Destinations
On this trip we take you from the far north of Chile, to the far south – it doesn’t get more extreme than that! You will be able to explore both extremities, but fly in between of course. This route also crosses into Argentina as you make your way to the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. You will visit the Atacama Desert, the driest place on earth, followed by the stupendous Torres del Paine National Park known for the 3 iconic granite towers from which the park takes its name, its soaring mountains, bright blue icebergs that carve away from glaciers and pampas (grasslands) that shelter wildlife such as llama-like guanacos. Onwards and you will cross the border into Argentina to reach Ushuaia for explorations down the Beagle Channel in a kayak and some unforgettable hikes in the Lenga forests. We guarantee lots of fresh air and space – you won’t want to leave!
Arrive in Santiago and transfer to your hotel to relax after your long journey.
Take a morning flight to Calama, from where you will collect your rental car and drive to San Pedro de Atacama for 3 nights to stay at the Noi Casa Atacama. This is a great-value option, ideal for those looking to explore the Altiplano
A crazy day where you will drop off your car rental in Calama, fly to Santiago, change planes and then continue south to Punta Arenas. Overnight here and marvel that after all that travel you are still in the same country!
Collect your vehicle and then take most of the day to drive to Puerto Natales and into the Torres del Paine National Park to Hotel Las Torres for a 4 night stay (5 hrs direct or all day with stops).
Head back to Punta Arenas to regroup. Located just two blocks away from the central square of the city of Punta Arenas, this charming hotel is very close to museums, historic buildings, palaces, the port and other tourist sites. Hotel Rey Don Felipe gives an excellent four star service, in a modern yet architecturally inspired building.
A 3-4 hr drive today as you take a ferry to cross the Magellan Strait by the Punta Delgada Lighthouse (Porvenir is often too windy and therefore closed), and onto Tierra del Fuego.
A further full day's drive to Estancia Onaisín, located on Inútil Bay. Here you will find the only colony of King Penguins outside of Antarctica, and they can be observed at close range. Continue to the Ruta 3 to Estancia Rolito in Argentina! In the afternoon we recommend taking a side trip to the nearby coast, to Cabo San Pablo, where a wide variety of birds and marine animals can be observed. The rich and unique birdlife of Tierra del Fuego is all around and hopefully you may see the Magellanic Plover, Hudonian Godwit, Red Knot, Chilean Flamingo, King Penguin, Black-browed Albatross, Magellanic Woodpecker, Magellanic Horned Owl, Rufous-chested Dotterel, White-bridled Finch, Southern Giant Petrel and Magellanic Diving-Petrel. Plus there are great chances of seeing interesting mammals such as Guanaco, Culpeo Fox, Leopard Seal, Southern Elephant Seal, Southern River Otter, Peale’s Dolphin and Commerson’s Dolphin.
After breakfast head to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. It will feel incredible to be here! There are endless activities to do here including a boat trip on the Beagle Channel perhaps or kayaking, hiking. You could easily have 3 nights here.
Drive through the secluded and pristine southern beech forests of Tierra del Fuego back to Río Grande, then westwards over the Bellavista Pass to Chile until you reach Lago Blanco. You will have time to explore the Lago Blanco area. Hiking, fly fishing and wildlife viewing is all recommended here in the forests of Karukinka Park.
Continue northwest on Tierra del Fuego to Camerón, and from here along the Strait of Magellan to Porvenir.
Following the Strait of Magellan you reach Cruce Bahía Azul. Take a 20 minute ferry ride to Punta Delgada and continue along the Magellan Strait to Punta Arenas. Although it seems counterintuitive not to cross directly from Porvenir to Punta Arenas - more often than not it is too windy to take the 2 hr ferry across at this point. Hence it is better to plan on driving all the way around.
Drive to the airport and drop off your vehicle. Fly to Santiago for the night.
Depart for 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.
