RIO to SANTIAGO (59 days) Coast to Coast via Patag

DAY 1-5: RIO TO PARATI AND THE PANTANAL
Rio de Janeiro, famous for its Carnival and ability to party at any time, is our starting point. Christ the Redeemer, landmark on the top of Corcovado Mountain has been named one of the 'Seven New Wonders of the World.' Nicknamed 'Cidade Maravilhosa', or the 'marvellous city' it lives up to its name on many levels. With over 50 kms of white and golden sand beaches and South America's largest urban forest and legalised 'street art' there is a lot to see.

Carnival celebrations are always chaotic, crowded and fun and a must during any stint of travel to Brazil! Our trips from Rio start after Carnival and we have accommodation packages available along with Sambadrome tickets if you would like to arrive early to take part in this epic event along with other people in your group.

Leaving Rio we head to the coastal village of Parati. This unspoilt and picturesque town has remained fundamentally unaltered for three centuries. Cars have been banned from its cobbled streets that run down to the seashore, instead mountain bikes are used and are a good way to get around. Another great way to explore the secluded islands of this pristine coastline is taking a sailing trip in one of the traditional schooners.

We then begin our travel through Brazil in earnest as we head inland and journey on to the Pantanal.

DAY 6-14: THE PANTANAL, BONITO & IGUAZU FALLS
We have a couple of days in the Pantanal region, an immense wetland area, in fact the largest inland wetland in the world. Here we can organise guided treks and horse rides out into the grasslands and waterways which are home to over 600 species of birds and 350 kinds of fish, piranha being common, as well as an abundance of reptiles and animals.  Keep your eyes open for howler monkeys, giant otters, caiman, capybara and beautiful macaws. Try your hand at Piranha fishing too!

Next stop is Bonito, an ecotourism base for exploring the stunning surrounding forests, waterfalls, lakes and caves. The area is most well known for its exceptionally clear rivers and lakes and we have the opportunity to swim and snorkel amongst the fish life in these pristine waters. Look out for monkeys, alligators and anaconda on walks in the mountainous forests or explore sunlit sinkholes and caves dripping with stalagmites and stalactites.

We enjoy a wild camp on our way to the incredible Iguazu Falls which form the natural border between Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. Higher than Niagara and wider than Victoria Falls, they are an awe-inspiring place to spend the next three days. The lush tropical forest surrounding the falls has many walking trails leading to smaller hidden falls, ideal to refresh from the steaming heat and abounding with parrots, toucans, woodpeckers and colourful plants. Here you can also undertake a number of optional activities such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flights and mountain bike riding.

DAY 15-18: PARAGUAY
From here we travel west, crossing the border into Paraguay and journeying to the country's capital, Asuncion. Fewer tourists come here than Rio or Buenos Aires and the city is great to explore with plenty of bars, cafes, plazas, museums, art galleries and interesting architecture on offer.

Our next stop is Trinidad, home to two of the most well preserved Jesuit Missions in South America. Now UNESCO World Heritage sites, the missions here were founded in the 17th century with the aim of converting the local Guarani people to Catholicism. An optional excursion will take you out to one of the missions where you can explore the ruins and learn about their history and the relationship between the Jesuits and the Guaranis.

DAY 19-26: THROUGH URUGUAY TO BUENOS AIRES
After crossing the border into  Uruguay, we visit the city of Salto and the nearby Termas del Dayman hot springs before returning to the coast at Punta del Este. Located on the tip of a peninsular, this modern city has some beautiful beaches, the famous ‘La Mano’ (the hand) sculpture and an interesting port to wander around with its fish market and cafes.

Montevideo is Uruguay’s capital and we have a couple of nights here to explore the colonial and art deco buildings of the old town, visit a theatre or an art museum or try some traditional Uruguayan dishes at the Mercado del Puerto.

Next stop is  Colonia del Sacramento, a small picturesque town on the banks of the Rio de la Plata founded in the 17th century. The historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a wealth of beautiful old buildings and cobblestone, tree-lined streets and plazas to explore with colonial houses, the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento, the restored city gate and drawbridge and the more recent 19th century lighthouse with views over the old town.

