2011 Tour Dates
Santiago to Ushuaia: Feb 19-March 16
Ushuaia to Santiago: Jan 22-Feb 16, March 19-April 13

Los Galciares National Park
is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site

Private Charter? This is ideal for groups of up to 16 passengers who want to travel and experience South America together. A private charter gives you flexibility to request changes to the itinerary, focus on special interests and much more.

On this epic journey we will travel from Santiago, the vibrant cosmopolitan capital of Chile, south through the heart of the wine region and through the natural splendor of the lush green forest and sparkling blue lakes of the Chilean and Argentinean lakes districts.

Arriving into the remote Patagonian expanse we explore the southern ice fields, breathtaking glaciers and the magnificent snow capped Andes mountain range before arriving in Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world. This is a voyage of intense natural beauty and a chance to be at one with the great outdoors.

Our “Overland Expedition” vehicles are truly unique. They are custom designed and purpose built with two key factors in mind:

1. Client Comfort

Our vehicles are custom designed with your comfort in mind. We have allowed plenty of space on board such that you do not feel cramped or confined in any way. Our comfortable, reclining coach seats offer ample leg room (we allow 1 metre space between seats while standard spacing is only 85 – 90 cm) and there is plenty of space to move about and stretch your legs.

Large panoramic windows offer optimal viewing and there are plenty of onboard services such as a toilet (we are the only overland company in South America providing toilets onboard our vehicles), safe filtered drinking water, refrigerator, library, sound system and much more. Spacious compartments allow us to carry your luggage and souvenirs, and we provide under seat storage for your day bags. Our vehicles are insulated and heated for cooler climates, and contain a cooling system for warmer climates.

2. Strength & Durability

Our vehicles are Scania 93 series, 4x2 trucks, with a minimum 250 horsepower.
Our powerful and strong vehicles enable us to pass through most terrains we may encounter on our journey. While most of the roads in South America are in good condition others can be pot-holed or un-sealed and if wet can be quite muddy. Our vehicles are designed to deal with all of these circumstances without causing disruption to the tour, and to allow us to reach some of the more remote areas for which standard land transport is unsuitable.

We carry ample spare parts, fuel, water and other necessities. Our drivers are trained mechanics whose roles not only include driving but also maintaining the vehicle to a very high standard.

EQUIPMENT

All of our expedition vehicles are equipped with:

• Comfortable reclining coach seats with seat-belts
• Onboard Toilet - we are the only overland company in South America with toilets on board our vehicles
• 12 volt cigarette sockets for recharging camera/video batteries
• Internal & external lighting
• Refrigerator for food and drinks
• Onboard stereo with adaptors for MP3, I Pod, CD walkmans
• Intercom system for communication with the crew
• Extra storage space for excess baggage and souvenirs
• Internal heating and cooling and full insulation
• Lockable safe for storage of money, passports and small valuables
• On board library
• Professionally compiled expedition medical kit
• Extensive range of spare parts
• Tables and chairs for outdoors
• Food preparation equipment
• Safe, filtered drinking water
• Large water & fuel carrying capacity

Day 1 – 5 Leaving Santiago we will visit the Maipu and Colchagua Valleys, famous for producing some of the countries finest wines before arriving into Pucon located in the heart of Chiles Lake District. Enjoy walks through the Huerquehue National Park that protects 12500 hectares of rivers, waterfalls, alpine lake and forest, a soak in natural outdoor thermal springs and a day at leisure to hike up the Villarica Volcano or enjoy some of the numerous outdoor activities on offer.
Day 6 – 10 Crossing into Argentina we visit Bariloche, nestled peacefully on the shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake. Explore the scenic circuito chico taking in panoramic views of the lake and the national park some leisure time to pursue interests such as fishing, horse riding on a local estancia, paragliding or walking. Enjoy camping in Los Alerces National before crossing the mighty Futeleufu river into Chiles remote southern region, the Carraterra Austral.
Day 11 – 15 The Carratera Austral (Southern Road) is often referred to as one of South Americas best road trips and gives us the opportunity to get up close to a spectacular hanging Galcier in the Queulat National Park. We travel down Route 40, paralleling the remarkable Andean range, through the vast Patagonia plains stopping overnight at a remote Patagonian Estancia until arriving into El Chalten, and the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. We will take a boat trip here across the lake to the Viedma Glacier, the largest in Argentina, where we will have the opportunity to explore ice caves and take a gentle walk atop this mighty ice sheet.
Day 16 – 20 Our next stop is El Calafate, our base to visit the impressive Perito Moreno glacier, one of the earths most dynamic and accessible ice fields. We then cross again into Chile we arrive at Torres Del Paine National Park where we will camp on the edge of the picturesque Lago Pehoe and enjoy day hikes to explore what is to many South Americas finest national park.
Day 21 – 26 Next we head to Punta Arenas stopping on the way to visit Seno Otway penguin colony, home to approximately 6000 breeding pairs. Continuing across the Straights of Magellan we will arrive into the most southerly city in the world, Ushuaia, and our final destination. Explore the Beagle Channel and the Tierra Del Fuego National Park before concluding the tour with a meal at one of Ushuaia's famous seafood restaurants.

