This trip will serve as the perfect primer for those looking to drive the length of the Americas in their EarthCruiser. Starting in Punta Arena, we’ll drive to Ushuaia known as the “End of the World” on the southern tip of S America, we will work our way up the Western side of the continent, winding our way between Chile and Patagonia. Along the way, we’ll take in the grandeur of Torres del Paine National Park, El Chalten, El Calafate, Bariloche, and Pucon with side trips down winding dirt roads, tracing the route of Butch Cassidy. We’ll experience life through the eyes of Gauchos, track pumas, walk across glaciers, taste the best Malbecs, and hike the most spectacular mountains on the continent.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Medium challenging. Mostly camping, mix of campgrounds with shower/toilet facilities and some with no facilities. Dusty conditions, wet conditions and bumpy roads at times. Windy and unpredictable weather. Very few services are available some days. Language and cultural barriers.
Medium challenging. Able to drive over gravel and dirt roads, basic recovery and winching necessary, familiarity with backroad navigation. Some river crossings, mud, gravel. Some unfamiliar traffic rules and road markings. Multiple border crossings, some ferries.
Ellen Wayte has spent over a decade working in tourism as an overlanding tour leader, scuba instructor, naturalist, park ranger, and concierge. As a tour leader, she has led adventure holidays through over 40 countries on five continents. She has guided clients on expeditions from Cape Town to Cairo, across the Silk Road, throughout South America, and the Indian subcontinent. She is passionate about wildlife and can often be found with binoculars in hand.
Day 1 – Punta Arena, Chile, Thursday, February 15, 2024
We’ll meet at 6pm at our campground for our pre-departure meeting and dinner. We will go over the logistics of the trip, everything from what to expect, to safe driving protocols and what you will need to prepare for the next few days. We will assist in changing money, if needed, and ensuring all your paperwork is in order for our trip.
Meals included: Dinner
Optional Activities: Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat, Nao Victoria Museo, Guided City Tours
Day 2 – Cerro Sombrero, Chile, Friday, February 16, 2024
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Day 3 – Ushuaia, Argentina, Saturday, February 17, 2024
Today we’ll drive to the “End of the World”
Optional Activities: Beagle Channel cruises, visit to penguin colony, Tierra del Fuego National Park, End of the World train, Museo Marítimo
Day 4 – Cerro Sombrero, Chile, Sunday, February 18, 2024
Today we drive north through the stunning Argentinian countryside tracing the Atlantic ocean. Around mid day we will cross into Chile spending the night in the small village of Cerro Sombrero.
Day 5 – Torres del Paine, Chile, Monday, February 19, 2024
Today is a fun drive as we put our vehicles onto a ferry to cross The Strait of Magellan. From there we’ll continue north and enter Torres del Paine National Park, home to some of the most iconic Patagonia views. We’ll camp within the park, enjoying epic sunsets, wild guanacos, condors, and other wildlife.
Inclusions: Torres del Paine National Park entry
Day 6 – Torres del Paine, Chile, Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Today is a full day free to explore the park. There are a multitude of activities to choose from, we recommend taking a day hike to Mirador Las Torres for those keen for a challenge with an incredibly rewarding view.
Optional Activities: Scenic boat cruises, horseback riding
Days 7 – Torres del Paine, Chile, Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Today we set out into a less explore area with a local guide in search of the elusive puma. A healthy population of the cats thrive in Patagonia, preying on the wild guanaco population.
Inclusions: Guided Puma safari
Day 8 – El Calafate, Argentina, Thursday, February 22, 2024
Today we start with a slow drive out of the park, cross back into Argentina and head towards the town of El Calafate, a charming town home to fantastic restaurants and the base to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier. We camp just outside town for the next two nights.
Day 9 – El Calafate, Argentina, Friday, February 23, 2024
Today is a full day, guided visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier – one of the few advancing glaciers in Patagonia. We’ll don trekking poles and crampons as our guide explains glacier safety and interprets the natural sights around us.
Inclusions: Guided Glacier Walk
Day 10 – El Chalten, Argentina, Saturday, February 24, 2024
Today we’ll trace beautiful mountain lakes as we travel towards the mountain town of El Chalten. We’ll make a stop at a fun guesthouse where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were known to have stayed. We camp for two nights in the grounds of a small lodge at the base of the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre mountains.
