Rio to Santiago overland

Chile Overland Info

It just doesn’t cut it to call Chile a land of contrasts – this is a land of extremes. It’s a preposterously skinny tendril of a country creeping 4300km around the foot of South America: while Arica basks in tropical heat at its tip, Punta Arenas shivers at its icy tail just short of Antarctica. Nowhere else can you stand in the world’s driest desert (near San Pedro de Atacama), gaze at snowcapped peaks then turn your head to see cool Pacific rollers creaming inland. Go on a Chile overland adventure and Follow Chile’s jagged Andean backbone of towering mountains south and you’ll pass through the ancient forests of Parque Nacional Chiloé, the rich vineyards of Talca, past shimmering lakes and immense plains, to stumble upon the exquisite labyrinth of fjords, islands and milky-blue glaciers that make up Southern Patagonia at the end of the Americas.

This 51 day South America overland adventure 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.

On a clear day, fresh after winter showers, Santiago basks in one of the most spectacular settings of any city in the world. A glance through the downtown blocks reveals a mighty circle of mountains – the snowcapped Andean peaks to the east, and a smaller coastal range to the west – that frames the Chilean capital.

Days 1 to 5

Our trip begins in Rio after the chaotic, crowded, crazy celebrations of Carnival or New Year’s Eve. On the first day we drive south along the coast to the coastal village of Parati. This unspoilt and picturesque town has remained fundamentally unaltered for three centuries.  Cars have been banned from its cobbled streets that run down to the seashore, instead mountain bikes are used and are a good way to get around.  Another great way to explore the secluded islands of this pristine coastline is taking a sailing trip in one of the traditional schooners.

Days 6 to 13

We then journey onto the Pantanal region where we organise treks out into the vast wetlands which is home to over 600 species of birds and 350 kinds of fish, piranha being common, as well as an abundance of reptiles (such as caiman) and capyibaras, the world’s largest rodent Next stop is Bonito where we can swim and snorkel in some of the clearest rivers and lakes in the world. Spectacular walks in the mountainous forests may reveal wildlife that includes monkeys, alligators & anaconda.

Days 46 to 51

Our long drive is soon rewarded as we arrive in Bariloche. This very popular holiday destination for Argentines is the top ski resort on the continent and also has several hiking trails and a great nightlife and Swiss influenced cuisine. Ascending the Andes via some spectacular mountain passes we cross the border again and arrive in Pucon, an outdoors centre in Chile’s beautiful Lake District. This will be our base for the next few days from where we can organise whitewater rafting, skiing, water sports, horse riding and one day hikes up nearby Villarrica Volcano.
As our trip draws to a close we pass small villages and leave behind the deep blue lakes and towering mountains and arrive in Chile’s modern capital, Santiago.