Patagonia Overland between Carta... (JES)

Cartagena 14 Dec 2013

Border Information: If joining in Cartagena, enter Colombia at Cartagena airport.

Free time to explore Cartagena with a group meeting day at 18:00hrs. We stay in a comfortable hotel in central Cartagena

Hotel for the night: Villa Colonial

Cartagena 15 Dec 2013

A full day in the beautiful city of Cartagena. In the morning we will have a walking tour of the city and then the rest of the time is free for you to enjoy the many optional activities on offer. We stay in the same centrally located hotel.

San Bernardo Islands, Covenas 16 Dec to 17 Dec 2013

We drive 150kms to Covenas on the Morrosquillo gulf and camp in the grounds of a local hotel for 2 nights near the beach with free time to relax. On the second day we will take a guided day tour out to the idyllic San Bernardo islands.

Medellin 18 Dec to 19 Dec 2013

A 525kms drive takes us to Colombia’s second city, Medellin where stay in dorm accommodation in a centrally located hostel allowing you to enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

Guatapé 20 Dec to 22 Dec 2013

We make a short drive this morning of a couple of hours 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.

Manizales 23 Dec to 25 Dec 2013

We head 185kms 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.

Cali 26 Dec to 27 Dec 2013

Today we head out early overlanding to Cali, Colombia’s most lively city. In the evening there may be 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. During the day time there are lots of attractions to keep you entertained.

Popayan 28 Dec 2013

A short 140kms drive brings us to the beautiful town of Popayan where we stay for the night in dorm accommodation in a hostel.

Ipiales 29 Dec 2013

Today we drive the 315km to the border town of Ipiales. We stay the night in a local hotel.

Otavalo 30 Dec 2013

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

We cross the border into Ecuador and head to the Indian market town of Otavalo where we stay in a friendly hotel.

Quito 31 Dec 2013

120kms drive to the capital, Quito arriving in the afternoon where we stay in a local friendly hotel. En route we will stop at the Equator for the must have photo ops.

Quito 01 Jan 2014

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

Day to explore Quito with a group meeting at 18.00hrs.  We stay in a local, friendly hotel in the city.

Hotel for the night: Alston Inn Hotel

Coca 02 Jan 2014

Today we will drive around 350 km into the heart of the Amazon to Coca (Puerto Francisco de Orellana). This is where we will set off from tomorrow for our Jungle Expedition.

Panachoca Amazon Experience 03 Jan to 05 Jan 2014

We will set off in the morning on a motorised canoe and leave civilization behind. for the next 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.

Rio Verde 06 Jan 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 beautiful town of Rio Verde. We stay at a campsite with great facilities

Banos, Rio Verde 07 Jan to 08 Jan 2014

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

Chugchilan, Lake Quilotoa 09 Jan 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.

Chugchilan 10 Jan 2014

An early morning starts a 300kms drive on the northern section of the spectacular Quilotoa Loop to the town of Chugchilán. We stay the night in a fantastic hostel.

Riobamba, Chugchilan 11 Jan 2014

This morning we will drive the southern section of the Quilotoa Loop and then head to the Riobamba area where we probably will stay in a hotel for the night but may push on and find somewhere to camp. We will cover approximately 320kms today.

Cuenca 12 Jan to 13 Jan 2014

A 250kms drive will take us to to Cuenca with a chance to explore the town and possibly visit it’s famous Panama Hat factory.

We spend the next 2 nights in a guesthouse

Punta Sal 14 Jan 2014

Border information: Exit Ecuador at Tumbes. Enter Peru at Tumbes.

A 285kms drive takes us across the Peruvian border to Punta Sal, on the shore of the Pacific Ocean where we camp at a hostel

Punta Sal 15 Jan to 16 Jan 2014

2 days with free time to enjoy the beach and activities at Punta Sal. Second and 3rd night camping at the same hostel.