Day 11 – El Chalten, Argentina, Sunday, February 25, 2024
Today is a full day to explore the breathtaking scenery of Los Glaciares national park. There are several day hikes that will take you close to the jagged peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torres. Horseback riding, kayaking or glacier tours are also available.
Optional Activities: Glacier tours, kayaking, horseback riding
Day 12 – Las Horquetas, Argentina, Monday, February 26, 2024
This morning we leave the Andes and head north on the legendary Ruta 40 over the windy Pampas of Patagonia. Camp tonight will be a dispersed camp along the way.
Day 13 – Lago Posadas, Argentina, Tuesday, February 27, 2024
This morning we’ll make a visit to the UNESCO World Herritage site of Cueva de las Manos. Here a local guide will show us around the incredible 13,000 year old rock art. After we’ll continue west back towards the Andes, camping for the night.
Inclusions: Cueva de las Manos entry and guide
Day 14 – Puerto Rio Tranquillo, Chile, Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Back into Chile today as we drive a beautiful route cutting through the mountains and lakes of Patagonia. If anyone is keen we can leave early this morning in order to make town in time for an afternoon optional visit to the colorful Marble Caves by boat.
Optional Activities: Mable Caves boat trip
Day 15 – Puyuhuapi, Chile, Thursday, February 29, 2024
After another incredible drive we end our day with a short boat drive to a world-class 5 star lodge and spa for the night. Time to relax and take in a bit of luxury.
Inclusions: 5-Star Lodge Stay
Day 16 – Trevelin, Argentina, Friday, March 1, 2024
Today’s drive takes us back into Argentina. We camp for the night outside of the town of Trevelin, known for its traditional Welsh population.
Day 17 – Bariloche, Argentina, Saturday, March 2, 2024
Today we head towards Bariloche, a town known for its Swiss alpine-style architecture and its chocolate, not to mention its gorgeous lakes and mountains. We camp for the next two nights just outside town.
Day 18 – Bariloche, Argentina, Sunday, March 3, 2024
Today is free for exploration of the Bariloche area. Take a day hike, go on a scenic boat cruise, go for a horseback ride or explore town and its charming storefronts and restaurants.
Optional Activities: Horeseback riding, kayaking, boat tours
Day 19 – Pucon, Chile, Monday, March 4, 2024
Back into Chile today (our last border crossing!) as we drive through the Monkey Puzzle forests towards the town of Pucon, known for its location at the base of Villarrica volcano. We camp in town on the grounds of a lovely lodge for the next two nights.
Day 20 – Pucon, Chile, Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Today is a free day to explore Pucon. There are loads of activities available today. For the adventurous it’s possible to summit one of Chile’s most active volcanoes. More mellow options include day hikes, horseback riding and kayaking.
Optional Activities: Volcano trekking, horseback riding, kayaking, parasailing, white water rafting
Day 21 – Concepcion, Chile, Wednesday, March 6, 2024
We leave Pucon this morning and head west, reaching the shores of the Pacific Ocean for a night camping near the beach.
Day 22 – Santiago, Chile, Thursday, March 7, 2024
Our final drive has us heading back inland and heading into the bustling capital city of Chile, Santiago. We’ll camp just outside town and enjoy a final meal and celebration of our shared adventure.
Day 23 – Santiago, Chile, Friday, March 8, 2024
Our trip ends this morning. For those wishing to continue their journey through South America our Adventure experts are available to assist with planning. There is much to explore!
*Please note that the itinerary listed here represents the intended route and day to day schedule. EarthCruiser Adventure reserves the right to make any itinerary changes with or without notice, which may become necessary, as is the nature of overlanding.
Camping (20 nights)
5 Star Lodge (1 night)
EarthCruiser or Terranova purchased new from EarthCruiser, used via EarthCruiser’s pre-owned program, or used via a third party with membership to the Cruiser Crew program.
Spare tire and full set of Maxtrax recovery board
Basic recovery gear including Snatch Block, Tree Saver, one pair each hard and soft shackles, and gloves.
You will be asked to purchase local vehicle insurance for Chile and Argentina as well as all vehicle paperwork fees and personal visas. Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those traveling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend all travelers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been confirmed by your leader.
Minimum 50% deposit required for booking. The remaining balance will be automatically charged 30 days before your adventure begins.
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