The Ultimate South American Road Trip

Posted 14 February 2013 by Kieran Cook

Planning a road trip through South America? There could not be a better way to fully immerse yourself in this unique region.

South America is one of the most interesting places in the world. Tucked away in the south, the continent makes up a whole mass of land with surprisingly diverse offerings. All in all, it has twelve different states, not including the ABC islands (Netherlands and Trinidad and Tobago). But what’s most exhilarating about the South is the unique character of each of the states. So unique are they that the only way to truly get to know them is to go on a road trip, which takes you right across the land and into its very heart.

Crossing into the border and officially entering South America, you will notice a change in the environment. You might not expect it, but the roads are expansive and are perfect for relaxing road trips, and the scenery is just stunning.

Argentina

The best place to start a South American road trip is definitely Argentina; you can easily fly into the city via the Buenos Aires airport. Offering a lively capital, which you’re not supposed to leave unless you’ve danced the tango, this South American state is a hodgepodge of sorts, offering wineries, salty plains, desert landscapes, lush and green rolling hills, archaeological ruins, rock formations, and several others. All you need is an all-terrain vehicle, especially if you plan on moving southwards to explore the Patagonia region.

Travel tip: The global car hire companies such as Hertz and Avis tend to charge expensively in the South American region. For better value, check out our prices as we compare all the local car hire suppliers in the region.

Chile

With plenty of snow-capped volcanoes as well as desert mountains lining the horizon, Chile has a very nostalgic environment. The scenery is undeniably relaxing, but in the air you can almost feel the history of this South American state, which housed huge indigenous Inca tribes in the past. Like Argentina, there are lots of rough roads in Chile, so a 4-wheel drive will definitely come in handy.

Travel tip: Fill up at the first petrol station you find since there aren’t many along the road.

Bolivia

This eccentric South American destination is Bolivia, which lies at the heart of the continent. Bordering five of the other states, Bolivia is a customary addition to a South American road trip itinerary. Some road travelers prefer to skip Bolivia altogether because of the dangerous roads in the region. While traveling through the common La Paz and Coroico route, extremely dense rainforests, extreme drops, and narrow single-lane roads are common.

Travel tip: The scenery may be awesome, but a road trip through Bolivia is only recommended for expert drivers and requires extreme caution.

Brazil

If you’re not up for the challenge of conquering Bolivia, skip it and go straight to Brazil instead. In Brazil, the roads offer a view of the 1,400 miles of coastline running from Sao Luis to Rio de Janeiro. The coastline is dotted with several secluded beaches that are worth stopping for.

Travel tip: The towns in Brazil lie very far from each other, so a road trip through this state will require a lot of driving. A full gas tank is also a must.

Colombia

If you want a full-blown beach trip during your South American overland travel, end your trip with a visit to Colombia. Flanked on both sides by the North Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Colombia’s landscape features mainly friendly coastal lowlands and a tropical climate.

Travel tip: Colombian roads have become associated with lots of aggressive drivers, so while the coastal drive is quite soothing, stay alert, drive defensively and keep your eyes on the road.