Lambayeque, Huanchaco 17 Jan 2014

610kms drive to Huanchaco, visiting Lambayeque for the Lord of Sipan Museum visit enroute. On arrival in Huanchaco we will be camping at a site with good facilities

Huanchaco 18 Jan 2014

Visit to numerous ruins in and around Huanchaco, the enormous ruins of Chan Chan, and the world famous pyramids of Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna. We stay at the same campsite.

Lima 19 Jan 2014

A full drive day of 530kms brings us to the country’s capital, Lima, arriving late in the afternoon. We stay in a comfortable hotel in the city centre

Lima 20 Jan 2014

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

Day free to explore Lima, with a group meeting at 18:00 hrs. We stay in a good quality hotel in the centre of the city.

Hotel for the night: Hostal Bonbini

Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Huacachina 21 Jan 2014

We have a very early start and head south and out of Lima to begin a 270kms drive to Paracas. There we board a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands to view wildlife before returning to Paracas to explore the national park. We will bush camp either in Paracas National Park or in Huacachina for optional sand boarding and dune buggying

Huacachina, Nazca 22 Jan 2014

In the morning we will have a chance to stock up on supplies before driving approximately 200kms to Nazca where we camp. En route we have the chance to glimpse the Nazca lines from a viewing platform

Nazca, Puerto Inca 23 Jan 2014

In the morning there is an optional flight over the mysterious Nazca lines and an included visit to Chauchilla cemetery. In the afternoon there is a 270kms drive to Puerto Inca for an overnight stay at a beach camp site

Arequipa 24 Jan 2014

380kms drive day takes us to altitude and to the ‘white city’ of Arequipa where we overnight in a good quality hotel

Arequipa 25 Jan 2014

Free day to explore the colonial city of Arequipa

Chivay and Colca Canyon, Chivay 26 Jan 2014

Time in Arequipa to explore further in the morning. Then drive 150 km drive to Chivay with an optional visit to thermal springs. Overnight in a hotel at Chivay.

Chivay and Colca Canyon, Chivay 27 Jan 2014

Short driving day to visit the spectacular Colca Canyon to view condors and also local communities. Overnight in the same hotel at Chivay.

Raqchi 28 Jan 2014

Drive day to Raqchi and 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.

Cusco 29 Jan 2014

In the morning we visit the ruins at Raqchi and also a local artisan centre. In the afternoon we drive 160kms drive to Cusco. Overnight in a lovely colonial hotel

Cusco 30 Jan 2014

Non-driving day with free time to explore the wonderful city of Cusco, the capital of the Inca kingdom. There will be a trekking briefing today and we stay in the same colonial hotel

Inca Trail , Sacred Valley, Cusco 31 Jan to 03 Feb 2014

Trekking in the Andes - We will have a tour of the sacred valley and either begin the community trek or the classic trek to the world heritage site of Machu Picchu. The nights are spent camping. 

Machu Picchu 04 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 05 Feb 2014

If you are starting in Cusco, enter at Cusco Airport. Staying in a good quality local hotel in Cusco, close to the Plaza Mayor, this day is free to look around. There will be a group meeting at 18:00 hrs.

Hotel for the night: Hotel Cahuide

Urcos 06 Feb 2014

Today we will leave Cusco very early and try to get as far as possible for a bush camp.

Posada Amazonas 07 Feb 2014

We transfer by boat to the Posada Amazonas. This is a forty five minute boat ride from the Tambopata Port to Posada Amazonas and will take us into the Community’s Primary Forest Private Reserve.

Upon arrival, you will be briefed with important navigation and security tips.

A twenty minute walk from Posada Amazonas leads to a 30 meter scaffolding canopy tower. A bannistered staircase running through the middle provides safe access to the platforms above. From atop you obtain spectacular views of the vast expanses of standing forest cut by the Tambopata River winding through the middle. Now and then toucans, parrots or macaws are seen flying against the horizon, or mixed species canopy flocks land in the treetop next to you.

After dinner we have an Ecotourism Lecture from one of the staff members about the Infierno ecotourism.  

Overnight at Posada Amazonas.

