Accommodation

You will spend 25% of the time on this expedition staying in local hotels, guest houses and hostels. The other 75% of the time you will be in your tent camping. Quite often we will wild camp by ourselves out in the bush or in the desert and other times we will use designated campsites with amenities. The majority of our wild camp locations are usually very scenic and we always strive to find the perfect spot on the banks of a river, overlooking a canyon, behind a dune in the desert, on a remote beach, etc. but sometimes we just have to camp wherever we can find a spot. From past experience on expeditions of this length and nature we have found that people prefer to supply their own tents as they are then not forced to share and they can pick a tent that suits their needs. As a general rule, try and choose a good quality lightweight and waterproof free-standing tent that is easy to erect, take down and carry. At some of the campsites there are upgrade options available so should you prefer not to camp or you just want some time alone you can sometimes rent yourself a private room at your own expense. When we are not camping (usually in cities) we always try to use decent, clean local hotels, guest houses and hostels, however, taking into consideration the sometimes unpredictable nature of this expedition and the remoteness of some of the areas we visit, please be aware that in some circumstances we just have to take what we can get, good or bad. When staying in hotels, guest houses and hostels you can expect to share your room with other expedition members of all genders. There is usually an opportunity for anyone to upgrade to a single room or a superior room if they so wish. All accommodation upgrades are at your own expense.

Transport

We will be travelling in a custom-built Madventure overland vehicle 100% of the time on this tour. Our vehicle can accommodate up to 36 travellers and 2 crew. Comfort and safety is of course a big factor during expeditions of this length and nature so all our vehicles have high-backed coach seats with safety belts. The seating is on the upper level of the vehicle giving you an almost 360° view of the surrounding scenery. Our vehicles are designed to allow sufficient luggage storage and are also equipped with lockers to keep all your gear safe. Our long range diesel and water tanks ensure our self sufficiency in remote areas and the equipment we take with us is also of vital importance. In case of a breakdown we are equipped with a good selection of spare parts as well as a comprehensive tool kit to undertake any necessary repairs on our own as and when we need to. There may also be times when we get stuck in the sand or mud when travelling off road so all necessary recovery equipment such as sand mats, cables, ropes, shovels and pickaxes are also on board. We usually carry 400 litres of treated drinking water and we are equipped with a good kitchen which includes all cutlery, plates, cups, pots and pans, utensils, gas cooker, BBQ grate, tables, etc. Our vehicle is also equipped with a small fridge which is used for the cook group’s breakfast and dinner food only. For personal food and drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use. Comfortable fold up chairs are provided for outdoor seating and we also have a large tarpaulin to keep us dry on those rainy days. We carry a portable shower and shower tent so you can take a shower every day on this tour if you like, even when we are wild camping in remote areas. Our vehicles are equipped with USB charging points only so try and bring all of your important electronic devices such as telephone, tablet and head-torch to charge from a USB socket. We do not have a 120V or 240V power supply on the vehicle but you will have the opportunity to charge your 120/240V electronic equipment at the hotels and campsites we stay at. We carry a comprehensive first aid kit for emergencies but we do recommend you bring your own for general use.

Guide

You will have a crew of 1 tour leader and 1 driver on this tour. On some tours we may also have a cameraman who is there to help market our tours and update our social media. Your tour leader will be in charge of routes, itineraries, food and accommodation and will ensure the smooth running of the tour. Your tour leader is not a tour guide and will not be giving you the history and facts of every place we visit, you can look up that information yourself or hire a local guide when you want to. Apart from the excursions that need to be organised by the tour leader in advance, we leave most of that for you to arrange yourselves, this way ensuring you get to do what you want at the price you are happy to pay. Your driver will drive and maintain the vehicle to a high standard but he/she is not a tour guide and may not know all the facts about the countries we travel through. Your crew will be hand-picked and trained by Madventure and will have experience of overland travel but they may or may not have done this tour before. They will, however, have detailed notes from previous tours and backup from the office in the UK. Tipping the crew at the end of your expedition is always appreciated if you feel they have done a good job. We recommend you tip your crew a minimum of $100 each at the end of the tour, thank you.

