Santiago To Rio (51 Days) Coast To Coast Via Patagonia
Santiago To Rio (51 Days) Coast To Coast Via Patagonia
58 Days Starting in Santiago, Chile and ending in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Visiting: Argentina, Brazil, Chile
Tour operator:
Tour code:
500
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
12-85
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 51-day adventure from Santiago to Rio, traversing the breathtaking landscapes of Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. This epic journey takes you through the stunning Swiss-alpine town of Bariloche, the vast wilderness of Patagonia with its majestic mountains and glaciers, and the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier. Explore the rugged beauty of Torres del Paine National Park and witness penguins in their natural habitat at Tierra del Fuego. Visit the world's southernmost town, Ushuaia, and experience the vibrant culture of Buenos Aires. Discover the rich biodiversity of the Pantanal wetlands and relax in the picturesque coastal village of Parati before concluding your adventure in the lively city of Rio de Janeiro. This tour offers a mix of camping and simple hostel accommodations, with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and cultural exploration.
Highlights
Itinerary
If you are travelling on the trip that travels through Patagonia from July to September, please be aware it will get very cold at times with temperatures well below zero, and you can expect snowfall. Please be prepared for cold conditions, with thermal clothing and the correct sleeping bag.
On our July to September trips in Patagonia, this section of the trip is subject to change en route. Please see our 'Winter in Patagonia' notes below for further details.
Leaving Santiago, we pass small villages and deep blue lakes with mountains towering above us as we wind through Chile's Lake District. Pucon, an outdoors centre in its own right, will be 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. Ascending the Andes via some spectacular mountain passes we arrive 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.
DAY 7-22: BARILOCHE TO USHUAIA
Heading further down through Argentina into the deep south on a good dirt road we enter 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. However our long drive will soon be rewarded with the stupendous views that Los Glaciares National Park provides - it also has the largest glacier in the world and here we have the option to take a boat ride up close to Perito Moreno Glacier, almost 200 ft high. Torres del Paine NP is 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 the option to complete the famous W-Trek (bookable as an Add on). Please note that spaces on this 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.
We continue south towards the wild and hauntingly beautiful land at worlds end, the island of Tierra del Fuego. We cross by ferry to the most southerly town in the world Ushuaia, from where you can view the green waters of the Beagle Channel and the snow clad peaks beyond.
Winter in Patagonia - Please note that the trips which travel through this part of Patagonia between July and September will coincide with winter in Patagonia. This will give us the opportunity to see the Andes at their most impressive, driving past towering snow-capped peaks and experiencing this rugged wilderness at a time of year that not many other travellers get to see! We will hopefully have the chance to ski or snowboard in Bariloche and Ushuaia, ice-climb across glaciers in El Chalten, and hike in national parks at the most dramatic time of year. However, weather conditions can be unpredictable, and there is a chance that certain roads will not be passable, so we cannot guarantee following our planned itinerary to Tierra del Fuego; changes may have to be made with little or no notice. But if this is required we will make a new plan and find a different route that will be sure to offer its own attractions and experiences, so come prepared for an adventure!
DAY 23-31: USHUAIA TO BUENOS AIRES
We now cross to the Atlantic coast of Patagonia and visit one of the marine sanctuaries. Penguins, Sea Lions, Elephant Seals, Sea Birds and sometimes Whales can be seen. Following the excellent paved roads north along the coast we pass through some quite affluent towns. One, Puerto Madryn, was the landing place over a century ago for the first group of Welsh settlers that subsequently colonised and now farm the surrounding area. We traverse the vast Pampas grasslands, South America's cowboy country, where gun-toting gauchos on horseback look after vast herds of cattle.
Travel to Argentina is not complete without a visit to the country's capital, and so we follow the coast to Buenos Aires.
DAY 32-33: 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.
From here you will also have the opportunity to travel across the Rio Plata by ferry to Montevideo & Colonia de Sacramento to visit Uruguay.
Note: From Dec 2025 the route will be extended slightly to 58 days and will include time travelling through both Uruguay and Paraguay on the set itinerary.
DAY 34-39: BUENOS AIRES TO IGUAZU FALLS
We depart Buenos Aires and start making our way north towards Brazil. Continuing through Argentina, we visit the region between Argentina and Paraguay that is home to many Jesuit Missions built in the 16th century to convert the Guarany Indians. We visit the ruins of San Ignacio before crossing the border into Brazil, where we also cross from Spanish to Portuguese, and it is time to get our tongues around a new linguistic challenge! The Iguazu Falls 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 before we continue on with travel to Brazil. 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 rafting, helicopter flights and mountain bike riding.
Note: Starting from our December 2025 departure, the route for this section will be extended to include time visiting Uruguay and Paraguay. From Buenos Aires we will cross into Uruguay and travel through Colonia, Montevideo, Punta del Este and Salto before returning to Argentina briefly to visit the Esteros del Ibera wetland area. We will then cross into Paraguay and visit Trinidad and Asuncion before arriving at the Iguacu Falls.
DAY 40-45: IGUAZU FALLS TO PANTANAL
Next stop is Bonito where we can swim and snorkel in some of the clearest rivers and lakes in the world. Spectacular walks in the mountainous forests may reveal wildlife that includes monkeys, alligators and anaconda. We begin our travel to Brazil in earnest as we journey on to the Pantanal region where we organise treks and horserides out into the vast wetlands which is home to over 600 species of birds and 350 kinds of fish, piranha being common, as well as an abundance of reptiles and animals. Try your hand at Piranha fishing too!
