Patagonia Overland: Santiago to Ushuaia with Rio Carnival

Arrive at any time.

Drive south from Santiago on the Pan-American Highway along the spine of the Andes. Spend a night camping near the Saltos del Laja waterfall before arriving to Pucón, in Chile's beautiful Lake District. The next two days are free to choose from an abundance of optional activities like hiking up the VIllarica Volcano, whitewater rafting, and biking. On one of the evenings, drive to some nearby natural hot springs so soak the muscles after a day of adventure.

The road leads through the mountains into Argentina and to the town of San Martín de los Andes, on the shores of Lake Lácar, one of the area's many glacial lakes. After setting up camp, the rest of the day and the following are free to explore and to choose from some of the many optional activities available. The nearby Lanín National Park offers hiking options, lookout points and incredible views of glacial lakes, forests and the ice-clad Lanín Volcano for which the park is named.

Drive south along the spectacular "Seven Lakes Route," stopping frequently at viewpoints for photos and to soak in the natural beauty. Cross back into Chile and stop in Frutillar to walk along its iconic pier before travelling along the shores of Lago Llanquihue for great views of Osorno Volcano before arriving to Puerto Varas for the evening.

Enjoy a free day in Puerto Varas to choose from many different optional activities to discover the beautiful surroundings. Visit the nearby waterfalls of Petrohue with views of the iconic Osorno Volcano, take an excursion to Chiloé Island or visit the fish market in Puerto Montt, just to name a few.

Travel south from Puerto Varas deep into Patagonia's pristine wilderness along the Carretera Austral, Chile's legendary southern scenic highway. Drive onto ferries when the road goes no further in order to connect to the next stretch of the route, surrounded at all times by spectacular mountain scenery, lush forests and rugged coastline. Set up camp in Chaiten before continuing to town of Futalefú, located in a remote valley at the confluence of the Espolon and Futaleufú rivers. Spend a free day to relax or choose from some of the many optional activities available in the area like horseback riding, canyoning or mountain biking.

Continue driving south, soaking in the wild natural beauty in all directions. Stop in the town of Cohaique for a free day to explore with options for trekking, visiting a hanging glacier, or take an excursion to see the marble caves. Drive onto another ferry to continue further south to the next stretch of the highway and cross into Argentina. Spend a night in Los Antiguos before embarking on one of the most remote and inhospitable stretches of road in the heart of the Patagonian steppe, along Argentina's mythic Ruta 40. Stop at the "Cueva de las Manos" UNESCO Heritage site to see prehistoric handprints left on the walls over 9000 years ago. Arrive in the evening to the hamlet of El Chaltén, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and home to the iconic Mount FItz Roy. Take advantage of a free day in El Chaltén to hike some of the nearby trails, visit a nearby waterfall or go mountain biking.

As Mount Fitz Roy disappears in the rearview mirror, head to the city of El Calafate on the edge of the blue glacial lake of Lago Argentino, the largest freshwater lake in Argentina. Wander the boardwalks in front of the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier and witness giant chunks of ice calve off of the face and crash into the water below. Spend free time with an optional boat trip, a kayak excursion, or explore the city on foot before re-grouping at the campsite in the evening.

Drive across the sweeping pampas and cross back into Chile to the port city of Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Spend two full days in the park exploring amongst the stunning natural scenery, stopping at viewpoints and camping under the stars. Hike up to base of the iconic basalt towers and keep an eye out for roaming guanacos, pumas and condors who call this place home. Continue south to Punta Arenas for the night.

Cross back into Argentina, taking a car ferry onto the island of Tierra del Fuego, eventually reaching the city of Ushuaia at South America's southern tip and the final destination of the epic journey aboard the Lando. Nicknamed "The End of the Earth," Ushuaia sits on the Beagle Channel and is flanked by the mountain range of the Martial Glacier. Spend the next day free to explore the city, set off on an excursion into Tierra del Fuego National Park or take a boat cruise before a final evening on the town.

