Best of Patagonia Self-Drive Tour

Chile
Self-Drive
Partially Guided
Best of Patagonia Self-Drive Tour

Best of Patagonia Self-Drive Tour

Prices

From $4,670USD

Difficulty

Partially-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Soak up the best of Chilean and Argentinian landscapes on an unforgettable 2-week Patagonia self-drive tour

Cruise the scenic Carretera Austral to reach Volcano Osorno and hike up to a lookout to drink in the views.

Explore the wonders of the incredible Pumalin, Quelat, Los Glaciares, and Torres del Paine National Parks.

Get behind the wheel and self-drive your way to explorations of Chile and Argentinian Patagonia with the support of a guide.

Witness world-famous glaciers, turquoise-blue lakes, thundering waterfalls, fjords, and so much more.

The 16-Day Best of Patagonia Self-Drive Tour invites you to experience the wonders of Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia in a truly unique way. This self-drive tour in Chile and Argentina will allow you to spend over 2 weeks travelling through the spellbinding landscapes to take in the highlights of the region's best national parks. From self-driving to Torres del Paine, to the dazzling landscapes of the Chilean Lake District, to the towering Chilean Andes, this tour is perfect for adventurous nature lovers who don’t want to miss a thing!

Travelling in a small group, you’ll seld-drive independently through Patagonia in a rental car while an expert English-speaking tour guide gives you a daily briefing on the respective route. A pre-programmed GPS facilitates orientation, making for a seamless journey. Enjoy hand-picked comfortable accommodations in gorgeous settings where nature is never far out of reach and delight in the local cuisine of both Chile and Argentina every step of the way.

Strike the perfect balance of independence and support on this incredible partially-guided self-drive journey through the best landscapes of Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia.

Why should you choose a self-drive tour in Patagonia?

Organized self-drive tours in Patagonia are a great option for those who love to adventure independently and prefer sticking to smaller groups. Self-drive road trip means you will cover more distance and have a better opportunity to witness more highlights of one of the most scenic destinations on the planet.

Best of Patagonia Self-Drive Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival to Santiago

After pick-up at Santiago Airport, it’s time to transfer to your hotel in the city’s center. After checking in, you’ll meet your fellow travelers who you’ll be adventuring on this self-drive Patagonia tour with over the two weeks as you are all welcomed with Chile’s national drink, the Pisco Sour!

Up next, you’ll set out for a city tour to catch a glimpse of this metropolitan city. Among many other places of interest, you’ll visit the historic old town, the market, the cathedral and the main square (Plaza de Armas). To top it all off, San Cristobal Hill rewards you with stunning views of the city and the towering Andes Mountains at the end of the day.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Santiago
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 2 Fly to Puerto Varas

After breakfast, a transfer takes you back to the airport to board a southbound flight to the capital of the Lake District, Puerto Montt! Your tour guide will meet you on arrival and accompany you to the nearby lakeside town of Puerto Varas. Once here, you’ll pick up your rental car and drive to your first hotel.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Puerto Varas
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Day 3 Volcano Osorno

Today it’s time to jump in the car and set out on your first trip in the Chilean Lake District. Se;f-driving along one of Chile’s most beautiful scenic roads you’ll witness spellbinding views of Llanquihue Lake as you head to the majestic Osorno Volcano. The road takes you up to its ski center and from here you’ll enjoy impressive views of the surrounding landscape, sprinkled with lakes and volcanoes.

Later on, there is still time for a visit to All Saints Lake (Todos los Santos) and the Petrohué River Rapids.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Puerto Varas
Distance
130km driving
Meals
Breakfast

Day 4 Pumalin National Park and Yelcho Lake

Today you’ll rise early for the journey southwards on the Carretera Austral, the partially unpaved and scenic extension of the Chilean Pan-American Highway. Crossing the rugged Patagonian fjords on several ferry trips, you’ll be led through untouched landscapes. Lush green vegetation paves the way on both sides of the road while you cross Pumalin National Park.

Eventually, you’ll reach Chaitén, a small town under reconstruction after the unexpected eruption of the eponymous volcano in 2008. The locals tell a tale of the enormous efforts of reconstruction after finally being able to return to their village. In the early evening, you’ll arrive at your beautifully situated accommodation on the shores of Yelcho Lake.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Yelcho Lake
Distance
360km driving
Meals
Breakfast

Day 5 Rivers, Mountains, and Waterfalls on the Drive to La Junta

The journey continues on the Carretera Austral today. The road penetrates deep into the untouched wilderness, along the turquoise blue Frío River, glacier-covered mountain ranges, dreamy lakes and picturesque waterfalls. It is not far before you’ll reach the cozy family hotel in the village of La Junta that welcomes you for the evening

Overnight Location
Hotel in La Junta
Distance
100km driving
Meals
Breakfast

Day 6 Queulat National Park

From La Junta it is only a short drive to reach Queulat National Park this morning. Once here, you can opt to do a 3-hour hike to the viewpoint of the hanging glacier “Ventisquero Colgante” and its waterfall.

