Quintessential Carretera Austral & Route 40
The mystic roads of Patagonia
12 Days / 11 Nights
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The most legendary and mystical roads of the south of Argentina and Chile will take you in another world. Away from huge paved roads into untouched nature. Whenever you drive around one corner, you will be impressed by the fantastic views that are going to open up in front of your eyes. The Carretera Austral is one of the last roads where the real adventure is still waiting. See the fantastic Torres del Paine National Park, Perito Moreno Glacier and breathtaking landscape passing by while you are driving. Take your time to stop on the way, take some pictures or just enjoy.
Day 1 Balmaceda - Coyhaique (56 km / 34 mi)
Upon arrival to Balmaceda you will pick up your car and start your adventure through Patagonia. Your first destination will be Coyhaique, from the Tehuelche native language (Koi: lake and Aiken: camp) is the capital of this beautiful region. Overnight in Coyhaique.
Day 2 Coyhaique - Lake General Carrera (265 km / 124 mi)
A beautiful but long drive calls for an early departure. Your trip today will lead you to the immense Lake General Carrera. Stop for magnificent views from the various lookout points along the lengthy and uninhabited stretch of the Carretera Austral. Don’t miss a visit to the Marble Caves close to Puerto Tranquilo; for that ask for a boat ride at the gas station. You will spend the night right on Lake General Carrera. (Breakfast)
Day 3 Lake General Carrera
Take delight in the beautiful landscapes and explore the surroundings of the lake. Overnight on Lake General Carrera. (Breakfast)
Day 4 Border crossing to Argentina - Estancia (290 km / 180 mi)
After breakfast, you will start to drive east towards the border town Chile Chico. The views of the lake are beautiful but the road has many curves, so drive carefully. Once you have entered Argentina, the landscape changes into the typical pampas that cover almost all of Argentina's Patagonia. Visit the small town Perito Moreno. From there it will be a short drive south to the Estancia Telken. (Breakfast)
Day 5 Estancia Telken - El Chaltén (535 km / 335 mi)
Today, you will set out for an especially long trip to El Chaltén, almost all the way on the Route 40, the "Patagonian Highway". Chaltén is situated at the foot of the Fitz Roy Mountain Range. Overnight at a hostería. (Breakfast)
Day 6 El Chaltén - Fitz Roy
Participate today in one of the hikes that start from El Chaltén to visit the wonderful national park and the Southern Ice Field. You can also join a boat trip to the Viedma Glacier in the morning. Overnight at el Chaltén. (Breakfast)
Day 7 El Chaltén - El Calafate (250 km / 160 mi)
You will drive around Lake Viedma today, to reach another huge glacier lake called Lago Argentino. You will spend the night on the shores of the lake in the village El Calafate. Overnight in El Calafate. (Breakfast)
Day 8 Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier (140 km / 85 mi)
Visit the magnificent glacier Perito Moreno, a true natural spectacle; a trek on the ice can be organized. Overnight in El Calafate. (Breakfast)
Day 9 El Calafate - Torres del Paine National Park (348 km / 216 mi)
You will drive into Chile via Cerro Castillo through the vast steppe or Pampa and arrive in one of the most beautiful national parks of the American continent, Torres del Paine. Enjoy the view of the Torres on your way to your hostería. Overnight in or close to the Torres del Paine National Park. (Breakfast)
Day 10 Torres del Paine National Park
You will start early to make the most of this day. Visit some of the various sites within the park, navigate to the Grey Glacier in a boat or trek on one of the shorter trails to experience this magnificent landscape close-up. Overnight in or close to National Park Torres del Paine. (Breakfast)
Day 11 Torres del Paine - Punta Arenas (410 km / 255 mi)
Today you will start to get back into civilization by driving to Punta Arenas: the southernmost port city in the world. It is located by the Brunswick Sound and the Magellan straight. Overnight in Punta Arenas. (Breakfast)
Day 12 Car drop off - Airport
Your adventure through Patagonia has come to an end. After dropping your car off you can catch your connecting flight. (Breakfast)
| Season (mm/dd/yyyy) | Categories | Class |
Double | Sgl Traveller | Sgl Supl | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2010 - 04/30/2010 | First |
K |
USD 3429 | USD 6539 | ||
| 01/01/2010 - 04/30/2010 | First |
Y |
USD 3559 | USD 6779 |
The tour is bookable with different car categories:
Tour includes: 11 nights incl. breakfast, 12 days' car rental incl. unlimited free mileage, local tax, full CDW coverage without deductible, drop off costs, international permission to cross into Argentina with vehicle, roadmap and descriptions.
Not included: In Chile car rental companies charge an additional airport service fee at the time of vehicle pickup at the airport. This service charge is not included in the rates published above, it has to be paid upon returning the can.
