PATAGONIA NORTH & SOUTH Self Driving Tour

Self driving tour in Patagonia (Chile & Argentina)

Driving across the Andes in Patagonia, a must !

Nahuel Huapi Lake (Argentina)

Lake of glacial origin, 550 km², 700 m altitude. The changing colors of its waters are amazing : from an intense turquoise blue on sunny days, to a silvery tone on cloudy days and almost black on rainy days. With no wind, its waters are like a huge mirror that reflects the contrasts of nature that surrounds it.

San Carlos de Bariloche (Argentina)

Founded in 1895 on the banks of Nahuel Huapi Lake, Bariloche offers all the infrastructure and services for hiking and skiing in the nearby mountains and exploring the surrounding lakes.

Lanín Volcano (Argentina)

Symbol of the Argentine province of Neuquén, part of its flag and its anthem.

Pucón (Chile)

Pucón has a good climate, unsurpassed beauty, and great ecotourism sports and activities : sailing and water skiing on the huge Villarica lake, winter snowboarding or summer hiking on the Vilarica volcano, rafting, in beautiful waterfalls,..

Puyehue National Park (Chile)

This park and its beautiful and wild nature are a real invitation to relax, to disconnect,...

Puyehue National Park (Chile)

Explore the coigue forests, observe the more than 100 species of birds that inhabit the area and trek along the slopes of Puyehue Volcano... Amazing !

Osorno Volcano (Chile)

Known worldwide as a symbol of the local landscape and for its resemblance to Monte Fuji in Japan.

El Calafate (Argentina)

Charming town on the south shore of Lake Argentino, invaded all year round by tourists exploring the Los Glaciares National Park.

Balcones del Calafate (Argentina)

Perched mountain just 20 km from the city center, offering breathtaking views of the Andes, the glacier area and, if the day is clear, on the Fitz Roy and the Cerro Torre in El Chalten.

Spegazzini Glacier (Argentina)

Located at the far west of Lake Argentino, it has the largest detachment wall in Los Glaciares National Park with peaks between 80 and 130 meters, while those of the other glaciers in the park are around 60 meters.

Upsala Glacier (Argentina)

Its ice fields cover a length of 765 km². The glacier has a length of 53.7 km, being the 3rd longest in South America, and its walls reach an average height of 40 meters.

Glaciobar (El Calafate, Argentina)

A bar entirely made of ice, -9ºC inside where you can only stay 20 minutes. A great experience with fresh or hot cocktails !

Perito Moreno Glacier (Argentina)

This glacier is considered one of the most important freshwater reserves in the world and has been named "8th wonder of the world".

Perito Moreno Glacier (Argentina)

The pressure of the water causes the edge of the glacier to collapse, offering an incredible and deafening spectacle, that can be observed from the walkways facing it.

Ruta 40 (Argentina)

This highway extends from north to south of Argentina for 5,200 km and runs parallel to the Andes.

Puerto Natales (Chile)

Quiet town on the edge of Seno Última Esperanza, ideal place for bird watching (seagulls, skuas, condors, cormorants), or for a catamaran trip to take a closer look at the many waterfalls and animal life of the region.

Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)

Named after these amazing 3 granite towers.

Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)

Covering an area of 242,000 hectares, it is home to rare fauna, including llama-like guanacos.

Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)

One of the 10 favorite destinations of hikers in the world, who can discover it in all its extension by the W circuit (5 days, bypassing the massif from east to west by the south) or by the O circuit (8 days, full tour of the massif)

Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)

Well known for its pointed mountains such as the Cuernos del Paine, its golden pampas, its bright blue lakes and its icebergs that stand out from the glaciers.

Grey Glacier (Chile)

Before dividing in two at its front end, the glacier is 6 km wide and over 30 m high.

Grey Glacier (Chile)

Hiking on the glacier is one of the many great activities inside the Torres del Paine National Park...

Grey Glacier (Chile)

A boat tour seems also like a great idea to get to know the glacier up close...

Mylodon Cave (Chile)

Named after the extinct giant ground sloth that more resembles a giant bear. Numerous fossils of the mammal have been found in the cave and surrounding area where the animal lived up to 10.000 years ago.

