Chile
Argentina
Patagonia
4 Weeks
The
Spot
The
Roadtrip
The
Map
The
Itinerary
PART 1
Starting your trip from Santiago, you will be driving through the famous Panamericana Ruta 5 and pass by amazing places you shouldn’t miss!! Have a stop in the Colchagua Valley to taste ones of the best wines in Chile, go surfing in Pichilemu or Buchupureo to ride excellent waves or go hiking in the beautiful National Park Siete Tazas.
After those stops, go camping at Pucón overlooking the active Villarrica Volcano… which you might even want to try climbing. From Pucón, drive to Argentina crossing a unique piece of nature. The forests along both countries are full of very old Araucaria trees. You continue your trip by the lake area between San Martin de Los Andes and Bariloche.
PART 2
Near Esquel, go back to the Chilean border where the epic Carretera Austral begins. This southern Chilean highway passes through a very diverse landscape. The first part is characterized by narrow valleys, fast flowing rivers and waterfalls. Because the micro-climate, tropical forests with ferns, bamboo and giant trees prevail here. This is an enormous contrast to the argentine side which is very desert-like.
The last part of the Carretera Austral is curvy and offers truly spectacular views over the Lake General Carrera. You will be back in Argentina side on the VAST Ruta 40. This road is a legend in Argentina and similar to Route 66 in North America! It runs from south to north; large parts still unpaved. Drive past colorful mountain ranges, the Cave of the Hands, and, you will see in nice weather, the Fitz Roy, massive even at a great distance. Travel from the cozy town of “El Chalten” while eating delicious pizza and continue south on Ruta 40 to El Calafate. There you can see the famous Perito Moreno glacier.
PART 3
From El Calafate drive to parque Nacional Torres del Paine vía Puerto Natales. Hike the “W” route for the full weeklong circuit and sip some “W wine” while you are at it. Return to Natales for post-trek pampering, namely hand-crafted beer, hot tubs and thin-crust pizza. This world-famous mountain rises steeply from the surrounding landscape. Here is where the real trekking is. While driving and camping at Torres del Paine National park, you will find Guanacos, and Condors. Next, you have only a short drive ahead to Punta Arenas, and if you are motivated you can make it to Tierra de Fuego and Ushuaia before coming back to Punta Arenas.
