Patagonia Overland: Puerto Varas to Ushuaia
Itinerary
Arrive at any time.
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
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.
- Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
- Free Time: Take advantage of a free day in Futalefú to enjoy the outdoors and the natural beauty of the area or to relax.
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.
- Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
- Free Time: Take advantage of a free day in El Chaltén to hike some of the iconic longer treks like up to Laguna de los Tres or to Laguna Torre, or stay closer to town and check out a lookout point or nearby waterfall. A 3-day pass to Los Glaciares National Park is included.
- Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
- Visit the Cueva de las Manos: Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands) is one of the most significant archaeological sites in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tucked away in the deep canyon of the Pinturas River, it houses art created by hunter-gatherer societies dating back over 9,300 years. Ancient artists placed their hands against the rock and blew mineral pigments through bone tubes, leaving a silhouette. Beyond hands, the walls display vivid scenes of guanaco hunting, human figures, and geometric patterns. These provide a unique window into the spiritual and daily lives of Patagonia's first inhabitants.
- Marble Caves Excursion: Set off on a long day for an excursion to the Marble Caves from Coyhaique to see a truly unique natural formation, and an iconic landmark of the Carretera Austral. Drive about 4 hours south to the port of Rio Tranquilo and take a boat tour of the marble caves on General Carrera Lake. See the calcium carbonate formations and the different colours on the walls as the light shimmers off of the water. This activity includes lunch and returns back to Coyhaique in the evening.
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.
- Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
- Free Time: Take advantage of a free day in El Chaltén to hike some of the iconic longer treks like up to Laguna de los Tres or to Laguna Torre, or stay closer to town and check out a lookout point or nearby waterfall. A 3-day pass to Los Glaciares National Park is included.
- Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
- Visit the Cueva de las Manos: Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands) is one of the most significant archaeological sites in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tucked away in the deep canyon of the Pinturas River, it houses art created by hunter-gatherer societies dating back over 9,300 years. Ancient artists placed their hands against the rock and blew mineral pigments through bone tubes, leaving a silhouette. Beyond hands, the walls display vivid scenes of guanaco hunting, human figures, and geometric patterns. These provide a unique window into the spiritual and daily lives of Patagonia's first inhabitants.
- Marble Caves Excursion: Set off on a long day for an excursion to the Marble Caves from Coyhaique to see a truly unique natural formation, and an iconic landmark of the Carretera Austral. Drive about 4 hours south to the port of Rio Tranquilo and take a boat tour of the marble caves on General Carrera Lake. See the calcium carbonate formations and the different colours on the walls as the light shimmers off of the water. This activity includes lunch and returns back to Coyhaique in the evening.
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.
- Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
- Free Time: Take advantage of a free day in El Chaltén to hike some of the iconic longer treks like up to Laguna de los Tres or to Laguna Torre, or stay closer to town and check out a lookout point or nearby waterfall. A 3-day pass to Los Glaciares National Park is included.
- Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
- Visit the Cueva de las Manos: Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands) is one of the most significant archaeological sites in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tucked away in the deep canyon of the Pinturas River, it houses art created by hunter-gatherer societies dating back over 9,300 years. Ancient artists placed their hands against the rock and blew mineral pigments through bone tubes, leaving a silhouette. Beyond hands, the walls display vivid scenes of guanaco hunting, human figures, and geometric patterns. These provide a unique window into the spiritual and daily lives of Patagonia's first inhabitants.
- Marble Caves Excursion: Set off on a long day for an excursion to the Marble Caves from Coyhaique to see a truly unique natural formation, and an iconic landmark of the Carretera Austral. Drive about 4 hours south to the port of Rio Tranquilo and take a boat tour of the marble caves on General Carrera Lake. See the calcium carbonate formations and the different colours on the walls as the light shimmers off of the water. This activity includes lunch and returns back to Coyhaique in the evening.
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.
- Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
- Perito Moreno Glacier Visit: Explore Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world’s few “advancing” glaciers. See the glacier’s magnificent natural beauty firsthand, and enjoy awe-inspiring views (it stretches about 250 sq km/97 sq mi in size and 30km/19 mi in length).
- Free Time: Enjoy time in El Calafate to explore some of the local attractions like a walk in the Laguna Nimez Reserve or visit the Glaciarium Museum. Further afield, optional activities include a boat trip at Perito Moreno Glacier or go ice trekking.
- Perito Moreno Glacier Boat Tour: Embark in the floating dock in the south arm of Argentino Lake, and navigate along the Iceberg Channel towards the front wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier where most of the ice calving takes place. This boat trip lasts approximately one hour.
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.
- Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
- Perito Moreno Glacier Visit: Explore Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world’s few “advancing” glaciers. See the glacier’s magnificent natural beauty firsthand, and enjoy awe-inspiring views (it stretches about 250 sq km/97 sq mi in size and 30km/19 mi in length).
- Free Time: Enjoy time in El Calafate to explore some of the local attractions like a walk in the Laguna Nimez Reserve or visit the Glaciarium Museum. Further afield, optional activities include a boat trip at Perito Moreno Glacier or go ice trekking.
- Perito Moreno Glacier Boat Tour: Embark in the floating dock in the south arm of Argentino Lake, and navigate along the Iceberg Channel towards the front wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier where most of the ice calving takes place. This boat trip lasts approximately one hour.
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.
- Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
- Two Days in Torres del Paine NP: Spend two days exploring the pristine and spectacular wilderness of Chile's most iconic national park. Hike from the Mirador Grey lookout point to Mirador Serrano for sweeping views of the massif and surrounding landscapes (Distance: 13km; Elevation Gain: 411m; Duration: 4,5–5h). The following day, hike up to the immense towers of Las Torres and the glacial lagoon before returning to camp for the night (Distance: 22km, Elevation Gain: 1000+m, Duration: 8-10h). Base Torres is a challenging trek and those not able to complete it can return early by the same path or rest and wait at a refuge along the way until the others return.
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.
- Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
- Two Days in Torres del Paine NP: Spend two days exploring the pristine and spectacular wilderness of Chile's most iconic national park. Hike from the Mirador Grey lookout point to Mirador Serrano for sweeping views of the massif and surrounding landscapes (Distance: 13km; Elevation Gain: 411m; Duration: 4,5–5h). The following day, hike up to the immense towers of Las Torres and the glacial lagoon before returning to camp for the night (Distance: 22km, Elevation Gain: 1000+m, Duration: 8-10h). Base Torres is a challenging trek and those not able to complete it can return early by the same path or rest and wait at a refuge along the way until the others return.
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.
- Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
- Two Days in Torres del Paine NP: Spend two days exploring the pristine and spectacular wilderness of Chile's most iconic national park. Hike from the Mirador Grey lookout point to Mirador Serrano for sweeping views of the massif and surrounding landscapes (Distance: 13km; Elevation Gain: 411m; Duration: 4,5–5h). The following day, hike up to the immense towers of Las Torres and the glacial lagoon before returning to camp for the night (Distance: 22km, Elevation Gain: 1000+m, Duration: 8-10h). Base Torres is a challenging trek and those not able to complete it can return early by the same path or rest and wait at a refuge along the way until the others return.
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.
- Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
- Two Days in Torres del Paine NP: Spend two days exploring the pristine and spectacular wilderness of Chile's most iconic national park. Hike from the Mirador Grey lookout point to Mirador Serrano for sweeping views of the massif and surrounding landscapes (Distance: 13km; Elevation Gain: 411m; Duration: 4,5–5h). The following day, hike up to the immense towers of Las Torres and the glacial lagoon before returning to camp for the night (Distance: 22km, Elevation Gain: 1000+m, Duration: 8-10h). Base Torres is a challenging trek and those not able to complete it can return early by the same path or rest and wait at a refuge along the way until the others return.
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.
- Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
- Free Time: Enjoy a free day at the "End of the Earth" with options outside of the city or stay local to explore on foot and relax.
- Tierra del Fuego National Park Visit: Opt to explore this stunning coastal National Park extending 630 sq km. You can choose to hop on the End of the World train for some amazing views. The National Park has many different trekking routes, ask your CEO for some advice and embrace Bahia Lapataia. Make sure to keep an eye out for a variety of birdlife. This activity can be booked on the ground locally. Ask your CEO for advice of when to do it.
- The Maritime Museum and Prison at the End of the World Museum: Visit the Navy Museum, which was previously the Recidivist Prison. Learn about two different histories of seafarers and prisoners who both arrived at “the end of the earth.”
- Beagle Channel Cruise to Isla Martillo: Leave the local port and head to the famous Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. See rock cormorants and sea lions sharing a cliff-side resting spot. Visit Bird Island to see king and imperial cormorants and Isla de Los Lobos to spot plenty of seals. Finally, reach the waters off of Isla Martillo and try to spot Magellanic Penguins from the ferry before returning to 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.
- Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
- Free Time: Enjoy a free day at the "End of the Earth" with options outside of the city or stay local to explore on foot and relax.
- Tierra del Fuego National Park Visit: Opt to explore this stunning coastal National Park extending 630 sq km. You can choose to hop on the End of the World train for some amazing views. The National Park has many different trekking routes, ask your CEO for some advice and embrace Bahia Lapataia. Make sure to keep an eye out for a variety of birdlife. This activity can be booked on the ground locally. Ask your CEO for advice of when to do it.
- The Maritime Museum and Prison at the End of the World Museum: Visit the Navy Museum, which was previously the Recidivist Prison. Learn about two different histories of seafarers and prisoners who both arrived at “the end of the earth.”
- Beagle Channel Cruise to Isla Martillo: Leave the local port and head to the famous Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. See rock cormorants and sea lions sharing a cliff-side resting spot. Visit Bird Island to see king and imperial cormorants and Isla de Los Lobos to spot plenty of seals. Finally, reach the waters off of Isla Martillo and try to spot Magellanic Penguins from the ferry before returning to Ushuaia.
Depart at any time.
Trip Inclusions
- Roll out of Puerto Varas through the volcanic lakes and lush forests of the Lake District.
- Drive south along the legendary Carretera Austral as Patagonia gets wilder by the kilometre.
- Hike beneath the granite towers of Torres del Paine on trails that earn their reputation.
- Watch Perito Moreno Glacier shed walls of ice into brilliant blue water.
- Sleep under southern skies so dark and clear they barely look real.
- Arrive at Ushuaia — the end of the road and one of the most earned finishes in travel.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- 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
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Lando (overland adventure vehicle), ferry, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and CEO Driver throughout
- Camping (13 Nights), Hostels And Simple Hotels (multi-share, 4 Nights)
- 17 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Get the best of both worlds with as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Read more
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The biggest reason travellers book our trips again and again? Our legendary Chief Experience Officers, aka CEOs. Read more
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Dates & Pricing
The Great Adventurers Club
GJ Loyalty Discount
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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