Coast to Coast Tour (51 Days) Rio to Santiago

This overland adventure of Brazil, Argentina and Chile is perfect for outdoor lovers, adrenaline junkies and party animals alike.

View the spectacular mountains and glaciers of Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks, the vast wilderness of Patagonia, or try your hand at whitewater rafting, ice trekking or join in the festivities of Rio's Carnival or New Year's Eve celebrations.

Itinerary

Days 1 to 6 - Brazil

• Rio de Janeiro - where folk are always up for a party and live purely for the moment - Carnival & New Years Eve celebrations are always chaotic, crowded and great fun
• Parati - laid back historic coastal village, explore the secluded islands by taking a sailing trip in a traditional schooner.

Days 7 to 12

• Pantanal - organise treks out into the vast wetlands, home to hundreds of species of birds & fish, including Piranha!
• Bonito - swim & snorkel in crystal clear river and lakes as well as hike into lush forests to look for monkeys, alligators & anaconda.

Days 13 to 18 - Argentina

• Iguazu Falls - optional activities include boat trips, helicopter flights and mountain biking - we visit the falls from both the Argentine & Brazilian sides.
• Buenos Aires - great food, wine, nightlife and learn to tango!

Days 19 to 20

• Buenos Aires - a smart cosmopolitan city with plenty to do; museums, horse racing, football matches, shopping, tango dancing & restaurants that serve the best steaks in the world.
• Uruguay
• Optional 2 hr ferry across the River Plate for a 1 or 2 day visit to the buzzing capital Montevideo & the quieter town of Colonia.

Days 21 to 30

• Puerto Madryn - this Welsh settlement is the gateway to Valdes Peninsula, where Penguins, Sea Lions, Birds & Whales can be seen - Orcas have been known to beach themselves here to catch Sea Lions (season dependent).
• Atlantic Marine sanctuaries - spot penguins, sea lions, sea elephants, birds & whales (season dependent).
• Patagonia - vast, sparsely populated treeless plateau.
• Ushuaia - most southerly town on earth you are ever likely to travel to.
• Tierra del Fuego - an island on the southern tip of the continent - spectacular scenery and seagoing boat trips.

Days 31 to 45

• Option to complete the W-Trek - must be booked in advance
• Torres del Paine National Park - another area of outstanding beauty where huge granite cliffs dominate the landscape.
• Moreno Glacier - take a boat ride up close to this almost 200ft high glacier.
• Los Glaciares National Park - the largest glacier in the world and an option to take a guided glacier hike on one!
• Carretera Austral - (Open Jan & Feb) - incredible drive past spiralling volcanoes, glaciers & fjords.

Days 46 to 51

• Bariloche - popular holiday destination for Argentineans and a top ski resort with great hiking trails and nightlife.
• Andes mountain range
• Villarrica Volcano - there is the option to climb this active volcano
• Pucon - Chile's Lake District, our base for the next few days, from where it is possible to organise white water rafting, skiing, horse riding and hikes.