Spend another day as you please in Ushuaia to do any other activities that remain or squeeze in some last-minute shopping. In the evening, board a northbound flight to Buenos Aires and connect on a flight into Brazil to Rio de Janeiro, arriving the following day.

Welcome to Brazil! Land in Rio de Janeiro and transfer from the airport to the hotel. This evening, meet your CEO and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting and orientation walk around the neighbourhood.

Genießen Sie Ihre Freizeit und erleben Sie Rio ganz nach Ihren eigenen Vorstellungen – sei es beim Entspannen am Strand, bei einer Runde Volleyball oder bei einer optionalen Favela-Tour. Werfen Sie anschließend einen Blick hinter die Kulissen eines der größten Feste Brasiliens bei einem Besuch im „Barracão“ (der Werkstatt) der Sambaschule Académicos do Grande Rio. Entdecken Sie die Geschichten, Traditionen und die Kunstfertigkeit, die Rios legendären Karneval zum Leben erwecken.
Many visitors head to the famous Copacabana beach, although the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon can be less crowded and are equally as alluring.

Explore two sides of Rio today, from the creative charm of Santa Teresa to the vibrant energy of Carnival. Wander the cobbled streets of this bohemian hilltop neighbourhood with your CEO, discovering colourful architecture, local art, and the iconic Selarón Steps before stepping into the rhythm of a "Bloco" street party. Follow the music, costumes, and crowds as cariocas celebrate the "people's Carnival" in true Rio style.
Known as blocos, these free outdoor parties are a central part of Rio de Janeiro's Carnival. Blocos are known for their loud music and performers. There can be marching bands, stilt walkers, theme inspired costumes and lots of fun! The parties take place all over the different neighbourhoods within the city. Each night during Carnival there are more than 300 different parties to choose from.

You will be able to use your included subway pass to go to the different street parties with your CEO as your guide.

Entdecken Sie auf einer geführten Tour die berühmtesten Sehenswürdigkeiten Rios, darunter den Zuckerhut und die Christusstatue. Genießen Sie anschließend etwas Freizeit, um zu entspannen und neue Energie zu tanken, bevor Sie einen unvergesslichen Abend im Sambodrom erleben. Spüren Sie die Energie und das Spektakel des Karnevals, wenn prächtige Sambaschulen, farbenprächtige Kostüme und mitreißende Rhythmen Brasiliens größtes Fest zum Leben erwecken.
This evening between 6-7:30 we transfer to the Sambodrome for the big spectacle. Your CEOs will accompany you throughout the evening and after the parade you'll transfer back to your hotel.

Samba Schools is an association of people from the same neighbourhood or community (favela) who get together on a regular basis for samba meetings and rehearsals. Samba Schools provide valuable jobs to the community in the production of costumes and floats. Each year, schools choose a different theme and may take to the parade from 3,000 to 5,000 members, and 6 to 8 floats. They have to make it through the runway in a period from 60-80 minutes, which means each member will spend only about 25-30 minutes inside the Sambodrome.

Genießen Sie einen freien Tag, um sich zu entspannen und neue Energie zu tanken – nach der Aufregung der Karnevalsfeierlichkeiten am Vorabend. Wer das Festtreiben fortsetzen möchte, findet in Rio auch am Nachmittag und Abend weiterhin lebhafte Straßenpartys.

Zum Abschluss Ihres Abenteuers kommen Sie mit Ihren Mitreisenden zusammen, um den Sonnenuntergang über Rio zu erleben. Angesichts des goldenen Himmels, der großartigen Gesellschaft und einer Woche voller unvergesslicher Erlebnisse ist dies der perfekte Ausklang für eine außergewöhnliche Reise.
After an all-night samba party, relax and enjoy the sun and surf of the city. Take a book to Copacabana beach, shop along the main streets of Ipanema and Leblon, try some Brazilian beef at a churrascaria, or just sleep in and get some rest.

In the afternoon, there will be the option to meet up with your CEO and group and use your included subway pass to attend one more Bloco. Soak in your last day in the charged atmosphere of Carnival.

Abreise zu jeder Zeit möglich.