Overland Expedition: The Best Overlander Drives In South America

[Global Rescue]

Article Highlights:​

• Epic Overland Expeditions: Explore top routes from Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Cusco, and Lima, each packed with adventure.
• Patagonia: The Overland Dream: Stunning glaciers, accessible roads, and endless camping opportunities make it the best region for overlanders.
• Breathtaking Natural Wonders: Drive through the Salar de Uyuni, the Amazon, Iguazu Falls, and the Andes for unmatched scenery.
• Challenges and Considerations: High altitudes, unpredictable weather, and border crossings add excitement but require careful planning.
• Global Rescue for Overlanders: Travel protection ensures safe evacuation and medical support in case of emergencies on the road.

Overlanding in South America: The Best Routes and Top Destinations​

Overlanding is an adventurous blend of off-roading and camping, emphasizing self-reliance and a love for nature. It involves traveling to remote destinations, often via rugged dirt roads, using sturdy vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, bicycles, or campervans. Overlanders typically camp in secluded areas, embracing outdoor activities like hiking while managing their own food, water, hygiene, and vehicle maintenance.

South America is a dream destination for overland expeditions, offering diverse landscapes, thrilling roads, and unforgettable cultural experiences. Whether you’re an experienced overlander or new to the world of off-road travel, the continent offers some of the most scenic and adventurous routes in the world. From the icy peaks of Patagonia to the vast salt flats of Bolivia and the dense Amazon rainforest, South America is a paradise for those seeking the ultimate overlanding experience.

The Rio de Janeiro Loop​

This scenic overland expedition begins and ends in Brazil’s most iconic city, Rio de Janeiro. The loop covers the stunning coastal roads of Brazil, weaving through charming beach towns like Paraty and Ubatuba. Overlanders can enjoy breathtaking ocean views, world-class seafood, and the vibrant culture of Brazil’s Atlantic coastline.

• Pros: Beautiful coastal scenery, excellent road conditions, plenty of accommodations.
• Cons: Traffic congestion near Rio and high tourist activity during peak seasons.
• Attractions: Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach, colonial towns, and lush tropical forests.

Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro​

A classic overland route connecting Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital with Brazil’s vibrant beach city. The journey covers diverse terrains, from Pampas grasslands to the lush Atlantic Rainforest.

• Pros: Cross-border adventure, great food stops, varied landscapes.
• Cons: Border crossings may be time-consuming, as well as long driving stretches.
• Attractions: Iguaçu Falls, São Paulo, and historic towns.

Cusco to La Paz (via Puno & Copacabana)​

This high-altitude adventure takes you from the ancient Incan capital of Cusco, past Lake Titicaca, and into Bolivia’s capital, La Paz.

• Pros: Rich cultural experiences, stunning Andean views, archaeological sites.
• Cons: High altitude can be challenging, cold weather at night.
• Attractions: Machu Picchu (as a side trip), Lake Titicaca, floating Uros Islands, and the surreal landscapes of Bolivia.

Lima to Cusco (via Arequipa)​

One of Peru’s most thrilling overland routes, this expedition crosses the breathtaking Andean landscapes and the historic city of Arequipa before reaching Cusco.

• Pros: Stunning mountain passes, excellent Peruvian cuisine, archaeological sites.
• Cons: Some challenging mountain roads and potential altitude sickness.
• Attractions: Colca Canyon, the Nazca Lines (nearby), Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.

Rio de Janeiro to Iguaçu Falls​

This route takes overlanders through Brazil’s lush countryside and culminates at one of the world’s most awe-inspiring waterfalls.

• Pros: Smooth roads, incredible nature, excellent local cuisine.
• Cons: Can be crowded with tourists.
• Attractions: Iguaçu Falls, Itaipu Dam, the Atlantic Rainforest.

Buenos Aires to Santiago (via Mendoza)​

A scenic drive from Argentina’s capital, through the famous wine region of Mendoza, and across the Andes into Chile’s vibrant capital.

• Pros: Wine tasting opportunities, stunning Andean views, well-paved roads.
• Cons: Border crossing can be slow during peak seasons.
• Attractions: Aconcagua, Mendoza wineries, Chile’s scenic valleys.

Lima to La Paz​

A high-altitude journey from Peru’s coastal capital to Bolivia’s cultural heartland, with stops at stunning natural landmarks.

• Pros: Mix of desert, mountains, and historic sites.
• Cons: Rugged roads in parts of Bolivia.
• Attractions: Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, Uyuni Salt Flats (as a detour).

La Paz to San Pedro de Atacama​

A rugged and off-the-beaten-path route that takes overlanders through Bolivia’s surreal landscapes before descending into Chile’s driest desert.

• Pros: Unique landscapes, few tourists, spectacular night skies.
• Cons: Remote areas with limited services.
• Attractions: Eduardo Avaroa National Park, Laguna Colorada, Valle de la Luna.

Buenos Aires to Ushuaia​

The ultimate South American overland expedition, this journey to the southernmost city in the world is a bucket-list drive.

• Pros: Epic adventure, stunning Patagonia landscapes, well-marked routes.
• Cons: Remote stretches, unpredictable weather.
• Attractions: Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine, Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Rio de Janeiro to La Paz​

It is a long, rewarding overland journey crossing Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia, with diverse scenery and cultural experiences.

• Pros: Cultural variety, jungle-to-mountain transition, plenty of stopover options.
• Cons: Border formalities and road conditions vary by region.
• Attractions: Pantanal Wetlands, Amazon region, La Paz’s high-altitude cityscape.

What About Patagonia?​

Patagonia is widely regarded as the best region for overlanding in South America due to:

• Diverse Scenery: Majestic glaciers, towering mountains, pristine lakes, and unique wildlife.
• Accessible Roads: The Carretera Austral in Chile and Ruta 40 in Argentina provide excellent overlanding routes.
• Cross-Border Exploration: Easy access between Chile and Argentina allows for diverse experiences.
• Camping Opportunities: Vast national parks with designated camping areas for self-sufficient travelers.

Other Top Overlanding Destinations in South America​

• Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia): The world’s largest salt flat, offering surreal landscapes.
• Amazon Rainforest (Brazil): Drive along the Transamazonica and explore remote jungle regions.
• Pantanal Wetlands (Brazil): One of the best wildlife viewing locations in the world.
• The Andes Mountains: High-altitude roads offering breathtaking vistas.
• Iguazu Falls (Argentina/Brazil): One of the most powerful waterfalls on Earth.

The Global Rescue Connection​

Overlanding in South America comes with risks. If you are ill or injured while overlanding a Global Rescue travel protection membership ensures you receive the care you need.

“The closest medical facility isn’t always the right one. Global Rescue gets you to the most appropriate hospital for your illness or injury,” said Dan Stretch, operations manager at Global Rescue.

Whether it’s minor symptoms or a serious medical emergency, Global Rescue offers 24/7/365 support, medical evacuations, and direct hospital transport—without the hassle of insurance claims or delays.

A Global Rescue membership is a game-changer for overlanders seeking security, medical protection, and peace of mind.

 

[Bandera]

We do day trips in our Jeep wrangler. We pull it behind our motorhome. Then take off and explore. Off roading / over Landing is a great way to see the world off the beaten path. The big difference in off roading and over landing is that when you over land you everything you own with you.
I looked at over landing in Namibia years ago. It looked like an awesome adventure.
The trips you have listed are an explores dream.