Posada Amazonas , Tres Chimbadas Lake 08 Feb 2014

After breakfast we head to Tres Chimbadas Lake which is thirty minutes by boat and forty five minutes hiking from Posada Amazonas. Once there you will paddle around the lake in a catamaran, searching for the resident family of nine giant river otters and other lakeside wildlife such as caiman, hoatzin and horned screamers. Otters are most active from dawn to eight or nine in the morning.

We also visit a Parrot Clay Lick which is only a twenty minute walk from Posada Amazonas. From a blind located about twenty meters away you will see dozens of parrots and parakeets descend on most clear mornings to ingest the clay on a river bank. Species such as Mealy and Yellow- headed Amazon, Blue-headed Parrot and Dusky headed Parakeet descend at this clay lick. The clay lick is active at dawn, during the late mornings and mid-afternoons.

After lunch we have a Ethnobotanical tour. A twenty minute boat drive downriver leads you to a trail designed by the staff of the Centro Ñape. The Centro Ñape is a communal organization that produces medicines out of forest plants and administers them to patients who choose their little clinic. They have produced a trail which explains the different medicinal (and other) uses of selected plants.

After dinner you will have the option of hiking out at night, when most of the mammals are active but rarely seen. Much easier to find are frogs with shapes and sounds as bizarre as their natural histories.

Overnight at Posada Amazonas

Puerto Maldonado, Peruvian Amazon 09 Feb 2014

An early start and a full day's drive brings us into the jungle and to the town of Puerto Maldonaldo, the base from which we will launch ourselves into the 3 day jungle trip.

Tonight we will stay in a small local run hotel.

Porto Velho, Rio Branco, West Brazil Wildcamp 10 Feb to 12 Feb 2014

After breakfast we transfer by boat back to Puerto Maldonado.

These next few days will be an incredible exploratory journey covering over 2000kms. We will cross into Brasil at Assis and head via Rio Branco, Porto Velho and a number of other towns en route to the Pantanal. We will discover new places to stay and bush camp as we go.

Pocone 13 Feb 2014

Another full day drive brings us to the town of Pocone in Mato Grosso, the gateway to the Pantanal.

Pantanal 14 Feb to 16 Feb 2014

3 day trip into the Pantanal, the vast wetlands of Central Brazil. From a ranch base we explore the surrounding area on horseback, from boats, from canoes and on foot. In the morning of the last day we will drive out of the Pantanal and drive as far as possible for a night bush camping.

Central Brazil Wildcamp 17 Feb to 18 Feb 2014

Overlanding 1300kms towards the Brasilia, we will take it slowly to enjoy the sights and overlanding experience. We will be camping along the way.

Brasilia 19 Feb to 20 Feb 2014

A 200kms drive takes us to Brasilia, the country’s capital where we will enjoy a tour of this strangely designed city with its wealth of architecture and sculpture. We stay in dorm accommodation in a hostel.

Chapada Dos Veadeiros National Park 21 Feb to 23 Feb 2014

We head 230kms to Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park with two full days to explore the landscape and wildlife. There is time to hike in the jungle, visit waterfalls and swim in the warm springs. We stay at an eco-tourism campsite.

Cavalcante 24 Feb 2014

We travel 170kms through fantastic scenery to Cavalcante where we visit the remote community of the Kalunga people. We spend the night with the Kalungas, camping on their lands.

Tres Marias 25 Feb 2014

Full day 630 kms drive through Brazilian countryside and towns towards Ouro Preto. We will find a bush camp to stay for the night

Ouro Preto 26 Feb 2014

We head 400kms to the beautiful old colonial mining town of Ouro Preto. Staying in a campsite with good facilities.

Ouro Preto 27 Feb 2014

Non-driving day with free time to visit a Topaz mine, museum or the many baroque churches in Ouro Preto.

Rio De Janeiro 28 Feb 2014

The first day of Rio Carnival is free time, as everyone will be arriving at various times throughout the day to start the package. Hotel check in is from midday and Dragoman crew will be on hand all day to give you any assistance. There will be a joining meeting in the afternoon.

If you are on an overland trip coming from Parati or Teresopolis, today will be a short drive day, bringing you to the biggest party on the planet!

