This 26 day overland adventure tour visits iconic sights as well as remote areas of Patagonia including Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Torres del Paine National Park, Perito Moreno Glacier, Cave of Hands, Rio Tranquilo, Camino Austral, Futaleufu and Pucon. So sit back, relax and travel with us in a custom-built Dragoman overland truck from the end of the world town of Ushuaia to the dramatic peaks of Patagonia!
In total you will visit 2 countries on this expedition, Argentina and Chile.
Prices from: £2529 Expedition Payment + $1400 Local Payment
Length: 26 days, 25 nights
Accommodation: 90% camping, 10% hotels, guest houses and hostels
Meals: 25 breakfasts and 23 evening meals provided
Transport: 100% custom-built Dragoman overland truck
Crew: 1 tour leader, 1 driver
Age restrictions: none, all ages are welcome
Group size: 20 is average, minimum is 10, maximum is 24
Our itinerary is here to give you an idea of where we will be going and what we will be doing during this expedition. This itinerary is the ideal route we would like to take providing all political and natural situations are acceptable during the time of our travels. Situations sometimes change during an expedition so please be prepared to take an alternative route in the event we encounter any problems. It’s all part of the adventure!
This tour starts in Ushuaia, Argentina, affectionately known as the end of the world due to its proximity to Antarctica. Dramatically wedged between huge mountains and the icy Beagle Channel, this area offers activities such as trekking, kayaking, fishing, wildlife watching and boat cruising. Be sure not to miss the seafood restaurants lining the ocean-front, a divine first taste of Patagonia!
Please note that we depart Ushuaia the day after the tour starts so if you would like more time here you should arrive a few days prior to departure.
After travelling through the maze of beautiful islands, narrow waterways and breathtaking scenery of Tierra del Fuego we cross the Magellan Strait and enter Chile.
In Chile we now visit one of South America's most iconic national parks, Torres del Paine. Our idyllic campsite next to a turquoise glacial lake affords us stupendous views of the jagged mountain peaks towering skywards and the hiking here is stunning!
From here you now have the option to do the famous Torres del Paine W Trek, a beautiful 4 day hike that will take you past dramatic granite towers, beautiful ice-blue lakes and breathtaking glaciers.
Back in Argentina from our base in El Calafate you now have the option to visit the incredible Perito Moreno glacier where you can take a breathtaking boat trip through the glacial waterways or even put on crampons for an hour of glacier trekking.
We continue to the village of El Chalten in Los Glaciares National Park where you have a couple of days to explore the trails surrounding the iconic peaks of Mt. Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
Travelling through a remote area of Patagonia our last stop in Argentina is at Cueva de las Manos (cave of the hands) where we get to see an exceptional amount of cave art dating back 13,000 years.
Southern Chile is the beginning of our journey along the Camino Austral, a stunning route that takes us on ferries through beautiful fjords, dirt tracks that lead us to remote villages and national parks that offer unsurpassed views of the Patagonian wilderness.
From our base in Rio Tranquilo you have the option to visit the stunning San Rafael Glacier as well as explore the bizarre marble caves on the shores of Lago General Carrera.
Weather permitting, you now have the option to visit the Hanging Glacier where you can trek up to the viewpoint of a glacier creeping over a cliff-face with a gushing waterfall pouring out of it.
Futaleufu is our next stop on the Camino Austral and is a world-class destination for fishing, kayaking and whitewater rafting, and actually boasts having the world’s most dangerous river.
As we continue north we travel past beautiful turquoise lakes and pine clad mountainsides before reaching Pucon, a small Swiss-like lakeside town where we base ourselves for a few days to enjoy the area’s rafting and hiking. The really adventurous have the chance to trek up the active Villarrica volcano.
Our journey to the beautiful Buchupureo beach town is broken up with a visit to the Balduzzi winery where you will get to sample some very tasty Chilean wines.
Further north we reach the capital, Santiago, where this tour ends. The city’s tree lined streets and wonderful architecture create a serene atmosphere but dig a little deeper and you discover a vibrant social scene. Huge coffee houses, tiny cocktail bars and sumptuous cuisine all make Santiago an unforgettable end to our overland journey through South America!
Please note that this tour ends after breakfast on the final day of the trip so you can make your onward travel arrangements accordingly.
If you would like to extend your trip and join this tour earlier our truck travels through Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and more of Argentina before arriving in Ushuaia so you are able to add on any of these destinations to this tour should you wish to.
If you would like to extend your trip and continue your journey after Santiago our truck continues to Argentina, northern Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, so you can add on any of those places should you wish to.
