Patagonia wild & free: Drive a rental car along the panoramic roads Carretera Austral (Chile) and Ruta 40 (Argentina) to see the highlights of Patagonia.
from/to Santiago de Chile
22 days (21 nights)
customizable
22 days / 21 nights from / to Santiago de Chile, individually customizable
If you have time and want to experience Patagonia from top to bottom, this is the place for you: from the lake district of Chile around the enchanting Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas just before Tierra del Fuego, you can cruise in your rental car along the famous panoramic roads Carretera Austral in Chile and Ruta 40 in Argentina, crossing the Andes on the way.
It's hard to imagine anything more natural than this:
Your journey takes you from Chilean rainforests and dry Argentine steppes to snow-capped volcanoes and past idyllic lakes, through deep canyons, bizarre mountain landscapes, the dry pampas, to imposing glaciers and impressive fjord landscapes.
You will hike in no fewer than six national parks located along the famous Carreterra Austral and Ruta 40, and you will also drive along a section of the famous "Panamericana" dream route, which runs from Alaska to Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego.
Please note: currently no border crossing possible with rental cars
Stephanie Gräf
Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in personalized and exciting trips around the globe.
I am your contact person for questions and bookings regarding your trip.
You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de
Good to know
Partner Trip
This small group trip to Uganda and Rwanda offers you a high-quality experience. That's why I decided to add this trip from my premium partner to my portfolio.
Getting there
A flight from/to Germany, Austria, Switzerland is included in the flight.
Entry and safety information:
The German Foreign Office provides thefollowing information for travel to Uganda.
The German Foreign Office provides thefollowing information for travel to Rwanda.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Santiago de Chile, vibrantmetropolis and capital of Chile with a view of the Andes
- Puerto Monttin Chile's lake district with a view of the perpetually snow-cappedOsorno volcano
- Hikes throughVicente Pérez Rosales National Park,Chile'soldestnational park
- Carretera Austral & Ruta 40, famous dream and panoramic roads in South America
- Queulat National Parkwith itsVeintisquero Colgante hanging glacier
- Cueva de las Manos("Cave of Hands"), famous for its cave paintings
- Visit toTorre del Paine National Park, themost famous and arguably most beautiful national park in Patagonia
- Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia's superstar glacier
itinerary
Patagonia wild & free on the dream roads of South America from north to south
Day 1: Santiago de Chile
Upon arrival in Santiago de Chile, you will be welcomed by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a city tour visiting the most important sights.
Day 2: Santiago de Chile – Puerto Montt – Petrohué (approx. 65 km, approx. 1 hour)
A transfer will take you to the airport and you will fly to Puerto Montt. There, a transfer will take you to the city office of the car rental company (without RL) and you will pick up your rental car. You will drive to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park at the foot of the Osorno volcano. You will spend the night right on the shore of Lake Todos los Santos.
(B/D)
A transfer will take you to the airport and you will fly to Puerto Montt. There, a transfer will take you to the city office of the car rental company (without RL) and you will pick up your rental car. You will drive to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park at the foot of the Osorno volcano. You will spend the night right on the shore of Lake Todos los Santos.
(B/D)
Day 3: Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
The day is yours to explore the national park and its surroundings. Many hiking trails lead you to hidden waterfalls, beautiful bays, or the foot of the Osorno volcano.
(B/D)
The day is yours to explore the national park and its surroundings. Many hiking trails lead you to hidden waterfalls, beautiful bays, or the foot of the Osorno volcano.
(B/D)
Day 4: Petrohué – Bariloche (approx. 410 km, approx. 6-8 hours)
Heading towards Bariloche in Argentina, you will experience the impressive contrasting landscapes of the Andes. From the lush green of the Chilean rainforests, you will reach Argentina's dry steppe landscape during the second half of the day. The last section takes you through Nahuel Huapi National Park, past the lake of the same name. In San Carlos de Bariloche, you will have time to stroll around the city.
(B)
Heading towards Bariloche in Argentina, you will experience the impressive contrasting landscapes of the Andes. From the lush green of the Chilean rainforests, you will reach Argentina's dry steppe landscape during the second half of the day. The last section takes you through Nahuel Huapi National Park, past the lake of the same name. In San Carlos de Bariloche, you will have time to stroll around the city.
(B)
Day 5: Bariloche – Esquel (approx. 279 km, approx. 4 hours)
From Bariloche, you will continue to the small village of El Bolsón and from there to Esquel. You will spend the night in a simple hostería.
(B)
From Bariloche, you will continue to the small village of El Bolsón and from there to Esquel. You will spend the night in a simple hostería.
