Santiago to Buenos Aires: Volcanos, Valleys & the Lake District

Santiago to Buenos Aires: Volcanos, Valleys & the Lake District
Santiago to Buenos Aires: Volcanos, Valleys & the Lake District
Santiago to Buenos Aires: Volcanos, Valleys & the Lake District

From:

CAD $1759 Was CAD $2199

12 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

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.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 02 Nov 2026

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Experience Overview

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.

Highlights

  • 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

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 37322

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Basic

TransportTransport: Public bus, walking

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Travel StylesTravel Styles: 18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Budget

Tour OperatorTour Operator: G Adventures

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: SCSB

StartStarts: Santiago, Chile

FinishFinishes: Buenos Aires, Argentina

DurationDuration: 12 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical Rating: Average

Includes

Activities

  • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group 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

Accommodation

  • Hostels (multi-share 9 nts), Overnight bus (2 nts).
  • No meals included

Transport

  • Public bus, walking

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1759 ($147 /day)

Itinerary

1

Day 1: 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.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Guanako Hostel

2

Day 2: 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.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Spend the entire day exploring Santiago at your own pace. From gorgeous city parks to day trips to nearby wineries, there are plenty of options to choose from to get you out of your comfort zones and into the gorgeous surrounding landscapes. Make sure to leave some time to try delicious local food staples like empanadas de pino, pastel de choclo, sopaipillas, and of course, fresh ceviche.Transport - Enjoy time with your new travel family, swapping stories and playing games. Then curl up and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.

3

Day 3: 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.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Spend the entire day exploring Pucón at your own pace. From hot springs to hikes, to community visits, and water sports, this town is a fantastic place to enjoy the spirit of adventure. The scenery is breathtaking and you can choose to try a variety of optional activities, creating the exact paced day you desire after a night of travel.Accommodation - Hostal Mahuida

4

Day 4: 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.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - A second chance to enjoy all Pucón has to offer during a full free day. Choose to visit and soak in another one of the nearby hot springs, go for a boat ride, try sailing on the lake, or visit Huerquehue National Park. Opt to enjoy a leisurely kayak ride, or simply relax on the black sand beach of Lake Villarrica. From shopping to hiking, or sipping a coffee at a local café, there are so many different options to choose from to make your time here rewarding and memorable.Accommodation - Hostal Mahuida

5

Day 5: 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.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Free_time - Spend a free evening in Puerto Varas getting to know the area and take in your surroundings. Remember to take pictures and videos for your family and friends at home.Accommodation - Casa Kalfu

6

Day 6: 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.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - From hiking to island visits there's no time to waste! Fall in love with the outdoor haven of Puerto Varas and choose from a variety of activities that will get you out into the stunning landscape of Chile's southern lake district.Accommodation - Casa Kalfu

7

Day 7: 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.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Cross the border between Chile and Argentina at Paso Cardenal Antonio Samoré. Have your passports handy.Accommodation - Soft Hotel

8

Day 8: 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.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a captivating introduction to Bariloche amid the town's stunning landscapes as you stroll along the Small Circuit. Then, take the chairlift up to Cerro Campanario for the perfect vantage point and panoramic views of the area.Free_time - The afternoon belongs to you. Choose from a wide variety of outdoor adventure optional activities in the area like horseback riding, rafting, biking, or hiking. You can also choose to visit Isla Victoria and Bosque de Arrayanes.Accommodation - Soft Hotel

9

Day 9: 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.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Spend a full free day at your leisure in beautiful Bariloche. From hiking and biking, to getting out on the lake, or checking out cool shops in town, there are plenty of options to fit whatever vibe you are going for.Accommodation - Soft Hotel

10

Day 10: 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!


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Curl up and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.Free_time - Rest up for the journey ahead on a free morning in Bariloche. Watch the sun rise in the sky over the lake, and simply enjoy being present. From local shops to quaint cafés, there are still so many places left to discover during your time here.

11

Day 11: 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.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a free afternoon in Buenos Aires, the home of tango. Choose to visit La Boca neighbourhood to see the barrio’s brightly coloured buildings and El Caminito (a cobblestone street lined with artist studios that’s often used as an impromptu setting for tango performances). Or book dinner and a tango show for this evening. The choice is yours and there are so many different options to pick from.Activity - Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a tango performance, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.Accommodation - Milhouse Avenue Hostal

12

Day 12: 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.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

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Tour Operator

G Adventures

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990