We are happy to create a bespoke itinerary and price for you so please feel free to contact us to discuss all options.
HOW TO BOOK
To make a booking please fill in our online booking form and then pay a £300 deposit by Credit/Debit Card, Bank Transfer, Revolut, Wise or Paypal.
Once we receive your online booking form and deposit we will confirm your booking by email and send you all relevant information necessary for your expedition preparations.
EXPEDITION PAYMENT
The Expedition Payment of £2529 is the main bulk payment for your expedition and is payable in the UK in GBP (£ Sterling). In order to reserve a place on this expedition you must pay a £300 deposit. Eight months prior to departure a further payment of £1000 must be paid to secure your booking. The final balance of your Expedition Payment £1229 must then be paid in full at least four months prior to the expedition start date. If you book between 4 to 8 months prior to the departure date a deposit of £1300 should be paid upon booking. If you book within 4 months of the departure date the full Expedition Payment of £2529 should be paid upon booking.
The Expedition Payment can be paid by Credit/Debit Card, Bank Transfer, Revolut, Wise or Paypal.
Credit and Debit Card Payments (please use your full name as a reference when paying)
You can use the following link to pay by credit or debit card:
Or feel free to call us on +44 7858 468 953 in order to make a credit or debit card payment over the phone.
Bank Details for Direct Transfers (please use your full name as a reference when paying)
Bank: HSBC
Account name: Madventure Ltd.
Sort code: 400810
Account number: 91618415
IBAN : GB14HBUK40081091618415
Swift/Bank BIC: HBUKGB4B
Branch BIC: HBUKGB4116A
Bank address: HSBC Bank, 6 High Street, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 5AZ, United Kingdom
Revolut (please use your full name as a reference when paying)
Revolut offers a cheap and fast international money transfer service where you can choose to make a payment using either your bank account or credit/debit card.
Don’t have a Revolut account? Create one now - www.revolut.com
Wise (please use your full name as a reference when paying)
Wise offers a cheap and fast international money transfer service where you can choose to make a payment using either your bank account or credit/debit card.
Don’t have a Wise account? Create one now - www.wise.com
Paypal (please use your full name as a reference when paying)
Paypal account name: info@madventure.co.uk
Don’t have a Paypal account? Create one now - www.paypal.com
LOCAL PAYMENT
This is a cash payment of USD $1400 that must be paid to your expedition leader at the beginning of your trip and will be used to pay for expenses while you are on the road such as food, accommodation, fuel and included activities.
Please bear in mind that this is not a kitty and is not refundable. The local payment is simply a way for us to get cash to the expedition leaders so they can run the trip.
Please bring your local payment in new unmarked $100 bills if possible.
Although all local payment amounts are advertised in USD you may be asked to bring the equivalent amount in either EUROS or GBP.
INCLUDED
Services of your Dragoman tour leader and driver
Transportation in our custom built Dragoman overland truck
Use of all equipment on the truck
Diesel, mechanics, shipping and any other costs relating to the vehicle
Local transportation costs (if required)
Ferry tickets (when travelling together as a group)
25 breakfasts, 23 evening meals
All accommodation costs (90% camping, 10% hotels, guest houses and hostels)
National Park entry fees when we enter as a group with our vehicle
W Trek in Torres del Paine
Perito Moreno Glacier day trip
Cave of Hands
Hanging Glacier
NOT INCLUDED
International and domestic flights (no domestic flights expected during tour)
Airport transfers
Personal travel insurance
Personal spending money (£120 – £150 per week recommended)
Visas (approximately £100 depending on nationality)
Lunch and evening meals when in hotels, guest houses and hostels
Lunch when camping
Accommodation upgrades
Entrance fees to optional sites and national parks
Any optional activities and excursions
Tent, roll mat, sleeping bag and pillow
Tips (USD $100 per crew member recommended)
Below is a list of the most popular optional excursions along with the most recent prices. Prices can of course change and are not controlled in any way by Dragoman so please use the list below as an approximate guide only. Prices are shown in USD.
ARGENTINA
Beagle Channel boat tour, Ushuaia $40
End of the World train tour $70
Perito Moreno Glacier mini-trekking, El Calafate $300
CHILE
Marble caves boat tour $20
San Rafael Glacier boat tour $180
White water rafting, Futaleufu $150
Villarica volcano climb, Pucon $140
White water rafting, Pucon $60
Horse riding (per hour), Pucon $20
Trout fishing day trip, Pucon $100
We will be travelling in a custom-built Dragoman overland vehicle 100% of the time on this tour. Our vehicle can accommodate up to 24 travellers and 2 crew.
