Cartagena<- ->Ushuaia (LTU)

Ushuaia 02 Jan 2014

Border information: If you are starting in Ushuaia, enter Argentina at Ushuaia Airport.

Today is an arrival day with a pre departure meeting at 18:00 hrs. There are no activities planned so you can arrive at any time. Your leader will leave a note in reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Your leader will collect your kitty and check your passport and insurance details at this meeting. Accommodation is in a lovely hostel in central Ushuaia.

Hotel for the night: Hostal Los Cormoranes

Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego 03 Jan 2014

Today is a non-driving day and a chance to explore Tierra del Fuego National Park. We stay for a second night in the same hostel

Magellan Straits 04 Jan 2014

We head north driving 430 kms, including a ferry crossing of the infamous Magellan Straits, into Chile where we bush camp for the night.

Border information: We exit Argentina at San Sebastian and enter Chile at San Sebastian.

Torres Del Paine National Park 05 Jan 2014

500 kms drive to Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia. This is one of the most outstanding areas of beauty in Chile and the highlight of the trip for many passengers. We camp for the night at a lakeside site.

Torres Del Paine National Park 06 Jan 2014

These are non-driving days. Dragoman is the first overland company to offer the opportunity to walk part of the famous ' W Walk' included in our itinerary. Today, following our local guide you will take a ferry across Lake Pehoe and walk to Glacier Grey and back to our refugio. You will sleep at the refugio for the night. Don't forget your sleeping bag!

Torres Del Paine National Park 07 Jan 2014

Today you will all keep trekking as far as the French Valley. If you have chosen to walk the whole of the W Walk you will stay at a refugio which would have been already prebooked for you by Dragoman with your local guide. If you are not walking the all W Walk you will make your way back to the refugio where you slept the previous night and get the last ferry (18.30) back across the lake, where the truck will be waiting for you to take you to our campsite.

Torres Del Paine National Park 08 Jan 2014

This a free day if you have not chosen to walk the all W Walk. You can go for a day walk around our campsite, or maybe kayaking or horse riding. If you will be walking the all W Walk you will be staying at a refugio for the night with your local guide.

Torres Del Paine National Park 09 Jan 2014

Today is our last full day in this magic National Park.

If you have not being trekking the all W Walk, you can hop on our truck which will take you at the base of the famous three peaks which gives the name to the park. There you will meet up with your fellow travellers who have trekked the all W Walk and walk up to the famous towers together. You will come back down at the truck in the afternoon and you all will go back to the campsite together.

El Calafate 10 Jan 2014

270 kms drive to El Calafate, crossing the border back into Argentina. We stay in dorm accommodation at a hostel.

Border information: Exit Chile at Cerro Castillo and enter Argentina at Rio Don Guillermo.

El Calafate 11 Jan 2014

Today is a non-driving day with a guided visit to view the stunning Moreno Glacier. Second night at the same hostel.

El Chalten 12 Jan to 14 Jan 2014

200 Kms drive to El Chalten in Los Glaciares National Park. Here we have two full days to explore the Fitzroy range, with a range of activities from hiking and glacier trekking to horse riding. A boat trip on Viedma Lake is also possible. We camp here for 3 nights

Carretera Austral, Rio Pinturas 15 Jan to 17 Jan 2014

We cross back into Chile and if time allows visit the Cave of Hands at Rio Pinturas beforehand. We will spend 3 days overlanding through magnificent scenery, visiting glaciers and generally exploring this area of outstanding natural beauty. We will drive a total of approximately 500kms bush camping as we go.

Border information: On the second day we exit Argentina at General Balmaceda.

Futalefu 18 Jan 2014

We will head towards Futalefu driving through the Chilean Fjords via the Colgante Glacier where there is an optional walk on the glacier. We will camp the night in Futalefu.

Bariloche 19 Jan 2014

Today with cross back into Argentina and drive to the mountain town of Bariloche.

Bariloche 20 Jan 2014

Free day to enjoy beautiful Bariloche and take on some optional activities.

Pucon 21 Jan 2014

Today we cross back into Chile over the mountain pass of Maulil Malal into Pucon.

