Welcome to Santiago, the cosmopolitan Chilean capital! There will be a 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.Important note from September 2018 departures: The full W-Walk is now included in this tour. If you wish to remain at our base camp, please inform us at time of booking so that we can arrange your meals and guides.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.Border information: if you are joining in Santiago, you will most likely enter Chile at Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (IATA code: SCL).
Today we will leave the bright lights of Santiago behind and head to San Javier, to take a wine tour at one of the famous vineyards of the region. After lunch, we will head to the laid back farming village of Buchupureo, on the Chilean coast, where we can relax by the beach for a couple of hours.
This morning we will continue our drive into the Chilean Lake District to the town of Pucon.Tomorrow we will have a free day in Pucón to enjoy a range of optional activities, such as 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.
Free day for optional activities.
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).
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.
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 Chalten is rough and mostly unpaved meaning that the going is slow.
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 Glacier.
Today we drive 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, where we will enjoy a Chilean BBQ.
Today we have a free day to hike to the stunning turquoise waters of Laguna Cerro Castillo or to go horse riding.
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).
Today we will drive into the heart of the Patagonia region and reach the tiny town of El Chalten, situated in Los Glaciares National Park and famous for its incredible mountains, glaciers and world-class trekking opportunities.
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
Today we have a short drive to El Calafate, the gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Today we will head out on an included full day guided visit to view the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most spectacular sights in Patagonia.
Border information: Exit Argentina and enter Chile at Cerro Castillo.Today we will drive to the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. This is one of the most outstanding areas of natural beauty in the world and the main highlight of the trip for many of our passengers and leaders! Tonight we will camp at Camping Pehoe, a stunning campsite inside the National Park with incredible views of Los Cuernos mountains, which we will refer to as our 'base campsite'.
From September 2018, the full W-Walk will be included as part of your trip Kitty.Embark on the full W-Walk with a local guide. Places at the campsites are limited by the National Park, so we book them in advance of your trip. We will be trekking the W-Walk from West to East, to enjoy the spectacular views.This morning we will wake early and transfer by truck for the morning Catamaran to cross Lago Pehoe. We will then set up camp at Paine Grande, before continuing on our hike towards the look out for Glacier Grey. The walk returns by the same route.
Today we depart from our camp at Paine Grande and hike into the stunning French Valley. In the afternoon, we will make our way to Camp Cuernos.The hike is approximately 8 hours.
Today we have a slightly easier day, we will hike from Camping Cuernos along the edge of Lago Nodenskjold, around Almirante Nieto and stay just outside Valley Ascencio. We will arrive at Camp Central after approximately 5 hours hiking.
This is our final day of the W-Walk and the most spectacular. The day begins with a steady climb from our camp site up Rio Asencio. Be prepared for the final hour which is a relatively steep scramble up to the Tarn and Mirrador Las Torres, with great views of the iconic Towers. Our hike today is approximately 8 hours for the return trip (20km). We will then spend a second night at Camp Central.
Today we will have a full drive day, heading south to cross the Magellan Straits over to the island of Tierra del Fuego.Tonight we will wild camp somewhere on the Chilean side of Tierra del Fuego.
Border information: Exit Chile at San Sebastian, enter Argentina at San SebastianToday we cross over to the Argentine side of Tierra del Fuego and drive to the incredible port town of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world!In Ushuaia we stay in a hotel out of town close to the National park, there are regular shuttles into the town.
Border information: if you are finishing in Ushuaia, you will most likely exit Argentina at Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (IATA code: USH).Today is a free day in the wonderful remote town of Ushuaia, with options such as a visit to the hauntingly beautiful Tierra del Fuego National Park, boat trips to see the scenery and wildlife of the Beagle Channel, or heading out horse riding along the coast for those with more time here.Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Ushuaia. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent if you would like to arrange some extra nights of accommodation here after your trip.