Across the immense Rio de la Plata is  Argentina, our destination as we leave Uruguay and travel to Argentina’s famous capital, Buenos Aires.

DAY 27: BUENOS AIRES
Renowned for its steaks, fine wines, tango dancing, ice cream and great nightlife!  A few days in this smart cosmopolitan city and you could be forgiven for thinking you were back in Europe, albeit with a distinct South American feel.

DAY 28-36: BUENOS AIRES TO USHUAIA
Leaving the buzzing city of Buenos Aires, we head south to traverse the vast Pampas grasslands, South America's cowboy country, where gun-toting gauchos on horseback look after vast herds of cattle. Following the Atlantic coast of Patagonia, we stop in Puerto Madryn which was the landing place over a century ago for the first group of Welsh settlers that subsequently colonised and now farm the surrounding area. You have the option to visit one of the marine sanctuaries in this region where we might see Penguins, Sea Lions, Sea Elephants, Sea Birds and maybe even Whales.

We continue south towards the wild and hauntingly beautiful land at worlds end, the island of Tierra del Fuego. We cross by ferry and visit the most southerly town in the world Ushuaia, from where we can view the green waters of the Beagle Channel and the surrounding snow clad peaks.

We have a few days here, and boat trips on the Beagle Channel and to Penguin Island are available as well as hiking trips to the Emerald Lagoon or the Vinciguerra Glacier. For those not feeling so active, a fun and scenic vintage steam train ride is available on the Fuegian Railway into the Tierra del Fuego National Park.

DAY 37-42: PUERTO NATALES & TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
Continuing our journey in Patagonia, we cross back into Chile and after passing Parque Pinguino Rey, we arrive at the coast at Puerto Natales. We base ourselves here for several days particularly for visits to Torres del Paine National Park, another area of outstanding beauty where huge granite cliffs dominate the landscape. A good way to explore the area is either hiking or by horseback. Here there is also the option to complete the famous W-Trek (bookable as an Add on), and we allow 4 full days for people to complete this trek. Please note that spaces on the trek are subject to availability. For those who do not want to complete the W-Trek there are options of shorter day hikes in the park which do not need to be booked ahead and you are free to do as you choose once there. You could also take a boat trip to Magdalena Island, which hosts one of the largest colonies of Magellanic Penguins, exceeding 150,000. During the trip you may also spot Austral Dolphins and the distinct, black and white dolphins, Toninas.

DAY 43-51: EL CALAFATE & EL CHALTEN TO HANGING GLACIER
From here we travel to Los Glaciares National Park, home to the largest glacier in the world. We have the option to take a boat ride up close to Perito Moreno Glacier, almost 200 ft high. Options are also available to take guided walks with crampons on top of the glacier, hikes in the surrounding mountains, and horse rides in nearby Estancias.

Heading north, we drive along the shore of Lago Viedma to El Chalten, where we have a few days to explore and enjoy the amazing scenery. El Chalten is rightly known as the trekking capital of Argentina, and there are many optional day hikes in the surrounding mountains, including up to the base camp of Mount Fitz Roy.

We’ll continue driving north to Hanging Glacier National Park. Weather permitting, you’ll be able to hike to see the spectacular sight of the glacier as it terminates at the end of a rocky mountain valley with a high sheer cliff, waterfall and lake beneath. Travelling through the mountains along parts of Chile’s famous Carretera Austral highway, we stop at Futaleufu, which sits at the confluence of the Futaleufu and Espolon river valleys, and has some of the very best river rafting in the world. Those inclined will have the chance to try this out, and enjoy the fast waters, regular rapids, and beautiful turquoise waters and surrounding mountain scenery.

DAY 52-59: PATAGONIA TO SANTIAGO
Arriving in Bariloche, Argentina, this very popular holiday destination for Argentinians is the top ski resort on the continent and also has several hiking trails and a great nightlife. From here we travel to Pucon, Chile, an outdoors centre in its own right, and our base for the next few days from where it is possible to organise whitewater rafting, water sports, horse riding and one day hikes up nearby Villarrica Volcano. Travelling through small villages, alongside deep blue lakes with mountains towering above us, we wind through Chile's Lake District until we reach the country's capital Santiago, with its famous Chilean Steak houses and the Casillero del Diablo winery

DAY 1-5: RIO TO PARATI AND THE PANTANAL
Rio de Janeiro, famous for its Carnival and ability to party at any time, is our starting point. Christ the Redeemer, landmark on the top of Corcovado Mountain has been named one of the 'Seven New Wonders of the World.' Nicknamed 'Cidade Maravilhosa', or the 'marvellous city' it lives up to its name on many levels. With over 50 kms of white and golden sand beaches and South America's largest urban forest and legalised 'street art' there is a lot to see.