Others

Services of your Madventure tour leader and driver Transportation in our custom built Madventure overland truck Use of all equipment on the truck Diesel, mechanics, shipping and any other costs relating to the vehicle Local transportation costs (if required) Ferry tickets (when travelling together as a group) 58 breakfasts, 42 evening meals All accommodation costs (25% hotels, guest houses and hostels, 75% camping) National Park entry fees when we enter as a group with our vehicle

Meals

Eating well is a very important factor on our expeditions and good food is vital for everyone’s health and well-being. When we are camping we usually cook breakfast and the evening meal on the vehicle. For lunch we usually stop at a cheap local restaurant giving you a chance to taste the local fare. Occasionally we may prepare lunch on the vehicle when we are in remote areas. When staying in hotels (usually in cities) we always strive to provide you with one healthy, wholesome and plentiful meal every day, usually breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and evening meals are at your own expense when we stay in hotels. Local food is generally very cheap so if you are on a budget then eat what the locals eat. Western restaurants tend to be more expensive. 58 breakfasts and 42 evening meals are provided during this expedition. When it comes to shopping and cooking while camping we will divide ourselves up into groups of 3 or 4 people (depending on group size) who will do their own fresh food shopping, prepare the day’s meals and clean up at the end. This will work out that you roughly get to cook once every 10 days (depending on the group size). Fresh food is generally available daily so when we are camping we try to eat meat and vegetables for every main evening meal. We do cater to vegetarians but we do not cater to vegans or fussiness. In these group situations everybody must appreciate we cannot cater to restrictive diets or individual likes and dislikes. Don’t worry if you are not a gourmet cook as your crew are also always there to give advice. Our vehicles are equipped with a small fridge which is used for the cook group’s breakfast and dinner food only. For personal food and drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use. Cleanliness plays an important role throughout this expedition and your crew will make sure an acceptable level of general hygiene is maintained throughout your journey to ensure the wellbeing of the group.

Not included:

Insurance

It is compulsory that every person who travels with Madventure obtain travel insurance for the complete duration of the tour. Proof of travel insurance must be shown before joining a tour. You may be covered under your credit card’s travel insurance so it might be worth checking with your credit card provider first. There are various travel insurance companies to choose from and a Google search will bring up a vast selection but for a comprehensive reliable policy that includes Covid Cover and Medical Repatriation we recommend a London based company named Campbell Irvine, +44 20 7938 1734, http://www.campbellirvine.com/Madventure Campbell Irvine is familiar with what we do so if you mention Madventure and the tour you are travelling on they should be able to provide excellent cover for you. For people based in North America a company called Allianz offers good cover, +1 866 884 3556, www.allianztravelinsurance.com If you choose to obtain your travel insurance through another company please ensure you read the small-print and make sure your policy includes Covid Cover and Medical Repatriation.

Flights

International and domestic flights (no domestic flights expected during tour)

Others

International and domestic flights (no domestic flights expected during tour) Airport transfers Personal travel insurance Personal spending money (£120 – £150 per week recommended) Visas (no visas required for most nationalities) Lunch and evening meals when in hotels, guest houses and hostels Lunch when camping Accommodation upgrades Entrance fees to optional sites and national parks Any optional activities and excursions Tent, roll mat, sleeping bag and pillow Tips (USD $100 per crew member recommended)