Summary

PATAGONIA NORTH & SOUTH 15 days, 14 nights

Bariloche ↠ San Martin de los Andes ↠ Pucón ↠ Puyehue ↠ Bariloche

Bariloche ↠ El Calafate

El Calafate (2 nights) ↠ Puerto Natales (2 nights) ↠ Punta Arenas

↠ Ushuaia (2 nights) ↠ Río Gallegos ↠ El Calafate

Forget the stress of everyday life, take a little break to spend a few days in fabulous landscapes !

Discovering the north and south of Patagonia on the same trip is really a MUST !

These are the two most famous parts of Patagonia, but they are totally different, having in common high quality infrastructure and services and landscapes of exceptional beauty.

4 days of self driving tour in Northern Patagonia, straddling Argentina and Chile, 900 km in the beautiful Lakes & Volcanoes region, with great stops in famous resorts and charming little villages.

7 days of self driving tour in Southern Patagonia, also straddling Argentina and Chile, 1400 km discovering the imposing glaciers and icebergs, the majestic peaks of the Andean Cordillera, recorded among the “50 Best places to see” in the world (by National Geographic).

HIGHLIGHTS

* San Carlos de Bariloche, the most famous ski resort in South America, and Pucón, the most charming resort in Chile, dominated by the smoking Villarica volcano…

* Driving along beautiful lakes at the foot of volcanoes, inside National Parks and Reserves, observing the specific fauna and flora

* Perito Moreno, the glacier that goes forward and shatters under your eyes…

* Full day boat excursion on Lake Argentino in the midst of giant icebergs to huge glaciers Upsala & Spegazzini

* Sporty off-road excursion to Balcones de El Calafate, offering a great panoramic view to Cerro Huyliche and El Calafate

* Torres del Paine National Park, a paradise for trekking, fauna and flora observation and photography.

* Walk on the Costanera, in Punta Arenas, at the edge of the Strait of Magellan, which the greatest navigators challenged with their boats to access posterity

* Fantastic drive in a no man´s land to the “end of world city” Ushuaia

* Tierra del Fuego National park, the most southern park on the planet and the only one in Argentina with a combination of mountains, forest and sea.

Route Map

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Arrival in Bariloche A

Bariloche - San Martin de los Andes B (205 km)

San Martin de los Andes - Pucón C (185 km)

Pucón - Puyehue D (330 km)

Puyehue - Bariloche A (101 km)

Bariloche - El Calafate (by plane)

Full day around El Calafate E (101 km)

El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier O - P. Natales F (430 km)

Full day in the Torres del Paine National Park (200 km)

Puerto Natales - Punta Arenas G (295 km)

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia H (440 km)

Full day around Ushuaia (25 km)

Ushuaia - Río Gallegos I (580 km)

Río Gallegos - El Calafate E (305 km)

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A

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d14

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d11

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GUIDE-COORDINATOR IN YOUR RENTAL CAR : Yes or No ?

* The guide-coordinator is permanently at your disposition.

* He/she speaks several languages, including necessarily English and the language of the country, this can be very helpful if you do not master it enough.
* He/she knows the route and stops at the best points of view.

* If necessary, he/she activates external services (insurance, mechanical repair, rescue,...).
* He/she takes care of check-in and check-out in hotels, restaurant orders, tourist sites entrance fees,...

* In the event of a puncture or a simple problem on the vehicle, he/she is the first to roll up his/her sleeves !
* Last but not least... He/she tells you about the country, the regions crossed, or even the places visited (when there is no local professional guide).

GUIDE-COORDINATOR IN AN ASSISTANCE VEHICLE : Yes or No ?

* The guide-coordinator is in the assistance vehicle, bringing all the advantages mentioned above.

* The assistance vehicle opens the convoy and carries the first aid kit, any excess luggage,... and basic accessories (rope...) in case your car gets stuck in sand or mud.

* In the event of a breakdown or incident on your vehicle, the assistance vehicle can go in search of help or take all or part of the occupants of your vehicle to the next town or stage.

BUT... If you prefer adventure in a small closed group (not alone) and you speak the language of the country, you can do without a guide and assistance vehicle. You will have maps and GPS in the car, the same advanced logistics (vehicle rental, hotels,...), and a 24-hour hotline to resolve any unforeseen event.

Accomodation

Comfortable single, double, twin or triple suites or apartments with breakfast included and personalized customer service

Charming Hotels, Spas and Resorts in quiet and lovely areas, preferably surrounded by nature

Local History & Culture

History & Culture

North and South, two regions, two histories but one culture : Patagonia !