(B)
Day 6: Esquel – Futaleufú (approx. 75 km, approx. 2-3 hours)
Today's drive south takes you through the small town of Trevellin. You pass Los Alerces National Park and then return to Chile and the Carretera Austral. You arrive in Futaleufú.
(B)
Today's drive south takes you through the small town of Trevellin. You pass Los Alerces National Park and then return to Chile and the Carretera Austral. You arrive in Futaleufú.
(B)
Day 7: Futaleufú – Puyuhuapi (approx. 145 km, approx. 4 hours)
You will drive past Lago Yelcho on the Carretera Austral, the unpaved extension of the famous Pan-American Highway, to your accommodation approx. 20 km north of Puyuhuapi.
(B)
You will drive past Lago Yelcho on the Carretera Austral, the unpaved extension of the famous Pan-American Highway, to your accommodation approx. 20 km north of Puyuhuapi.
(B)
Day 8: Queulat National Park
Visit the small village of Puyuhuapi. In the afternoon, we recommend a hike to the Queulat hanging glacier. There is also the opportunity to hike to the Témpanos lagoon.
(B)
Visit the small village of Puyuhuapi. In the afternoon, we recommend a hike to the Queulat hanging glacier. There is also the opportunity to hike to the Témpanos lagoon.
(B)
Day 9: Puyuhuapi – Coyhaique (approx. 280 km, approx. 6 hours)
You continue along the Carretera Austral with its fantastic viewpoints. You reach Coyhaique via a mountain pass.
(B)
You continue along the Carretera Austral with its fantastic viewpoints. You reach Coyhaique via a mountain pass.
(B)
Day 10: Coyhaique – Lago General Carrera (approx. 277 km, approx. 5-6 hours)
You will first drive through an impressive canyon area with various types of shimmering rock. In the afternoon, you will reach the huge border lake Lago General Carrera between Argentina and Chile. Your accommodation offers a breathtaking view of the lake.
(B)
You will first drive through an impressive canyon area with various types of shimmering rock. In the afternoon, you will reach the huge border lake Lago General Carrera between Argentina and Chile. Your accommodation offers a breathtaking view of the lake.
(B)
Day 11: Lago General Carrera
Today you have a free day to explore the area around Lago General Carrera. We recommend a boat trip to the marble caves Catedral de Mármol near Puerto Tranquilo.
(B)
Today you have a free day to explore the area around Lago General Carrera. We recommend a boat trip to the marble caves Catedral de Mármol near Puerto Tranquilo.
(B)
Day 12: Lago General Carrera – Perito Moreno (approx. 158 km, approx. 4-5 hours)
You will drive along a winding road to the Argentine border and continue to the small village of Perito Moreno on the eastern side of Lago General/Lago Buenos Aires.
(B)
You will drive along a winding road to the Argentine border and continue to the small village of Perito Moreno on the eastern side of Lago General/Lago Buenos Aires.
(B)
Day 13: Perito Moreno – Gobernador Gregores (approx. 355 km, approx. 4-5 hours)
Continue south on Ruta 40 to Gobernador Gregores. On the way, you will have the opportunity to visit the famous "Cueva de las Manos."
(B)
Continue south on Ruta 40 to Gobernador Gregores. On the way, you will have the opportunity to visit the famous "Cueva de las Manos."
(B)
Day 14: Gobernador Gregores – El Chaltén (approx. 305 km, approx. 4 hours)
You will drive along the legendary Ruta 40, which crosses the Patagonian steppe from north to south in Argentina. You will reach El Chaltén, at the foot of the mighty Fitz Roy mountain range.
(B)
You will drive along the legendary Ruta 40, which crosses the Patagonian steppe from north to south in Argentina. You will reach El Chaltén, at the foot of the mighty Fitz Roy mountain range.
(B)
Day 15: El Chaltén
Take advantage of today to explore the surroundings of the legendary Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre on a hike.
(B)
Take advantage of today to explore the surroundings of the legendary Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre on a hike.
(B)
Day 16: El Chaltén – El Calafate (approx. 215 km, approx. 2-3 hours)
You will continue along the emerald green Lake Viedma to El Calafate on Lake Argentino.
(B)
You will continue along the emerald green Lake Viedma to El Calafate on Lake Argentino.
(B)
Day 17: Perito Moreno Glacier
After a two-hour drive, you will reach one of the world's greatest natural spectacles, the calving Perito Moreno Glacier. Amidst deafening noise, mighty chunks of ice break off the glacier wall, plunge into the lake, and float around as huge blue ice floes.
