day, hike up to the immense towers of Las Torres and the glacial lagoon before returning to camp for the night (Distance: 22km, Elevation Gain: 1000+m, Duration: 8-10h). Base Torres is a challenging trek and those not able to complete it can return early by the same path or rest and wait at a refuge along the way until the others return.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Cross back into Argentina, taking a car ferry onto the island of Tierra del Fuego, eventually reaching the city of Ushuaia at South America's southern tip and the final destination of the epic journey aboard the Lando. Nicknamed "The End of the Earth," Ushuaia sits on the Beagle Channel and is flanked by the mountain range of the Martial Glacier. Spend the next day free to explore the city, set off on an excursion into Tierra del Fuego National Park or take a boat cruise before a final evening on the town.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Enjoy a free day at the "End of the Earth" with options outside of the city or stay local to explore on foot and relax.
Spend another day as you please in Ushuaia to do any other activities that remain or squeeze in some last-minute shopping. In the evening, board a northbound flight to Buenos Aires and connect on a flight into Brazil to Rio de Janeiro, arriving the following day.
Get out and explore Ushuaia before flying north in the evening.
Catch a lift from the city centre to Ushuaia airport for your outbound flight.
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Welcome to Brazil! Land in Rio de Janeiro and transfer from the airport to the hotel. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening to meet your fellow travellers and learn important details about the coming days. Afterwards, choose to attend an optional group dinner at a local restaurant.
Upon arrival at your hotel, there will be note at the reception letting you know the time of the Welcome Meeting, at which you will receive the welcome package providing a schedule, documentation/vouchers, and pick-up times for all included activities. It also will contain contact information, should you have any questions about your tour.
Be met at the airport by a driver and transfer to your accommodations in the city.
Get an introduction to the city's iconic sights including Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer on an included guided tour. In the evening, get ready for the huge private G party on Copacabana beach, be sure to put on some purple flair.
This massive city gets as many as five million international tourists every year to sip caipirinhas on the beach, dance the samba in the city's streets, and ascend Corcovado Mountain to see the truly monumental Christ the Redeemer up close. Experience Rio at its finest, full of energy during this crazy, colourful, epic party. Get into the Carnival spirit with a private beach party. Make sure you find something purple to wear!
There's so much to see and do in this vibrant city pulsing with passion, music and the waves of the sea. Take a city tour and visit some of Rio's hot spots. Visit the art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, the colourful Lapa Steps and the Rio Cathedral. Ride a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and marvel at the magnificent views of the bay, city and beaches beyond.
Take Carnival to the next level with a party on Copacabana beach with all your new G Adventures friends. We have organized a private party at a beach bar with music blaring, sun shining and tons of fun to be had.
Earlier in the day you can choose to attend today's bloco location with your CEO and group using your included subway pass. Today, enjoy the festivities at Bloco "Sargento Pimienta", known for playing music by The Beatles with a Brazilian twist. In the evening, head out to the Sambadrome to watch the parade. Marvel at the sights and sounds of Carnival, and dance the night away with new friends.
Take it slow today because the parade literally lasts all night. This evening between 6-7:30 we transfer to the Sambodrome for the big spectacle. Your CEOs will accompany you throughout the evening and after the parade you'll transfer back to your hotel.Samba Schools is an association of people from the same neighbourhood or community (favela) who get together on a regular basis for samba meetings and rehearsals. Samba Schools provide valuable jobs to the community in the production of costumes and floats. Each year, schools choose a different theme and may take to the parade from 3,000 to 5,000 members, and 6 to 8 floats. They have to make it through the runway in a period from 60-80 minutes, which means each member will spend only about 25-30 minutes inside the Sambodrome.
On days 3, 4, and 5 you will be able to use your included subway pass to go to different street parties during Carnival with your CEO as your guide.