Optional

Below is a list of the most popular optional excursions along with the most recent prices. Prices can of course change and are not controlled in any way by Madventure so please use the list below as an approximate guide only. Prices are shown in USD. BRAZIL Sambadrome grandstand carnival ticket $150 Paraty boat day trip $25 Foz do Iguaçu waterfalls $20 Helicopter flight over Iguazu Falls $120 PARAGUAY Jesuit Missions ruins day tour, Trinidad $20 URUGUAY Mercado del Puerto meal, Montevideo $30 ARGENTINA Iguazu Falls $40 Esteros del Ibera wetlands boat tour $15 Buenos Aires tango and dinner show $60 Snorkel with sea lions, Valdes $100 Kayak with sea lions, Valdes $70 Valdes Peninsula guided tour $60 End of the World train tour $70 Beagle Channel boat tour, Ushuaia $40 Perito Moreno Glacier mini-trekking, El Calafate $300 Perito Moreno Glacier day trip, El Calafate $50 Cave of Hands $3 CHILE Ferry to Torres del Paine hiking trails (one way) $30 Torres del Paine 4 day W Trek $1500 Marble caves boat tour $20 San Rafael Glacier boat tour $180 Hanging Glacier $15 White water rafting, Futaleufu $150 Trout fishing day trip, Pucon $100 Horse riding (per hour), Pucon $20 White water rafting, Pucon $60 Villarica volcano climb, Pucon $140 Wine tasting tour, Santiago $70

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Day 1 Brazil
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Brazil

This tour starts in Rio de Janeiro during Rio Carnival when the city is absolutely effervescent and the carnival atmosphere is electric! Days can be enjoyed lazing on Copacabana beach and wild nights can be spent dancing at the Sambadrome. Day excursions including Pao de Acucar and Cristo Redentor offer unparalleled views of what is known locally as the Marvellous City.

Please note that this tour departs Rio de Janeiro on day 1 of the trip so if you would like to see the Rio Carnival we advise you to arrive at least 2 days prior to departure and ensure you have booked your accommodation and Sambadrome ticket well in advance as tickets sell fast and hotels can fill up quickly during carnival. Alternatively speak to us about our 5 day Carnival package which includes hotel accommodation, Sambadrome ticket and guided tour of the city’s highlights.

We now head down the beautiful Brazilian coast where we camp in the colonial village of Paraty. Here the steep jungled mountains seem to leap into a sea filled with hundreds of islands and jutting peninsulas. Mobile one-man bars wander the cobbled streets mixing up caipirinhas to cool down weary travellers returning from the islands. The place is quite simply idyllic!

Our final destination in Brazil is Iguazu waterfalls, perhaps the most impressive falls in the world being more than 3 km wide and 80 m high with 275 falls plunging off a series of tiers. Power boating around the falls is a must if you don’t mind getting wet. We spend a couple of days here giving you the opportunity to explore the falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinian side. Helicopter rides can give you a bird’s eye view of the falls and if you enjoy a bit of nightlife the popular Brazilian theme evening is a great way to see the capoeira dancers (martial arts dancing) and sample the famous Brazilian churrascaria, a meat lovers feast!
Day 2 Paraguay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Paraguay

We get a flavour of the Paraguayan countryside before we reach the lively capital of Asuncion, blissfully located on the banks of the Rio Paraguay. The city is full of bustling markets selling everything from cheap electronic equipment to Paraguayan fast-food and also boasts some wonderful museums and intricate architecture.

In the friendly town of Trinidad you have the opportunity to explore the nearby ruins of Jesuit Missions on an optional day tour.
Day 3 Argentina
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Argentina

We now enter a vast system of wetlands known as the Esteros del Ibera where you have the chance to spot wildlife such as caiman, capybara, marsh deer, howler monkeys, boas, the rare maned wolf and over 300 species of birds.
Day 4 Uruguay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Uruguay

Uruguay is one of South America’s best kept secrets and our first stop here is at the thermal pools of Salto.

The beaches of Punta del Este are our next stop and are amongst the best on the continent.

Further along the coast we reach the capital Montevideo, a pleasant city with a great food market where you can dine on seafood and meats prepared by butchers and fishermen in the heart of an old railway station.

