The aim of this unique excursion on the Carretera Austral - the Austral Route - in Chile and the Route 40 in Argentina between Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas is to combine adventure with comfort. Enjoy imposing mountain ranges, endless pampas, glaciers, volcanoes, rainforests, and fjords as well as being superbly taken care of in pleasant hotels and estancias.

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago de Chile
Upon arrival at the airport in Santiago de Chile, your bilingual guide of this tour will pick you up and take you to your hotel. Here you will be welcomed by the staff with a Pisco Sour - Chile's national drink. In the afternoon you and all other participants will take part in a guided city tour to explore the capital city. Joint dinner and overnight. (D)

Day 2: Santiago de Chile - Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
Transfer to the airport and flight south, along the Andes to the capital of the Lake Region, Puerto Montt. Our vehicle and driver will be waiting at the airport from where we will drive to the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park below the volcano Osorno - one of the most beautifully shaped volcanoes in the world. Overnight stay in a hotel on the shores of the Lake Todos los Santos. (full board)

Day 3: Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
After breakfast we will "climb" the Osorno in our vehicle up to an altitude of 1,300 m / 4,265 ft and have a magnificent view to the lake. If weather conditions are adequate, we will be able to walk to the snow line. On our way we will have our picnic-lunch and return to Petrohué via the waterfalls of the Petrohué River, famous for its emerald color. (full board)

Day 4: Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park - Nahuel Huapi National Park
On our journey we will be able to notice the differences between the landscapes on both sides of the Andes; we will leave the thick greens of the Chilean rainforests behind us and arrive in the dry steppes of Argentina. During our drive we will be surrounded by the towering peaks of the Andes. Arrival in the vacation resort San Carlos de Bariloche and time to explore the city. (full board)

Day 5: Nahuel Huapi National Park - Futaleufú
We will drive from Bariloche to the south and pass through the towns Esquel and Trevellin, both founded by Welsh immigrants at the beginning of the 20th century. We will leave the Ruta 40 and cross back into Chile to the border town of Futaleufú; known for the river of the same name - one of the best rivers for whitewater rafting in Chile. Overnight in Futaleufú. (full board)

Day 6: Futaleufú - Lago Rosselott
Starting in Futaleufú we will explore the first part of the famous Carretera Austral, considered the unpaved extension of the Panamerican Highway. The beauty of this pristine landscape compensates for the bumpy ride strewn with countless potholes. We will drive along the turquoise blue Frío River past tranquil lakes and picturesque waterfalls to El Pangue and arrive at our idyllically located hotel. Before dinner you can go for a walk on the shores of the lake or enjoy a relaxing bath in the heated outdoor pool before dinner. (full board)

Day 7: Queulat N.P.
After breakfast we set will off for Queulat National Park where we will go for a gentle walk to reach the absolutely fabulous Ventisquero Colgante ("hanging glacier ") and its waterfall. We will also visit the Témpanos Lagoon where the milky melt-water of the glacier accumulates before flowing into the Ventisquero River. In the evening we will be spoiled by a typical "asado" (barbecue) at our hotel El Panque. (full board)

Day 8: Carretera Austral - Coyhaique
We will continue our journey along the Carretera Austral through exuberant vegetation including gigantic nalca plants and ferns growing on the side of the road. We will stop at breathtaking lookout points to shoot photos and enjoy the impressive flora before reaching Coyhaique, the capital of the 11th region of Chile, by slowly meandering up a mountain pass. Overnight in Coyhaique. (full board)

Day 9: Coyhaique - Lago General Carrera
First we will drive through an area of deep canyons, followed by passing a swampy landscape scattered with spikey dead trees emerging from the standing water - last reminders of a huge volcanic eruption. In the early afternoon we arrive at the gigantic Lake General Carrera, which is located on the border and goes by the name of Lake Buenos Aires on the Argentinean side. Close to Puerto Rio Tranquilo we will board a small motor boat to visit the impressive "Catedral de Mármol" - an extra-ordinarily shaped cave formed by constant erosion from water as well as Patagonia's strong winds. Overnight in the hotel on the shore of the lake. (full board)

