Patagonia Overland: Santiago to Ushuaia

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.

Depart at any time.