Hotel for the night: Hotel Paysandu

Rio De Janeiro 01 Mar 2014

Today there is an optional visit up Corcovado mountain on a guided trip with all transport included to the Christ the Redeemer statue with great view of Rio.

This afternoon is free for you to do as you wish.

Rio De Janeiro 02 Mar 2014

In the morning there is an optional excursion to the majestic Sugar Loaf mountain from where there are stunning views over Rio and its surrounding beaches.

In the evening the main event of carnival occurs with a trip to the Sambadrome for the samba parade. The top samba schools parade their outrageous floats and costumes and we'll party well into the early hours.

Rio De Janeiro 03 Mar 2014

Today is a free day after the late night last night.

You can spend the day relaxing at the beach or take part in optional activities such as visiting the Morrinho community favela project, going to the sambadrome for a 2nd night or actually taking part in the parade.

Rio De Janeiro 04 Mar 2014

Today you have a full free day to explore; perhaps find a 'block party' to continue the festivities.

In the evening there's the option to go to the gay ball.

Rio De Janeiro 05 Mar 2014

There's free time in the morning but if you wish to explore further then join our local guide on an optional Colonial Tour of the city.

Rio De Janeiro 06 Mar 2014

Today there will be a trip meeting at 18:00 hrs. There are no activities planned today and tonight we stay in a good quality hotel by the beach in Rio

Hotel for the night: Hotel Paysandu

Parati 07 Mar to 09 Mar 2014

We drive 235 kms along the Emerald Coast to Parati where we spend 3 nights at a beachside hostel. Free time to explore, including boat trip out to a small island to go snorkelling or diving

Brotas 10 Mar 2014

Today we drive 560 kms drive to the remote town of Brotas in southeast Brazil. The afternoon is free for adventure activities and we stay in a campsite with facilities

Brotas 11 Mar 2014

Non driving day, free for adventure activities such as white water rafting.

Campo Grande 12 Mar 2014

We overland 650 kms towards Bonito, our base for the Pantanal trip where we bush camp for the night

Southern Pantanal 13 Mar to 15 Mar 2014

Following a 4 hour drive from near Campo Grande we spend 3 days in Brazil's amazing Southern Pantanal. From a ranch base we explore the surrounding area on horseback, from boats and canoes, from farm trucks and on foot staying in shared accommodation. The last night is spent at a campsite in Bonito.

Bonito 16 Mar to 17 Mar 2014

These are non-driving days where you have free time to enjoy the range of activities available in Bonito such as snorkeling, rafting or a jungle trek. 

Foz Do Iguacu 18 Mar 2014

Full day 800 kms drive to Foz de Iguazu where we stay at an excellent camp site with facilities and a pool

Foz Do Iguacu 19 Mar 2014

Non-driving day. Free time to enjoy the famous Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side, with a range of activities available. Second night at campsite

Puerto Iguazu 20 Mar 2014

60 kms drive across the border to see Iguazu Falls, from the Argentinean side. We stay at Puerto Iguassu at a campsite with good facilities

San Ignacio De Mini 21 Mar 2014

We drive 270 kms drive to the Jesuit Mission of San Ignacio de Mini. Overnighting in a campsite with good facilities. 

Buenos Aires 22 Mar 2014

Full day 560 kms drive towards Buenos Aires. We bush camp for the night

Buenos Aires 23 Mar 2014

We set off early morning to drive 415 kms into the capital, Buenos Aires arriving late in the afternoon. We stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities. There are various optional activities to enjoy.

Buenos Aires 24 Mar to 25 Mar 2014

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

Free time to enjoy the wonderful city of Buenos Aires where there is lots to see and do. Today there will be a group meeting at 18:00 hrs. We will be staying in a good quality hotel in the city.

Hotel for the night: Hotel Splendid

Monte Hermoso 26 Mar 2014

We head of BA and drive almost 700 kms across the pampas. Tonight we will bush camp along the coast somewhere near Monte Hermoso. 

