rio to santiago via ushuaia Trip Notes

Bem-Vindos! Welcome to Brazil.

The trip begins with a group meeting at 6pm.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If your flight arrives too late, we recommend that you consider arriving a day early and book a night's accommodation prior to the trip so you are able to attend. If you are going to be late please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your kitty, insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all details on hand to provide to your leader.

The locals like to say that 'God made the world in six days, the seventh he devoted to Rio'. In this heaving metropolis, set against the luminescent green of Guanabara Bay and surrounded by the slopes of Sugar Loaf Mountain and Corcovado, it's hard not to be caught up in the Cariocas' (residents) passion. The French were the first to settle here as they logged wood along the Brazilian coast, but they were soon driven out by the Portuguese, who built a fortified town, naming it Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro and quickly amassed wealth in the gold rush of Minas Gerais. In the 19th century, the Portuguese monarchy fled from the threat of Napoleon in Europe to Rio where they built grand buildings, still in existence today. These days Rio is known best for its contrasting images of favelas (shanty towns) and the glitz and glamour of Carnaval. Rio is deservedly famous for its live music scene, which encompasses myriad styles such as samba, jazz, bossa nova, hip hop, reggae, rock and many other fusions of regional styles. The neighbourhood of Lapa offers great dance halls where you can join locals in doing some serious dancing - or just soak up the vibe.For some seriously eye-popping people watching, head down to the white sand beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema - skimpy bathing suits optional.

As there is a great deal to do in Rio we recommend extending your time here to make the most of this exciting city. If you need help booking extra accommodation, our reservations team will be able to assist in booking extra nights accommodation.

Hotel (1 nt)

This morning we will visit a favela and a project we support in Rio, project Morrinho.

Morrinho is a 300m2 model favela created by children living in the local Pereira da Silva community, from recycled materials such as bricks, scrap metal and wood. The model was started in 1998 by Nelcirlan Souza de Oliveira and, when his friends became involved, the ‘play set’ gained considerable size. The reproduction of favela life in their model is so accurate that it has gained a world wide reputation appearing on Brazilian TV and has been the subject of a documentary which is now on sale. Morrinho has even been recognised by many art critics as an expression of contemporary art. The model is now being used to generate money by NGO Morrinho, a charity that provides professional qualifications to the residents of the Pereirão Community through workshops, including audiovisual production; art-education; Brazilian culture; and youth and citizenship. The charity is also involved in utilising the project as a film set, which has raised awareness of how harsh life is for shanty town dwellers.

After lunch we drive 235 km along the Emerald Coast to Paraty where we spend 3 nights at a beachside campsite with facilities. There is plenty of free time to explore. Perhaps take a boat trip out to a small island to go snorkelling or diving.

Sitting between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Paraty is one of the world's best preserved Portuguese colonial towns. This World Heritage-listed town was originally settled in 1531 on the opposite side of the river but in the 17th century the Indians who lived on the current site were driven away and the town moved. Paraty later became a booming port town, famous for its sugar cane liquor but after the abolition of slavery it was slowly forgotten. With the opening of new roads, the town was 'rediscovered' and declared a national monument.The patron saint of Paraty is Our Lady of the Medicines. Three hundred years ago a wealthy benefactor donated land for a church in her honour. In return, she asked only for an annual mass. Each year a wooden effigy of the virgin, adorned with silver is carried in a procession through the town during the Festa de Nossa Senhora dos Remedios.At high tide, some of Paraty's cobblestone streets are partly covered in sea water, adding to the rustic, colonial charm. The water of the bay is always right for swimming and the surrounding national parks are filled with trails, wildlife and waterfalls.

Camping (with facilities) (3 nts)

Today we drive 560 km to the remote town of Brotas in south east Brazil. The afternoon is free for adventure activities and we stay in a campsite with facilities

Located in southeast Brazil, in the state of Sao Paulo, the remoteness of Brotas has meant that the forests surrounding this isolated town are teeming with species crucial to the maintenance of global biodiversity. The perfect location in which to experience untouched natural environments, Brotas has subsequently become an important destination in Brazilian eco-tourism. Alongside those visiting to enjoy the remarkable fauna that inhabit this area, Brotas is gradually acquiring a reputation for the quality of the adventure activities that are on offer such as horse riding and canyoning, rafting and kayaking.