Pucon 22 Jan 2014

Today is a non-driving day with a range of activities available from hiking to hot springs. We stay for a second night in the same camp site

Santiago 23 Jan 2014

Today is an all day drive to Santiago. If times allowes we will try to visit one of the many vineyard in the wine region south of Santiago. On arrival in Santiago we will stay in a centrally located hostel for the night. We suggest you might stay one extra day in Santiago.

Hotel for the night: Happy House Hostel

Santiago 24 Jan 2014

Border information: If you are starting in Santiago, enter Chile at Santiago Airport.

There will be a group meeting at 18:00 hrs on the first day. Please note the trip will depart Santiago the morning after the meeting. If you think you will enjoy a few days in Santiago let Dragoman Sales Team know, to be able to book extra pre nights accomodation.

Hotel for the night: Happy House Hostel

Mendoza 25 Jan to 26 Jan 2014

Today we head out of Santiago and cross the Argentine border to Mendoza, famous for its vineyards and indulge in a little wine-tasting or even rafting or mountain biking. We stay in a centrally located hostel.

Border information: Exit Chile at Los Libertadores, enter Argentina at Los Libertadores.

Rio Ceballos 27 Jan 2014

Leaving Mendoza we head east towards Rio Ceballos, we will spend the night at a wild camp, travelling around 300kms.

Rio Ceballos 28 Jan to 30 Jan 2014

A 300kms drive brings us to an unique 3 night stay at an Anglo Argentinian estancia. We will camp within the grounds of the estancia and spend time with the Gauchos - learning their skills, go horse riding, hiking and have a traditional asado or Argentinian BBQ.

Quilmes Ruins 31 Jan 2014

335kms drive to a campsite via the Quilmes Ruins en route.

Cafayate 01 Feb 2014

We head 370kms to Cafayate, lying at the centre of Argentina's principal wine producing region where we shall visit a vineyard. We stay at a camp site with good facilities

Salta 02 Feb to 03 Feb 2014

175kms drive to the fine Spanish colonial city of Salta. We stay in a simple hotel in the centre of town.

On the second day you have free time to explore Salta with plenty of optional activities available.

San Pedro De Atacama 04 Feb to 05 Feb 2014

A full 550kms drive across the Chilean border to the town of San Pedro de Atacama where we will overnight at a camp site.  We will visit the extraordinary Moon Valley, hopeful of a stunning sunset. In the evening there is also the chance to go stargazing (only possible when there is not a full moon).

Border information: Exit Argentina at Paso Jama, enter Chile at San Pedro.

Bolivian Altiplano 06 Feb 2014

150kms drive towards Uyuni, seeing Laguna Colorado and Verde along the way. We spend the night in a basic hostel

Border information: Exit Chile at San Pedro, enter Bolivia at Uyuni.

Uyuni 07 Feb 2014

320kms drive to Uyuni, gateway to the salt flats of the Salar de Uyuni. Overnight in friendly hotel serving the highest pizzas in the world!

Salar De Uyuni 08 Feb to 09 Feb 2014

An amazing day out on the saltflats of Salar de Uyuni. Great for all those perspective bending photographs.

Potosi 10 Feb to 11 Feb 2014

An early morning drive of some 190kms drive will bring us to the colonial mining town of Potosi where we stay in a local, friendly hotel for the 2 nights and have the chance for optional activities.

La Paz 12 Feb 2014

Early start and a long day drive across the dramatic windy road of the Altiplano to the highest capital in the world!. We stay in a good quality hotel in central La Paz.

Hotel for the night: Happy House Hostel

La Paz 13 Feb 2014

Border information: If you are starting in La Paz, enter Bolivia at La Paz Airport.

Free time to explore La Paz with a group meeting at 18:00 hrs. We stay in a good quality colonial hotel in the centre.

Hotel for the night: Estrella Andina

Copacabana 14 Feb 2014

In the morning there is a chance to explore La Paz before a 200kms drive brings us to the town of Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca. We overnight in a hotel near the lake

Copacabana 15 Feb 2014

Today is a non-driving day with an all day visit to Isla del Sol in Lake Titicaca. We return in the evening to Copacabana to overnight in the same hotel

Puno 16 Feb 2014

Border information: Exit Bolivia at Copacabana, enter Peru at Desguadero.