Lakes & Volcanoes region (North)

Large natural lakes with peaceful and transparent waters, surrounded by green hills and preserved forests, dominated by the most majestic volcanoes of the Andes (some of which are still active) with perfect symmetries and snow-capped, lined with typical villages or internationally renowned resorts,... this is the region of lakes and volcanoes : exceptionally beautiful and varied, tremendously relaxing.

Our loop self driving tour in the Lakes & Volcanoes region crosses 2 Argentine provinces and 3 Chilean regions :

Rio Negro province : The most famous place of the 4th largest province of Argentine, created in 1955, is San Carlos de Bariloche, for its ski resorts and superb hiking in the nice mountains all around, as well as for its hotels, restaurants and luxury shops. We will spend the first and last day of our trip in San Carlos de Bariloche, at the edge of the beautiful Lake Nahuel Huapi, in the border between the provinces of Rio Negro and Neuquén.

Southern Patagonia

Known as a land of explorers, navigators and adventurers, it is historically the land of the Amerindians. Since the first traces of human civilization around 35,000 BC, several tribes inhabited the region, mainly between 12,000 and 8,000 BC : the Picunches (the largest Mapuche community of that time), the Huilliches and Chonos in central Patagonia; the Onas, the Yagans and the Alacufes in southern Patagonia; and the Mánekenkes who lived in Tierra del Fuego for 10,000 years. In the Andes, these populations hunted guanacos, llamas, rheas and two extinct species : the mylodons (big bears with camelid heads) and hippidion horses. On the coast, they lived fishing on lenga bark canoes and also fed on Lhao-Lhao mushrooms.

After the discovery of the strait linking the Pacific and Atlantic oceans by the Portuguese navigator Fernando de Magellan in 1520, Patagonia became the scene of conflicts between the Mapuche Indians and the Spanish colonizers led by Pedro de Valdivia, who died in 1553, a year before the Mapuches of the chief Lautaro win the battle of Marihueñu. The Mapuches reconquered most of Araucania but the clashes continued until the nineteenth century, without, however, harming the progressive evangelization of Amerindians.

Antonio-Pigafetta-Magellanstrasse-1520.j

Local Gastronomy

While enjoying fantastic landscapes, we can also feast on delicious local gastronomy !

Parrillada (Argentina)

Argentinian barbecue is said to be the best in the world.
So do not miss it !

Empanadas (Chile, Argentina)

Snack-sized turnovers filled with meat, cheese, crustaceans,... A delight !

Locro (Argentina)

Stew with pumpkin, corn, onion, beans and meat, usually pork,...

Asado de cabrito (Chile, Argentina)

Roasted got meat. Just delicious !

Baked lamb paw (Chile)

Lower part of the leg of the lamb, less fleshy than the upper part, but considered the tastiest. A delight that combines meat, bone and cartilage. Prolonged cooking makes the meat soft and easy to take off.

Cazuela (Chile, Argentina)

Llama meat stew, usually with potatoes, rice or cornmeal. Cazuela is named after the clay container where the dish is served.

Lomo a lo pobre (Chile)

Beef tenderloin (Spanish lomo) topped with one or more fried eggs and French fries, and especifically in Chile with fried onions. Also sometimes with rice and fried plantains. Eaten as a lunch or dinner.

Choripán (Chile)

The famous "chori" for barbecue or quick meal, a kind of sandwich with two slices of bread and a sausage (chorizo) in the middle, usually seasoned with chimichurri or criolla sauce, and garnished with salad and tomatoes.

Salmon (Chile)

Chile is known worldwide for its salmon production (2nd producer in the world after Norway). Usually cooked in olive oil and garnished with herbs, then served with salads or potatoes...

Pastel de choclo (Chile)

Green corn dough that covers a meat stew with eggs and olives ... and sugar, making it a sweet and sour dish.

Ceviche (Chile)

The most famous dish, with different versions throughout Latin America, especially in Chile and Peru. It is prepared with local raw fish (often reineta or corvina), marinated and seasoned with lemon, and served with onions, garlic, merkén, coriander, cumin, salt, olive oil and red peppers. A delight !

Seafood (Chile)

Chile, with its 4,270 km of coastline, is a major producer of seafood. Chileans eat it, tourists savor it ! Some are extraordinary : the jaira crab, the loco and picoroco molluscs, and of course the centolla, a giant crab from Patagonia.

King Crab (Argentina)

The must of seafood in Ushuaia. Do not miss it !