The following day is free for adventure activities such as white water rafting.

Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)

We overland 650 km towards Bonito, our base for the Pantanal trip. We find somewhere to bush camp for the night along the way.

Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt)

We spend the next 3 days in Brazil's amazing southern Pantanal. From our ranch base we explore the surrounding area on horseback, from boats and canoes, from farm trucks, and on foot, staying in shared accommodation. The last night is spent at a campsite in Bonito.

About the size of France, the Pantanal is the world's largest wetland area and one of the best wildlife spotting places on the continent. Sixty-five million years ago, the Pantanal was an inland sea that gradually dried out. These days the vast alluvial plain is seasonally flooded by the Paraguay River, giving a home to a wonderfully diverse wildlife. Jabirus and macaws are frequently spotted and with any luck we'll see howler monkeys, giant otters, anteaters, macaws and caiman (although hopefully not too close). Unfortunately, the area's fantastic wildlife has brought some unwanted attention. Although a portion of the wetlands has been designated as a national park, poachers still kill up to two million animals here annually.

Hacienda (2 nts), Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

These are non-driving days where you have free time to enjoy the range of activities available in Bonito such as snorkelling, rafting or a jungle trek.

The area around the small town of Bonito really is unique. Its main attractions are its crystal clear rivers, springs and caves, not to mention the abundant wildlife, which includes monkeys, alligators, anaconda, over 30 varieties of fish and tremendous birdlife. Unsurprisingly, the town is often described as the "ecotourism capital of Brazil". There are endless activities on offer, from spectacular walks through the surrounding hills and forest, to caving, horse-riding, abseiling, and snorkelling. Many of the best attractions are on private land and the area is being very carefully managed in order as to protect the wildlife and habitats found here.

Hotel (2 nts)

Full day 800 km drive to Foz de Iguazu where we stay at an excellent campsite with facilities and a pool.

Close to the borders with Argentina and Paraguay, Foz do Iguazu is Brazil's gateway to the Iguazu Falls.

As well as the magnificent waterfalls, there's also a great bird park in Foz, where you can see many of Brazil's native species, including toucans and macaws. You can also visit the incredible Itaipu Dam, a vast concrete edifice that spans the Rio Parana and has been described as one of the 7 wonders of the modern world.

The following day is a non-driving day. There is free time to enjoy the famous Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side, with a range of activities available.

At over 2 km long, Iguazu Falls are actually a series of cataracts. There are over 270 falls in all, and with some reaching up to 80m in height, they are wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara. Legend has it that a serpent god intended to marry a beautiful girl called Naipi. She escaped in a canoe with her mortal lover Caroba and in a jealous rage the god chased them, collapsing the river before them so that Naipi plunged over the falls to become a rock, while Caroba became a tree, forever unable to touch his love. A more scientific explanation is that the Rio Iguazu flows over a riverbed of basalt that ends where the lava cooled, leaving the water to fall. The falls were 'discovered' in the modern day by the Spaniard Juan Alvar Nunez who named them Saltos de Santa Maria. The name we know them by today means 'Great Waters' in the Tupi-Guarani tongue.Bordering Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, these spectacular falls are a great sight to see.

The Brazilian park features a number of cleverly constructed walkways that allow you to get right out over the water up close to the falls themselves - and you will often be able to see fantastic rainbows forming as the sun catches the spray. If you want the ultimate waterfall experience, you can also organise helicopter flights here, where you'll be taken out right over the horseshoe of the falls, giving you a spectacular view of this natural wonder from a totally different perspective.

The next day we drive 60 km across the border to see Iguazu Falls from the Argentinean side. We stay at Puerto Iguassu at a campsite with good facilities.

Camping (with facilities) (3 nts)

We drive 270 km drive to the Jesuit Mission of San Ignacio de Mini. We spend the night in a campsite with good facilities.

The small town of San Ignacio Mini was once the centre of a Jesuit mission and its ruins can still be seen today. The buildings are very well preserved and include a church, cemetery and monastery and provide an interesting insight to the history of this area.

Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

Today we have a full day, 560 km drive towards Buenos Aires. En route we find somewhere to bush camp for the night.

We set off early the next morning, driving 415 km into the capital, Buenos Aires, arriving late in the afternoon. Here we stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities. There are many optional activities to enjoy here.

Buenos Aires must be the ultimate cosmopolitan city. With Latin passion, European elegance and a distinctive style all of its own, this is a city that will steal your heart. The Portenos (the local residents) are justifiably proud of BA, which is comprised of distinct neighbourhoods, each with their own style.Visit San Telmo for its weekend antiques market and artists displays. La Boca, settled by waves of immigrants who built brightly painted buildings, is home to the world-class Boca Juniors football team. Recoleta is the place to browse museums with Buenos Aires' well-to-do. There are many sights in the heart of the city with churches, cathedrals and historic buildings aplenty.When you've finished exploring, settle down at one of the many streetside cafes and prepare yourself for a night of tango at one of the many milongas.

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary, meet your new fellow travellers, and collect the next part of your kitty.

Hotel (3 nts), Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt)

We head of BA and drive almost 700 km across the pampas. Tonight we will bush camp along the coast somewhere near Monte Hermoso.

Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt)

Full day, 750 km drive to Puerto Madryn where we stay at a campsite with facilities.

Puerto Madryn is a port town on the Atlantic coast of Argentina, gateway to the Valdez Peninsula, known for its wildlife. The town is also popular with locals as a beach destination and it can become quite busy in summer months with Argentinian holiday-makers. The original settlers here were Welsh, founding the port and colonising the Chubut River valley. Some of the smaller communities are still fiercely Welsh, retaining many of the original immigrants traditions and customs, and in places like Gaiman you can even go for a Welsh afternoon tea in one of the local tea houses. Whilst the Welsh language was kept alive for over four generations, it is now gradually dying out, although the area still offers an interesting insight into the lives of the people who landed here during the latter part ofthe last century.

The following day we have a guided day trip to the Valdez Peninsula to see its abundant marine life. There is also the option of a boat trip to see whales and dolphins, if time allows.

The Valdez Peninsula juts out into the Atlantic close to the Argentinian town of Puerto Madryn, at the northern edges of Patagonia. The area is protected as a wildlife sanctuary as it provides an important habitat for whales, penguins, seals and sea lions as well as a lot of land animals such as Patagonian foxes, guanacos and hairy armadillos. Exploring the peninsula there are various spots where the various different animals can be seen. You can also take a boat trip that will get you even closer to some of these magnificent aquatic mammals, often the dolphins and whales you will see will only be a few feet away.

Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)

It is a 370 km drive to Camarones with a visit to one of Patagonia's Welsh villages en route. We will stay at a campsite with facilities.

Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

The next couple of days we overland 1500 km through spectacular scenery as we follow the Atlantic coast, bushcamping until we reach El Chalten. There is plenty to see and do as we go, such as a visit to Cabo dos Bahias Magellan penguin colony.

Bahía Camarones and Cabo Dos Bahías are both important nesting sites for large colonies of Magellanic penguins; Camarones alone is home to around 25,000. Between September and April, the penguins come to these sites to incubate their eggs and prepare their offspring for migration. Each couple stand in front of their nests, protecting the eggs from birds and other predators, and occasionally one adult goes to the sea for food.

Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt)

Reaching El Chalten we spend the night at a campsite with facilities.

The clouds that form around the summit of the surrounding mountains were mistaken for smoke, which gave the name "Chalten" which means volcano. The picturesque landscape is a perfect place for hiking, as there is so much to explore and the rewards of constant beautiful sights gives a perfect reason to hike.

The next two days are free to explore the Fitzroy Range in Los Glaciares National Park from El Chalten. A range of activities are available, from hiking and glacier trekking to horse riding.

Los Glaciares National Park is probably home to some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Argentina, if not South America. This is classic picture-book Patagonia, wherever you turn you're surrounded by wide open skies, magnificent mountains, incredible glaciers, glistening lakes and thick verdant forest. By far the best way to explore is to get out on foot. There are plenty of well established trails through the park and maps can be picked up locally, so you can plan a short walk that will just take you a couple of hours, or the more adventurous might choose to hike out for a whole day or even overnight. Los Glaciares covers a massive area and there are two main gateways to the park; to the south, El Calafate provides access to Lago Argentino and the Perito Moreno Glacier and surrounding area, then in the North, the small town of El Chalten can be used as a base to explore the Fitzroy Mountains and Lake Viedma and its glacier.

