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

DAY 1 - 3: RIO TO PARATI
Rio de Janeiro, famous for it's 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 it's 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.

From 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.

DAY 4 - 12: PARATI TO PARAGUAY
We enjoy a couple of wild camps over the next few days as we make 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.

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. Now UNESCO World Heritage sites, the missions here were founded in the 17th century with the aim of converting the local Guarani tribe to Catholicism. An optional excursion will take you out to one of the missions where you can explore the ruins and learn about the history and the relationship between the Jesuits and the local Guarani people.


DAY 13 - 23: URUGUAY TO BUENOS AIRES
After crossing the border into Argentina, we head to Esteros del Ibera. This extensive wetland area is home to a vast array of fauna and flora and comprises swamps, marshes and lagoons stretching southwest from the city of Ituzaingó to the town of Chavarría. Beside Iberá lagoon is Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, a popular village base for the area. It is an exceptional place to come for wildlife in Argentina and whilst here we hope to spot some of the huge range of bird species, pampa and marsh deer, caiman and capybara, anacondas and anteaters and if we are really lucky, giant river otter.

Journeying south and 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 a 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 next destination as we leave Uruguay and travel to Buenos Aires.

DAY 24 - 26: BUENOS AIRES
Renowned for it's 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.

DAY 27 - 33: BUENOS AIRES TO USHUAIA
After our time in Buenos Aires we 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 Valdez Peninsula 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.

DAY 34 - 45: USHUAIA TO PATAGONIA
Continuing our journey in Patagonia, we have options to explore the area by hiking or horseback. There is also an option to complete the famous W-Trek. Please note that spaces on this trek are subject to availability and this must be booked in advance. This can be added to your booking, at additional cost. 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. We visit Torres del Paine NP, another area of outstanding beauty where huge granite cliffs dominate the landscape. From here we travel to Los Glaciares NP, home to the largest glacier in the world. Here we have the option to take a boat ride up close to Perito Moreno Glacier, almost 200 ft high. Heading northwards, on a good dirt road we continue our journey in the vast wilderness of Patagonia. The perpetual wind makes it difficult for trees and plants to grow, so for a while we are faced with endless grassland.

Note - for trips travelling during the winter, many of the optional hikes and activities in the mountains will not be available due to the snow and weather conditions.

DAY 46 - 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 as we wind through Chile's Lake District until we reach the country's capital Santiago. The trip ends with 2 nights in Santiago so you have a full day in the city before finishing.