A 200kms drive takes us across the Peruvian border to the lakeside town of Puno. In the afternoon we enjoy a boat trip out to the floating reed islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca. We spend the night in a hotel

Sillustani Ruins, Cusco 17 Feb 2014

In the morning we will visit the Sillustani ruins and museum before driving 440kms to Cusco. We stay in a lovely colonial hotel in Cusco

Cusco 18 Feb 2014

Border information: If you are starting at Cusco, enter Peru at Cusco Airport.

Free day to explore the wonderful city of Cusco, the capital of the Inca kingdom. There will be a group meeting at 10:00 hrs. Staying in a good quality colonial hotel in Cusco.

Hotel for the night: Hotel Cahuide

Inca Trail , Sacred Valley, Cusco 19 Feb to 22 Feb 2014

Trekking in the Andes - either the community trek or the classic trek. This is one of the world's best treks and a highlight for most visitors to Peru.

Machu Picchu 23 Feb 2014

Visit to Machu Picchu one of the world's most iconic sights. We'll have a guided tour with a local expert and plenty of time on site before catching the train back to Cusco.

Cusco 24 Feb 2014

Today is a free day to recover from trekking with optional activities available in Cusco such as white water rafting. Overnight in the same colonial hotel

Raqchi 25 Feb 2014

Drive to Raqchi and visit ruins and local artisan centre. We stay overnight in local homestay. We stay in traditional family houses with clean but basic facilities. Whilst we are there we enjoy some of the ceremonial aspects of village life as well as much singing and dancing. This is a great local experience.

Chivay 26 Feb 2014

440kms drive day to Chivay with optional visit to thermal springs. We stay overnight in a hotel at Chivay

Chivay and Colca Canyon, Arequipa 27 Feb 2014

Today we will visit the spectacular Colca Canyon to view condors and also local communities. We will then head on to the beautiful white city of Arequipa.

Arequipa 28 Feb 2014

Free day to explore Arequipa.

Puerto Inca 01 Mar 2014

380kms drive day to Puerto Inca where we stay at a beach side campsite.

Nazca 02 Mar 2014

A 270kms morning drive takes us to Nazca where you will have the chance of an optional flight over the mysterious Nazca lines and visit Chauchilla cemetery. We stay at a campsite with a pool.

Huacachina 03 Mar 2014

We drive 220kms and visit the oasis town of Huacachina for optional sand boarding and sand buggying and an overnight trip to the dunes.

Paracas National Park 04 Mar 2014

A short drive via the town of Ica takes us to Paracas National Park where we will visit the museum in the park before bushcamping in this spectacular location.

Ballestas Islands, Lima 05 Mar 2014

In the morning we board a boat trip around the Ballestas Islands to view wildlife. We then head 270kms to Lima, arriving late in the afternoon. We stay in a good quality hotel in central Lima

Lima 06 Mar 2014

Border information: If you are starting in Lima, enter Peru at Lima Airport.

Free time to explore Lima, with a group meeting at 18:00 hrs. We overnight in a comfortable hotel.

Hotel for the night: Hostal Bonbini

Huanchaco 07 Mar 2014

We'll start with a very long drive to Huanchaco.

Huanchaco 08 Mar 2014

Visit to numerous ruins in and around Huanchaco including the enormous ruins of Chan Chan and the world famous pyramids Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna. Camping with good facilities

Punta Sal 09 Mar 2014

Lond day drive to Punta Sal, on the shore of the Pacific Ocean. We will be visiting Lord of Sipan Museum en route and camp at a hostel

Punta Sal 10 Mar to 11 Mar 2014

2 non-driving day with free time to enjoy the beach and activities at Punta Sal. Second and third night camping at the same hostel. 

Cuenca 12 Mar to 13 Mar 2014

Border information: Exit Peru at Tumbes, enter Ecuador at Tumbes.

285kms drive across the border into Ecuador, to the beautiful colonial Cuenca, Ecuador's third-largest town. We stay in a stunning local guesthouse for the next 2 nights.

We'll have free time to explore Cuenca and visit the famous Panama Hat factory. 

Riobamba 14 Mar 2014

Today we drive 250kms to Riobamba and stay in a local hotel.

