Viva Expeditions: Route 40 & the Carretera Austral

Itinerary

Let us take the stress out of the journey while you enjoy the lakes, mountains and waterfalls of the region. Discover the Carretera Austral and explore the stunning landscapes of the Futaleufu Valley and the majestic Queulat Hanging Glacier. Finally discover the vast Patagonian steppe as we travel down Argentina’s infamous route 40.

• Day 1 - 2:

  Departing from Bariloche, located in the heart of Argentinas Lakes District, we head south and cross the mighty Futaleufu River into Chiles remote southern region, the Carretera Austral. The Carretera Austral (Southern Road) is a remote, unspoiled region of intense natural beauty and is often referred to as one of South America’s best road trips. Here we stay on a working farm in the Futaleufu valley, situated on the edge of the Futaleufu River. Watch condors soaring overhead, relax in the hot tub and try and find the face of the Indian in the steep rock cliff for which the farm is named. We will take a hike along the raging Futaleufu River. Alternatively enjoy horse riding through the valley or for the adventure seekers there are opportunities to raft some of the many rivers in the region including the Grade 5 Futaleufu (optional).

• Day 3:

  We continue along the Carretera Austral until we reach the Chilean fiords. Just past the quaint fishing village of Puyuhuapi we arrive at the Queulat National Park where you have the opportunity to get up close to a spectacular hanging glacier. The Queulat National Park is a wild and pristine territory where the evergreen forest is topped with the glaciers and ice fields of the Austral Andes, and complemented with the rich bio diversity of the fjords and channels of the Austral Pacific. Before being a park this land was never inhabited by anyone or any road or path ever crossed it, it is the only national park in Chile with virgin land that can be reached by car. It is the forest mentioned by Nobel price Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda, in his memoirs. Walk through dense evergreen forest, and cross a raging glacier river before hiking up for great views of the glacier.

• Day 4:

  We continue on our way taking time to visit various scenic points along the route. Enjoy a hike to the spectacular Enchanted Forest, a walk which will take us through a luxuriant and magical wood of exotic trees, where we’ll have the chance to watch various birds and an opportunity to enjoy this wonderful place. In the afternoon you will arrive to the town of Coyahique where you will spend the night.

• Day 5:

  We pass back into Argentina and onto the infamous Route 40, paralleling the remarkable Andean mountain range we travel through the vast Patagonian plains stopping overnight at a remote Estancia that still remains a working sheep and horse ranch today.

• Day 6:

  Continuing down Route 40 you will appreciate the vastness of the Patagonian Steppe, wonder at the mysterious cloud formations and notice the unique wildlife of the area including rheas & guanacos. In the afternoon we will arrive in El Chalten, and the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares where our trip concludes.

* All prices shown are for low season, per person, twin share. Click here to see full Terms & Conditions.