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.
Travel Style
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Service Level
Basic
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
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.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
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
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg. 14
What meals are included in this trip?
No meals included
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Public bus, walking
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hostels (multi-share 9 nts), Overnight bus (2 nts).
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