Puerto Madryn 27 Mar 2014

Full day 750kms drive to Puerto Madryn where we stay at a camp site with facilities

Valdez Peninsular 28 Mar 2014

Guided day trip to Valdez Peninsula to see its abundant marine life. Optional boat trip to see whales and dolphins if time allows. Second night in campsite with facilities

Camarones 29 Mar 2014

370 kms drive to Camarones. We will stay at a camp site with facilities

El Calafate 30 Mar to 31 Mar 2014

Overlanding over 1500 km through spectacular scenery following the Atlantic Coast, wildcamping along the way until we reach El Calafate. There's lost to see and do as we go such as a visit to Cabo dos Bahias Magellan Penguin Colony.

El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier 01 Apr 2014

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

Torres Del Paine National Park 02 Apr 2014

400 kms drive into Chile to Torres del Paine National Park via Puerto Natales. We stay at a camp site with facilities.

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

Torres Del Paine National Park 03 Apr 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 bags!

Torres Del Paine National Park 04 Apr 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 pre booked 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 05 Apr 2014

This is 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 06 Apr 2014

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

If you have not being trekking the all W Walk, you can will 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 the Torres together. You will come back down at the truck in the afternoon and you all will go back to the campsite together.

Magellan Straits 07 Apr 2014

500 kms drive including ferry crossing of the infamous Magellan Straits and into Argentina where we bush camp.

Border information: Exit Chile at Cerro Castillo, then enter Argentina at San Sebastian.

Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego 08 Apr to 10 Apr 2014

A 230kms drive takes us to a 3 night stay in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost town in the world. We enjoy a half day excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park. We stay at a camp site with facilities

Magellan Straits 11 Apr 2014

We catch the ferry crossing of the infamous Magellan Straits. Then spend a day overlanding across the Patagonian steppe wildcamping. 

Border information: On the first day we exit Argentina at San Sebastian and enter Chile at San Sebastian. The same day we then exit Chile at Monte Aymond and re-enter Argentina at Monte Aymond.

El Chalten 12 Apr 2014

We drive to El Chalten. Campsite in town will be our base for the next 3 nights.

Los Glaciares National Park 13 Apr to 14 Apr 2014

2 free days to explore the Fitzroy range in Los Glaciares NP from El Chalten. A range of activities are available from hiking, glacier trekking to horse riding. Second and third nights in same campsite with facilities

Rio Pinturas 15 Apr 2014

Today we will sadly leave El Chalten and continue our way north. We will bush camp en route.

Rio Pinturas 16 Apr 2014

A morning drive takes us to Rio Pinturas. In the afternoon we visit the UNESCO site Cueva de las Manos and stay at a campsite with facilities

Esquel 17 Apr 2014

Full day 650 kms drive through the Argentinean lake district to Esquel, staying at a campsite with facilities. If time allows we will go and visit a Welsh Tea house in the near village of Trevellin.

Bariloche 18 Apr 2014

320 kms drive to the mountain resort town of Bariloche where we stay in dorm rooms in a comfortable hostel

Bariloche 19 Apr to 20 Apr 2014

 2 free days in Bariloche with a range of activities available from mountain biking to horse-riding. Second and third night at hostel

Pucon 21 Apr 2014

410 kms drive across the border and into the Lake District of Chile. Tonight we stay in Pucon at a camp site with facilities.

Border information: Exit Argentina at Mamuil Malal, enter Chile at Mamuil Malal.

Pucon 22 Apr to 23 Apr 2014

2 free days to explore Pucon and the surrounding area with a range of activities available from hiking to hot springs. Second and third nights in campsite with facilities

Salto De Laja 24 Apr 2014

320 kms drive to the wine growing region of Salto de Laja. We stay at a campsite with facilities

Santiago 25 Apr to 26 Apr 2014

Full day 520 kms drive to the capital, Santiago, arriving late in the afternoon. En route we will visit a vineyard for optional wine tasting. We stay the night in a good centrally located hotel allowing for optional activities the following day.

Border information: If you are leaving in Santiago, exit Chile at Santiago Airport.

Hotel for the night: Happy House Hostel