Still waters in the Marble Caves of Chile

Handprints on cave wall in Cave of the Hands

Couple sits on rock overlooking Torres del Paine

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Patagonian Route 40 Tour

Patagonia Argentina Ruta Nacional 40 - Tour Extension

4 Days / 3 Nights per person*

from 1374

*Example by 4 travelers in 4★ accommodation, low season. Flights priced separately. Get a quote for 1 to 99+ below

Patagonian Route 40 Tour

Summary

4 Days / 3 Nights

Travel along one of the most emblematic routes in Argentina (Route 40 Argentina), contemplating the captivating landscapes Patagonia has to offer. Departing from San Carlos de Bariloche, visit one of the five Argentine UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the ‘Cueva de las Manos’ (or Cave of the Hands), the Marble Caves, and more highlights in Río Negro, Chubut, and Santa Cruz Provinces. This tour doesn’t operate during the Southern Hemisphere winter season (from May to September). Note: This is a tour extension, combine this tour with one of our full package tours.

FROM 1374 Per Person

This tour includes:

Accommodation at Hosteria Los Antiguos
All breakfasts
All transfers
English-speaking guides

Highlights

Route 40, one of the two most important routes in Argentina
Cueva de las Manos
Andes Mountain Chain
Patagonian Flora and Fauna
Marble Caves

Itinerary

Piece of driftwood in front of desert and mountain

Day 1Drive from Bariloche to Los Antiguos

Leave San Carlos de Bariloche in the Río Negro Province and coast down the infamous Route 40 that extends from the North to the South of Argentina, crossing the Andes Mountain Chain on the way. Experience a slice of Welsh culture in the picturesque towns of El Bolsón and Esquel, situated deep in the heart of the Andes. Immigrants from Wales first settled here in the late 19th century and continue some of their traditions even today. Descend from the mountains and visit the old steam-locomotive called La Trochita and the Alerces National Park. Here, appreciate the native Patagonian forests and gaze up in wonder at the towering cypress trees, some of the tallest tree species in the world. Continue towards Cholila, renowned as one of the hiding places of the outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Finally, arrive at Hosteria Los Antiguos to spend the night, located on the shores of Buenos Aires Lake adjacent to the Chilean Border.

Colorful handprints painted on the inside of a cave wall in Patagonia

Day 2Cueva de las Manos Excursion

Discover Patagonia’s most important archaeological site, the Cueva de las Manos. Head out on the open road and drive down Route 40, passing through the immense Caracoles Canyon before reaching the Visitors’ Center in the Pinturas River Canyon. Then it’s time to stretch the legs, trekking along the well-worn path originally made by the Tehuelches who inhabited the area more than 10,000 years ago. The Tehuelches left their mark through the rock paintings featured in the cave. Study the details closely to make out the animal symbols and intriguing depictions of hands and learn about their significance. Afterward, there’s an option to take another trek around the Pintura River Canyon and see the gradual geological changes that occurred over centuries of time to produce this impressive landscape. Wind up the tour at the Visitors’ Center and return to Hosteria Los Antiguos.

Day 3Marble Caves Excursion

Marvel at the colorful trifecta of the Marble Cave, the Marble Chapel and the Marble Cathedral. These mesmerizing geological creations were formed by erosion and are located in Lake General Carrera, one of the five biggest lakes in South America, divided by the border between Argentina and Chile. The lake’s spectrum of blue hues change depending on the season and weather. First travel overland, approaching the Northern Patagonian Ice Field, then cross the lake and head over the Andes. Observe the vegetation transform while passing through forests on the way to the lake and look up to the heavens to glimpse the majestic flight of Andean condors soaring through the sky. Transfer back to Hosteria Los Antiguos to relax and spend the night.

Wind-blown tree in front of Patagonia peaks

Day 4Departure from Los Antiguos

Take in the arresting views of Hostería Los Antiguos one last time and then transfer to El Chaltén, a charming village located in the middle of the mountains near Los Glaciares National Park. From there, return home or continue your journey across the wilderness of Patagonia and the rest of South America.

Summary

This tour doesn’t operate during the Southern Hemisphere winter season (from May to September).

Note: This is a tour extension, combine this tour with one of our full package tours.

Tour Highlights

Route 40, one of the two most important routes in Argentina
Cueva de las Manos
Andes Mountain Chain
Patagonian Flora and Fauna
Marble Caves

Included

Accommodation at Hosteria Los Antiguos
All breakfasts
All transfers
English-speaking guides

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Sample Itinerary

Day 1Drive from Bariloche to Los Antiguos

Day 2Cueva de las Manos Excursion

Day 3Marble Caves Excursion

Day 4Departure from Los Antiguos

Customize This Trip

Estimated Tour Price Without Flights

Prices vary according to several factors including: season, number of people traveling, shared vs private excursions, when you book and rooming arrangements. These are from prices based on low season.

We can customize anything for any time of year! Contact us for an exact quote for your trip.

2 People 4 People 6 People

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Budget

From 1374 Per Person

Flights quoted separately

Basic

From 1374 Per Person

Flights quoted separately

(Recommended)

Superior

From 4398 Per Person

Flights quoted separately

Deluxe

From 4398 Per Person

Flights quoted separately

*Budget generally includes excursions in group, Superior & Deluxe private excursions, & Basic is a best mix (varies by itinerary & excurion)

Note: ALL itineraries are 100% customizable to create your perfect trip!

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Patagonian Route 40 Tour

Patagonian Route 40 Tour

This tour includes:

Highlights

Itinerary

Day 1Drive from Bariloche to Los Antiguos

Day 2Cueva de las Manos Excursion

Day 3Marble Caves Excursion

Day 4Departure from Los Antiguos

Summary

Tour Highlights

Included

Customize Tour to Your Schedule & Style