The Samba Schools Parade is something that everybody has to experience at least once. Watch the parade from inside the Sambadrome, marvelling at the outrageous costumes, arresting beats, and soulful rhythm of this incredible competition. Cheer on a favourite samba school as their floats make their way past you down the samba runway in an unbelievable parade of colour, movement and sound that lasts all night. When Carnival magic takes over, the Sambodrome is the setting for the greatest show on earth.
Enjoy free time in this vibrant city to get out and explore. Opt to take a favela tour or soak up some sun on the famous Copacabana beach. In the evenings dance in the streets with the locals and other G travellers.
Many visitors head to the famous Copacabana beach, although the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon can be less crowded and are equally as alluring. Opt to enjoy some of the Carnival street parties in the evening with your CEO as your guide.Known as blocos, these free outdoor parties are a central part of Rio de Janeiro's Carnival. Blocos are known for their loud music and performers. There can be marching bands, stilt walkers, theme inspired costumes and lots of fun! The parties take place all over the different neighbourhoods within the city. Each night during Carnival there are more than 300 different parties to choose from.
On days 3, 4, and 5 you will be able to use your included subway pass to go to different street parties during Carnival with your CEO as your guide.
Use your free time to hit the beach or take some optional excursions. You can also opt to join the various street parties in the area with your CEO and members of the group using your public transportation/subway pass.
Free day to relax and recover from the night before. Afternoon and evening street parties are ongoing for those who still haven't had enough of Carnival.
After an all-night samba party, relax and enjoy the sun and surf of the city. Take a book to Copacabana beach, shop along the main streets of Ipanema and Leblon, try some Brazilian beef at a churrascaria, or just sleep in and get some rest.In the late afternoon, there will be the option to meet up with your CEO and group and use your included subway pass to attend one more Bloco. Here, spend a final evening revelling in the charged atmosphere of Carnival.
On days 3, 4, and 5 you will be able to use your included subway pass to go to different street parties during Carnival with your CEO as your guide.
Enjoy a relaxing day to recover from the all-night party.
Depart at any time.
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Patagonia Overland: Santiago To Ushuaia With Rio Carnival tour:
Max 24, Avg. 16 on the Lando. A G party with around 100+ like-minded G travellers in Rio de Janeiro.
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Discover Moment: PuconYour Discover Moment: Rio de Janeiro. Visit and entrance fee to Los Pozones hot springs from Pucon. Drive along the "Seven Lakes Route" with multiple scenic viewpoint stops. Free time for optional activities in Pucon, San Martin de los Andes and Puerto Varas. Travel along the Carretera Austral through Chile's pristine wilderness. Free time in Futalefu, Coyhaique, El Chalten, El Calafate and Ushuaia for optional activities. Drive along Argentina's famed Ruta 40 deep into the Patagonian wilderness. Visit the Cueva de las Manos UNESCO Heritage site. 3-day entrance ticket to Los Glaciares National Park. Visit Perito Moreno Glacier. 2 full days of exploration in Torres del Paine National Park. Internal flights between Ushuaia and Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro city tour (half-day). Christ the Redeemer visit. Sugarloaf Mountain visit. G Adventures beach party (purple costumes). 3-day subway pass to attend the different street parties of Carnival with your CEO. Carnival festivities. Sambadrome tickets in section 5. Carnival parade. Experience Carnival with other G Adventures travellers. CEOs and G Adventures Staff available to offer assistance and support. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Drive Chile's legendary Carretera Austral south through wilderness most travellers never reach, Stand in awe in Torres del Paine NP and feel wonderfully small, Fall asleep under Patagonian skies and wake up ready to do it all again, Reach Ushuaia - the end of the road and the bottom of the world, Fly north and trade glaciers for sequins as Rio gears up for Carnival, Lose yourself in the biggest and loudest street party on the planet