Chugchilan 15 Mar 2014

An early start leads to a 350kms drive on the northern section of the spectacular Quilotoa Loop to the town of Chugchilán. We stay the night in a fantastic hostel.

Lake Quilotoa, Chugchilan 16 Mar 2014

An hour’s drive brings us to the town of Quilotoa to see the stunning Crater Lake and begin one of Ecuador’s best day hikes back to Chugchilán. We will trek with a local guide and the mostly downhill trek takes between 4-6 hours. There is however a section towards the end of the trek with a steep incline which you will need to be physically fit for.

Rio Verde, Chugchilan 17 Mar 2014

In the morning we will drive the southen section of the Quilotoa Loop before heading to the beautiful town of Rio Verde, 300kms in total. We stay at a campsite with great facilities

Banos, Rio Verde 18 Mar to 19 Mar 2014

These are non-driving days with free time for range of adrenalin activities or a possible visit to nearby Banos. The nights are spent at the same campsite.

Coca 20 Mar 2014

Today is a driving day to Coca (Puerto Francisco de Orellana). 

We'll spend the night in a comfortable hotel and get ready for our 3 days in the wilderness. 

Panachoca Amazon Experience 21 Mar to 23 Mar 2014

We will set off in the morning on a motorised canoe and leave civilization behind. for the enxt 4 days will be all about the jungle.

During your 3 nights here you will take trips out into the rainforest on foot and by boat to explore for wildlife

Quito 24 Mar 2014

An early boat ride brings us back along the Rio Napo to Coca from where we rejoin our overland vehicle and drive 300kms to the country's capital, Quito. We stay in a local, friendly hotel in the city.

Quito 25 Mar 2014

Border information: If you are joining in Quito, enter Ecuador at Quito airport.

Free time to explore Quito with a group meeting day at 18:00hrs. We stay in local friendly hotel in Quito

Hotel for the night: Alston Inn Hotel

Quito, Otavalo 26 Mar 2014

In the morning we will drive 140kms to the Indian market town of Otavalo where we stay in a friendly hotel. En route we will stop at the Equator for the must have photos.

Ipiales 27 Mar 2014

Border information: Exit Ecuador at Ipiales. Enter Colombia at Ipiales

Today we cross the border into Colombia to the town of Ipiales where we stay in a local hotel

Popayan 28 Mar 2014

An early morning start leads for a 315km drive to the beautiful town of Popayan where we stay for the night in dorm accommodation in a hostel.

Cali 29 Mar to 30 Mar 2014

A short 140kms drive brings us to Cali, Colombia’s most lively city. In the evening you may have the chance to head out for a tour of the city in a traditional chiva bus and there is the chance for optional salsa classes and plenty to keep you entertained during the daytime too. We stay in Cali for 2 nights in a lovely hostel.

Manizales 31 Mar to 02 Apr 2014

We head out early to overland 270kms to Manizales where we stay for 3 nights on a coffee plantation, camping in the grounds of a traditional finca. During the next few days we will enjoy a night of music and dancing, a city tour of Manizales and a coffee plantation tour. Will will also visit a local childrens's charity which we support.

Guatapé 03 Apr to 05 Apr 2014

We head north some 200 kms to the small town of Guatapé which is beautifully located aside a lake in rolling countryside. The town is famous for the towering El Peñón de Guatapé which will will visit before enjoying 3 days of camping by the lake for various activities in the local area.

Medellin 06 Apr to 07 Apr 2014

A short drive of a couple of hours takes us to Colombia’s second city, Medellin where stay in dorm accommodation for 2 nights in a centrally located hostel within the Zona Rosa allowing you to enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

Covenas, San Bernardo Islands 08 Apr to 09 Apr 2014

A 525kms drive takes us to Covenas on the Morrosquillo gulf where we camp in the grounds of a local hotel near the beach for 2 nights. On the second day we will take a boat over to the spectacular San Bernardo islands for a tour of this beautiful archipelago.

Cartagena 10 Apr to 12 Apr 2014

We leave Covenas and head 240kms to Cartagena.  We stay in a comfortable hotel in central Cartagena and enjoy a walking tour of the city and you have the chance to enjoy the many optional activities on offer.

Border information: If you are finishing in Cartagena, exit Colombia at Cartagena airport.