Camping (with facilities) (2 nts), Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt)

Today we drive 230 km through incredible scenery to El Calafate. We stay in dorm accommodation in a comfortable hostel.

El Calafate is a small town on the southern shore of Lago Argentino in Patagonia. Originally a sheep station and trading outpost, today the town has developed a bustling small town atmosphere thanks to a growing tourist trade. Most people base themselves here whilst visiting the nearby Perito Moreno Glacier, located a short distance away at the southern reaches of the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Interestingly the town takes its name from the Calafate berry, and locals claim that if you eat one of these and make a wish, you are guaranteed to return to Patagonia.

The following day we have a guided visit to view the stunning Moreno Glacier.

If Patagonia is synonymous with jaw-droppingly beautiful mountain scenery, then the Perito Moreno Glacier certainly doesn't disappoint. This incredible glacier is the highlight of the southern region of Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park, a spectacular wall of ice over 60 m tall above the water and 5 km wide. One of only three Patagonian glaciers that are not retreating, you can stand on one of the many catwalks and marvel at the glacier, listening to it creak and watching as enormous chunks crash into the water. It's also possible to take a short boat trip out onto the lake in order to get up even closer to the face of the glacier itself.

Hostel (2 nts)

We drive 400 km into Chile, to Torres del Paine National Park, via Puerto Natales. We stay here at a campsite with facilities.

Parque Nacional Torres del Paine is home to what is undoubtedly some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Patagonia, if not all of South America. Rising up high above the Patagonian steppe are the 3 impressive granite towers that give the park its name, surrounded by towering mountain peaks, the most famous of which are Los Cuernos and Paine Grande. The park is a magical natural wonderland full of deep lakes, sparkling glaciers and cascading waterfalls, and it's also an important habitat for a wide variety of wildlife including the Patagonian rhea and guanaco, as well as flamingoes, condors and other birds.

The best way to explore is definitely to get out there on foot or perhaps on horse-back. The park is criss-crossed by a good network of trails, making it possible for you to see all the main sights either by doing a series of day hikes, or by doing a circular hike like the W-walk, taking a few days and stopping off at the parks refugios or camping along the way. Horse-riding and kayaking can also be arranged locally, and boats and catamarans offer trips across Lago Grey and Lago Pehoe in season.

Four days to to explore Torres del Paine National Park. Lots of opportunity for short day walks, or take on the challenging 'W' walk. This is a beautiful part of Patagonia and a highlight for many travellers. We camp at the lake unless you decide to undertake the ‘W’ Walk. If you do decide to do the 'W' walk then tonight will be the first night you will need to book a refugio.

