The best self-drives in the country

View of lake in front of Torres del Paine

Self-drive itineraries are a great way for adventurous and independent travelers to discover Chile and neighbouring Argentina on your own. Both countries are very safe for driving, and both have excellent road networks.

Each self-drive offers a carefully planned route with overnight stays in pre-booked accommodation. These itineraries have been carefully designed to show the best of each area, to avoid excessive driving, and to take advantage of attractive hand-picked places to stay - typically smaller charming hotels and lodges.

At the start you receive a map and a day-by-day itinerary. These act as detailed guide both to route and to the attractions and sights you see as you go along. You select the vehicle type, bearing in mind our recommendations according to the particular route you are selecting. Bon voyage!

Vehicle options for self-drives

Distance

Northern Chile Highlights 7 nights from $1319 pp	request
A self-drive around the marvels of northern Chile: the northern altiplano, Lauca National Park and down to the Atacama desert more details

Wine Valleys, Andes & the Pacific 5 nights from $999 pp	request
A short and exciting self-drive from Santiago around Colchagua valley wineries, Vina del Mar and Valparaiso on the Pacific Coast. more details

Chilean Lake District 6 nights from $1297 pp	request
An in-depth tour around the Lake District, famous for bright emerald and turquoise lakes whose surfaces mirror snow-capped volcanoes and sprawling forests. Starts at Temuco and ends at Puerto Montt. more details

Chile - Argentina Lakes 6 nights from $1145 pp	request
A stunning self-drive exploring the lake region of Chile and Argentina, one of the most picturesque such regions worldwide. more details

Northern Carretera Austral 6 nights from $1370 pp	request
A stunning self-drive circuit north from Balmaceda towards the beautiful and remote areas of Queulat National Park, emerald Lake Yelcho, and Futaleufu. This still unspoilt region is only accessible by car since the 1980s. more details

Southern Carretera Austral 6 nights from $1139 pp	request
A circuit heading southwards from Balmaceda towards Lake General Carrera and Cochrane, exploring this still unspoiled and authentic region that was only accessible by car since the 1980s. more details

Patagonia Highlights Drive 4 nights from $1022 pp	request
The perfect circuit from Punta Arenas: a visit to the surroundings and Puerto Natales, and several days in the awesome Torres del Paine National Park. more details

Chile and Argentina Patagonia Wonders 6 nights from $1445 pp	request
A self-drive circuit through Chile and Argentina to Patagonia's two most spectacular places: Torres del Paine National Park and Perito Moreno glacier. more details

Grand Patagonia Drive 19 nights from $5493 pp	request
Dream Patagonia self-drive, combining the best of Chilean and Argentina Patagonia. This awesome itinerary covers the Lake District, Bariloche, Futaleufu, Queulat, Lake General Carrera, El Chalten and Fitz Roy, Perito Moreno, and Torres del Paine. more details

Norte Chico Selfdrive 4 nights from $720 pp	request
Explore this beautiful fertile region with stunning Andean views, fertile valleys, historical villages and incredibly clear night skies. Starting at La Serena, the circuit covers the Hurtado and Elqui valleys, and includes a hacienda stay. more details

Atacama Desert & Northern Argentina 8 nights from $1220 pp	request
A self-drive around northern Chile and Argentina: Atacama, Moon Valley, Salta, Cafayate, Cachi and Purmamarca more details

Chile tours by category: Adventure Around Chile Easter & other islands Lake District Multi-country Northern Chile tours Patagonia Chile Patagonia cruises Santiago & Central Self-drives

did you know...

Ironically given what happened later, the Americas were first viewed as a land of Utopia by Renaissance Europe and the first explorers. Vespucci wrote "They live without king and without any form of authority, and each is his own master." A chronicler of Columbus: "...they go naked...and live in a golden age, simple and innocent, without laws, quarrels, or money, content to satisfy nature."

Testimonials: Laura,

We really appreciate the efforts of Latin Discover to work out an itinerary tailored to our needs in very short notice. We had a very tight schedule, but it worked out very well.

The service provided by the various tour and transfer personnel was first rate. They were timely and efficient and made everything flow smoothly with no worry.

The excellent service provided enabled us to enjoy our travels in Chile........ Graham W, Canada

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