Comfort and safety is of course a big factor during expeditions of this length and nature so all our vehicles have high-backed coach seats with safety belts. The seating is on the upper level of the vehicle giving you an almost 360° view of the surrounding scenery.
Our vehicles are designed to allow sufficient luggage storage and are also equipped with lockers to keep all your gear safe.
Our long range diesel and water tanks ensure our self sufficiency in remote areas and the equipment we take with us is also of vital importance. In case of a breakdown we are equipped with a good selection of spare parts as well as a comprehensive tool kit to undertake any necessary repairs on our own as and when we need to.
There may also be times when we get stuck in the sand or mud when travelling off road so all necessary recovery equipment such as sand mats, cables, ropes, shovels and pickaxes are also on board.
We usually carry 400 litres of treated drinking water and we are equipped with a good kitchen which includes all cutlery, plates, cups, pots and pans, utensils, gas cooker, BBQ grate, tables, etc.
Our vehicle is also equipped with a small fridge which is used for the cook group’s breakfast and dinner food only. For personal food and drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use.
Comfortable fold up chairs are provided for outdoor seating and we also have a large tarpaulin to keep us dry on those rainy days.
We carry a portable shower and shower tent so you can take a shower every day on this tour if you like, even when we are wild camping in remote areas.
Our vehicles are equipped with USB charging points only so try and bring all of your important electronic devices such as telephone, tablet and head-torch to charge from a USB socket. We do not have a 120V or 240V power supply on the vehicle but you will have the opportunity to charge your 120/240V electronic equipment at the hotels and campsites we stay at.
We carry a comprehensive first aid kit for emergencies but we do recommend you bring your own for general use.
Eating well is a very important factor on our expeditions and good food is vital for everyone’s health and well-being. When we are camping we usually cook breakfast and the evening meal on the vehicle. For lunch we usually stop at a cheap local restaurant giving you a chance to taste the local fare. Occasionally we may prepare lunch on the vehicle when we are in remote areas.
When staying in hotels (usually in cities) we always strive to provide you with one healthy, wholesome and plentiful meal every day, usually breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and evening meals are at your own expense when we stay in hotels. Local food is generally very cheap so if you are on a budget then eat what the locals eat. Western restaurants tend to be more expensive.
25 breakfasts and 23 evening meals are provided during this expedition.
When it comes to shopping and cooking while camping we will divide ourselves up into groups of 3 or 4 people (depending on group size) who will do their own fresh food shopping, prepare the day’s meals and clean up at the end. This will work out that you roughly get to cook once every 10 days (depending on the group size).
Fresh food is generally available daily so when we are camping we try to eat meat and vegetables for every main evening meal. We do cater to vegetarians but we do not cater to vegans or fussiness. In these group situations everybody must appreciate we cannot cater to restrictive diets or individual likes and dislikes.
Don’t worry if you are not a gourmet cook as your crew are also always there to give advice.
Our vehicles are equipped with a small fridge which is used for the cook group’s breakfast and dinner food only. For personal food and drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use.
Cleanliness plays an important role throughout this expedition and your crew will make sure an acceptable level of general hygiene is maintained throughout your journey to ensure the wellbeing of the group.
You will spend 10% of the time on this expedition staying in local hotels, guest houses and hostels. The other 90% of the time you will be in your tent camping.
Quite often we will wild camp by ourselves out in the wilderness and other times we will use designated campsites with amenities. The majority of our wild camp locations are usually very scenic and we always strive to find the perfect spot on the banks of a river, overlooking a canyon, on a remote beach, etc. but sometimes we just have to camp wherever we can find a spot.
From past experience on expeditions of this length and nature we have found that people prefer to supply their own tents as they are then not forced to share and they can pick a tent that suits their needs. As a general rule, try and choose a good quality lightweight and waterproof free-standing tent that is easy to erect, take down and carry.
At some of the campsites there are upgrade options available so should you prefer not to camp or you just want some time alone you can sometimes rent yourself a private room at your own expense.
When we are not camping (usually in cities) we always try to use decent, clean local hotels, guest houses and hostels, however, taking into consideration the sometimes unpredictable nature of this expedition and the remoteness of some of the areas we visit, please be aware that in some circumstances we just have to take what we can get, good or bad. When staying in hotels, guest houses and hostels you can expect to share your room with other expedition members of all genders.
There is usually an opportunity for anyone to upgrade to a single room or a superior room if they so wish. All accommodation upgrades are at your own expense.