THE W WALK:
The W involves 4 full days' trekking and at least 3 overnight stays away from the truck, either staying in the park's refugios (hostels) or camping along the way. When you are considering whether or not this trek is for you, it is important to bear in mind that you will have to carry all of your own equipment for the duration of the trek, e.g. clothes for 4 days, toiletries, snacks, water, etc, plus a tent, food, etc if camping. NB: You can hire lightweight camping equipment locally but it is subject to availability. Please note: Kitty pays for camping accommodation at the central campsite for the duration of our stay in Torres del Paine National Park. If you choose to do the W-walk or a similar overnight trek, you should budget for any refugio (hostel) accommodation or transfers you may require.You should also note that it is possible to visit nearly all of the areas of the park that the W passes through as day hikes from the main campsite where the truck will be based.The W walk: suggested day plan
The day plan set out below is a suggested itinerary for walking the W based on feedback from previous passengers and crew. You can spend your first night in the park with your group and the truck, starting the trek early the next morning.Day 1: Start point: Port Pudeto (nr Camping Pehoe)
Night stop: Paine Grande Lodge
Get dropped off at Puerto Pudeto on Lago Pehoe and catch the Pehoe Catamaran across the lake. The first catamaran of the day usually leaves at 9am but your leader can check the times for you on arrival in the park. The catamaran will drop you off near hostel Paine Grande Lodge, where you can drop off your bag/s if you wish, as this is where you will return to stay the night. Heading off up the winding path towards Mirador Grey to see the Grey Glacier and Lago Grey. Stop to take in the view before retracing your steps and returning to Paine Grande Lodge.
Approximate walking time: 7-10 hrs depending on speed/fitnessDay 2: Start point: Paine Grande Lodge
Night stop: Refugio los Cuernos
You'll want to get up early to make the most of today's long trek. The day begins with a fairly easy-going 2 hrs walk from Paine Grande Lodge past Lago Skottsberg and across a rope bridge, after which you arrive at the base of Valle Frances. From here you head up the valley with its blue hanging glaciers, surrounded by towering peaks until you reach the uppermost viewpoint where you can take in the breathtaking views of the Cuernos and Torres. You then return to the foot of the valley, from where it's a further 2 hrs walk east to your stop for the night, Refugio los Cuernos.
Approximate walking time: 8-11 hrs depending on speed/fitnessDay 3: Start point: Refugio los Cuernos
Night stop: Refugio Chileno
With shorter distances to cover today you can afford a more leisurely start, taking time to enjoy the view from the Refugio over breakfast. You then follow the 'Paso de Los Cuernos' east, which takes you Lago Nordenskjold as well as a number of smaller lakes and lots of birdlife. There are a few small river crossings to navigate which involve a bit of rock hopping as there are no bridges in place. You then head north, beginning the ascent up the Rio Ascensio gorge towards the Torres del Paine lookout, stopping at Refugio Chileno for the night.
Approximate walking time: 5-6 hrs depending on speed/fitnessDay 4: Starting point: Refugio Chileno
Night stop: Re-join group & truck
It';s definitely worth making another early start this morning, continuing your ascent towards the Mirador Las Torres viewpoint, initially passing through a relatively flat forested section of the trail. The final ascent involves some scrambling across scree and boulders before you arrive at the final lookout, where you'll be able to take in an awesome close-up view of the park's namesakes, the granite towers of the Torres del Paine. You then return via the same route, passing Refugio Chileno and heading further down the valley to Hosteria Las Torres from where you can catch a minibus transfer across the Guarderia Amarga, where you will be able to arrange with your leader to meet up with the rest of your group and the truck.
Approximate walking time: 8-11 hrs depending on speed/fitnessBooking accommodation for the W WalkAs mentioned above, you may choose to camp rather than stay in hostels overnight. Camping does not need to be pre-booked, but you will need to hire lightweight camping equipment to carry with you, for e.g. tent, stove, etc. Your leader will stop off in a local town, Puerto Natales, before you enter the park where you will be able to hire any equipment you need, but you should note that availability CANNOT be guaranteed, particularly in high season.If you are keen to do the W-walk we STRONGLY advise you to make reservations for your refugio accommodation as far as possible in advance to avoid disappointment!All of the refugios can be booked online, so they are easy to book yourself. You can access more detailed information and make your reservations by visiting the websites below:
Fantastico Sur (for Refugio Chileno and Refugio Los Cuernos) http://www.fantasticosur.com/en/mountain-lodges/Vertice Patagonia (for Paine Grande Lodge)
http://www.verticepatagonia.cl/index.htm

Camping (with facilities) (5 nts)

Today we have a 500 km drive, including ferry crossing of the infamous Magellan Straits, and into Argentina where we bush camp.

Separating Tierra del Fuego from mainland Argentina are the infamous Magellan Straits. This treacherous stretch of water is about 500 km long and takes its name from the explorer Magellan who first navigated these waters in 1520. It was the only ship out of a total of 17 attempting the passage that successfully managed to reach the Pacific. Before the Panama Canal was built, the Straits provided a useful route between Chile, Peru and Europe, and though they are less important as a major shipping route today, they still see a fair amount of traffic.

Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt)

A 230 km drive takes us to a two night stay in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost town in the world. We stay at a campsite with facilities.

