[ Print This Page ]
31-Nights Lando South America: Patagonia to Rio's Carnival - Classic from $7,299
G Adventures
OFFER ID 1699758
Patagonia Overland: Santiago to Ushuaia with Rio Carnival
Two of South America's greatest hits, connected by the roads in between. It starts in the wild south — glaciers, granite towers, campfire smoke — and ends with Rio losing its mind for Carnival. Getting between those two worlds the slow way, overland through the spine of Patagonia, is the part nobody talks about. It should be.
Highlights
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
Accomodation
Camping in South America is truly an adventure. You will be able to get off the beaten track to get a first-hand experience of the beautiful nature. While camping, we stay at designated campsites and outside towns. Campsite facilities can be basic in certain places. The camps have flush toilets (with some exceptions). Additionally, warm water might be available, but it is not guaranteed to always be warm when you take your shower; the warm water may be used up by others who also use the camp. We usually set-up camp within close proximity to the toilet facilities, though occasionally to reach them you may to walk a short distance. All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag, sleeping mats, and pillow) is supplied. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly will take you only 5 minutes. They are good quality, durable, industry-standard 2-person tents. Please note that most adults will not be able to fully stand up inside the tents, though most travellers find these more than adequate. We travel with our own portable camp chairs with a comfortable back-rest, and we utilize our own cooking equipment to provide the group good quality camp meals. Camps are open to the natural environment – care must be taken, especially at night, when a torch/flashlight is recommended when walking around the camp area. Despite the challenge that a few days “roughing it” may pose to some, the experience of being that close to nature, camping under the stars is not just gratifying but ultimately an experience of a lifetime. Please be note that where we use multi-share accommodations, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic Travel Style.
Group Leader
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.
Group Size Notes
Max 24, Avg. 16 on the Lando. A G party with around 100+ like-minded G travellers in Rio de Janeiro.
Meals Included
30 breakfasts, 21 lunches, 20 dinners
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Pucón
Your Discover Moment: Rio de Janeiro.
Visit and entrance fee to Los Pozones hot springs from Pucón. Drive along the "Seven Lakes Route" with multiple scenic viewpoint stops. Free time for optional activities in Pucón, San Martín de los Andes and Puerto Varas. Travel along the Carretera Austral through Chile's pristine wilderness. Free time in Futalefú, Coyhaique, El Chaltén, 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.
31 nights from $7,299 per person
G Adventures: Patagonia Overland: Santiago to Ushuaia with Rio Carnival
Day 1: Santiago
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: Santiago/Pucón
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 Pucón, 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.
Day 3: Santiago/Pucón
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 Pucón, 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.
Day 4: Santiago/Pucón
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 Pucón, 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.
Day 5: Santiago/Pucón
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 Pucón, 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.
Day 6: Pucón/San Martín de los Andes
The road leads through the mountains into Argentina and to the town of San Martín de los Andes, on the shores of Lake Lácar, 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 Lanín National Park offers hiking options, lookout points and incredible views of glacial lakes, forests and the ice-clad Lanín Volcano for which the park is named.
Day 7: Pucón/San Martín de los Andes
The road leads through the mountains into Argentina and to the town of San Martín de los Andes, on the shores of Lake Lácar, 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 Lanín National Park offers hiking options, lookout points and incredible views of glacial lakes, forests and the ice-clad Lanín Volcano for which the park is named.
Day 8: San Martín de los Andes/Puerto Varas
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.
Day 9: Puerto Varas
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 Chiloé Island or visit the fish market in Puerto Montt, just to name a few.
Day 10: Puerto Varas/Futalefú
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 Futalefú, located in a remote valley at the confluence of the Espolon and Futaleufú 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.
Day 11: Puerto Varas/Futalefú
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 Futalefú, located in a remote valley at the confluence of the Espolon and Futaleufú 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.
Day 12: Puerto Varas/Futalefú
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 Futalefú, located in a remote valley at the confluence of the Espolon and Futaleufú 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.
Day 13: Futalefú/El Chaltén
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 Chaltén, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and home to the iconic Mount FItz Roy. Take advantage of a free day in El Chaltén to hike some of the nearby trails, visit a nearby waterfall or go mountain biking.
Day 14: Futalefú/El Chaltén
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 Chaltén, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and home to the iconic Mount FItz Roy. Take advantage of a free day in El Chaltén to hike some of the nearby trails, visit a nearby waterfall or go mountain biking.
Day 15: Futalefú/El Chaltén
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 Chaltén, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and home to the iconic Mount FItz Roy. Take advantage of a free day in El Chaltén to hike some of the nearby trails, visit a nearby waterfall or go mountain biking.
Day 16: Futalefú/El Chaltén
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 Chaltén, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and home to the iconic Mount FItz Roy. Take advantage of a free day in El Chaltén to hike some of the nearby trails, visit a nearby waterfall or go mountain biking.
Day 17: Futalefú/El Chaltén
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 Chaltén, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and home to the iconic Mount FItz Roy. Take advantage of a free day in El Chaltén to hike some of the nearby trails, visit a nearby waterfall or go mountain biking.
Day 18: El Chaltén/El Calafate
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.
Day 19: El Chaltén/El Calafate
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.
Day 20: Torres del Paine/Punta Arenas
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.
Day 21: Torres del Paine/Punta Arenas
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.
Day 22: Torres del Paine/Punta Arenas
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.
Day 23: Torres del Paine/Punta Arenas
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.
Day 24: Punta Arenas/Ushuaia
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.
Day 25: Punta Arenas/Ushuaia
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.
Day 26: Ushuaia/Rio de Janeiro
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.
Day 27: Rio de Janeiro
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.
Day 28: Rio de Janeiro
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!
Day 29: Rio de Janeiro
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.
Day 30: Rio de Janeiro
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.
Day 31: Rio de Janeiro
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.
Day 32: Rio de Janeiro
Depart at any time.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you view a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.
RGE Travels
217 SW Manatee Springs Way
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
USA
(772) 873-7766