South America: Brazil, Argentina, and Chile - Complete with the Carretera Austral
A unique and unforgettable journey to South America, with an emphasis on the beautiful route of the Austral Highway, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience highlighting the beauty of Patagonia. We'll take a flight to Pucón, located at the foot of the picturesque Villarrica volcano. Crossing the Seven Lakes route, we'll reach the city of Bariloche, famous for its ice cream and beef. Here, we'll explore the marvelous beauty of the Argentinean Lake District. Continuing our journey south along the Austral Highway, a stunning route that traverses majestic fjords, giant glaciers, and breathtaking landscapes, we'll embark on walking trails in the marvelous nature and bid farewell to the region with a flight over the giant glaciers to the southernmost part of the continent and the beautiful Torres del Paine National Park. From there, we will move on to the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, and immerse ourselves in a unique Brazilian experience at the Iguazu Falls and the godly city of Rio de Janeiro.
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Our Suggested Itinerary - Explore a past Aujo Travel trip for your next adventure
Days 1-2 | Santiago de Chile
Upon arrival in the southern continent, we will explore the capital city of Chile, visiting its main sites, the central square, and the beautiful promenade bordering it. We will observe the Cathedral and the "La Moneda" Presidential Palace, where the communist president Salvador Allende was assassinated/committed suicide. We will also see his statue and ascend to the viewpoint on San Cristobal Hill to overlook the city. The city center visit will include the central square, promenade, Cathedral, and the Presidential Palace. We will ascend San Cristobal Hill for a breathtaking view of the city before transferring to our accommodation for the evening and having dinner at the hotel. (B, D)
Day 3 | Santiago - Pucón - At the Foot of the Volcano Villarrica
In the morning, we will head to the airport for a flight to Temuco, a town surrounded by beautiful landscapes in the northern Chilean lake district. The indigenous town still proudly carries the Totem in its center. From there, we will travel to the city of Pucón, located at the foot of the Villarrica volcano, an active volcano rising above Lake Villarrica. We will stay and dine in Pucón. (B, D)
Day 4 | Pucón and Surroundings
This morning, we will leave Pucón, returning to explore the Chilean lake district in the evening. Throughout the day, we will hike along the slopes of the Villarrica volcano, an active volcano that last erupted in 1984. If possible, we will enter the lava tubes created by volcanic eruptions. We will continue our hike through forests and streams, culminating the day with a dip in the "Termas," the hot springs that emerge from the volcanic earth – a natural spa. We will return to Pucón for the night. (B, D)
Day 5 | Pucón - Seven Lakes Route - San Carlos de Bariloche
In the morning, we will leave the "City of Gods" and head to the local airport, flying to the Iguazu Falls. Upon arrival, we will explore the Brazilian side, with a full day of activities. Leaving Pucón, we will cross the Andes towards the border with Argentina. After crossing the border, we will drive south to the foothills of the Lanín volcano, reaching the tranquil town of San Martín de los Andes. There, we will have lunch and learn about the settlement of German immigrants in the region. Continuing south on the Seven Lakes Route, passing through the resort town Villa La Angostura, we will witness the dramatic impact of the last volcanic eruption of the Puyehue volcano. The scenic route overlooks the hidden lakes in the area before passing through the Nahuel Huapi National Park. We will arrive at the tourist capital of the Argentine lake region, San Carlos de Bariloche, for overnight stay. (B, D)
Day 6 | San Carlos de Bariloche - Circuito Chico - Campanario Hill and Chocolates...
