Border information: if you are joining in La Paz, you will most likely enter Bolivia at La Paz El Alto International Airport (IATA code: LPB).Welcome to La Paz, Bolivia's seat of government and the highest administrative capital in the world! There will be an important 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.A note on altitude: If you are joining in La Paz, we strongly recommend arriving at least 24 hours before the trip begins to allow additional time to acclimatise.
Today we will have a free day to make the most of the extrodinary city of La Paz, explore the witches market or take a mountain biking trip down the World's Most Dangerous Road.
Today we will drive south to Uyuni, the gateway to the incredible salt flats of the Salar de Uyuni.
Today we will venture out onto the salt flats of the Salar de Uyuni, spending a full day exploring this phenomenal location by jeep and on foot. En route we will explore the nearby train graveyard and the cactus-filled 'Fish Island', and take all the time we need to get plenty of perspective-bending photographs!
Today we will head off across the wilds of the Altiplano, a surreal and desolate desert landscape that stretches all the way into Chile. We will make plenty of stop for photographs on the way and at the end of the day we aim to cross the border into Chile, making camp soon afterwards.Tonight we will bush camp in a remote spot with no facilities!
After breakfast we will break camp, and drive through the stunning Reserva Nacional Alto Loa on the Chilean part of the Altiplano, stopping off en route for photographs and a lunch stop at the famous El Tatio Geysers, the worlds highest Geyser field at 4300m. Afterwards descending down to San Pedro de Atacama.Please note: The weather in this region can be unpredictable and has been known to close the road to the border. On these occasions we will take an alternate route across the Altiplano, crossing into either Chile or Argentina at a different border point. Your trip leaders will keep you informed of any changes that may be necessary.
Today we will have a free day to explore the incredible highlights of the Atacama desert surrounding San Pedro. In the evening we will take an included trip out to the extraordinary Moon Valley, where we will hopefully see an incredible sunset. At night we will also have the chance to go stargazing, in one of the world's premier regions for astronomy (please note that this is only possible when there is not a full moon).
Today we will have a long drive day to cross the mighty Andes, cross the border into Argentina, and reach the beautiful town of Salta.
Today we will have a free day to explore Salta, visit its many museums, or explore the beautiful surrounding hills on foot or by mountain bike. We will also have the chance to take the cable car to the viewpoint on San Bernardo Hill overlooking the town, or take the famous 'Train to the Clouds' through some of the incredible mountian scenery nearby.
Today we will drive through the spectacular rock formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas, and reach the serene town of Cafayate.
Free day to explore Cafayate. This small unassuming town is the centre of one of Argentinas's principal withe producing regions, famous for the quality of its Torrontes and Tannat wines! We will have the opportunity to go to a few of the vineyards nearby to see how the wine is made, and of course to try them!
Today we will drive south through spectacular mountains and arrive in the pampas that Argentina is famous for. We will visit the ancient ruins of the indigenous city of Quilmes en route.
Today we drive to a unique Anglo-Argentine Estancia, where we will stay for 3 nights. During our time at the Estancia, we will head out horseback riding. This is a magical experience in a beautiful and many people's highlight of the trip! Please note that some of these activities are subject to weather conditions. Please also note that there is a strict weight limit of 15 stone (210lbs) or 95kg to partake in the horse riding - if you should weigh more than this, then unfortunately you will not be able to participate in the horseback riding.
Full day at the Estancia.
??Full day at the Estancia.
Today we will have a leisurely start after breakfast to the city of Cordoba, where we will enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city.
Today we will have a very early start for a full day's drive to the stunning town of Mendoza, nestled in the dry flats underneath the shadows of the largest mountains of the Andes.Mendoza is the centre of Argentine wine production, and one of the nine 'Wine Capitals of the World' - it is especially famous for its Malbec, grown at some of the highest-altitude vineyards to be found in the world.
Today will be free time to explore the region, head out on various adventure activities, or of course take a tasting tour of the incredible wineries in the region.
Today we will drive over the stunning Cristo Redentor pass in the high Andes, passing Aconcagua (the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere) and heading to the Chilean capital of Santiago.
Today is a free day to explore the cosmopolitan Chilean capital.
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.