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Pucon- Whitewater Rafting Pucon (35000-28000CLP per person)- Guided Huerquehue Park Visit (55000CLP per person)- Volcan Villarica Hike (100000CLP per person)Isla Chiloe- Chiloe Island Excursion (180USD per person)Volcan Osorno- Osorno Volcano Day Hike (161USD per person)Puerto Varas- Paso Desolacion Trek (161USD per person)Coyhaique- Marble Caves Excursion (90 per person)Perito Moreno Glacier- Perito Moreno Glacier Boat Tour (80USD per person)Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego- Tierra del Fuego National Park Visit (30USD per person)Ushuaia- The Maritime Museum and Prison at the End of the World Museum (36USD per person)- Beagle Channel Cruise to Isla Martillo (125USD per person)Rio de Janeiro- Rio Football Game (500BRL per person)- Favela Tour (187BRL per person)
This trip is done on a 26 seat overland vehicle named the Lando, which allows the entire group, including your CEO, to travel together, and sits higher, which is great to enjoy the scenic landscape.Here’s a quick look at the unique features of the well-equipped G Adventures overland adventure vehicle (OAV): - Storage for your main luggage is accessible from inside the vehicle- Day packs can be stored at your feet or on the luggage shelf above- Onboard safety box for valuables - Front viewing windows and large sliding windows, both great for landscape viewing- Reclining seats - Fully equipped mobile kitchen- Access to a large tank of drinking water- Air-conditioning- Charging station, a mix of North American and European plugs- USB charging ports for every traveller at their seatPlease note that our Landos do not have on-board bathrooms.This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Please take note of the travel times and distances in the above itinerary, and consider that this is often on poor quality, bumpy roads. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the South American landscape, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience.In Rio, the group will be given subway/public transportation passes to use to attend various street festivities with your CEO.
Camping (19 nts), Hostels and simple hotels (multi-share, 11 nts), Overnight flight (1 nt)
30 breakfasts, 21 lunches, 20 dinners
Most of the meals on this tour are included in the tour price. When a meal is not included, this is because there are often many options available - we would like to give you the opportunity to explore a bit and test the local cuisine yourself. In these cases, your CEO will be able to suggest some good local restaurants or options for you to choose from. All included meals will be prepared from fresh local produce. Breakfasts will generally consist of breads and cereals, if time allows a warm breakfast may be prepared. Many lunches will be provided en-route and will be light meals such as sandwiches and/or salads. All evening meals will be freshly-prepared hot meals, and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes. The CEO/Driver will organize the meal preparation and lead the way here, but will prepare a duty schedule for ensuring a fair, rotating participation from you and your group members in the meal preparation and dish washing duties. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival. Please note all bottled drinking water will be at your own expense.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and CEO Driver throughout the Lando portion, local guide in Torres del Paine. A team of CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) in Rio de Janeiro.
On this tour, you will be accompanied by two Chief Experience Officers (CEOs). The Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) will be the group manager and leader, cook and driver. They will provide information on the places where we are travelling, offer suggestions for things to do and see, and introduce you to our local friends. They will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure.All of our CEOs in South America are experienced group leaders, with a broad knowledge base of the region’s history, cultures, and wildlife. All of our overland adventure vehicle (OAV) drivers are experienced in the routes travelled, and highly skilled in dealing with different terrains. Cooks will organize and lead the meal preparation, and have experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups. We also use local guides for some included activities where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting.
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Lando (overland adventure vehicle), ferry, walking
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Additional Items:o Sleeping bag (required)o Sleeping Mat (or thermarest with repair kit)Cold Weather:o Long-sleeved shirts or sweatero Scarfo Warm gloveso Warm hato Warm layerso Warm waterproof jacketDocuments:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
Travellers can do their own laundry at the campsites where we stay. We recommend bringing some eco-friendly soap with you on tour, as well as some clothes pegs to do your own washing. Cities are also a good place to find laundry services, always keeping in mind operating hours and whether express service is available.
Camping: Camping most nights with some hotel/hostel stays to start and throughout; affordable public and private transport.