This morning, we will embark on excursions in the surrounding area of the fascinating city of San Carlos de Bariloche. We will take a short tour of the Circuito Chico, the short circuit, exploring the Nahuel Huapi Lake and the Yau Yau forest. In the afternoon, we will take a boat trip to Lake Nahuel Huapi, where we will have lunch. We will then return to the city and enjoy the numerous chocolate shops scattered throughout. We will spend the night in San Carlos de Bariloche. (B, D)
Day 7 | Bariloche - El Bolsón - Esquel
In the morning, we will leave Bariloche and embark on a southward journey to the less touristy but highly interesting area of the Austral Volcanic Zone. Our first stop will be the town of El Bolsón, providing visitors with a glimpse of a laid-back western town. We will continue our journey through the Los Alerces Nature Reserve until reaching Esquel. We will stay and dine in the Esquel area. (B, D)
Day 8 | Austral Volcanic Zone Route - Hanging Glacier - Queulat
In the morning, we will continue our journey south towards one of the most beautiful roads in the world, the Austral Volcanic Zone Route, which was conquered in the 1980s in the pristine and wild region. A significant part of the road is unpaved, but mostly it is a well-maintained gravel road passing through marvelous landscapes of forests, glaciers, lakes, and snow-capped peaks. Along the way, we will cross the border back into Chile, heading first to Lake General Carrera. After crossing the border, we will drive south to the Patagonian Andes and visit the peaceful town of San Martín de los Andes. We will have lunch and learn about the settlement of German immigrants in the area. We will continue south on the Seven Lakes Route, passing through the resort town Villa La Angostura, where we can see the dramatic impact of the last volcanic eruption of the Puyehue volcano. The enchanting scenic route overlooks the hidden lakes in the area. We will then pass through the Nahuel Huapi National Park and arrive at the tourist capital of the Argentine lake region, San Carlos de Bariloche, for an overnight stay. (B, D)
Day 9 | Iceberg Navigation in Lago San Rafael
This morning, we will embark on a spectacular navigation to one of the most impressive sites of the entire journey, if not the most... 😉. After breakfast, we will set sail along Lago San Rafael. The round lake was formed as a result of the calving of the San Rafael Glacier, located in its northern part, within the icefield of the Patagonian Andes. The glacier is one of the largest and most beautiful in the Patagonian icefield. During the boat trip, we may encounter dolphins, seabirds, and other marine life. Upon reaching the mighty glacier, which falls directly into the fjord, we will board small boats and navigate among the floating icebergs. The excursion will end in the evening, returning to Puerto Chacabuco. From here, we will embark on a two-hour drive to our next overnight stay in the Puyuhuapi area. (B, L, D)
Day 10 | Puyuhuapi - Austral Volcanic Zone Route - Hanging Glacier - Coyhaique
In the morning hours, we can enjoy the thermal pools at our hotel, overlooking the beautiful fjord. From here, we will continue our visit to the Coyhaique Reserve, where we will take a walk to a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the Hanging Glacier, a giant mass of ice hanging between sky and earth. The two mornings will continue our journey on the "most beautiful road in the world," the Austral Volcanic Zone Route. Southward, we will pass through the enchanted forest, where we will take a walking tour to experience the breathtaking views. We will continue our journey, passing by scenic lakes near the Argentine border, and end up in the town of Coyhaique. We will stay and have dinner in Coyhaique. (B, D)
Day 11 | Quila Quina - Puerto Rio Tranquilo - Kayaking to Marble Caves
This morning, we will head south to explore one of the most beautiful places in the world: Lake General Carrera, one of the largest lakes in the world shared between Argentina and Chile, covering over 2.2 million acres of water. We will travel along the stunning lake located south of Quila Quina. The journey along the lake is breathtaking, offering some of the most beautiful views in the world. Upon reaching the southern part of the lake, we will embark on a kayaking adventure to the mesmerizing Marble Caves, combined with short hiking excursions. At the end of the day, we will return to Puerto Rio Tranquilo for accommodation. (B, L)
Day 12 | Puerto Rio Tranquilo - Balmaceda - Punta Arenas
This morning, we will bid farewell to the beautiful surroundings and head to the remote town of Balmaceda. From there, we take a direct flight, which operates only every few days, to Punta Arenas. The flight offers spectacular views of the giant glaciers of Patagonia. Upon landing in the important port city of Punta Arenas, we explore the city located on the shores of the famous Magellan Strait, serving as a significant trade point and a gateway to the land of fire and Antarctica. (B, D)
Day 13 | Punta Arenas - Magdalena Island Penguin Colony - Puerto Natales
Early morning departure for a northbound journey to visit one of the most beautiful and unique penguin colonies in South America, Isla Magdalena. The island is home to 130,000 penguins, and weather permitting, we will sail to the nearby Isla Marta, inhabited by a giant sea lion colony. We will then continue to the town of Puerto Natales for an overnight stay. (B, D)
Day 14 | Torres del Paine National Park
