Lando South America: Patagonia to Rio's Carnival

32 days, Santiago to Rio de Janeiro

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Itinerary

Day 1Santiago

Arrive at any time.

Your Welcome Moment: 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.

Days 2–5Santiago/Pucón

Drive south from Santiago along 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.

Lando
Santiago – Saltos del Laja5h-5h30m489km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Lando
Saltos del Laja – Pucón4h308km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Los Pozones Natural Hot Springs
Pucón3h

Drive to the natural hot springs of Los Pozones for a soak in the restorative pools of varying temperatures and depths. Located right next to the Liucura River and surrounded by forest, it is the perfect way to end a day of outdoor adventure and discovery.

Your Discover Moment
Pucón Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Pucon, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like hiking Villarica Volcano, whitewater rafting, and relaxing in thermal baths. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

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Optional Activities - Days 2–5 HideShow

Whitewater Rafting Pucon
Pucón
35000-28000CLP per person

Grab a paddle, strap on your helmet, and head down the rapids. Take a rest from paddling and take in the beautiful scenery of Chile's Lake District.

Guided Huerquehue Park Visit
Pucón
55000CLP per person

Explore the lagoons and lush forests of Chile's Lake District in Huerquehue National Park with a guide.

Volcan Villarica Hike
Pucón
100000CLP per person

If summiting an active volcano is on your bucket list, this activity it for you. Weather permitting, set out early to make it to the top and appreciate the views before sliding part of the way back down.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Days 6–7Pucón/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.

Lando
Pucón – San Martín de los Andes3h30m-4h182km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Free Time
San Martín de los Andes Full Day

Get out and explore from San Martin de los Andes, gateway to Lanín National park in Argentina's Lake DIstrict.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 8San 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.

Lando
San Martín de los Andes – Puerto Varas5h-5h30m307km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 9Puerto 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.

Free Time
Puerto Varas Full Day

Puerto Varas is the perfect base for discovery of the nearby sights and natural features of the Chilean Lake District with many different options to explore, sightsee, get active or just stay local and relax

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Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow

Chiloé Island Excursion
Isla Chiloé
180USD per person

Take the ferry to the Big Island of Chiloé, the land of myths and legends. Immerse yourself in its rich history, traditions and fascinating tales. Cross the Chacao Channel, continue to Ancud and explore its vibrant market. The highlight of your adventure awaits at the Puñihuil National Monument, where you will witness the communal life of Magellanic and Humboldt penguins along with other sea birds. Have lunch at a local restaurant and share special moments with the community and fellow travellers.

Osorno Volcano Day Hike
Volcán Osorno
161USD per person

Discover the natural beauty of the region on this exhilarating hike up to the ice-clad Osorno. Enjoy spectacular views of Lake Llanquihue, the surrounding mountains and forests, and the Petrohue River valley resting below.

Paso Desolacion Trek
Puerto Varas
161USD per person

Head out early on a guided tour through volcanic canyons, past waterfalls, and turquoise pools to the base of Osorno Volcano.

Days 10–12Puerto 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.

Lando
Puerto Varas – Chaitén8h-9h261km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Lando
Chaitén – Futalefú3h151km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Free Time
Futalefú Full Day

Take advantage of a free day in Futalefú to enjoy the outdoors and the natural beauty of the area or to relax.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Days 13–17Futalefú/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.

Lando
Futalefú – Coyhaique7h-8h422km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Free Time
Coyhaique Full Day

Enjoy a free day to get active on a trek, visit Queulat National Park, or stick closer to town and relax.

Lando
Coyhaique – Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez2h116km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Ferry
Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez – Chile Chico2h

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Lando
Chile Chico – Los Antiguos30m-45m14km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Lando
Los Antiguos – El Chaltén8h30m-9h30m648km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Visit the Cueva de las Manos
Cueva de las Manos2h-2h30m

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.

Free Time
El Chaltén Full Day

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.

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Optional Activities - Days 13–17 HideShow

Marble Caves Excursion
Coyhaique12h-13h
90None per person

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Days 18–19El 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.

Lando
El Chaltén – El Calafate3h-3h30m213km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Perito Moreno Glacier Visit
El Calafate

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
El Calafate Half Day

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.

