5 Unforgettable South American Road Trips You Need on Your Bucket List

There are numerous iconic routes across South America, and the most captivating way to uncover the essence of this multifaceted continent is by navigating these paths via car, van, or motorcycle. Below are five essential road journeys to embark upon.

If there’s one destination on this planet that inspires you to hit famous routes, it has to be South America. The variety here is astounding! Boasting numerous cultures with rich pasts, along with breathtaking scenery—from towering Andes mountains and arid deserts to lush rainforests and rocky shores—South America offers an experience so vast that you might feel like spending your whole life uncovering its secrets. Every traveler can discover the ultimate road trip adventure they’ve always dreamed of.

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Carretera Austral, Chile

Distance : around 1,500 km

Among the globe’s most breathtaking routes lies Chile's Carretera Austral – alternatively referred to as Route 7 – which meanders through Chilean Patagonia, encompassing an array of stunning vistas featuring glaciers, forests, and mountain ranges.

As you journey forward, you will come across charming villages nestled within natural surroundings, along with national parks like Queulat National Park situated in the Aysén area. Additionally, you have the opportunity to discover the magnificent marble caverns located at Lake General Carrera.

Ruta 40, Argentina

Distance: around 5,000 km

Like U.S. Route 66 in America Ruta 40 is an iconic road in Argentina that stretches from north to south alongside the Andes, extending from the Bolivian border all the way down to Patagonia.

You will traverse arid deserts, sprawling vineyards, rugged mountains, and various national parks including the spectacular Los Glaciares Park known for its majestic glaciers. Throughout this journey, you’ll often get the feeling of being utterly isolated from the rest of the world.

The Salar de Uyuni and the lagoons of Sud Lípez, Bolivia

Distance : around 800 km

This journey will take you through one of the biggest and most spectacular salt flats globally, spanning over 10,000 kilometers. ² In the far southern part of Bolivia, near the border with Chile.

You can explore lunar-like terrains, lakes with nearly dreamlike hues like Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde, along with volcanic formations. magnificent geysers and unique rock formations.

Ruta de la Muerte, Bolivia

Distance : around 85 km

This route isn’t for the weak-hearted! Nicknamed "The Death Road" in South America, this former perilous roadway remains an adrenaline-pumping experience even today.

Your journey begins in the vibrant city of La Paz. the world's highest capital , swiftly progressing to sharp turns where you find yourself brushing against the mist and towering cliffs, extremely constricted passageways, and even encountering a waterfall. This unparalleled experience will surely leave you drenched in cold sweats more than once.

Linha Verde, Brazil

Distance : around 200 km

To conclude on a delightful note, let’s take a drive along BA-099, often referred to as Linha Verde or the Coconut Road. This captivating route leads you through an under-the-radar section of Brazil's coast, situated between two charming locales. Salvador de Bahia And the tiny heavenly village of Mangue Seco.

Among these two already splendid stages of the trip lie wild coastlines, sprawling sand dunes extending endlessly, yet they're not alone; hinting at their identity, extensive coconut groves and quaint fishing settlements add charm to the landscape.