The journey then continues along the lush wild vegetation of the Carretera Austral southward. Huge Nalca plants and gigantic ferns cover the side of the road; dense forests, quiet fjords and snow-capped peaks form a fabulous primal landscape. The road winds in tight serpentines toward one of the highest passes of the Carretera Austral and drops abruptly until reaching the raging Rio Cisnes (the Swan River). Here, the impenetrable, evergreen rain forests clear and make room for the harsh southern Patagonian mountain landscape.

Through the wild and romantic valley of the Simpson River, you’ll reach Coyhaique, the capital of the Aysen region.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Coyhaique
Distance
250km driving
Meals
Breakfast

Day 7 Drive to Chile’s Largest Lake: General Carrera

After leaving Coyhaique this morning, the road leads through an increasingly barren steppe landscape and crosses a deep valley, whose rock face shimmers in a variety of colors. The “Devil’s Mountain Pass”, offers a stunning panorama of the Cerro Castillo massif and up to the summits and glaciers of the northern ice field. In 1990, the Hudson volcano erupted here, suffocating the vegetation with its ash rain, damaging rivers and leaving a desolate ghost valley full of dead trees and vast marshes.

After passing the Rio Murta Valley, endless southern beech forests cover the area. Chile’s largest lake, General Carrera Lake, is already visible at a distance. Its blue-green glacial water surface and often gigantic waves are framed by the bare, reddish-colored Pampa hills, massive ice fields and the radiant sky. You’ll spend the next two nights on its shore in the small village of Puerto Río Tranquilo.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Puerto Río Tranquilo
Distance
280km driving
Meals
Breakfast

Day 8 Witness Exploradores Glacier

Today you have the possibility to take in the wonders of the Exploradores Glacier. The access road offers impressive views on different glaciers, descending from the huge ice field San Valentin.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Puerto Río Tranquilo
Distance
Flexible
Meals
Breakfast

Day 9 Lake General Carrera and Perito Moreno

Along Lake General Carrera you’ll approach the border with Argentina this morning. The climate changes slowly, and transforms the surroundings into a drier steppe landscape.

You’ll pass the town of Chile Chico, which is also called the Chilean “Sun City” because of its surprisingly mild climate that allows the cultivation of cherries and other fruits. Shortly after crossing the border to Argentina, you’ll arrive in the village of Perito Moreno.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Perito Moreno
Distance
160km driving
Meals
Breakfast

Day 10 Fitz Roy and El Chaltén

Today you’ll take on the legendary Ruta 40, which leads south through the seemingly endless steppe landscape of Argentine Patagonia. The milky-turquoise, glacier-melt water of Cardiel Lake adds color to the arid and monotone, yet for the same reason impressive landscape.

Departing Ruta 40, you’ll drive westwards towards the Andes Mountain Range. On clear days, you will soon be able to see the fantastic rock formations of the Fitz Roy massif, before reaching the famous town of El Chaltén.

Overnight Location
Hotel in El Chaltén
Distance
700km driving
Meals
Breakfast

Day 11 Exploring the Fitz Roy Massif

The Fitz Roy Massif is world-known among extreme mountaineers for its treacherous ice walls, unpredictable winds and ever-changing weather. Trekking enthusiasts from all over the world hike its many trails in the Los Glaciares National Park. We are no exception; today you have the possibility to embark on an exploration of the spectacular mountain scenery during an easy hike over several hours.

Overnight Location
Hotel in El Chaltén
Distance
Flexible
Meals
Breakfast

Day 12 Los Glaciares National Park and Perito Moreno Glacier

The journey proceeds this morning as you drive past the emerald-green Viedma Lake through the vast expanses of the Argentine pampa to El Calafate on Argentino Lake. Immediately after arrival, you’ll continue on to Perito Moreno Glacier.

At the entrance to Los Glaciares National Park, the treeless pampa transforms almost seamlessly into dense southern forests. The southern arm of Argentino Lake appears turquoise compared to the milky gray walls of the southern ice fields. Floating icebergs testify the proximity of one of the most powerful natural events in the world; with unimaginable force, the Perito Moreno Glacier moves enormous masses of ice from the continental ice field down into the valley, which then crash thunderously from its white-blue walls into the lake.

The icy river moves up to 2 meters (6.5 ft) a day, making it one of the few growing glaciers in the world. You can watch this magnificent spectacle up close from a viewing platform.