You will have a crew of 1 tour leader and 1 driver on this tour. On some tours we may also have a cameraman who is there to help market our tours and update our social media.
Your tour leader will be in charge of routes, itineraries, food and accommodation and will ensure the smooth running of the tour. Your tour leader is not a tour guide and will not be giving you the history and facts of every place we visit, you can look up that information yourself or hire a local guide when you want to. Apart from the excursions that need to be organised by the tour leader in advance, we leave most of that for you to arrange yourselves, this way ensuring you get to do what you want at the price you are happy to pay.
Your driver will drive and maintain the vehicle to a high standard but he/she is not a tour guide and may not know all the facts about the countries we travel through.
Your crew will be hand-picked and trained by Dragoman and will have experience of overland travel but they may or may not have done this tour before. They will, however, have detailed notes from previous tours and backup from the office in the UK.
Tipping the crew at the end of your expedition is always appreciated if you feel they have done a good job. We recommend you tip your crew a minimum of $100 each at the end of the tour, thank you.
PERSONAL BUDGET
We recommend a budget of £120 – £150 per person per week to live comfortably during this expedition. This budget should cover day to day things like lunch, snacks, soft drinks, meals when not camping, the odd few beers, etc.
Australians should budget approximately £100 for their Chile visa.
Souvenirs are something that can be very cheap or very expensive so if you are going to be buying things like silk carpets you should budget for it.
Please also have a look at our Optional Excursions list as you may want to budget for a few of those activities too.
TRAVEL MONEY
We recommend you bring 1/3 of your money in cash US Dollars and the rest of your money on your credit/debit card.
They generally accept all major currencies for exchange but US Dollars are accepted everywhere.
ATM’s are widely available for you to draw local currency using your credit/debit card.
To keep your money/credit cards/ipad/camera/laptop safe we recommend you purchase a ‘Pacsafe Travelsafe’ product. They offer various size portable anti-theft bags that can be attached to the vehicle when travelling and also attached to the toilet/bed/closet in your hotel room when off the vehicle.
Below is general information and recommendations regarding visas and passports. Visas are ultimately your own responsibility to obtain and visa requirements may vary according to your nationality and place of application, so use the information below as a guide only. Dragoman is in no way responsible for obtaining your visas or passports.
For most nationalities all visas on this expedition can easily be obtained at borders and most are currently free.
Australians will need a multiple entry visa for Chile which is best obtained in your home country prior to joining the tour.
Australian passport holders should budget approximately £100 for their Chile visa.
Please ensure you have 2 blank pages in your passport in order to accommodate all the visas and stamps, and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your tour end date.
You will need a digital colour copy of your passport, a digital colour passport photograph and Covid 19 vaccinated travellers will need a digital colour copy of your Covid 19 vaccination certificate with QR code (all 5 - 100 Kb in size) downloaded onto your phone/tablet/laptop in order to apply for some visas and to cross some borders.
VACCINATIONS
Vaccination requirements are constantly changing so we recommend you seek the latest professional medical advice at least 8 weeks before departure to ensure you allow yourself enough time to obtain all necessary vaccinations. Nomad Travel’s website has up-to-date information on vaccinations, malaria and other general medical advice for all the countries we will be visiting and they also administer vaccinations at their travel clinics in various locations in the UK.
Alternatively speak with your local health professionals for current accurate information. You will need to make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic and take a list of the countries you are visiting with the approximate dates when you will be there.
It is not necessary to be vaccinated against covid to join this tour but if you are vaccinated against covid please have a digital colour copy of your Covid 19 vaccination certificate with QR code (5 - 100 Kb in size) downloaded to your phone/tablet/laptop.
An up to date Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate should be brought with you as it is sometimes required to enter certain countries on this tour.
MEDICALLY FIT & ABLE
This is a full participation expedition so you need to be in good general health for this tour and be reasonably fit and able. The main concern is that everyone is able to pitch in equally and do their fair share when it comes to group activities like the communal cooking and cleaning up, packing gear in and out of the vehicle, erecting your own tent, etc. You do not need to be super-fit by any means and all ages are welcome. We always attract a very broad age range on these expeditions, from people in their 20’s through to people in their 70’s.
Please inform us of any medical conditions that you have before departure so that your crew know how to deal with a medical situation if it should arise. All information will be kept confidential unless you request us to inform your fellow travellers. For example, it may be wise to inform fellow travellers if you are allergic to something like bee-stings so they know what to do if you get stung.