Carnival celebrations are always chaotic, crowded and fun and a must during any stint of travel to Brazil! Our trips from Rio start after Carnival and we have accommodation packages available along with Sambadrome tickets if you would like to arrive early to take part in this epic event along with other people in your group.

Leaving Rio we head to the coastal village of Parati. This unspoilt and picturesque town has remained fundamentally unaltered for three centuries. Cars have been banned from its cobbled streets that run down to the seashore, instead mountain bikes are used and are a good way to get around. Another great way to explore the secluded islands of this pristine coastline is taking a sailing trip in one of the traditional schooners.

We then begin our travel through Brazil in earnest as we head inland and journey on to the Pantanal.

DAY 6-14: THE PANTANAL, BONITO & IGUAZU FALLS
We have a couple of days in the Pantanal region, an immense wetland area, in fact the largest inland wetland in the world. Here we can organise guided treks and horse rides out into the grasslands and waterways which are home to over 600 species of birds and 350 kinds of fish, piranha being common, as well as an abundance of reptiles and animals.  Keep your eyes open for howler monkeys, giant otters, caiman, capybara and beautiful macaws. Try your hand at Piranha fishing too!

Next stop is Bonito, an ecotourism base for exploring the stunning surrounding forests, waterfalls, lakes and caves. The area is most well known for its exceptionally clear rivers and lakes and we have the opportunity to swim and snorkel amongst the fish life in these pristine waters. Look out for monkeys, alligators and anaconda on walks in the mountainous forests or explore sunlit sinkholes and caves dripping with stalagmites and stalactites.

We enjoy a wild camp on our way to the incredible Iguazu Falls which form the natural border between Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. Higher than Niagara and wider than Victoria Falls, they are an awe-inspiring place to spend the next three days. The lush tropical forest surrounding the falls has many walking trails leading to smaller hidden falls, ideal to refresh from the steaming heat and abounding with parrots, toucans, woodpeckers and colourful plants. Here you can also undertake a number of optional activities such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flights and mountain bike riding.

DAY 15-18: PARAGUAY
From here we travel west, crossing the border into Paraguay and journeying to the country's capital, Asuncion. Fewer tourists come here than Rio or Buenos Aires and the city is great to explore with plenty of bars, cafes, plazas, museums, art galleries and interesting architecture on offer.

Our next stop is Trinidad, home to two of the most well preserved Jesuit Missions in South America. Now UNESCO World Heritage sites, the missions here were founded in the 17th century with the aim of converting the local Guarani people to Catholicism. An optional excursion will take you out to one of the missions where you can explore the ruins and learn about their history and the relationship between the Jesuits and the Guaranis.

DAY 19-26: THROUGH URUGUAY TO BUENOS AIRES
After crossing the border into  Uruguay, we visit the city of Salto and the nearby Termas del Dayman hot springs before returning to the coast at Punta del Este. Located on the tip of a peninsular, this modern city has some beautiful beaches, the famous ‘La Mano’ (the hand) sculpture and an interesting port to wander around with its fish market and cafes.

Montevideo is Uruguay’s capital and we have a couple of nights here to explore the colonial and art deco buildings of the old town, visit a theatre or an art museum or try some traditional Uruguayan dishes at the Mercado del Puerto.

Next stop is  Colonia del Sacramento, a small picturesque town on the banks of the Rio de la Plata founded in the 17th century. The historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a wealth of beautiful old buildings and cobblestone, tree-lined streets and plazas to explore with colonial houses, the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento, the restored city gate and drawbridge and the more recent 19th century lighthouse with views over the old town.

Across the immense Rio de la Plata is  Argentina, our destination as we leave Uruguay and travel to Argentina’s famous capital, Buenos Aires.

