The Center of South America
Tour description Central South America Expedition vehicle Adventure travel Expedition guided mobile tour Brazil Peru Bolivia Wine tasting Luxury Argentina Wine Chile Uruguay Montevideo Offroad 4x4 6x6 Motorhome Self-drive route
Self-Drive Adventure through South America
Experience the full diversity of this fascinating continent on an unforgettable self-drive trip!
Uruguay welcomes you with its relaxed charm: Discover the colonial beauty of Montevideo, the sophisticated city of Punta del Este, and enjoy idyllic beaches and excellent wines.
Brazil captivates with its tropical joie de vivre and natural wonders: The world's longest drivable beach, the Pantanal with its wild jaguars, be enchanted by the roaring Iguazú Falls, and feel the energy of Brazilian culture.
Bolivia captivates with its pure, unspoiled beauty: Experience the adventure of the endless Salar de Uyuni, immerse yourself in the history of Sucre and Potosí, and experience the magic of the Andean highlands.
Northern Chile forms the magnificent conclusion of the highlands. In the Atacama Desert, you'll discover bizarre lunar landscapes, colorful lagoons, and a starry sky like no other.
Argentina is rich in contrasts: from the Paso de Jama plateau, the wine region near Cafayate, and the colorful landscapes of the northwest to the city of Córdoba with its numerous churches – unique experiences await you here.
A journey full of contrasts, encounters, and natural wonders – for those who want to discover South America in their own way and with complete freedom.
Travel description
Week 1
We start the trip in Montevideo and drive from there to a place where we can check our equipment in peace, make final adjustments to the vehicle and cargo, and discuss the next few days together.
Via Punta del Este, where we can see sea lions and stroll along the Uruguayan Côte d'Azur, we continue towards La Paloma and Coronilla, where there is a turtle rescue center. At the end of the first week, we cross the border into Brazil together.
Week 2
Right from the start, we'll get to know Brazil from one of its most beautiful sides. Our route takes us across the world's longest navigable beach for two days. A true adventure, with our assistance and advice. Nights by the sea amidst solitude round off these unforgettable days.
We'll cross the Lagoa dos Patos by ferry to spend the next night on the beach. Within walking distance is a cozy restaurant serving typical fish dishes.
The route continues to enormous sand dunes before we turn inland. We'll head to Gramado, Brazil's Christmas village. But even outside of the Christmas season, the town invites you to stroll, feast, and dine, and numerous activities are offered.
Travel dates 2026
90 days
March 3 and October 1, 2026
Departure from Montevideo
10,500 km through Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Brazil
June 1 and December 30, 2026
Arrival in Montevideo
Travel price per vehicle regardless of the number of persons 16.800,- €, including taxes and fees
Week 4
The further north we travel, the more tropical and exotic it becomes. After arriving in Bonito, there's the opportunity to float and snorkel in the river. From crystal-clear water and small fish to spotting anacondas, everything is possible here. A trip to the Grutas is recommended. Parrots and toucans are among the native birds. Since there are also restaurants here, the galley can stay cold. After a day's break, we head along the Anteater Road towards Transpantaneira. This worthwhile stretch of road offers virtually no tourist infrastructure. Therefore, we will spend the night here right on the road. However, there is a chance of spotting anteaters, armadillos, capybaras, foxes, and numerous birds.
Week 3
Wine lovers will especially appreciate the trip to the Vale dos Vinhedos wine region, but the valley is also worth a visit for its scenic and culinary delights.
Our next destination is Iguazú National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We reach the spectacular waterfalls after three days of driving, leaving plenty of time for sightseeing. The nearby hydroelectric power plant can also be visited.
Week 5
An absolute highlight of Brazil is the Pantanal, which we will explore over the next few days. It is the largest inland wetland in the world and was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2000. Jaguars, marsh deer, anteaters, various species of monkeys, ocelots, and capybaras are native here, and we have the opportunity to spot them. The chances of spotting jaguars can be increased with a boat tour (depending on rainfall). After exciting and unforgettable days in this region, we will travel through the Amazon basin towards the border with Bolivia. Our first destination in Bolivia is San Ignacio with its impressive Jesuit church.
Week 8
If you haven't had enough adventure yet, the Lagoon Route is the perfect destination. For a week, we'll be off-road, in the middle of nowhere, discovering numerous lagoons, beautiful rock formations, observing flamingos, wandering through bubbling thermal fields, and immersing ourselves in the starry night sky.
A unique experience that can't be topped!
Week 9
After the last few weeks at over 3,500 meters above sea level, arriving in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, is a special moment. Located in the Atacama Desert at an altitude of 2,407 meters, it's considerably warmer. Here, there's time to replenish supplies, take advantage of the tourist infrastructure, and take excursions to the Magic Bus, Valle de Luna, or the Lagunas.
The journey continues over the Paso de Jama with its spectacular lunar landscape. On the way to Argentina, your camera won't stop clicking.
Our first destination in Argentina is Purmamarca with its colorful mountains, before we head to Salta. The old Spanish colonial architecture characterizes the historic center and invites you to stroll. Here, too, we have tips for good restaurants and shopping opportunities.
Week 6
Bolivia has some cultural highlights in store for you over the next few days. UNESCO churches in Conception and San Javier can be visited before continuing on to Santa Cruz.
Whether you choose a rest day or a visit to Santa Cruz is up to you before continuing on into the beautiful mountain landscape to Samaipata. It's worth unpacking your hiking boots here!
Week 7
Sucre is one of Bolivia's most beautiful cities, and its city center is a must-see. We also have a few culinary tips here! The world-famous mining town of Potosi offers hands-on history. A mine tour will get your adrenaline pumping. It lies between 3,976 and 4,070 meters above sea level on the Altiplano plateau and is one of the highest cities in the world. In Uyuni, we're still at an altitude of 3,671 meters, and the next highlight awaits us. The Salar de Uyuni, with an area of more than 10,000 square kilometers, is considered the largest salt flat in the world. An unforgettable experience!
Week 10
As soon as you leave the city, things quieten down again. Opportunities include horseback riding through red canyons, wine tastings in Cafayate, a visit to the Ruinas de Quilmes, a sacred indigenous site, stargazing at the Ampimpa Observatory, and bathing in the thermal springs of Villa Vil, before the route continues to Campo de Piedra Pomez. The bizarre pumice formations will amaze you.
Week 11
The route follows the legendary Route 40 via Chilecito, home to the world's longest cable car. In Hualco, there's the opportunity to swim in the canyon. The Talampaya and Ischiagulasto National Parks are along the way and have been UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2000. Impressive rock formations and a wealth of background information await visitors. Some of the oldest known dinosaur remains come from here.
A stop at the Termas de El Quicho invites you to take a dip.
In Cruz del Eje, you can visit an olive production facility before continuing on to Córdoba.
Week 12
From Argentina, we return to Uruguay, where the journey began. Beach life and city strolls provide the ideal conclusion to the trip.