DAY 46-50: PANTANAL TO PARATI
We now 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 51: PARATI TO RIO
Our final drive takes us to the hedonistic playground of Rio de Janeiro, where the folk are raring to party out of their minds and live purely for the moment. Your adventure finishes on arrival into Rio. The Carnival and New Years Eve celebrations are always chaotic, crowded and fun and a must during any stint of travel to Brazil!
Note: From Dec 2025 the route will be extended slightly to 58 days and will include time travelling through both Uruguay and Paraguay on the set itinerary.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided for approximately 60% camping and 40% simple hostels/hotels.
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Torres del Paine National Park
Park entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park is included.
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Pantanal
Accommodation, meals, and activities in the Pantanal are included.
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Iguazu Falls
Entrance to the Argentina side of Iguazu Falls is included.
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Meals
Approximately 50% of meals are included.
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Transport
All transport on the Oasis Expedition Truck is included.
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Camping and Cooking Equipment
Camping and cooking equipment are provided.
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Services of Oasis Crew
Services of the Oasis Crew are included.
What's Not Included
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Visas
Visas are not included.
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Local Payment
A local payment of USD 1500 (Jan 2025) or USD 1950 (Dec 2025) is payable at the start of the trip.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information are not included.
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W-Trek Add-on
The W-Trek add-on is not included.
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Flights
Flights are not included.
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Airport Taxes and Transfers
Airport taxes and transfers are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Meals
Approximately 50% of meals are not included.
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Drinks
Drinks are not included.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
More Info
Tick some action-packed adventures off your bucket list with this once in a lifetime South American overland tour from Santiago to Rio. Begin your journey with a taste of the wonders of Patagonia. Hike to the very top of a volcano in Pucon, tackle vertical ice and trek glaciers in El Chalten and brave the rapids at Futaleufu. Take in more of the stunning sights with a closeup encounter of the Perito Moreno Glacier near El Calafate, challenge yourself to the famous 'W' Trek at Torres del Paine and explore the world's most southern city, Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego. Continue your trip with a spot of nature watching at Valdes Peninsula, a taste of Argentina's famous steak and red wine at Buenos Aires and revel in the sights and sound of the Iguazu Falls. End your South America tour in Rio for either Carnival or New Year's Eve celebrations!
Mode of Transport
The Oasis truck will be your new home giving you a comfortable, secure base with which to experience your trip. As part of the adventure you will be expected to have an active involvement in the day to day running of the trip, be part of the group and get stuck in and help with various tasks, whether it's cooking meals over open fires, pitching your tent or keeping the truck clean & tidy. All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seat belts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving.
Accommodation
Camping - Oasis provides tents for those nights you will be camping. Tents are shared (between two people of the same sex from your group unless you are a couple). We spend some nights bush or desert camping, and on some occasions it is necessary to camp at overnight services, which are basic but equipped with showers and other facilities; the rest of the time in campsites. Facilities and standards at campsites vary, some are well equipped and managed and some are very basic. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities! At certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed. Simple Hotels/Hostels - At some locations we will stay at small locally owned hostels/hotels. These are usually basic places, and often the accommodation will be mixed sex dormitory style. Upgrades may be available on arrival, but cannot be reliably pre- booked. Please be aware that the quality of accommodation can vary quite a lot from area to area and sometimes in a small hotel the standard of rooms can vary even from one room to the next - so there needs to be a level of understanding within the group that your Oasis Crew does not often have power over room allocation or services provided by various hotels and it is unavoidable that they have to rely on the local staff. Please note if you choose to participate on an overnight optional activity, then you will not receive reimbursement for any accommodation or meals that you are missing out on with the rest of the group.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of involvement is expected from participants during the trip?
Participants are expected to have an active involvement in the day-to-day running of the trip. This includes tasks such as cooking meals over open fires, pitching tents, and keeping the truck clean and tidy.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is approximately 60% camping and 40% simple hostels or hotels. Tents are shared between two people of the same sex unless you are a couple. Some nights will be spent bush or desert camping, and on some occasions, it is necessary to camp at overnight services. Simple hotels or hostels are usually basic and often mixed-sex dormitory style.
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Are there opportunities to upgrade accommodation during the tour?
Yes, at certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense. Upgrades may also be available at some hostels or hotels upon arrival, but they cannot be reliably pre-booked.
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What should I be prepared for if traveling through Patagonia from July to September?
If traveling through Patagonia from July to September, be prepared for very cold conditions with temperatures well below zero and possible snowfall. It is important to have thermal clothing and the correct sleeping bag. The itinerary may also be subject to change due to unpredictable weather conditions.
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What activities are available in the Pantanal region?
In the Pantanal region, you can participate in treks and horse rides out into the vast wetlands, which are home to over 600 species of birds, 350 kinds of fish, and an abundance of reptiles and animals. Piranha fishing is also an option.
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What is the final destination of the tour?
The final destination of the tour is Rio de Janeiro, where the adventure finishes upon arrival.
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What is the local payment required at the start of the trip?
A local payment of USD 1500 (Jan 2025) or USD 1950 (Dec 2025) is payable at the start of the trip.
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What kind of wildlife can be seen in Tierra del Fuego?
In Tierra del Fuego, you can see Magellanic, Gentoo, and the odd King penguin in their natural habitat.
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What are some of the optional activities available at Iguazu Falls?
At Iguazu Falls, optional activities include rafting, helicopter flights, and mountain bike riding.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Thursday - Friday
Dec 18, 2025 - Feb 13, 2026Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 65% of booking price.
At 39 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.