Destinations
This has proven to be Latin Drive’s most popular route and for good reason; it contains wonderful variety. After a taste of Buenos Aires, it takes you off the beaten track to the east coast for some wonderful marine wildlife, you then cross over to the foothills of the Andes and make your way south along the famous Ruta 40, stopping at a variety of guest houses and estancias along the way. The journey ends at El Calafate with a magical trip to the Perito Moreno glaciar. However, we can also highly recommend extending your trip to Patagonia if you have the time. One idea is to add on 4 nights in the Torres del Paine National Park, Chile and then fly up to Santiago for a night and then back home. Or consider a self drive extension to Tierra del Fuego of 5 nights, dropping off your vehicle in Ushuaia and returning to Buenos Aires.
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires you will be met and privately transferred to your hotel in Recoleta for the next 2 nights. If your flight arrives in the early morning then we include a guided walking tour for two hours to introduce you to the part of this exciting city where you will be staying. You will also be briefed on your self drive journey.
Early morning flight to Comodoro Rivadavia where you will pick up your vehicle and drive north to Bahia Bustamante - here it feels like you have arrived somewhere near the ends of the earth and it feels great! Bahía Bustamente and the Peninsula Gravina protect an isolated and near-immaculate ecosystem. Here, petrified forests are found alongside an arid desert-like coastline with windswept beaches, while offshore islands reveal thriving populations of Magellanic penguins.
Due to the small human population, the wildlife here is practically fearless, sometimes coming quite close to you: something that often earns the region comparisons with the Galapagos Islands. On the Peninsula Valdes, guanacos, rheas and armadillos roam the land, while orcas and southern right whales come to breed offshore at certain times of year. At Punta Tombo, you’ll find a noisy colony of Magellanic penguins, indigenous to the area.
You could easily add on a further night here if you have the time available.
A full day's drive westwards today to reach Los Antiguos on the shores of Lago General Carrera.
Weather depending you can take the stunning and scenic drive to Lago Posadas. If the weather is inclement then you can take the long way round. Either way you should make time to visit the Cave of Hands (Cuevas de los Manos).
Continue southwards to stay at the only accommodation inside the Perito Moreno National Park. Confusingly this is not where you will find the Perito Moreno glacier which is located in the Los Glaciares National Park just outside of El Calafate. Here you have a full day to enjoy some hiking in this National Park. Or you may like to hire the services of your host who knows the park inside out and back to front and can show you some of his favourite areas.
A fairly long day's drive south to your next destination. For the next 2 nights you will be staying at the stunningly located Estancia La Maipu. The estancia itself is homely and comfortable. You will feel well looked after, but don't expect spa treatments and room service. Here you can eat well, fish, ride, hike. You'll definitely want to stay for longer!
For the next 2 nights you will be based at this great estancia. It is the perfect base from where you can visit the mighty Perito Moreno glacier. If riding amongst superb mountain and lake scenery is your thing (even if you are a beginner) then this is the best place for you to stay. The horses are biddable and sweet and are the best way to explore in our opinion.
Having dropped off your vehicle you will fly back to Buenos Aires, staying in a different part of the city this time. We can help you find a great restaurant for your last night.
Day 14
Today you will be transferred to the airport in good time for your international flight home.
Having a good, quality vehicle is key to every self-drive journey. We work carefully with our local team to source you the best vehicle available for your self-drive journey.
All our itineraries are tailor made, but here are some of our favourite routes and camp combinations.
Simply, because we care. Whether you have travelled in Africa with Safari Drive or whether this is your first journey with us, we will be working hard behind the scenes to support your trip and ensure sure you have a fantastic self drive adventure.
Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements. We will create the perfect trip, at your own pace, to your budget.
All our team in Latin America live in-country and have travelled extensively. Their knowledge and input is key to a successful self-drive safari.
We don’t mark up for our services, we only take commissions from the suppliers we use. Tailor-made does not have to mean expensive.
All our holidays are 100% financially protected.
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