Overnight Location
Hotel in El Chaltén
Distance
300km driving
Meals
Breakfast

Day 13 Torres del Paine National Park

On Ruta 40, you’ll cross the Argentine pampas one last time today on your way to the Chilean border. Back in Chile, it is time to self-drive to Torres del Paine National Park, another highlight of this trip.

Herds of guanacos on a gently undulating steppe landscape, rugged red-gray rock massifs, granite towers, milky-green shining lakes and gleaming white ice fields combine to form a magnificent panorama.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Torres del Paine
Distance
340km driving
Meals
Breakfast

Day 14 Torres del Paine National Park

Today is at your leisure for Torres del Paine self-drive trips. Your guide will highlight various options and destinations, allowing you to choose whatever suits you best. In the evening, you’ll meet again as a group at the hotel to share your experiences of the trip and reminisce during a farewell dinner!

Overnight Location
Hotel in Torres del Paine
Distance
Flexible
Meals
Breakfast

Day 15 Drive to Punta Arenas

Today’s destination is Punta Arenas, Chile’s southernmost city. On the way, you’ll visit the nearby cave of Milodon. The German colonist Eberhard found the remains of the primitive “Milodon” animal, whose life-sized statue can be visited once here.

A short drive then leads through Punta Arenas where you can see the historic Strait of Magellan, separating the mainland from Tierra del Fuego. If the weather permits, you can even see the island on the horizon!

Overnight Location
Hotel in Punta Arenas
Distance
310km driving
Meals
Breakfast

Day 16 Flight back to Santiago

Finally, it is time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers and tour guide after an exhilarating self-drive tour of Patagonia. The last ride of the journey leads to the airport of Punta Arenas, where you can drop off your rental car. You can choose to continue your journey from Punta Arenas or take a flight back home via Santiago.

Overnight Location
None
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Best of Patagonia Self-Drive Tour Price and Dates

This guided tour to Patagonia is always run as a fixed-departure tour where you’d be joining a group, however, you’ll be sharing your rental vehicle with your group only.

Important! All the departures below are with a German-speaking guide.

The prices below are per person:

StartFinishDurationPlaces LeftPrice

2023-03-27

Santiago, Chile

16 days / 1 Spaces Left

2023-04-14

Santiago, Chile

161
$4,670USDBook Now
Book Now

Accommodation on the Best of Patagonia Self-Drive Tour

This tour is based in 2-3-star hotels that offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are of double occupancy and those wishing to have single rooms can pay a supplement of $1,128USD.

Hotel Carmenere in Santiago

A chic, boutique hotel featuring an array of ‘the best of Santiago’ on your doorstep. Guests will enjoy an organic breakfast and the opportunity for wine tastings on site.

Hotel Weisserhaus in Puerto Varas

Guests will enjoy chic alpine-style decor and views of Llanquihue Lake at this picturesque stay in Puerto Varas.

Hotel Yelcho en la Patagonia

Large rooms and a fantastic restaurant make this cozy wooden hotel the perfect home away from home.

Hotel Espacio y Tiempo in La Junta

Find yourself surrounded by unspoiled nature at this charming hotel featuring modern amenities.

Hotel Belisario Jara in Coyhaique

Overlooking the Patagonian Andes, this cozy hotel features only 8 rooms, making for a small and laid-back environment in a beautiful setting.

Hotel El Puesto in Puerto Río Tranquilo

A homely wooden lodge on the picturesque banks of the Rio Tranquilo set the scene of a cozy stay at this small hotel.

Hosteria Bilardo in Perito Moreno

A comfortable stay at a welcoming hotel in Perito Moreno.

Hosteria El Puma in El Chaltén

Tucked away just off of the main Avenido, this modern 3-star hotel features is conveniently located close to trekking circuits and the city center.

Hotel Sierra Nevada in El Calafate

Fresh flowers are always in bloom and the large parks and wonderful views welcome guests during their stay. Rooms are comfortable, bright and warm, with ample amenities, both in its 40 rooms and in the various common spaces.

Night 13-14

Estancia Tercera Barranca, Tercera Barranca

Find yourself welcomed onto a sprawling 6,500-hectare family-run estancia on the outskirts of Torres del Paine National Park. Enjoy rustic accommodations tastefully decorated and incredible views via the large windows throughout.

Hotel La Yegua Loca in Punta Arenas

Guests can enjoy spellbinding views over the city from this boutique hotel perched on a hill.

Standard Hotels

What’s Included in the Best of Patagonia Self-Drive Tour?

Meals

15 breakfasts on this tour are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 15 nights are included.

Transportation during the Tour

This tour includes all the transfers mentioned, as well as the rental vehicle starting from Day 2 and ending on Day 16. Flights on this tour are not included.