Day 1 – 6 Beginning in Ushuaia, the most southern city in the world, we explore the Beagle channel and the Tierra del Fuego national park before crossing the straights of Magellan and heading to Punta Arenas in Chile. Visit the Seno Otway Penguin Colony, home to approximately 6000 breeding pairs before arriving to Torres Del Paine National Park where we will camp on the edge of the picturesque Lago Pehoe and enjoy day hikes to explore what is to many South Americas finest national park.
Day 7 – 11 From the wonderful Torres Del Paine we head back into Argentina to El Calafate, and the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. This will be our base to visit the impressive Perito Moreno glacier, one of the earths most dynamic and accessible ice fields. A short drive around Lake Argentina brings us to El Chalten, nestled quietly under the imposing Mt Fitzroy.
Day 12 – 16 We will take a boat trip here across the lake to the Viedma Glacier, the largest in Argentina, where we will have the opportunity to explore ice caves and take a gentle walk atop this mighty ice sheet. We travel up Route 40, paralleling the remarkable Andean range, through the vast Patagonia plains stopping overnight at a remote Patagonian Estancia until crossing into Chiles remote southern region, the Carraterra Austral. Referred to as one of South Americas best road trips the Carraterra Austral (southern road) provides us with the opportunity to get up close to a spectacular hanging Galcier in the Queulat National Park.
Day 17 – 21 Crossing the mighty Futaleufu river into Argentina we arrive at Los Alerces National Park. From here a short trip north brings us to Bariloche, nestled peacefully on the shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake. Explore the scenic circuito chico taking in panoramic views of the lake and the national park and some leisure time to pursue interests such as fishing, golf, horse riding on a local estancia, paragliding or walking.
Day 22 – 26 A scenic drive north brings us to Pucon located in the heart of Chiles Lake District. Enjoy walks through the Huerquehue National Park that protects 12500 hectares of rivers, waterfalls, alpine lake and forest, a soak in natural outdoor thermal springs and a day at leisure to hike up the Villarica Volcano or enjoy some of the numerous outdoor activities on offer. We will visit the Colchagua and Maipu Valleys, famous for producing some of the countries finest wines before arriving into Santiago, our final destination.

25 nights accommodation – 16 nights in comfortable tourist class hotels and guesthouses, 9 nights fully serviced camping.
Transport in our custom built all-terrain expedition vehicles
25 Breakfasts, 19 Lunches, 14 Dinners
Expert Western tour leader and local guides throughout
Experienced Western Driver/Mechanic
Services of Cook and Camp Help while camping
All National Park Entrance fees

Activites...

Vineyard tour – Colchgua Valley
Day Walk in Huerquehue National Park – Pucon
Natural Thermal Springs – Pucon
Scenic Circuito Chico tour – Bariloche
Los Alerces National Park – Esquel
Hiking in Futaleufu region – Carratera Austral
Queulat Hanging Glacier – Carratera Austral
Patagonian Estancia – Route 40
Viedma Glacier day trip – El Chalten
Day Walks - El Chalten
Moreno Glacier day trip – El Calafate
Day Hikes including Catamaran Crossing – Torres Del Paine
Seno Otway Penguin Colony
Crossing of Straights of Magellan
Beagle Channel Boat trip – Ushuaia
Day trip to Tierra Del Fuego National Park - Ushuaia

Personal travel insurance is compulsory for all clients whilst on a tour organized by Gate of the Sun - Viva Expeditions. This must be organized prior to commencing any travel arrangements you have with us and it is your responsibility to ensure you are covered for the regions through which we will travel and for all activities you wish to undertake. A suitable policy must provide adequate cover for all necessary medical expenses and repatriation costs, loss of baggage, and cancellation or curtailment of your holiday. See the travel insurance policies we recommend for residents of the USA through Travel Guard International...