Santiago to Rio: The Andes, Iguassu & Beyond

An Unfiltered Travel Guide & Photo Diary

Santiago to Rio: The Andes, Iguassu & Beyond

Your independent guide to every step of the route. NoSetDestination maps real logistics, compares travel styles, and tracks tour prices to alert you when rates drop.

Your route 15 stops · 18 days
Days 1–2 Santiago
Day 3 Valparaíso/Santiago
Days 4–5 Pucón
Day 6 Pucón/San Carlos de Bariloche
Days 7–8 San Carlos de Bariloche
Day 9 San Carlos de Bariloche/Buenos Aires
Day 10 Buenos Aires
Day 11 Buenos Aires/Foz do Iguaçu
Day 12 Foz do Iguaçu
Day 13 Foz do Iguaçu/Paraty
Day 14 Paraty
Day 15 Paraty/Ilha Grande
Day 16 Ilha Grande
Day 17 Ilha Grande/Rio de Janeiro
Day 18 Rio de Janeiro

🎒  Operated by G Adventures · Independent review & tracking by us

A curated tour from G Adventures’ catalog. They operate the trip, set the official price, and handle your direct booking. We independently review the itinerary, map the real-world logistics, and track pricing so you can plan with confidence and book at the best rate.

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From $5,534 USD $6,149

📅 18 days · 🧭 Standard

Check dates & pricing on G Adventures

This is a highlights reel of southern South America, connecting three countries and a handful of iconic landscapes in a single, efficient push. The route prioritizes breadth over depth, moving from Chile's coast and volcanic lake district across the Andes into Argentina for Buenos Aires and Iguassu Falls. The final leg runs up Brazil's Costa Verde to Rio. It's a trip for travelers short on planning time but long on ambition, stitching together a path that would be complex to arrange independently.

An 18-day overland route from Santiago's wine country across the Andes to Buenos Aires, before pushing north to Iguassu Falls and the coastal trail from Paraty to Rio de Janeiro.

Book Andes, Iguassu & Beyond by G Adventures. From $5,534 USD $6,149 · 18 days · tourist-class hotels + ground transport + select meals trip code SCSR Prices in USD. Your local currency is shown on G Adventures.

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What Coordinating This Route Involves

Covering 3,595 km in 18 days means booking 14 separate transport legs. Add to that the research for 17 nights across eight properties, plus scheduling 11 different activities into the calendar. The main logistical challenge is found on the three days where a stop is built into a long-distance transfer, a move that requires careful coordination of transport and luggage storage. The work is not booking the individual pieces, but ensuring they connect without fail across a fast-paced schedule.

See how G Adventures handles it

The Route, Day by Day

Each leg of the journey mapped out — where the day takes you, what's actually on the ground, and things to consider when planning this tour.

Day 1 of 18

Santiago

Arrival in Santiago

Arrive in Santiago at any time. Chile's capital is a sprawling city backed by the Andes, and today is about settling in. Drop your bags and stretch your legs with a walk through the surrounding neighborhood before finding a local spot for dinner.

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Day at a glance

  • Arrival day with no planned activities
  • Accommodation: Hotel Nippon Santiago
Day 2 of 18

Santiago

Santiago City & Culture

A morning tour of Santiago offers a solid orientation, hitting different neighborhoods and stopping at the Museo de la Memoria to understand Chile's recent history. The route typically includes a visit to the Central Market for a traditional snack. The afternoon is free to explore further. A ride up the funicular on San Cristóbal Hill provides a classic panoramic view of the city against its mountain backdrop.

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Day at a glance

  • Guided tour of Santiago's neighborhoods
  • Visit to the Museum of Memory and Human Rights
  • Free afternoon for independent exploration
  • Accommodation: Hotel Nippon Santiago
  • Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 of 18

Valparaíso/Santiago

Valparaíso, Wine & an Overnight Ride

A full day trip starts with a 90-minute overland journey to the coast. Spend the morning in Valparaíso, a port city built on steep hillsides, known for its colorful houses, street art, and winding funicular elevators. In the afternoon, the route cuts back inland to the Casablanca Valley, one of Chile's premier wine regions, for a tour and tasting at a local vineyard. The day ends back in Santiago to board an overnight bus south to Pucón.

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Day at a glance

  • Day trip to the port city of Valparaíso
  • Winery tour and tasting in the Casablanca Valley
  • Overnight bus journey to Pucón
  • Accommodation: Hostal Mahuida (Hostel)
  • Meals: Breakfast

DIY Reality Check: Stitching together this three-part day requires juggling multiple transport providers and tight timelines. Public transit from Santiago doesn't run directly to the wineries; travelers must first take a bus to Valparaíso, then find a separate local bus or colectivo to the town of Casablanca, and finally hire a taxi for the last leg to a vineyard. Vetting and booking a winery tour in advance is recommended, adding another fixed point to the schedule. The entire day is a race to return to Santiago in time to catch an overnight bus to Pucón, which involves navigating to the correct departure terminal from several options and choosing from a dozen different bus operators. A single coordinated vehicle for the day's sightseeing eliminates this entire chain of independent bookings and the risk of a missed connection.

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Book Andes, Iguassu & Beyond by G Adventures.

From $5,534 USD $6,149 · 18 days · tourist-class hotels + ground transport + select meals

trip code SCSR · routes directly to G Adventures · 90-day cookie

Prices in USD. Your local currency is shown on G Adventures.

Not ready to book yet?

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Same destination, different style — book directly with G Adventures.

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