Lando South America: Ushuaia to Santiago - 26 Days
Trip Snapshot
Age range
12 - 100Start / End
- Ushuaia
- Santiago
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 24Meals included
68Highlights
- Begin in Ushuaia — the end of the road and the most dramatic starting point imaginable
- Watch Perito Moreno Glacier calve walls of ice into bright blue water
- Hike beneath the towers of Torres del Paine in one of the world's last true wildernesses
- Drive north along the legendary Carretera Austral through remote and roadless Patagonia
- Sleep under Patagonian skies and wake up ready for another day of adventure
- Roll into the volcanic lakes and lush forests of the Lake District as the continent opens up again
Free Brochure
Uncover insider tips, see a packing list and view a detailed itinerary and accommodation information.
Summary
Most road trips start somewhere familiar and head into the unknown. This one starts at the bottom of the world and works its way back. From Ushuaia — as far south as the road goes — the Lando rolls north through Patagonia's raw wilderness, past glaciers and granite towers and skies that refuse to be ordinary. By the time Santiago appears on the horizon, you'll have earned every kilometre of it.
Itinerary
Day 1
Ushuaia
Arrive at any time.
Day 2
Ushuaia
Perched at the southern tip of South America, Ushuaia sits on the Beagle Channel and is flanked by the mountain range of the Martial Glacier. Take advantage of a free day to explore the city, set off on an excursion into Tierra del Fuego National Park or take a boat cruise.
Day 3
Ushuaia/Torres del Paine National Park
Set off northbound from Ushuaia on the Lando, crossing into Chile and leaving the island of Tierra del Fuego, reaching Punta Arenas in the evening. Continue the following day 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 starts. 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.
Day 4
Ushuaia/Torres del Paine National Park
Set off northbound from Ushuaia on the Lando, crossing into Chile and leaving the island of Tierra del Fuego, reaching Punta Arenas in the evening. Continue the following day 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 starts. 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.
Day 5
Ushuaia/Torres del Paine National Park
Set off northbound from Ushuaia on the Lando, crossing into Chile and leaving the island of Tierra del Fuego, reaching Punta Arenas in the evening. Continue the following day 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 starts. 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.
Day 6
Ushuaia/Torres del Paine National Park
Set off northbound from Ushuaia on the Lando, crossing into Chile and leaving the island of Tierra del Fuego, reaching Punta Arenas in the evening. Continue the following day 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 starts. 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.
Day 7
Torres del Paine National Park/El Chaltén
As Torres del Paine disappears in the rearview mirror, cross the border again and 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. Continue driving north along Ruta 40 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.
Day 8
Torres del Paine National Park/El Chaltén
As Torres del Paine disappears in the rearview mirror, cross the border again and 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. Continue driving north along Ruta 40 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.
Day 9
Torres del Paine National Park/El Chaltén
As Torres del Paine disappears in the rearview mirror, cross the border again and 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. Continue driving north along Ruta 40 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.
Day 10
Torres del Paine National Park/El Chaltén
As Torres del Paine disappears in the rearview mirror, cross the border again and 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. Continue driving north along Ruta 40 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.
Day 11
El Chaltén/Futalefú
Drive north from El Chaltén and embark 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, before arriving to the town of Los Antiguos for the night and setting up camp. Cross back into Chile and take a car ferry across to join up with the Carretera Austral, Chile's southern scenic highway that offers incredible views in all directions of fjords, mountains, and glaciers. Stop in the town of Cohaique for a free day before reaching Futalefú, located in a remote valley at the confluence of the Espolon and Futaleufú rivers. Spend another free day to relax or choose from some of the many optional activities available in the area like horseback riding, canyoning or mountain biking.
Day 12
El Chaltén/Futalefú
Drive north from El Chaltén and embark 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, before arriving to the town of Los Antiguos for the night and setting up camp. Cross back into Chile and take a car ferry across to join up with the Carretera Austral, Chile's southern scenic highway that offers incredible views in all directions of fjords, mountains, and glaciers. Stop in the town of Cohaique for a free day before reaching Futalefú, located in a remote valley at the confluence of the Espolon and Futaleufú rivers. Spend another free day to relax or choose from some of the many optional activities available in the area like horseback riding, canyoning or mountain biking.
Day 13
El Chaltén/Futalefú
Drive north from El Chaltén and embark 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, before arriving to the town of Los Antiguos for the night and setting up camp. Cross back into Chile and take a car ferry across to join up with the Carretera Austral, Chile's southern scenic highway that offers incredible views in all directions of fjords, mountains, and glaciers. Stop in the town of Cohaique for a free day before reaching Futalefú, located in a remote valley at the confluence of the Espolon and Futaleufú rivers. Spend another free day to relax or choose from some of the many optional activities available in the area like horseback riding, canyoning or mountain biking.