Also Included

  • Car Rental:
    • F2 category vehicle (SUV, Nissan XTrail or similar)
    • Collision Damage Waiver insurance ($240USD deductible; exceptions to coverage apply)
    • Airport charge
    • Unlimited mileage
    • Second driver
  • Guide services

Not included

  • Meals not noted as included
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees
  • Entrance fees (around 150 USD per person in total)
  • Fuel

Optional Extras

  • Extra nights before or after the tour

Frequenty Asked Questions about Best of Patagonia Self-Drive Tour

How hard is the Best of Patagonia Self-Drive Tour?

We rate this tour as a 2/5. There are no strenuous activities involved in this tour, however, you should be comfortable with driving for numerous hours almost daily and spending time on your feet while sightseeing.

Do I need a visa to travel to Chile or Argentina?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Best of Patagonia Self-Drive Tour?

15 breakfasts on this tour are included.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.

Is the vehicle insurance included?

Yes, vehicle rental includes Collision Damage Waiver, however, there is a 240 USD deductible and some exceptions apply. Please enquire for more info.

How do I get to Santiago de Chile to start this tour?

Fly into Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago de Chile which can be reached from a few major cities in the world or via flight connections in South America.

Is the Best of Patagonia Self-Drive Tour in English?

This tour is self-guided, therefore guide services are not included. However, you will be provided with a GPS app with trek coordinates in English.

Where does the Best of Patagonia Self-Drive Tour end?

The tour ends where it starts, in Santiago.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Chile and Argentina?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Chile and Argentina?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

Reviews

All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.

Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.

Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

4.8
18 ratings
5 star
15
4 star
2
3 star
1
2 star
0
1 star
0

Written Reviews

There are no written reviews yet.

18 total ratings, 0 with reviews

Prices

From $4,670USD

Difficulty

Partially-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

What travellers say

When can I do this tour?

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Why 10Adventures?

Save time and let us plan your perfect trip.

Customize your travel experience to get it just right.

Knowledgeable adventure specialists are a click or call away.

Stress-free booking at your fingertips.

Flexible payments with interest-free installments.

Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate the Patagonia Self-drive Tour tour as a 2/5. There are no strenuous activities involved in this tour, however, you should be comfortable with driving for numerous hours almost daily and spending time on your feet while sightseeing.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

Get in touch

+1 (587) 327-9828

Related Tours

Open details for Fjords of Chilean Patagonia Self-Drive Tour

Fjords of Chilean Patagonia Self-Drive Tour

Chile
Self-Drive
Self-Guided
6 days
From $1,060
Months Tour Operates
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Embark on the drive of a lifetime on the 6-Day Chilean Fjords Self-Drive Tour. From the second-largest lake in the country, Lago Llanquihue, the route leads you through spectacular natural settings along the breathtaking Pacific fjord Reloncaví.

View More
Open details for Self-Drive Chile Lake District Tour

Self-Drive Chile Lake District Tour

Chile
Self-Drive
Self-Guided
7 days
From $1,650
Months Tour Operates
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

The 7-day Self-Drive Chile Lake District Tour invites you to experience one of Chile’s little-known paradises. Over one magical week in the Chilean Lake District, this self-guided tour will lead you into isolated river valleys hidden in the Andes Cordillera where you’ll combine comfort with adventure, and adventure with profound disconnection from the busy every-day world.

View More
Open details for Aysen Patagonia Self-Drive Tour

Aysen Patagonia Self-Drive Tour

Chile
Self-Drive
Self-Guided
8 days
From $1,270
Months Tour Operates
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

The Aysen Patagonia Tour is a unique self-drive adventure in Chile that whisks you away into the Chilean Andes to journey along Chile’s largest lake, Lago General Carrera. The stunning coastline that paves the way for the Carretera Austral (Route 7) will be your playground on this wondrous Chilean self-guided tour.

View More

Book your next Adventure on 10Adventures

Hassle-free Adventure Travel

Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Let us take care of all the travel planning details, so you don’t have to.

Don't Just Take A Trip, Take YOUR Trip

Let us help you get exactly what YOU want with a customizable adventure tour centred around your active interests and passions.

No Hidden Fees

We don’t believe in hidden fees like credit card fees, booking fees or more. Even better, most people can pay in their local currency!

Happiness Guarantee

We want your journey to meet your expectations, and we will work with you to solve any issues you’ve encountered.

Personal Adventure Travel Concierge

Our dedicated adventure travel concierge will curate the perfect itinerary to make your travel dreams a reality.

Vetted Local Guides

Book with confidence, knowing that our team has carefully hand-picked each tour operator and they use local, experienced guides.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Tours

Routes

Blogs