The route

Highlights include:

Coastal desert of Northern Chile
Atacama Desert
Remote painted deserts and towns of Northern Argentina
Intense blue lagoons in the Lake's District,
Snow capped Andean mountains
Vineyards of the Uco Valley in Mendoza
Overnight stays on estancias and farms
Glaciers
Ancient rock art
Animals and birds of the region and more…

Full expedition (39 days):

Iquique to Ushuaia – approx. 9,000 km

Patagonia only (21 days):

Pucon to Ushuaia – approx. 5,000 km

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South America

Road Trip

Choose your own adventure: The 21-day Patagonia plunge or the full-blown 39-day epic road trip from northern Chile. Either way, you’ll explore some of South America's most breathtaking landscapes and remote roads, including Argentina's Ruta 40 and Chile's Carretera Austral (Ruta 7). Enjoy cozy 3-star accommodations, with a stay or two at charming "Estancias." Both adventures reach Ushuaia, famously known as "the end of the world" – the southernmost city on the planet.
You'll be cruising in a 4x4, but don't worry, no off-road driving skills are needed. The rugged gravel paths demand a sturdy vehicle, making the 4x4 essential for this once-in-a-lifetime journey. Pack your sense of adventure and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

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Details

Included

Arrival and departure transfers, vehicle hire (manual 4x4 – Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT50 or similar – the rental fleet changes often), vehicle insurance (standard), compulsory insurance for Chile and Argentina (for personal accidents the people in the car and 3rd persons involved in the accident - valid 45 days), 1 GPS per vehicle, hand held two-way radio in vehicle, border crossing documentation, border crossing authorisation for 2 people per vehicle, accommodation (twin/double), meals as per itinerary (all breakfasts and 10 dinners on 39 day tour, 8 dinners on 21 day tour), 2 boat crossings of Strait of Magellan, support vehicle, Self Drive Adventures escort and local English and Spanish speaking guide.

Excluded

Airfares return to South America, fuel (approx. USD1,500/AUD2,200 per car on 39 day trip, USD1,000/AUD1,500 per car for 21 day trip), vehicle excess (excess is approx. USD1,200 – this cannot be reduced by paying an additional daily amount – paid in Chilean Pesos), road tolls (approx. USD10/AUD15 per car), food other than listed in itinerary (approx. budget USD1,200/AUD1,850 for 39 day tour and USD700/AUD1,080 for 21 day tour per person excluding drinks), entrance fees to monuments and national parks (approx. USD135/AUD195 per person), border crossing authorisation for 3rd of 4th person per vehicle (approx. USD100/USD145 per person), any pre-post tour accommodation requested, ferry from Porvenir to Punta Arenas (this is only scheduled 1 day per week so we most likely will drive this section of the tour), local tips (approx. USD300/AUD440), travel insurance (medical evacuation insurance highly recommended), visas (if required), vaccinations (if required), any other items of a personal nature and local tips. Car excess and car rental terms and conditions will be supplied separately.

Prices

2 people per 4x4

USD18,495*per person 39 day tour, double share

USD11,995*per person 21 day tour, double share

3 or 4 people per 4x4: pricing available on request

*Prices assume a minimum of 5 vehicles, maximum of 7 vehicles (plus support vehicles), 2025 pricing only, 2026 pricing released early 2025. Prices are subject to exchange rate fluctuations – please see terms and conditions for all booking conditions.