DAY 27: BUENOS AIRES
Renowned for its steaks, fine wines, tango dancing, ice cream and great nightlife!  A few days in this smart cosmopolitan city and you could be forgiven for thinking you were back in Europe, albeit with a distinct South American feel.

DAY 28-36: BUENOS AIRES TO USHUAIA
Leaving the buzzing city of Buenos Aires, we head south to traverse the vast Pampas grasslands, South America's cowboy country, where gun-toting gauchos on horseback look after vast herds of cattle. Following the Atlantic coast of Patagonia, we stop in Puerto Madryn which was the landing place over a century ago for the first group of Welsh settlers that subsequently colonised and now farm the surrounding area. You have the option to visit one of the marine sanctuaries in this region where we might see Penguins, Sea Lions, Sea Elephants, Sea Birds and maybe even Whales.

We continue south towards the wild and hauntingly beautiful land at worlds end, the island of Tierra del Fuego. We cross by ferry and visit the most southerly town in the world Ushuaia, from where we can view the green waters of the Beagle Channel and the surrounding snow clad peaks.

We have a few days here, and boat trips on the Beagle Channel and to Penguin Island are available as well as hiking trips to the Emerald Lagoon or the Vinciguerra Glacier. For those not feeling so active, a fun and scenic vintage steam train ride is available on the Fuegian Railway into the Tierra del Fuego National Park.

DAY 37-42: PUERTO NATALES & TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
Continuing our journey in Patagonia, we cross back into Chile and after passing Parque Pinguino Rey, we arrive at the coast at Puerto Natales. We base ourselves here for several days particularly for visits to Torres del Paine National Park, another area of outstanding beauty where huge granite cliffs dominate the landscape. A good way to explore the area is either hiking or by horseback. Here there is also the option to complete the famous W-Trek (bookable as an Add on), and we allow 4 full days for people to complete this trek. Please note that spaces on the trek are subject to availability. For those who do not want to complete the W-Trek there are options of shorter day hikes in the park which do not need to be booked ahead and you are free to do as you choose once there. You could also take a boat trip to Magdalena Island, which hosts one of the largest colonies of Magellanic Penguins, exceeding 150,000. During the trip you may also spot Austral Dolphins and the distinct, black and white dolphins, Toninas.

DAY 43-51: EL CALAFATE & EL CHALTEN TO HANGING GLACIER
From here we travel to Los Glaciares National Park, home to the largest glacier in the world. We have the option to take a boat ride up close to Perito Moreno Glacier, almost 200 ft high. Options are also available to take guided walks with crampons on top of the glacier, hikes in the surrounding mountains, and horse rides in nearby Estancias.

Heading north, we drive along the shore of Lago Viedma to El Chalten, where we have a few days to explore and enjoy the amazing scenery. El Chalten is rightly known as the trekking capital of Argentina, and there are many optional day hikes in the surrounding mountains, including up to the base camp of Mount Fitz Roy.

We’ll continue driving north to Hanging Glacier National Park. Weather permitting, you’ll be able to hike to see the spectacular sight of the glacier as it terminates at the end of a rocky mountain valley with a high sheer cliff, waterfall and lake beneath. Travelling through the mountains along parts of Chile’s famous Carretera Austral highway, we stop at Futaleufu, which sits at the confluence of the Futaleufu and Espolon river valleys, and has some of the very best river rafting in the world. Those inclined will have the chance to try this out, and enjoy the fast waters, regular rapids, and beautiful turquoise waters and surrounding mountain scenery.

DAY 52-59: PATAGONIA TO SANTIAGO
Arriving in Bariloche, Argentina, this very popular holiday destination for Argentinians is the top ski resort on the continent and also has several hiking trails and a great nightlife. From here we travel to Pucon, Chile, an outdoors centre in its own right, and our base for the next few days from where it is possible to organise whitewater rafting, water sports, horse riding and one day hikes up nearby Villarrica Volcano. Travelling through small villages, alongside deep blue lakes with mountains towering above us, we wind through Chile's Lake District until we reach the country's capital Santiago, with its famous Chilean Steak houses and the Casillero del Diablo winery