Transpatagonia – From Chile to Argentina by Land

Tour/Activity , Chile

About this activity

Santiago, Lake District around Puerto Varas, Andean crossing, Carretera Austral, Marble Caves, Ruta 40, Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine, Punta Arenas. • 15 days - monthly departures

Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO

Day 1

Transfer from Santiago Airport to the hotel

Transfer from Santiago airport to hotel – Meet and greet at Santiago airport followed by transfer to your hotel in the city.

Santiago City tour

City tour in Santiago – Discover Chile’s capital with its blend of colonial history and modern architecture. Visit La Moneda presidential palace, the historic Plaza de Armas, and Cerro San Cristóbal for sweeping views over the city and the Andes.

Day 1 - 2

Overnight in Santiago.

Day 2

Transfer from hotel in Santiago to the airport

Transfer to Santiago airport.

Flight from Santiago to Puerto Montt

Flight to Puerto Montt (not included).

Journey from Puerto Montt airport to Puerto Varas

Journey from Puerto Montt airport to Puerto Varas and Todos los Santos Lake with national park visits – Travel through the lush Lake District with forests, volcanoes, and rivers. Visit Lahuen Ñadi Nature Park with ancient Alerce trees and Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park with views of Osorno Volcano before reaching the scenic Todos los Santos Lake.

Day 2 - 3

Overnight in the Lake District at Todos los Santos Lake

Day 3

Petrohué Waterfalls & Andean Crossing to Bariloche

Visit to Petrohué waterfalls and Andean crossing from Chile to Argentina to Bariloche – Visit the turquoise Petrohué waterfalls flowing through black volcanic rock. Then cross the Andes through ever-changing scenery of lakes, forests, and mountain landscapes to Bariloche.

Day 3 - 4

Overnight in Bariloche.

Day 4

Journey from Bariloche to Futaleufú in Chile

Cross back into Chile through striking Andean landscapes of lakes, forests, and wide valleys.

Day 4 - 5

Overnight in Futaleufú.

Day 5

Journey from Futaleufú along the Carretera Austral to Lake Risopatrón

Travel along the legendary Carretera Austral through remote landscapes of forests, rivers, and untouched wilderness.

Day 5 - 6

Overnight along the Carretera Austral.

Day 6

Carretera Austral via Puyuhuapi and Queulat National Park

Travel through the fjord landscapes near Puyuhuapi and visit Queulat National Park, where the hanging glacier Ventisquero Colgante cascades from steep cliffs surrounded by waterfalls.

Day 6 - 7

Overnight in Coyhaique.

Day 7

General Carrera Lake with boat excursion to the Marble Caves

Travel through vast Patagonian landscapes to General Carrera Lake and take a boat excursion to the Marble Caves, shaped by water into smooth formations with striking blue and turquoise colors.

Day 7 - 9

Overnight at General Carrera Lake.

Day 8

Chacabuco Valley and Patagonia National Park

Explore the remote Chacabuco Valley and follow the Río Baker with its striking turquoise waters. Visit Patagonia National Park, known for its diverse wildlife and pristine landscapes.

Day 9

Journey from General Carrera Lake to Perito Moreno in Argentina

Today you cross the border into Argentina and travel through the vast, windswept Patagonian steppe. The landscape is defined by endless plains, sparse vegetation, and wide horizons, highlighting the remoteness of this region.

Day 9 - 10

Overnight in Perito Moreno.

Day 10

Journey along Ruta 40 from Perito Moreno to El Calafate

Travel along the legendary Ruta 40, one of South America’s most iconic roads. The journey takes you through the characteristic Patagonian steppe with vast plains, constant winds, and distant views of the Andes, offering a strong sense of the region’s scale and isolation.

Day 10 - 12

Overnight in El Calafate.

Day 11

Visit to Perito Moreno Glacier

Today’s highlight is the visit to the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. From well-designed walkways and viewpoints, you approach the massive ice wall and observe its striking blue tones up close. With some luck, you may witness dramatic ice calving as large chunks break off and crash into the water.

Day 12

Journey from El Calafate to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile

Travel back to Chile through wide, open landscapes with lakes, rivers, and views of the Andes. As you approach the park, the distinctive mountain formations gradually come into view, giving a first impression of the dramatic scenery ahead.

Day 12 - 14

Overnight in Torres del Paine National Park.

Day 13

Exploration of Torres del Paine National Park

Today you explore Torres del Paine National Park, one of South America’s most spectacular natural areas. The landscape features turquoise lakes, glaciers, open plains, and the iconic granite towers. Depending on the route, you visit different viewpoints and experience the diversity of this unique region.

Day 14

Punta Arenas, including a visit to Milodón Cave via Puerto Natales

Visit the Milodón Cave, an important archaeological site where remains of a prehistoric giant sloth were discovered. Continue through vast Patagonian landscapes to Punta Arenas on the Strait of Magellan.

Day 14 - 15

Overnight in Punta Arenas.

Day 15

Transfer from hotel in Punta Arenas to the airport

Flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago

Flight to Santiago (not included).

Nature & Wildlife