Of course, South America is a huge continent and unlike Europe, it is still very natural and undeveloped in some parts. That said, there are some great road networks that make a self-driving holiday possible. Many people prefer to have the freedom and independence that a rented car offers, and with that in mind, here are the best nations if you are looking for a self-driving holiday in South America.
Mexico
This South American nation is very developed when compared with other countries in the continent. If you contact an established South American tour operator, they can furnish you with details of self-driving holidays that cover the length & breadth of Mexico. Indeed, Mexico is one of the top destinations in South America for European tourists, and self-driving is the most popular form of vacationing in this continent.
Argentina
With a quick online search, you can find a leading tour operator offering Argentina escorted tours in 2023 that include car rental packages. Typically, this tour starts in Buenos Aires and includes visits to San Martin De Los Andes, Villa La Angostura, Bariloche, Esquel, El Chalten and El Calafate. Roads in Argentina are on a par with those in developed countries and you will be driving a prestige car and have full support during your holiday. Route 40 is 5,000km in length and we recommend renting a 4X4, as some stretches are unpredictable at best.
The Trans-Amazonian Highway, Brazil
The Trans-Amazonian Highway runs for 4,000km. This highway was laboriously constructed in the 1970s, a monumental task to forge a route through 4,000km of virgin rainforest. Mud-packed blocks make up the majority of the highway and in the rainy season, some stretches are impassable. There are sections of road that are very remote and the tour operator would inform you of things to take with you. Not many tour operators offer a self-driving holiday on this highway, as specialist 4X4 vehicles are required.
Spondylus, Ecuador
This is an 850km road that follows the Ecuador coastline, passing many pristine beaches and traversing National Parks. The stunning scenery is not to be missed and as you are driving a rented vehicle, you are free to explore this amazing route. There is one stretch of around 100km with tarmac roads that compares to roads in Miami, which is not to be missed. Ecuador is home to many sacred archaeological sites, which you can include in your tour and your English-speaking guide gives you all the details of the colourful history.
Pan-American Highway
This route covers countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Argentina, and is more than 11,000km in length. The route is 24,000km, which starts in Alaska, but this article focuses on the 11,000km in South America. Be prepared for extra kilometres if you make detours, which connect you with inland regions. If you book a self-driving holiday through an established tour operator, the company ensures that you have everything you need when you depart. This is known as the longest single road on the planet and, as you would expect, the highway was built in sections. The work began in 1941 and the stages in North America were finished first, while there are some stretches in South America that are still incomplete.
Whatever route you would like to take on your South American self-driving holiday, an established tour company has the resources and experience to arrange a fantastic self-driving holiday. Enjoy the freedom and independence that a self-driving holiday brings and with an established tour operator in your corner, get ready for a truly memorable experience.