Day 14
El Chaltén/Futalefú
Drive north from El Chaltén and embark 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, before arriving to the town of Los Antiguos for the night and setting up camp. Cross back into Chile and take a car ferry across to join up with the Carretera Austral, Chile's southern scenic highway that offers incredible views in all directions of fjords, mountains, and glaciers. Stop in the town of Cohaique for a free day before reaching Futalefú, located in a remote valley at the confluence of the Espolon and Futaleufú rivers. Spend another free day to relax or choose from some of the many optional activities available in the area like horseback riding, canyoning or mountain biking.
Day 15
El Chaltén/Futalefú
Drive north from El Chaltén and embark 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, before arriving to the town of Los Antiguos for the night and setting up camp. Cross back into Chile and take a car ferry across to join up with the Carretera Austral, Chile's southern scenic highway that offers incredible views in all directions of fjords, mountains, and glaciers. Stop in the town of Cohaique for a free day before reaching Futalefú, located in a remote valley at the confluence of the Espolon and Futaleufú rivers. Spend another free day to relax or choose from some of the many optional activities available in the area like horseback riding, canyoning or mountain biking.
Day 16
Futalefú/Puerto Varas
Continue north along the Carretera Austral, driving on-and-off of car ferries where the road ends in order to follow the next stretch, surrounded at all times by spectacular mountain scenery, lush forests and rugged coastline. Set up camp in Chaiten before reaching Puerto Varas, perched on the shorts of Lago Llanquihue, with views to the majestic snow-capped Osorno Volcano.
Day 17
Futalefú/Puerto Varas
Continue north along the Carretera Austral, driving on-and-off of car ferries where the road ends in order to follow the next stretch, surrounded at all times by spectacular mountain scenery, lush forests and rugged coastline. Set up camp in Chaiten before reaching Puerto Varas, perched on the shorts of Lago Llanquihue, with views to the majestic snow-capped Osorno Volcano.
Day 18
Puerto Varas
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.
Day 19
Puerto Varas/San Martín de los Andes
Depart Puerto Varas heading north with a stop in Frutillar to walk along the iconic pier with great views of the Osorno Volcano. Cross into Argentina and continue along the spectacular "Seven Lakes Route," stopping frequently at viewpoints for photos and to soak in the natural beauty before arriving to San Martín de los Andes in the evening. The next day is 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.
Day 20
Puerto Varas/San Martín de los Andes
Depart Puerto Varas heading north with a stop in Frutillar to walk along the iconic pier with great views of the Osorno Volcano. Cross into Argentina and continue along the spectacular "Seven Lakes Route," stopping frequently at viewpoints for photos and to soak in the natural beauty before arriving to San Martín de los Andes in the evening. The next day is 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.
Day 21
San Martín de los Andes/Pucón
The road leads through the mountains back into Chile and to the town of 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.
Day 22
San Martín de los Andes/Pucón
The road leads through the mountains back into Chile and to the town of 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.
Day 23
San Martín de los Andes/Pucón
The road leads through the mountains back into Chile and to the town of 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.
Day 24
Pucón/Santiago
Drive north from Pucón around Villarica Lake to the waterfall of Saltos del Laja, and set up camp nearby for the night. Continue the following day along the Pan-American Highway until reaching Santiago, Chile's capital city surrounded by the snow-capped Andes and the Chilean Coastal Range. Head out in the evening for a final night out with the group.
Day 25
Pucón/Santiago
Drive north from Pucón around Villarica Lake to the waterfall of Saltos del Laja, and set up camp nearby for the night. Continue the following day along the Pan-American Highway until reaching Santiago, Chile's capital city surrounded by the snow-capped Andes and the Chilean Coastal Range. Head out in the evening for a final night out with the group.
Day 26
Santiago
Depart at any time.
What's Included
Accommodation
Camping (19 nts), Hostels and simple hotels (multi-share, 6 nts)
Meals
Breakfasts: 24, Lunches: 22, Dinners: 22
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Mar 2027
from £2,969
- Save 1%Wednesday 10 Mar 2027to Sunday 4 Apr 20276+ spaces of 24 leftGuaranteed Departure£2,999£2,969Pay MonthlyBest offerBook for£250 today, pay the rest later
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
Still have questions?
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.
Why book with us
Help Change The World
We collaborate with local businesses and communities.
Best Price Guaranteed
We won't be beaten on price. If you find this adventure at a lower price please get in touch!
You're In Good Hands
We work with trusted tour operators around the world.
You're spoilt for choice
We have the best choice of adventures on the market.








