[ Print This Page ]
11-Nights Santiago to Buenos Aires: Volcanos, Valleys & the Lake District - 18-to-Thirtysomethings from $1,199
G Adventures
OFFER ID 1688231
Santiago to Buenos Aires: Volcanos, Valleys & the Lake District
Pack your bags and get ready to bounce through South America on this 12-day ride full of wild nature, epic nights, and laid-back lake vibes. Start in Santiago and hop an overnight bus to Pucón, where volcanoes, hot springs, and endless adventure await. Cruise through Chile’s dreamy Lake District with a chill stop in Puerto Varas, then cross into Argentina to explore the outdoorsy paradise of Bariloche. Hike, bike, or just soak it all in — your pace, your way. Wrap things up in buzzing Buenos Aires with tango, steak, and one last big night out. This is South America in full colour, and you’re living it large.
Highlights
Ride an overnight bus across Chile and Argentina like a true local adventurer, Catch unreal views on Bariloche’s Small Circuit trail and ride up to Cerro Campanario, Chill out or chase adventure in Pucón and Puerto Varas in Chile’s Lake District, Hit the ground dancing with local culture and nightlife in Buenos Aires
Group Leader
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg. 14
Meals Included
No meals included
What's Included
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Pucón
Your Discover Moment: San Carlos de Bariloche
Your Big Night Out Moment: Buenos Aires.
Small Circuit & Cerro Campanario. Free time for outdoor adventure optionals in Santiago, Pucón, Puerto Varas, San Carlos de Bariloche, and Buenos Aires. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
11 nights from $1,199 per person
G Adventures: Santiago to Buenos Aires: Volcanos, Valleys & the Lake District
Day 1: Santiago
Arrive at any time. Santiago is special for its unique blend of lively city life and easy access to nearby natural wonders. Get to know the area on your own and simply enjoy being nestled between the towering Andes and mighty Pacific Ocean. Later attend a Welcome Meeting to mingle with your fellow travellers and grow excited for the adventures to come. Snap some photos and get those playlists queued up.
Day 2: Santiago & Overnight bus to Pucón
Enjoy the day in Santiago, Chile’s capital. From delicious local cuisines to interactive museums and cable car rides, this is a wonderful city to get lost in for the day. Choose to check out the street art in Barrio Bellavista, explore the city by bike, enjoy historic parks with gardens, pathways, and viewpoints, or perhaps book a day trip to Valparaíso for a visit to the nearby cold-climate wineries. Later meet back up with the group for a quick briefing and time to grab dinner on your own and buy some snacks before your overnight bus ride to Pucón. Get ready to fully embrace South American local transportation and enjoy the company of your new travel family.
Day 3: Pucón
Arrive to Pucón as the day begins to shed its light on this quaint, adventure town in central Chile’s Lake District near Lake Villarrica and the snow-capped Villarrica volcano. Walk from the bus station to the nearby hostel and get settled. Then, it’s time to enjoy yourselves in a place renowned for its access to hiking trails, water sports, and natural hot springs. Choose to go for a soak and sooth those muscles after the long bus ride, or perhaps try rafting on the Trancura River. From laid back vibes to adrenaline pumping adventure, the day belongs to you.
Day 4: Pucón
Take advantage of another free day in Pucón to try one of the many different optional activities available in the area. Head out onto the lake for a kayak ride, chill out down town with stunning views of the snow-capped volcano in the distance, or if you’re seeking out more of a challenge, consider the Villarrica Hike to the top of the volcano for epic vistas of the surrounding landscape and lakes. It’s the perfect reel in the making.
Day 5: Pucón/Puerto Varas
Hit the road today to Puerto Varas. Opt to grab one final breakfast in Pucón with your travel pals and then walk to the bus station in town to board the local bus. Then, sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as you travel further south through Chile. Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy free time to get settled before choosing to find a cool spot to share some appetizers with the group.
Day 6: Puerto Varas
Another beautiful day to explore on your own. Think stunning natural landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. Located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, you will be able to enjoy views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. It’s a place that offers a unique blend of European charm and Chilean culture. Options to choose from during your time here include, a visit to Chiloe Island and its colourful stilt houses known as palafitos, or its UNESCO Churches. You could also challenge yourself and trek the Osorno volcano for some bragging rights upon returning home. Later, opt to reconvene with the group and pick a place for an optional dinner together.
Day 7: Puerto Varas/San Carlos de Bariloche
Hop on a local bus from Puerto Varas to San Carlos de Bariloche. Gaze out at the gorgeous Chilean scenery, download your favorite podcast, play those travel vibe playlists on repeat, swap stories, and share laughs with your friends. You will cross the border into Argentina today, so have those passports handy. Arrive in the evening and get settled in your new destination.
Day 8: San Carlos de Bariloche
Get ready to encounter more epic scenery in Bariloche! Home to a unique blend of European and Argentinian culture, the town is situated on the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake and surrounded by the mighty Andes. It’s known fondly as the “Switzerland of Argentina” and boasts a strong chocolate and craft beer scene. After breakfast enjoy an introductory stroll through the beautiful Patagonian landscapes. Encounter viewpoints along the Small Circuit and ride the chairlift to Cerro Campanario for panoramic views. Then, spend the remainder of the day falling in love with the town’s charm and pursuing one of the many outdoor optional activities available. From horseback riding to rafting, there’s no time to waste! Make sure those phones are charged up for epic selfies.
Day 9: San Carlos de Bariloche
Rest is for when you get back home! Enjoy a full free day in Bariloche’s outdoor paradise to do as you please. Adventurous activities await, or you could choose to stroll around town, find a cute cafe and people watch. Though, if you’re asking us, we think a chocolate tasting or brewery hopping could make for an ideal day by the lake.
Day 10: San Carlos de Bariloche/Overnight Bus to Buenos Aires
Take advantage of a slow morning to recover from the busyness of the last few days. Take in the serene beauty of Bariloche and collect the supplies you will need for the next leg of the adventure. Part of South America’s charm resides in the affordable and crazy long bus rides between destinations and countries. Get ready to experience one for yourself as the group boards a local bus from Bariloche to Buenos Aires. Download some podcasts, playlists, and tv shows, grab a deck of cards or other fun group games and get ready for a memorable ride north. While it will be a long 24hrs of travel, the experience will certainly leave an impression, and it’s worth partaking it at least once during your South American escapades. Prepare for authentic local, long-distance travel, you’re going to love it!
Day 11: Buenos Aires
Awake today with the satisfaction of having travelled from one side of South America to the other. Arrive in Buenos Aires in the early afternoon and take in the sights, sounds, and smells. The choice is yours. Opt to visit La Boca neighbourhood, go on a city tour, or book dinner and a tango show; pretty spot on in the birthplace of tango. After a long travel day it will be refreshing to stretch those legs and embrace the vivid energy of Argentina’s capital.
Day 12: Buenos Aires
Depart at anytime. Or perhaps consider spending a few extra days in the lovely Buenos Aires. Before you go make sure you swap information with your newest travel family because someday maybe you'll meet up in another part of the world.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.
Swain's Travel, Inc.
35 Old South Road
Nantucket, MA 02554
USA
(508) 228-3201