Self-drive Patagonia: southern Chile and Argentina

Itinerary in brief:

• 1 night in Santiago
• 1 night in Coyhaique
• 2 nights in General Carrera Lake
• 1 night in Lago Posadas
• 2 nights in El Chalten
• 2 nights in El Calafate
• 2 nights in Torres del Paine
• 1 night in Punta Arenas
• 2 nights in Santiago

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flight

Day 2: Arrive in Santiago

On arrival at Santiago Airport, you will be met and taken by private transfer to your hotel where you will check in for a 1-night stay.

This afternoon, we’ve included a guided tour of Santiago which will showcase the sights, flavours and colours of the city by visiting attractions, tasting and drinking Chilean specialities and visiting colourful flower markets.

Included: Private transfer, private tour, hotel

Day 3: Santiago to Balmaceda and Coyhaique

After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to Santiago airport for your flight to Balmaceda, in southern Patagonia. Once you land, make your way to the car rental offices and start your Patagonian adventure!

Drive 56km to Coyhaique, the capital of the Aysén region which has several rivers and a lush green landscape. Check in your hotel for a 1-night stay here.

Included: Breakfast, rental car, hotel    

Day 4: Coyhaique to General Carrera Lake

Make a prompt start this morning and follow the 258km road to General Carrera Lake, stopping along the way at different stunning lookout points. Continue along the lengthy and uninhabited stretch of Chile’s Route 7, the Carretera Austral. Don’t miss a visit to the intriguing yet beautiful Marble Caves close to Puerto Tranquilo. You’ll check in to a hotel on the lake shore for a 2-night stay.

Included: Breakfast, rental car, hotel     

Day 5: General Carrera Lake

Spend the day exploring your surroundings! Lake General Carrera is the biggest lake in Chile and a great place to go hiking, horseback riding, and fishing or perhaps take a boat trip.

Included: Breakfast, rental car, hotel     

Day 6: General Carrera Lake to Lago Posadas

In the morning, start your 200 km drive along Route 7 towards Argentina! Today’s journey will take you near the Cochrane National Reserve and through the Chacabuco Valley, both renowned for their spectacular views and well worth a stop. As you reach the border crossing at Paso Roballos, the scenery will change as you encounter Argentina’s pampas. Drive on to the city of Bajo Caracoles and finally Lago Posadas where you will check in for a 1-night stay.

Included: Breakfast, rental car, hotel    

Day 7: Lago Posadas to El Chalten

Today, you’ll follow the Route 40, Patagonian Highway to El Chalten. This lovely town is typical of the region and full of charm with stunning mountainous scenery around, including the Fitz Roy Mountain Range. In El Chalten, you will check in your hotel for a 2-night stay.

Included: Breakfast, rental car, hotel     

Day 8: El Chalten

El Chalten is famous for its trekking. Most treks depart from the town and can be walked easily without a guide – the Laguna de Los Tres hike is particularly popular. If you prefer to explore the glaciers, we suggest visiting the Viedma Glacier which is at the western end of Lake Viedma in the undefined border between Chile and Argentina.

Included: Breakfast, rental car, hotel

Day 9: El Chalten to El Calafate

Your drive today will take you through the breath-taking landscape and natural beauty including lakes and vast expanses. The drive to El Calafate is about 201km, and when you arrive, check in for a 2-night stay.

Included: Breakfast, rental car, hotel     

Day 10: Perito Moreno glacier

Today you’ll drive to Los Glaciares National Park to visit the magnificent Perito Moreno, one of Patagonia’s best-known glaciers. You’ll get close up views of the glaciers, and a trek and boat ride can also be arranged.

Included: Breakfast, rental car, hotel     

Day 11: El Calafate to Torres del Paine   

Today’s drive will take you 250k south through Patagonia and back into Chile to the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park where you will check in for a 2-night stay.

Included: Breakfast, rental car, hotel     

Day 12: Torres del Paine    

Start early today so you can make the most of your full day in the park! You could go for close-up views of the Grey Glacier by boat, or perhaps trek one of the park trails to see the views from different perspectives.

Included: Breakfast, rental car, hotel     

Day 13: Torres del Paine to Punta Arenas

Today, drive to Punta Arenas, around 350km away. By the Brunswick Peninsula and the Magellan Strait, Punta Arenas is the world’s southernmost port, and here you will check in for a 1-night stay.

Included: Breakfast, rental car, hotel    

Day 14: Punta Arenas to Maipo Valley   

This morning, you’ll drive to Punta Arenas airport, drop off your car and catch your flight to Santiago. Once you arrive, you’ll be met and driven by private transfer to your hotel in the Maipo Valley, the closest Chilean wine valley to Santiago. Check in for a 2-night stay and enjoy a complimentary bottle of Casa Real wine at your leisure!

Included: Breakfast, rental car, domestic flight, arrival transfer, hotel   

Day 15: Maipo Valley         

Today you have a full day to make the most of your hotel facilities and surroundings – why not use the hotel’s mountain bikes (included in your stay) or take a walk amongst the vines and admire the landscape.

Included: Breakfast, hotel           

Day 16: Depart Santiago

Today you will be collected from your hotel and driven to Santiago for your flight back home.    

Included: Breakfast, departure transfer, international flight      

Day 17: Arrive UK

Why not add in a stopover?