The broad cobbled streets of the historic Colonia del Sacramento are a relaxing last stop in Uruguay.
Day 5 Argentina
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Argentina

Our journey continues to the Argentinian capital, Buenos Aires, where glorious architecture, wide tree-lined streets and open-air tango shows are but a few of the city’s attributes. Culturally, this is the place to be with exquisite restaurants, interesting museums and fabulous shows.

On our way south to Patagonia the trip is broken up by visiting Valdes Peninsula, one of the planet’s most significant marine reserves. Here you have the option to do a day tour to visit the peninsula which is home to thousands of sea lions, elephant seals and penguins. Preying upon all these are the magnificent orcas and (if you are lucky enough) their beach attacks are a spectacle not to be missed. There are also options to kayak and swim with sea lions here.

We now start our journey through eastern Patagonia, probably the most barren and windswept landscape that you will ever encounter.

After crossing the Magellan Strait we enter Tierra del Fuego, a maze of beautiful islands, narrow waterways and breathtaking scenery.

Dramatically wedged between huge mountains and the icy Beagle Channel, the end of the world town of Ushuaia is our base for exploring the region’s highlights. Activities such as trekking, kayaking, fishing, wildlife watching and boat cruising are popular day trips and the seafood restaurants lining the ocean-front are simply divine. This is also the closest land point to Antarctica.
Day 6 Chile
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Chile

In Chile we now visit one of South America’s most iconic national parks, Torres del Paine. Our idyllic campsite next to a turquoise glacial lake affords us stupendous views of the jagged mountain peaks towering skywards and the hiking here is stunning!

From here keen hikers have the chance to undertake the 4 day W Trek as an optional excursion. This iconic trail is rated as one of South America’s best hikes where you will get to see some of the world’s most impressive mountain scenery.
Day 7 Aegentina
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Aegentina

Back in Argentina from our base in El Calafate you now have the option to visit the incredible Perito Moreno glacier where you can take a breathtaking boat trip through the glacial waterways or even put on crampons for an hour of glacier trekking.

We continue to the village of El Chalten in Los Glaciares National Park where you have a couple of days to explore the trails surrounding the iconic peaks of Mt. Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

Our last stop in Argentina is at Cueva de las Manos (cave of the hands) where we get to see an exceptional amount of cave art dating back 13,000 years.
Day 8 Chile
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Chile

Southern Chile is the beginning of our journey along the Camino Austral, a stunning route that takes us on ferries through beautiful fjords, dirt tracks that lead us to remote villages and national parks that offer unsurpassed views of the Patagonian wilderness.

From our base in Rio Tranquilo you have the option to visit the stunning San Rafael Glacier as well as explore the bizarre marble caves on the shores of Lago General Carrera.

Weather permitting, you now have the option to visit the Hanging Glacier where you can trek up to the viewpoint of a glacier creeping over a cliff-face with a gushing waterfall pouring out of it.

Futaleufu is our next stop on the Camino Austral and is a world-class destination for fishing, kayaking and whitewater rafting, and actually boasts having the world’s most dangerous river.

As we continue north we travel past beautiful turquoise lakes and pine clad mountainsides before reaching Pucon, a small Swiss-like lakeside town where we base ourselves for a few days to enjoy the area’s rafting and hiking. The really adventurous have the chance to trek up the active Villarica volcano.

Further north we reach the capital, Santiago, where this tour ends. The city’s tree lined streets and wonderful architecture create a serene atmosphere but dig a little deeper and you discover a vibrant social scene. Huge coffee houses, tiny cocktail bars and sumptuous cuisine all make Santiago an unforgettable end to our overland journey through South America!

Please note that this tour ends after breakfast on the final day of the trip so you can make your onward travel arrangements accordingly.

59 days tour

Rio De Janeiro To Santiago Overland Group Tour

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Rio De Janeiro To Santiago Overland Group Tour

Brazil

Paraguay

Argentina

Uruguay

Argentina

Chile

Aegentina

Chile

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