FIRST AID KIT
We carry a comprehensive first aid kit aboard the vehicle but it is recommended that you bring your own basic first aid kit for general use.
It is compulsory that every person who travels with Dragoman obtain travel insurance for the complete duration of the tour. Proof of travel insurance must be shown before joining a tour.
You may be covered under your credit card’s travel insurance so it might be worth checking with your credit card provider first.
There are various travel insurance companies to choose from and a Google search will bring up a vast selection but for a comprehensive reliable policy that includes Covid Cover and Medical Repatriation we recommend a London based company named Campbell Irvine, +44 20 7938 1734, http://www.campbellirvine.com/Madventure
Campbell Irvine is familiar with what we do so if you mention Dragoman and the tour you are travelling on they should be able to provide excellent cover for you.
For people based in North America a company called Allianz offers good cover, +1 866 884 3556, www.allianztravelinsurance.com
If you choose to obtain your travel insurance through another company please ensure you read the small-print and if possible make sure your policy includes Covid Cover and Medical Repatriation.
Tent: A good quality lightweight and compact waterproof free standing tent is recommended for this expedition. A removable fly-sheet will help you stay cool on warm dry nights. If you are travelling on your own you are restricted to a 1-2 man sized tent. If you are sharing a tent, you are restricted to a 2-3 man sized tent.
Sleeping bag: It can get cold on this tour so we recommend a good quality 4 season sleeping bag with a 'Mummy Hood'. Please make sure that your sleeping bag has a 'crush bag' so it can be compacted down.
Sleeping bag liner: A Thermal Fleece or Silk Liner will bring your sleeping bag up a season when it's cold and they are good to use on their own when it's too hot for your sleeping bag.
Roll Mat: A compact inflatable Thermarest roll mat is recommended. A non-compact mat will not be permitted as they take up too much room.
Pillow: If you do wish to take a pillow (although most just bring a pillow case and stuff their fleece in it at night) then Thermarest makes a good stuff pillow that compacts down small.
Backpack/sports bag/suitcase: We recommend you carry your luggage in a backpack but irrespective if you prefer a sports bag or a suitcase you are restricted to a maximum 100 litre volume.
Day bag: You are also permitted to bring a day bag with a maximum 40 litre volume that you can carry in the overhead luggage rack or under your seat on the vehicle with you.
Pacsafe: In order to keep your valuables safe we recommend a Pacsafe product. They make a range of anti-theft bags which vary in sizes and can accommodate your money, credit cards, passport, camera, laptop, etc. They can be attached to a fixed part on the back of the vehicle when travelling and/or to a fixed item in your hotel room.
Headtorch: An invaluable investment! Check out the Petzl range of USB rechargeable headlamps.
Water purifier: Quite a handy thing to have to purify contaminated water and avoid stomach bugs. Check out the range of Lifestraw products.
Kindle: Optional but great to keep all your travel guides and books in one place.
Ipad/Tablet: not a necessity but most places have WiFi available these days so having your own Ipad or Tablet will enable you to stay connected.
Smartphone: It is highly recommended that you bring a smartphone with you as the majority of the tour communications are sent via WhatsApp. It is also very convenient for storing all your digital documents, emailing, taking and sharing photos, mapping and calling home.
Camera: Completely up to you but most people use their phone.
Toiletries: Available everywhere but start with some toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, deodorant, soap and shampoo.
Sunblock: Minimum SPF 15 recommended.
Towel: A microfibre travel towel is a good option as it dries quickly and packs down small.
Sunglasses: Polarised lenses offer great protection.
First aid kit: Only a basic one is recommended but should include plasters, antiseptic cream, bandage, pain relief tablets, scissors and safety pins.
Digital passport photo: Please have a digital colour passport photograph (5 - 100 Kb in size) downloaded to your phone/tablet/laptop as it may be required at some borders or when applying for certain visas.
Digital passport copy: Please have a digital colour copy of your passport (5 - 100 Kb in size) downloaded to your phone/tablet/laptop as it may be required at some borders or when applying for certain visas.
Digital Covid 19 vaccination certificate: If you are vaccinated against covid please have a digital colour copy of your Covid 19 vaccination certificate with QR code (5 - 100 Kb in size) downloaded to your phone/tablet/laptop as it may be required at some borders or when applying for certain visas.
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate: An up to date Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is sometimes required to enter certain countries.
Passport: Please ensure you have 2 blank pages in your passport to accommodate all the visas and stamps required on this tour, and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your tour end date.