Day 10: Lago General Carrera and surroundings
Today we will have a full day to explore the surroundings of Lake General Carrera and the turquoise Rio Baker that flows out from the lake to the Pacific Ocean at Caleta Tortel. Overnight in the hotel on the shore of the lake. (full board)

Day 11: Lago General Carrera - Argentinean Pampa
Today we will cross the border once more, driving east along Lake General Carrera to Argentina where we experience a profound change of scenes: the rather rainy and green landscapes on the Chilean side are exchanged for an arid and vast steppe in Argentina. At first sight the Patagonian Steppe looks completely deserted, but the sporadic estancias as well as the native wildlife prove the opposite. On the way we will be able to spot animals like the ñandú (Patagonian ostrich), skunks and foxes. Overnight and dinner at the estancia. (full board)

Day 12: Driving Ruta 40 - Monte Fitz Roy Our journey will continue on the famous "Patagonian Highway" Ruta 40 to the south where the road stretches far beyond the horizon, leaving us with a lasting impression of the vast emptiness of the steppe. If weather conditions are good, the Fitz Roy Massif is visible far away on the horizon. In the afternoon we will arrive in the town of El Chaltén located below the massif. Overnight in or close to El Chaltén. (full board)

Day 13: Monte Fitz Roy - El Calafate
Weather permitting we will go on a half day walking excursion with spectacular views of the Fitz Roy Massif. In the afternoon we will continue our drive past the emerald green Lake Viedma to El Calafate on Lake Argentino. First we will leave our baggage in the hotel and then take a walk through the village. Overnight and dinner in or close to El Calafate. (full board)

Day 14: Los Glaciares National Park - Perito Moreno Glacier
After breakfast we will start our drive to the national park Los Glaciares to see one of the greatest natural spectacles in the world - the calving glacier Perito Moreno. Gigantic pieces of ice break off into the lake, accompanied by a deafening thunder, forming huge blue floes in the water. From various platforms we will be able to observe the sight from close-up. If the weather is good, an optional boat trip can take you even closer. Overnight and dinner in or close to El Calafate. (full board)

Day 15: El Calafate - Torres del Paine National Park
From El Calafate we will drive back to Chile, crossing the dry Pampa once more to arrive at the estancia Cerro Castillo. After checking with the border authorities, we will have our picnic-lunch before we continue onwards to one of the highlights of the overland trip, the Torres del Paine National Park. Overnight in or close to the national park. (full board)

Day 16: Exploring Torres del Paine National Park
After an early breakfast we will start exploring the enormous diversity in landscapes, geology, flora, fauna and weather conditions of Torres del Paine National Park. Depending on the weather, we will do several short hikes in the national park. In the evening we will return to our hotel. (full board)

Day 17: Torres del Paine N.P. - Punta Arenas
In the morning we will have one last look at the Torres del Paine Massif and then continue on to the south. On our way we will stop to visit the Milodón Cave where the German colonist Eberhard found the remains of a milodón, a gigantic prehistoric sloth. Afterwards we will drive on to Puerto Natales, beautifully located on the "Last Hope" Fjord. We will take a break for a short walk on the promenade or a visit of the town. In the evening we will arrive at the Estancia for our overnight stay. (full board)

Day 18: Punta Arenas - Santiago de Chile
In the morning (or in the afternoon of the 17th day, depending on flight departure times) we will visit the penguin colony on the Otway Sound and then do a city tour of the capital of Chile's southernmost mainland region, Punta Arenas. From here we will see the Magellan Straight that separates the mainland from the island Tierra del Fuego. Afterwards we will drive to the airport to board our flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago. In the late afternoon we will arrive in our hotel in Santiago and enjoy our farewell dinner. Overnight in Santiago. (full board)

Day 19: Santiago de Chile
Our tour ends with a breakfast in Santiago. Of course we will take care of the transfer to the airport to board your flight home or we will arrange connecting programs for you. (B)