Alfajores (Argentina)

This filled cookie, most often with the national dulce de leche, is irresistible for the lovers of fine pastries ! This Argentinian specialty has its own exhibition space at the La Ciudad Museum in Buenos Aires, which shows its importance...

Chocolate (Bariloche, Argentina)

In the national chocolate capital, you can visit a dedicated museum and many confectionery producing locally. A must !

Dulce de leche (Argentina)

The Argentinian dulce de leche is one of the most famous in the world, both for its quality and for its taste. Chimbote is a premium brand, among the oldest and most traditional.

Wines (Chile, Argentina)

It is part of the local culture to accompany food with wine, and for a good reason : most local wines are excellent and inexpensive !

Wines (Chile, Argentina)

Generally produced in the province of Mendoza in Argentina and in the Central Region of Chile, but not only... To taste absolutely, if only to gain life expectancy !!

Craft Beer (Bariloche, Argentina)

Bariloche has produced craft beer for almost 100 years and more than 15 new breweries have recently opened. A thriving sector and a treat for beer lovers !

Pisco Sour (Chile)

Not recommended in altitude. Do not deprive yourself otherwise, it is so good ! Made from pisco (grape brandy), lemon, a few drops of angostura, sugar and ice cubes. Without egg white in Chile, different from Peru. The 2 countries discuss "ownership" of pisco sour...

Parrillada (Argentina)

Argentinian barbecue is said to be the best in the world.
So do not miss it !

Empanadas (Chile, Argentina)

Snack-sized turnovers filled with meat, cheese, crustaceans,... A delight !

Locro (Argentina)

Stew with pumpkin, corn, onion, beans and meat, usually pork,...

Asado de cabrito (Chile, Argentina)

Roasted got meat. Just delicious !

Baked lamb paw (Chile)

Cazuela (Chile, Argentina)

Llama meat stew, usually with potatoes, rice or cornmeal. Cazuela is named after the clay container where the dish is served.

Lomo a lo pobre (Chile)

Choripán (Chile)

Salmon (Chile)

Chile is known worldwide for its salmon production (2nd producer in the world after Norway). Usually cooked in olive oil and garnished with herbs, then served with salads or potatoes...

Pastel de choclo (Chile)

Green corn dough that covers a meat stew with eggs and olives ... and sugar, making it a sweet and sour dish.

Ceviche (Chile)

Prices & Conditions

Prices 2024

If you are interested in this trip, contact us directly, we will be happy to answer all your questions !

PRICE PER PERSON (With accommodation in double/twin suite)

1 person in the rental vehicle (Single suite included)

2 persons in the rental vehicle

3 persons in the rental vehicle

4 persons in the rental vehicle

Supplement for Single suite

PRICE FOR THE GROUP (Optional)

Guide-coordinator in the rental vehicle

Guide-coordinator in Assistance Vehicle

$ 12.845

$ 7.415

$ 6.010

$ 5.310

$ 1.228

$ 6.216

$ 9.605

* Fixed prices established in $ (USD)

** Payment by bank transfer directly to our account (amount converted into your local currency at the daily exchange rate)

The invoice for your purchase will be sent to you by e-mail after your payment.

Included

All activities inside the program
Accomodation with breakfast
Rental vehicle
Flight BRC/FTE
Ferry to cross the Strait of Magellan
Radio/GPS
National Parks entrance fees
Excursions in the program (glaciers near El Calafate, canal Beagle,...)
Local guide in Punta Arenas
Travel File, organization, coordination
Permanent guide-coordinator in rental or assistance vehicles (if you choose these options)

Not Included

Flight ticket to BRC and from FTE airports
Drinks, lunches and dinners
Rental vehicles expenses (fuel, tolls, parkings)
Border crossing fees
Optional outdoor activities
Local taxis & Personal expenses
Private Travel insurance

CANCELLATION POLICY

Rescheduling or Cancellation by Customer

Rescheduling (according to availability) :

- Free of charge up to 45 days before the start of your package

- With 25% increase less than 45 days before the start of your package

Cancellation :

- Refund of 50% up to 45 days before the start of your package

- No refund less than 45 days before the start of your package

Rescheduling or Cancellation by Dream Sports Adventure

Dream Sports Adventure reserves the right to cancel the package in case of insufficient registration, force majeure or any other valid reason, and in such circumstances will propose to reschedule according to availabilities or to fully refund the packages already purchased, without however giving entitlement to compensation.