Ushuaia, affectionately known as 'fin del mundo' (end of the world) due to being the southern most city of the world, has a lot to offer. A relatively small city of 42,000 people, it is easy to find your way around. Av. San Martin and the surrounding streets is where you will find most hotels and tourist services. Here you can stroll along and visit the shops, museums and restaurants. From Av. San Martin the streets start to run uphill. From the top of these streets you will have a good view of the Beagle Channel.

The following day we enjoy a half day excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Tierra del Fuego ('Land of Fire') is a large island separated from mainland South America by the Magellan Straits. Most of the island belongs to Chile, but 30% of the archipelago is in Argentina, including Argentina's southernmost town, Ushuaia. This is Patagonia at its most remote,with a landscape of windswept plains, forests and swamplands, home to rheas, condors, buzzard eagles, seals and sea lions, all of which thrive in these conditions. Originally the home of theYamana and Ona Indians, sadly there are not any indigenous communities left here. The people who inhabit Tierra del Fuego today are the descendants of the colonial settlers who came here from Europe in nineteenth and twentieth centuries, mostly from Britain, Spain and Yugoslavia.

Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)

We catch the ferry back across the Magellan Straits, then spend a few days overlanding across the Patagonian steppe, bushcamping as we go.

Bush camp (no facilities) (3 nts)

A morning drive takes us to Rio Pinturas. In the afternoon we visit the Unesco site Cueva de las Manos.

The world heritage site of Cueva de las Manos lies in an isolated spot in the valley of Rio Pinturas. The cave takes its name from the hundreds of paintings of hands made by it's indigenous inhabitants some 9000 years ago - possibly the forefathers of the Tehuelche people. As well as the hand impressions, there are also depictions of of human beings, guanaco, rhea and other animals, as well as representations of the sun, moon and hunting scenes.

Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

Today we travel a full day (650 km) through the Argentinean lake district to Esquel, where we stay at a campsite with facilities.

Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

Drive 320 km to the mountain resort town of Bariloche, where we stay in dorm rooms in a comfortable hostel.

A year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all types, Bariloche sits on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Outdoor activities range from skiing on the peaks of Cerro Catedral (in season), to hiking or biking around its base. One of Bariloche's renowned pastimes is dining: find a comfortable café and try the fresh salmon or lake trout, or even a hearty beef parrillada. The town is famous for its handmade chocolates and there are some really spectacular displays in the local chocolate shops.

The next two days are free in Bariloche to get involved in a range of optional activities from mountain biking to horse riding.

Hostel (3 nts)

We have a 410 km drive across the border and into Chile's Lake District. Tonight we stay in Pucon at a campsite with facilities.

In the heart of the Lake District and set on the foot of the active Volcan Villarrica, Pucon is every outdoors fanatic's dreamland. Mountain biking, whitewater rafting, hiking, climbing, horse riding - you name it, you can do it in Pucon. There's even a casino, inside the luxurious Hotel del Lago, and a busy nightlife.

The next two days are free to explore Pucon and the surrounding area. There are a range of optional activities available, from hiking to hot springs.

Camping (with facilities) (3 nts)

After a 320 km drive we reach the wine growing region of Salto de Laja, where we stay at a campsite with facilities.

Salto de Laja is a small resort town named after the four impressive arch-like waterfalls formed here by the cascading Laja river. It is easy to see the waterfalls by crossing a bridge from the main road through town, or if you have time you may be able to experience the spray from below on a river-boat trip during Chilean holiday season. Salto de Laja town is a small place, popular with Chilean tourists during the summer months, so there are lots of campsites, hotels and cabanas here. It's a pleasant place to break the journey between Santiago and Pucon, gateway to the Chilean lake district and Patagonia.

Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

Full day 520 km drive to the capital, Santiago, arriving late in the afternoon. En route we will visit a vineyard for optional wine tasting. We stay the night in a good centrally located hotel allowing for optional activities the following day.

Although Santiago covers a large area, the city centre is quite compact and easy to get around. The city's centre is roughly triangular in shape with the Plaza de Armas, the main plaza and home to the Cathedral, sitting in the centre. Panning out from here are wall-to-wall shops, restaurants and parks. For a more serene look at Chilean life, head out to Barrio Bella Vista, Santiago's 'Paris Quarter'.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Hotel (1 nt)