Chile to Brazil: Road Trippin’ Lake District & Beyond

Duration

28 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Get ready for the ultimate South American road trip — 28 days of vibes, views, and unforgettable experiences across Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil.

Highlights

Chill in lakeside towns like Pucón and Puerto Varas with volcanoes and waterfalls all around
Feel the rhythm of Buenos Aires with dance music and late-night energy
Live the gaucho life during a day at a working ranch in Uruguay
Get misted at the jaw-dropping Iguassu Falls before heading to the beach
End on a high in Rio with caipirinhas and coastal views

Trip Details

Duration

28 days

Transportation

Public bus, walking, minivan, taxi, plane, ferry, walking.

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Santiago, Chile

Finishes

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

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

Enjoy a full free day to explore Buenos Aires on your own. From neighbourhood visits, to museums, and sightseeing around the city, there are plenty of options to choose from. Or, if you would rather relax, try finding a local café or park where you can chill and people watch.

Day 13: Buenos Aires

Explore the "Paris of the Americas," from the hidden patios of trendy Palermo to bohemian vibes in San Telmo this city has something for everyone. Don't miss out! Today is your last chance to experience a guided tour of the city and to immerse yourself in the passion of the tango.

Day 14: Buenos Aires/Colonia

Hop aboard a ferry and cruise across the Río de la Plata to Colonia, Uruguay. Wander through the colourful streets of this quaint seaside retreat on an orientation walk before free time to explore (and relax!) at your own speed.

Day 15: Colonia/Montevideo

Your journey continues in the morning as you travel from Colonia to Montevideo. The afternoon is yours for the taking — so explore as you wish! You can wander through the vibrant streets of old town searching for street art or visit an iconic soccer stadium that was host to the first World Cup. Hungry? Bring your appetite to Port Market where you will find an endless bounty of delicious meats. (And fruits and veggies, too.)

Day 16: Montevideo

Wake up ready to take on another day in Montevideo. Hop on a bike and cruise down the Rambla, soaking up sun and gorgeous views from this coastline avenue. Take a day trip to glamorous Punta del Este to admire the upscale neighbourhoods and gardens. Or if you prefer to relax today, kick back and chill in the park like a local.

Day 17: Montevideo/Estancia Stay

Today, let the scenery of picturesque settlements and pastures guide you to Mercedes, your last Uruguayan stop at a local ranch, known in this region as an estancia.

Day 18: Estancia Stay

Live like a local today as you experience life on an Uruguayan ranch. Walk through the serene countryside, learn how to make empanadas, and enjoy horseback riding with amazing views. End your estancia stay in the best way possible — with a local barbecue.

Day 19: Estancia Stay/Iguassu Falls

Cross the border into Gualeguaychu in Argentina today. Unwind, relax and reflect on your travels as you begin your overnight journey to Iguassu Falls.

Day 20: Iguassu Falls

Welcome to Iguassu Falls where your next adventure awaits. Arrive to Puerto Iguazú in the morning after your overnight bus ride and enjoy a unique visit to the G Adventures-supported Jasy Pora community in the lush Misiones rainforest region. Guided by a local expert you will learn more about this Indigenous community as well as their harmonious relationship to the environment. Afterwards, choose to visit the Brazilian side of the falls and experience unforgettable panoramic views. Reach new heights with the option to take a helicopter ride over the falls, or check out a bird park.

Day 21: Iguassu Falls

Enjoy a full day excursion to the breathtaking Argentine side of the falls. Don't forget to take pictures as you wander along paths to experience the falls from each exhilarating vantage point. You can also take a boat tour to see the cascading falls from below.

Day 22: Iguassu Falls/Paraty

Wheels up! Take a quick flight to São Paulo today then head straight to the coast. Take some time to explore the colonial town of Paraty, then hit the beach.

Day 23: Paraty

Do as much or as little as you want today. Go swimming, snorkelling, or explore the islands on a boat tour. Or, simply recharge your batteries by immersing yourself in the laidback vibes of Paraty.
Paraty is a quaint colonial town renowned for its architecture—the pace might be slow but there's a lot to choose from. Considered one of the world's most important examples of Portuguese colonial architecture by UNESCO, the historic centre is a well-preserved national historic monument, and today has been closed to vehicles to preserve its laid-back colonial ambiance.

Day 24: Paraty/Ilha Grande

Continue up the coast today and hop aboard a ferry to where your island paradise awaits.

Day 25: Ilha Grande

The day is yours to explore Ilha Grande. Break a sweat hiking remote trails to experience jaw dropping views, or choose to relax on a boat tour through turquoise waters to some of the island's most beautiful beaches to swim and snorkel.

Day 26: Ilha Grande/Rio de Janeiro

Say goodbye to island life and head north along a dramatic coastal road with sweeping views. Round the cliffs at Vidigal to catch a first glimpse of your next destination and one of the most memorable cities in the world — Rio de Janeiro.

Take a city tour to experience the sights of Rio, like the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, or take a stroll along Copacabana beach.

Day 27: Rio de Janeiro

In the morning, explore the favela with a local resident on a G Adventures-supported tour to watch a drumming demonstration, get a Capoeira lesson, and sample craft beers with a new perspective of the city. Enjoy a free afternoon to discover all that Rio has to offer.

Day 28: Rio de Janeiro

Depart at any time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $6,649

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 28 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Get ready for the ultimate South American road trip — 28 days of vibes, views, and unforgettable experiences across Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 09 Feb 2026

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Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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