Clothes & shoes:
1 x flip flops
1 x walking shoes, trainers or boots
7 x socks
7 x underwear
4 x t-shirts
1 x lightweight long sleeve top
1 x fleece top or fleece jacket
1 x waterproof jacket
2 x zip-off trousers which can be worn long or short
1 x thermal beanie or woolly hat
1 x baseball cap
1 x swimwear
OVERVIEW
Overlanding with Dragoman in South America is all about taking the road less travelled in a custom-built overland expedition vehicle with a group of up to 24 travellers of all ages and nationalities. This overland tour moves at a relaxed pace and visits remote areas as well as the highlights of Patagonia. Overland travel affords you the time to really immerse yourself in the culture of the local communities we visit and gives you the opportunity to truly explore off the beaten track destinations. This overland tour may sometimes take you out of your comfort zone as it takes you through hot and cold climates with a lot of camping involved but to truly discover Patagonia’s beauty we feel that you need to get back to nature and camp amongst its spectacular scenery. We believe it is these experiences that make overlanding in Patagonia so rewarding. So if you are looking for a unique adventure shared with a group of like-minded travellers on a journey of a lifetime then a Patagonia overland tour may be the trip for you because with overlanding it's all about the journey, not just the destination!
At Dragoman we like to go through every aspect of the tour with you to ensure that you are as informed and prepared as possible. We believe in not only telling you about the highlights of the tour but also providing you with all the small details of what to expect as we know these are just as important. We want to explain the tour in as much detail as possible so that you are sure you are suited to one of our overland group adventures. If after reading the information below you decide that this tour is not for you then, as long as it is within 14 days of your initial booking, you can cancel your booking and receive a full refund of all monies paid.
YOUR FELLOW TRAVELLERS
We have no age restrictions on our overland tours and if there is one thing we have come to realise, it’s the mental attitude that counts the most. On this trip our group size is a maximum of 24 travellers of all ages and nationalities so you can expect to share this experience with a wide variety of characters from all walks of life.
WEATHER
This Patagonia overland tour visits many of the cooler places in the Patagonian wilderness where temperatures can drop to 0°C at night so be prepared for the cool weather and you will enjoy this trip.
ALTITUDE
We remain at a relatively low altitude throughout this tour so you should be comfortable.
HYGIENE
As wonderful as Patagonia is, some places do not have a western infrastructure and their acceptable level of hygiene standards may be very different to ours, so be prepared to accept that things may not be as clean as they are back home.
You must maintain your own personal hygiene and ensure that you and your clothes are washed regularly. If anyone stinks or is noticeably unclean the tour leader will have a word with that person to ensure a decent level of personal hygiene is maintained by everyone aboard the vehicle.
SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES
On this expedition we include a lot of the main activities in the tour price so excursions such as the Perito Moreno Glacier day trip and the 4 day W Trek in Chile are arranged and paid for by Dragoman.
We do however understand that you won’t want to visit every site or take part in every activity along the way so we have left some of the activities as optional and therefore kept the tour price to a minimum. If there are any activities that require forward planning and/or a guide your tour leader will arrange this and let you know all the options before arriving at a destination. Your tour leader however is not a tour guide and will not be giving you the history and facts of every place we visit, you can look up that information yourself or hire a local guide when you want to. Apart from the excursions that need to be organised by the tour leader in advance, we leave most of that for you to arrange yourselves, this way ensuring you get to do what you want at the price you are happy to pay.
On this tour you are completely free to do as you choose and you can be as active or inactive as you like.
YOUR ATTITUDE
A friendly, easy-going attitude will help you enjoy this trip and ensure you are liked by your fellow travellers as well as the locals. The one thing that is extremely detrimental to any tour are people that constantly moan. It has nothing to do with age, gender or nationality, some people just like to find fault in everything and it’s always got to be someone’s fault. This type of constant negativity can be extremely detrimental within a group so it may sound a bit harsh but by weeding out any moaners early on we can have a chat with them to try and ensure your tour is as good as it can be. We don’t hide anything so people who travel with us usually know exactly what to expect on this tour which makes for an enjoyable group experience.
Please be aware that if any particular person is constantly causing the rest of the group (or the crew) grief due to their behaviour they will be warned and then asked to leave the tour if nothing improves and no refund will be given. This is obviously the most extreme case but we will not let one or two rude individuals spoil it for everybody else. This is a once in a lifetime experience so let’s all enjoy it!
