South America Road Trip Planner

Best times vary by region: Patagonia (Argentina/Chile) - November-March (summer) for hiking and glacier access, avoid June-August (winter harsh conditions). Andes Mountains (Peru/Bolivia) - April-October (dry season) for clear skies and passable roads, avoid December-March (rainy season, landslides). Brazil Coast - Year-round, but avoid February (Carnival crowds), best September-March for beach weather. Amazon regions - June-November (dry season) for better road conditions. Note: High altitude areas cold year-round, pack warm layers regardless of season.

Border crossing requirements: Most South American countries allow visa-free entry for US/EU/AU citizens (30-90 days). Vehicle paperwork essential: Rental car permission (many agencies restrict cross-border), International Driving Permit (IDP) required, vehicle insurance valid in all countries, temporary import permit for vehicle. Key challenges: Argentina-Chile crossings can take 2-6 hours (inspections strict), fresh food confiscated at borders (bio-security), some crossings close in winter (check Andean passes). Always carry: Passport, vehicle registration, insurance proof, rental authorization. Research specific country requirements before departure.

Average South America road trip costs vary by country: Budget ($40-70 USD/day) - Hostels, street food, local buses, Bolivia/Peru/Ecuador cheapest. Mid-range ($100-180 USD/day) - Good hotels, restaurants, car rental, Chile/Argentina/Brazil more expensive. Luxury ($250+ USD/day) - Premium lodges, fine dining, guided tours. Costs include: Car rental ($50-150/day depending on country), Fuel ($1.00-1.50/liter, expensive in Chile/Argentina), Accommodation ($20-150/night), Food ($15-50/day), Border fees ($50-100 per crossing), National park entries ($10-50). A 3-week trip typically costs $1,200-5,400 USD per person. Chile and Argentina most expensive, Bolivia and Peru most budget-friendly.

Safety considerations by region: Generally safe with precautions: Stick to main highways, avoid night driving especially in Peru/Colombia. Road conditions: Chile/Argentina - Excellent highways, well-maintained. Brazil - Good main routes, some potholes. Peru/Bolivia/Ecuador - Variable, mountain roads narrow and winding. Risks: High-altitude mountain passes (Andes), unpaved sections in remote areas, livestock on roads (rural areas), protests can block roads (check news). Security: Park in secure locations, don't leave valuables visible, be cautious in big cities (Lima, Rio, Bogotá), police checkpoints common (have documents ready). Most traveled routes very safe. Join driving groups or forums for current conditions.

Altitude sickness (soroche) serious concern in Andes: At risk above 2,500m (8,000ft): La Paz (3,650m), Cusco (3,400m), Lake Titicaca (3,800m), many Andean passes 4,000m+. Prevention: Ascend gradually (spend 2-3 days acclimatizing at intermediate altitude), drink lots of water (3-4 liters/day), avoid alcohol first 48 hours, eat light meals, coca tea helps (legal/traditional in Peru/Bolivia). Symptoms: Headache, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, insomnia. Treatment: Descend if severe, rest, medication (Diamox - consult doctor before trip). Drive slower at altitude (less oxygen affects performance). Many tourists underestimate this - plan extra acclimatization days. Cusco/La Paz arrivals particularly challenging from sea level.

Essential packing for South America: Documents - Passport (6 months validity), International Driving Permit, photocopies of everything, travel insurance proof, vaccination card (yellow fever for some areas). Clothing - Layers essential (temperature varies dramatically), warm jacket (Andes cold even in summer), rain gear, sun protection (UV intense at altitude), comfortable walking shoes, modest clothing (conservative rural areas). Health - Altitude sickness medication, water purification tablets, first aid kit, insect repellent (strong for Amazon), sunscreen SPF 50+, hand sanitizer. Tech - Phone with offline maps, power bank, universal adapter (varied plugs), Spanish translation app. Emergency - Extra cash USD (widely accepted), emergency contact numbers, spare tire check, basic Spanish phrases. Consider: Snacks (long drives between towns), reusable water bottle, headlamp (power outages common).