(B)
After a two-hour drive, you will reach one of the world's greatest natural spectacles, the calving Perito Moreno Glacier. Amidst deafening noise, mighty chunks of ice break off the glacier wall, plunge into the lake, and float around as huge blue ice floes.
(B)
Day 18: El Calafate – Torres del Paine National Park (approx. 340 km, approx. 6-8 hours)
You will drive through the Patagonian steppe landscape and cross the Argentine-Chilean border into Torres del Paine National Park.
(B)
You will drive through the Patagonian steppe landscape and cross the Argentine-Chilean border into Torres del Paine National Park.
(B)
Day 19: Torres del Paine National Park (approx. 50 km)
Torres del Paine is one of the most beautiful national parks in America and is undoubtedly the highlight of any trip to Patagonia. Use the day to explore on your own and let yourself be enchanted by the unique landscape.
(B)
Torres del Paine is one of the most beautiful national parks in America and is undoubtedly the highlight of any trip to Patagonia. Use the day to explore on your own and let yourself be enchanted by the unique landscape.
(B)
Day 20: Torres del Paine National Park – Punta Arenas (approx. 350 km, approx. 5 hours)
The drive to Punta Arenas takes about 5 hours. On the way, you will have the opportunity to visit the site where the prehistoric giant sloth Milodón was found.
(B)
The drive to Punta Arenas takes about 5 hours. On the way, you will have the opportunity to visit the site where the prehistoric giant sloth Milodón was found.
(B)
Day 21: Punta Arenas – Santiago de Chile
You will drive to Punta Arenas Airport and return your rental car. You will fly back to Santiago de Chile. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
You will drive to Punta Arenas Airport and return your rental car. You will fly back to Santiago de Chile. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 22: Santiago de Chile
A transfer will take you to the airport.
(B)
A transfer will take you to the airport.
(B)
(B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner
Dates & Prices
Request your trip here!
We plan this trip individually for you. The price depends on the season and the booking date.
Prices and dates are subject to confirmation by the local partner agencies. Surcharges may apply for New Year's Eve, Easter, and local holidays.
| date | Price per person | further information |
|---|---|---|
| December – April | starting at 6.240 €
Surcharge for single room: €2,500 |
Arrival is possible every day. |
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Summary
Information
Included services:
- All domestic flights as listed/Economy Class
- Overnight stays in double rooms in mid-range hotels or hostels
- Meals as per the program
- Transfers and city tour in Santiago de Chile in a private car with a German-speaking local tour guide
- 20 days car rental, category F2 (Subaru Forester 4×4 automatic or similar), including unlimited mileage
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) with a $200 deductible (exception: $1,400 deductible in case of rollover or theft) As of 06/20
- Supplementary insurance covering damages up to €5,000
- Liability insurance up to €2 million
- Supplementary insurance for crossing the border into Argentina
- One-way rental Puerto Montt – Punta Arenas
- navigation device
- second driver
- Travel guides and maps
- Environmental contribution green climate
Not included in the price:
- long-haul flight
- Gasoline, highway and parking fees, fines
- Sightseeing tours, entrance fees, national park fees, and tour guide
Information about your trip:
- Everything from a single source: also bookable with flights from Germany/Austria/Switzerland.
- Further information on rental cars and other vehicle categories available on request.
- This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility. We would be happy to put together a trip tailored to your specific needs.
- We would be happy to organize a pre- and post-program for you in Chile/Argentina, e.g., Tierra del Fuego or Buenos Aires.
Patagonia wild and free_ Marble cathedrals in Chile © Adobe Stock
Marble cathedrals
Natural spectacle Cow pasture © Adobe Stock
Cow pasture in front of the Osorno volcano in Chile
Natural spectacle Northern Patagonia_patagonia_waterfall_vicente-perez-national-park © Adobe Stock
Petrohue Waterfalls in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park in the Los Lagos Region, Chile
Natural spectacle Northern Patagonia_South America_landscape_in_Pumalín_National_Park © Adobe Stock
Caleta Gonzalo mountain range in Pumalin National Park, Chile
Northern Patagonia_Chile_South America_Puerto Varas_Osorno © Adobe Stock
Puerto Varas city with Osorno volcano in the background
Unexpected Patagonia_chile_patagonia_marble caves_lake general carrera © Adobe Stock
Marble caves in Lake General Carrera in Chile, Patagonia
Unexpected Patagonia_chile_patagonia_cerro-castillo_mountain © Adobe Stock
Cerro Castillo mountain in Chile
Trekking paradise Southern Patagonia El Calafe Ice © Adobe Stock
Ice glacier in El Calafe
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