WHEN THINGS GO WRONG
Things usually go to plan on this tour but in the unlikely event of us being delayed for any reason it would be obstacles such as bad roads, border closures, breakdowns and natural disasters that have a bearing on the expedition. It is unlikely to happen on this tour but expect the unexpected and accept that things may go wrong from time to time.
These instances are usually the stories that remain with everyone so enjoy the experience. An easy-going approach will help the situation immensely. Moaning about every little thing that doesn’t go our way will not! When situations arise where we can’t please everybody we always aim to please the majority of the group, not the individual.
TRAVEL TIMES & ITINERARIES
This trip is designed to allow plenty of free time in all the places of interest but we are driving a fair distance across Patagonia so yes, there are going to be a lot of drive days and some of them will be long. This is where you have to be able to take pleasure in the scenery or a good book from time to time.
Generally on a drive day we leave in the morning around 7 - 8 AM (after breakfast) and arrive at our destination before dusk in daylight, but this really depends on the distance between destinations and the road conditions.
Sometimes it will be a full day’s drive between destinations and you'll have the following day or two free. On rare occasions it may be 2 drive days in a row where you'll leave early, stop overnight at a wild camp or hotel and then continue early again the next morning. Areas like Patagonia can be remote and the pleasure is in the scenery. Sometimes however it's only a few hours drive between destinations.
Our proposed itinerary is the ideal route we would like to take providing all political and natural situations are acceptable during the time of our travels. Situations sometimes change during an expedition so please be prepared to take an alternative route in the event we encounter any problems. If a border closes unexpectedly then we have to try and find a safe alternative route which may not be to everyone’s liking. In the worst case scenario we may get stuck with no way forward and at that point we would have to decide whether to fly over the obstacle and continue on local transport or abandon the trip. We have never had to abandon any trip before but we want you to be aware of the worst case scenario.
We always strive to arrive at our destinations on time but our itinerary can change if an area of our route becomes off-limits for any reason, so when we do experience delays we will adjust our itinerary accordingly.
DRUGS & ALCOHOL
Please be aware that drugs such as marijuana and cocaine are illegal in most countries in South America and they could enforce severe punishment for being caught in possession. NEVER carry illegal drugs on your person or on the vehicle during this tour as you would not only jeopardise your own freedom but also the well-being of the entire group if you are caught in possession.
If you are caught in possession of illegal drugs on this tour you will be asked to leave the tour immediately and no refund will be given. Any such inconsideration can lead to the tour being cancelled and innocent people arrested. We will not hesitate to remove someone if we have to.
Aggressive or abusive drunk behaviour will not be tolerated during this tour and if anyone is constantly abusing alcohol and causing trouble we will not hesitate to remove them from the tour and no refund will be given.
MEDICALLY FIT & ABLE
This is a full participation expedition so you need to be in good general health for this tour and be reasonably fit and able. The main concern is that everyone is able to pitch in equally and do their fair share when it comes to group activities like the communal cooking and cleaning up, packing gear in and out of the vehicle, erecting your own tent, etc. You do not need to be super-fit by any means and all ages are welcome. We always attract a very broad age range on these expeditions, from people in their 20’s through to people in their 70’s.
Please inform us of any medical conditions that you have before departure so that your crew know how to deal with a medical situation if it should arise. All information will be kept confidential unless you request us to inform your fellow travellers. For example, it may be wise to inform fellow travellers if you are allergic to something like bee-stings so they know what to do if you get stung.
ACCOMMODATION
You will spend 10% of the time on this expedition staying in local hotels, guest houses and hostels. The other 90% of the time you will be in your tent camping.
Quite often we will wild camp by ourselves out in the bush or in the desert and other times we will use designated campsites with amenities. The majority of our wild camp locations are usually very scenic and we always strive to find the perfect spot on the banks of a river, overlooking a canyon, behind a dune in the desert, on a remote beach, etc. but sometimes we just have to camp wherever we can find a spot.
From past experience on expeditions of this length and nature we have found that people prefer to supply their own tents as they are then not forced to share and they can pick a tent that suits their needs. As a general rule, try and choose a good quality lightweight and waterproof free-standing tent that is easy to erect, take down and carry.
At some of the campsites there are upgrade options available so should you prefer not to camp or you just want some time alone you can sometimes rent yourself a private room at your own expense.
When we are not camping (usually in cities) we always try to use decent, clean local hotels, guest houses and hostels, however, taking into consideration the sometimes unpredictable nature of this expedition and the remoteness of some of the areas we visit, please be aware that in some circumstances we just have to take what we can get, good or bad. When staying in hotels, guest houses and hostels you can expect to share your room with other expedition members of all genders.