Today, we will explore one of the most beautiful natural reserves in the world, Torres del Paine National Park. The park, located on the southern side of the "Iceberg Park," boasts an expansive area with hundreds of thousands of square kilometers. Designated as a national conservation site in the late 1950s, it is named after the three towering granite peaks known as the "Towers of Paine." The park is famous for its impressive glaciers, and we will start our journey by visiting the breathtaking Grey Glacier. Later, we will embark on an unforgettable trek, starting at the grand "Salto Grande" waterfalls and ending at an unforgettable viewpoint overlooking Lake Nordenskjold, also known as the Swedish Lake. We will spend the night and have dinner at Torres del Paine National Park. (B, D)
Day 15 | Torres del Paine - Perito Moreno Glacier - El Calafate
In the morning, we say goodbye to the beautiful Torres del Paine National Park and cross the border into Argentina. Our journey continues to the town of El Calafate, passing through stunning landscapes. In the afternoon, we will explore the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier, also known as the "Exploding Glacier." Situated at the heart of the park, near Lake Argentina, this kilometer-wide glacier rises about 40 meters above the water's surface. Witnessing the massive ice chunks breaking off with a thunderous roar and plunging into the lake creates a remarkable experience. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the few glaciers worldwide that continues to advance and resist the effects of global warming. After the excursion, we will return to our accommodation in El Calafate. (B, L)
Day 16 | El Calafate - El Chaltén
In the morning, we depart from El Calafate and head to the picturesque town of El Chaltén, known as the "Capital of Trekking." Nestled in the foothills of the Fitz Roy mountain range, El Chaltén offers stunning landscapes and is a gateway to numerous hiking trails. We embark on a hike to Laguna Capri, where we can enjoy panoramic views of the Fitz Roy mountain. In the afternoon, we will explore the charming town and return to El Calafate for overnight accommodation. (B)
Day 17 | El Calafate - Buenos Aires
This morning, we will fly from El Calafate to Buenos Aires. Upon landing, we embark on fascinating city tours in the European-inspired capital of Argentina. The city's numerous colonial buildings add to its European charm. We start at Plaza Mayo, where we visit the cathedral housing the tomb of Argentina's national hero, José de San Martín. We also explore the Casa Rosada and imagine the balcony where Eva Perón addressed the crowds. The tour continues with a visit to the Botanical Gardens and the iconic Maracanã Stadium. (B, D)
Day 18 | Buenos Aires
In the morning, we will visit the historic neighborhood of San Telmo, known for preserving its unique character since its establishment. We then proceed to La Boca, the artists' quarter, and La Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of many notable figures, including Eva Perón. In the evening, we enjoy a Tango show combined with a delightful dinner at one of the leading tango clubs in the city. Accommodation in Buenos Aires. (B, D)
Day 19 | Buenos Aires - Iguazu Falls
This morning, we bid farewell to the Argentine capital and will take a northbound flight to the tropical tri-border region between Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. Our journey focuses on the Argentine side of the Iguazu Falls, where we walk along a system of wooden walkways leading to the "Devil's Throat," undoubtedly one of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls globally. We then cross the border to Brazil and settle in our hotel in Foz do Iguaçu, the Brazilian side of the falls. Accommodation and dinner in Foz do Iguaçu. (B, D)
Day 20 | Iguazu Falls - Bird Park - Itaipu Dam
This morning, we will embark on a walking tour along the Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls, offering a perfect view of the falls spreading before us. The falls, with a height of 80 meters and a width of 3 km, create a mesmerizing and unforgettable spectacle. After the tour, we will visit the Bird Park, home to various exotic bird species. In the afternoon, we will explore the Itaipu Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric power plants globally. We will return to our accommodation in Foz do Iguaçu for an overnight stay. (B, D)
Day 21 | Iguazu Falls - City of God - Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain
This morning, we will leave the Argentine beauty and take a northbound flight to Rio de Janeiro, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Upon landing, we head to Sugarloaf Mountain, from where we ascend to an elevation of 395 meters, offering panoramic views of the enchanting shores of Rio de Janeiro and another magical peak: Corcovado. We then proceed to our hotel on Copacabana Beach for accommodation. (B)
Days 22-23: Rio de Janeiro - Tijuca Forest - Favelas
We will embark on a journey in jeeps dedicated to the Tijuca Forest – the largest urban forest in the world. We will visit the favelas with an emphasis on the Rosinha neighborhood – one of the most fascinating in Rio. We will visit a local house, and if conditions allow, we will also explore the local market in the neighborhood. Later on the tour, we will ascend to the summit of Corcovado, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. From there, we will enjoy views of the Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon beaches, and witness the sweetness of Lagoa. According to the flight schedule, we will transfer to the airport for the return flight. (B)