RIO to SANTIAGO (59 days) Coast to Coast via Patagonia
RIO to SANTIAGO (59 days) Coast to Coast via Patagonia
RIO to SANTIAGO (59 days) Coast to Coast via Patagonia
59 Days Starting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and ending in Santiago, Chile
Visiting: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay
Tour operator:
Tour code:
554
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 59-day adventure from Rio to Santiago, traversing the stunning landscapes of Patagonia. Celebrate Carnival or New Year's Eve in Rio, marvel at the majestic Iguazu Falls, and explore the Jesuit Mission ruins in Paraguay. Discover the rich biodiversity of the Esteros del Ibera wetlands and wander the charming streets of Colonia in Uruguay. Experience the vibrant culture of Buenos Aires, journey to the world's southernmost town, Ushuaia, and witness penguins in their natural habitat at Tierra del Fuego. Travel comfortably in an Oasis Expedition Truck, with a mix of camping and simple hostel accommodations, and enjoy the services of the Oasis Crew.
Highlights
Itinerary
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 ChavarrÃa. 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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is 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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Esteros del Ibera
Includes accommodation, meals, and a boat trip in Esteros del Ibera.
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Iguazu Falls
Entrance to the Argentine 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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Oasis Crew Services
Services of the Oasis Crew are included.
What's Not Included
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Local Payment
Local payment of USD 2000 (2025) or USD 2100 (2026) is payable at the start of the trip.
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Visas
Visas are not included.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information are not included.
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W Trek Option
The W Trek option is not included and must be booked in advance at additional cost.
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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.
Mode of Transport
All transport is provided on an Oasis Expedition Truck, ensuring a comfortable and reliable journey across diverse terrains.
Accommodation
Accommodation is approximately 60% camping and 40% simple hostels/hotels, providing a mix of outdoor and basic indoor stays throughout the tour.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
Accommodation is approximately 60% camping and 40% simple hostels/hotels, providing a mix of outdoor and basic indoor stays throughout the tour.
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What kind of transport is provided during the tour?
All transport is provided on an Oasis Expedition Truck, ensuring a comfortable and reliable journey across diverse terrains.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Approximately 50% of meals are included in the tour package.
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Is the entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park included?
Yes, the park entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park is included.
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What activities are included in Esteros del Ibera?
The tour includes accommodation, meals, and a boat trip in Esteros del Ibera.
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Is the entrance to Iguazu Falls included in the tour?
Yes, the entrance to the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls is included.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities include whitewater rafting, helicopter flights, mountain bike riding, and the W Trek option, which must be booked in advance at additional cost.
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What is the local payment required at the start of the trip?
A local payment of USD 2000 (2025) or USD 2100 (2026) is payable at the start of the trip.
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Are visas included in the tour package?
No, visas are not included in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Esteros del Ibera?
In Esteros del Ibera, you can expect to see a vast array of fauna and flora, including bird species, pampa and marsh deer, caiman, capybara, anacondas, anteaters, and possibly giant river otters.
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What is the W Trek option and how can I book it?
The W Trek option is a famous hiking route in Patagonia. It must be booked in advance at additional cost and spaces are subject to availability.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Highlights include celebrating Carnival or New Year's Eve in Rio, visiting Iguazu Falls, exploring Jesuit Mission ruins in Paraguay, experiencing the wetlands of Esteros del Ibera, wandering the streets of Colonia in Uruguay, and traveling to Ushuaia, the most southerly town on earth.
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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.
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Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 200 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 33% of booking price.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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