There is usually an opportunity for anyone to upgrade to a single room or a superior room if they so wish. All accommodation upgrades are at your own expense.
TRANSPORT & EQUIPMENT
We will be travelling in a custom-built Dragoman overland vehicle 100% of the time on this tour. Our vehicle can accommodate up to 24 travellers and 2 crew.
Comfort and safety is of course a big factor during expeditions of this length and nature so all our vehicles have high-backed coach seats with safety belts. The seating is on the upper level of the vehicle giving you an almost 360° view of the surrounding scenery.
Our vehicles are designed to allow sufficient luggage storage and are also equipped with lockers to keep all your gear safe.
Our long range diesel and water tanks ensure our self sufficiency in remote areas and the equipment we take with us is also of vital importance. In case of a breakdown we are equipped with a good selection of spare parts as well as a comprehensive tool kit to undertake any necessary repairs on our own as and when we need to.
There may also be times when we get stuck in the sand or mud when travelling off road so all necessary recovery equipment such as sand mats, cables, ropes, shovels and pickaxes are also on board.
We usually carry 400 litres of treated drinking water and we are equipped with a good kitchen which includes all cutlery, plates, cups, pots and pans, utensils, gas cooker, BBQ grate, tables, etc.
Our vehicles are also equipped with a small fridge which is used for the cook group’s breakfast and dinner food only. For personal food and drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use.
Comfortable fold up chairs are provided for outdoor seating and we also have a large tarpaulin to keep us dry on those rainy days.
We carry a portable shower and shower tent so you can take a shower every day on this tour if you like, even when we are wild camping in remote areas.
Our vehicles are equipped with USB charging points only so try and bring all of your important electronic devices such as telephone, tablet and head-torch to charge from a USB socket. We do not have a 120V or 240V power supply on the vehicle but you will have the opportunity to charge your 120/240V electronic equipment at the campsites we stay at.
We carry a comprehensive first aid kit for emergencies but we do recommend you bring your own for general use.
FOOD & COOKING
Eating well is a very important factor on our expeditions and good food is vital for everyone’s health and well-being. When staying in hotels, guest houses and hostels we always strive to provide you with one healthy, wholesome and plentiful meal every day, usually breakfast at the hotel. For lunch we usually stop at a cheap local restaurant giving you a chance to taste the local fare. In the evenings after you are checked into the hotel you are free to choose where you want to eat. Local food is generally very cheap so if you are on a budget then eat what the locals eat. Western restaurants tend to be more expensive.
When we are camping we usually eat breakfast and the evening meal from the truck. Occasionally we may prepare lunch on the truck when we are in remote areas.
25 breakfasts and 23 evening meals are provided during this tour.
When it comes to shopping and cooking while camping we will divide ourselves up into groups of 3 or 4 people (depending on group size) who will shop for and prepare the day’s meals and clean up at the end. This will work out that you roughly get to cook once every 10 days (depending on group size).
Fresh food is generally available daily so when we are camping we try to eat meat and vegetables for every main evening meal. We do also cater to vegetarians but we cannot cater to fussiness. In these group situations everybody must appreciate we cannot cater to individual likes and dislikes.
Don’t worry if you are not a gourmet cook as your crew are also always there to give advice.
Our vehicle is also equipped with a small fridge which is used for the cook group’s breakfast and dinner food only. For personal food and drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use.
Cleanliness plays an important role throughout this expedition and your crew will make sure an acceptable level of general hygiene is maintained throughout your journey to ensure the wellbeing of the group.
CREW
You will have a crew of 1 tour leader and 1 driver on this tour. On some tours we may also have a cameraman who is there to help market our tours and update our social media.
Your tour leader will be in charge of routes, itineraries, food and accommodation and will ensure the smooth running of the tour. Your tour leader is not a tour guide and will not be giving you the history and facts of every place we visit, you can look up that information yourself or hire a local guide when you want to. Apart from the excursions that need to be organised by the tour leader in advance, we leave most of that for you to arrange yourselves, this way ensuring you get to do what you want at the price you are happy to pay.
Your driver will drive and maintain the vehicle to a high standard but he/she is not a tour guide and may not know all the facts about the countries we travel through.
Your crew will be hand-picked and trained by Dragoman and will have experience of overland travel but they may or may not have done this tour before. They will, however, have detailed notes from previous tours and backup from the office in the UK.
Tipping the crew at the end of your expedition is always appreciated if you feel they have done a good job. We recommend you tip your crew a minimum of $100 each at the end of the tour, thank you.