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Optional Activities - Days 18–19 HideShow

Perito Moreno Glacier Boat Tour
Perito Moreno Glacier
80USD per person

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Days 20–23Torres 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.

Lando
El Calafate – Puerto Natales5h-6h272km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Lando
Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine National Park2h-2h30m122km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Two Days in Torres del Paine NP
Torres del Paine National Park

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.

Lando
Torres del Paine National Park – Punta Arenas4h30m-5h345km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Days 24–25Punta 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.

Lando
Punta Arenas – Ushuaia11h-12h629km

Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Free Time
Ushuaia Full Day

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.

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Optional Activities - Days 24–25 HideShow

Tierra del Fuego National Park Visit
Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego
30USD per person

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
Ushuaia
36USD per person

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
Ushuaia
125USD per person

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 26Ushuaia/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 Brail to Rio de Janeiro, arriving the following day.

Free Time
Ushuaia Full Day

Get out and explore Ushuaia before flying north in the evening.

Airport Transfer
Ushuaia15h-20h6km

Catch a lift from the city centre to Ushuaia airport for your outbound flight.

Plane
Ushuaia – Rio de Janeiro

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

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Optional Activities - Day 26 HideShow

Tierra del Fuego National Park Visit
Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego
30USD per person

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
Ushuaia
36USD per person

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
Ushuaia
125USD per person

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 27Rio 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.

Upon arrival at your hotel, there will be note at the reception letting you know the time of the Welcome Meeting, at which you will receive the welcome package providing a schedule, documentation/vouchers, and pick-up times for all included activities. It also will contain contact information, should you have any questions about your tour.

Airport Transfer
Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport – Rio de Janeiro45m-1h23km

Be met at the airport by a driver and transfer to your accommodations in the city.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 28Rio 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!

Rio de Janeiro City Tour
Rio de Janeiro4h-5h Half Day

There’s so much to see and do in this vibrant city pulsing with passion, music and the waves of the sea. Take a city tour and visit some of Rio’s hot spots. Visit the art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, the colourful Lapa Steps and the Rio Cathedral. Ride a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and marvel at the magnificent views of the bay, city and beaches beyond.

Purple Beach Party
Rio de Janeiro

Take Carnival to the next level with a party on Copacabana beach with all your new G Adventures friends. We have organized a private party at a beach bar with music blaring, sun shining and tons of fun to be had.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 29Rio 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.

On days 3, 4, and 5 you will be able to use your included subway pass to go to different street parties during Carnival with your CEO as your guide.

Carnival Parade
Rio de Janeiro

The Samba Schools Parade is something that everybody has to experience at least once. Watch the parade from inside the Sambadrome, marvelling at the outrageous costumes, arresting beats, and soulful rhythm of this incredible competition. Cheer on a favourite samba school as their floats make their way past you down the samba runway in an unbelievable parade of colour, movement and sound that lasts all night. When Carnival magic takes over, the Sambodrome is the setting for the greatest show on earth.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 30Rio 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.

On days 3, 4, and 5 you will be able to use your included subway pass to go to different street parties during Carnival with your CEO as your guide.

Your Discover Moment
Rio de Janeiro Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Rio de Janeiro, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like watching a football game, going on a city tour, and hang gliding over this beautiful city. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

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Optional Activities - Day 30 HideShow

Rio Football Game
Rio de Janeiro
500BRL per person

If it's a game day, catch a football match (or some call it soccer). Watch the locals cheer for their team and join in the celebrations.

Please note the pricing for this activity is approximate and could vary slightly on the ground when booked.

Favela Tour
Rio de Janeiro3h-3h30m
187BRL per person

Get a feel for what life in a Favela is really like. We take you to the top of the Rocinha Favela and then descend on foot. On the way down, you get a unique insight into the vibrant spirit of the people, especially the kids.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 31Rio 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.

On days 3, 4, and 5 you will be able to use your included subway pass to go to different street parties during Carnival with your CEO as your guide.

Free Time
Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy a relaxing day to recover from the all-night party.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 32Rio de Janeiro

Depart at any time.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Lando South America: Patagonia to Rio's Carnival

| 32 days - Santiago to Rio de Janeiro - from $7299 USD