There are countless places to travel by car in Latin America! It's an enriching experience, where you can see much more than breathtaking landscapes, but also come into contact with the most diverse cultures and delicious cuisine. For those who like to travel by car, Latin America is undoubtedly an excellent place to start.
If you want to know which are the best destinations in Latin America and tips to make the most of your road trip, our team at Happy Tours USA has prepared a guide with a lot of important information to help you plan your dream trip - check it out!
1. Route of Emotions, Brazil
The Rota das Emoções is an excellent destination for those who want to travel by car in Brazil. It connects the states of Maranhão, Piauí and Ceará, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of northeastern Brazil. Some places on the route are worth a longer stop to enjoy the best of the region:
- Lençóis Maranhenses: famous for its freshwater lagoons and white dunes. It's worth waiting to see the sunset over the dunes;
- Jericoacoara: a true paradise for those who like a relaxed atmosphere and impressive landscapes.
As they are tourist sites, there are several accommodation options. In Barreirinhas, where the Lençóis Maranhenses are located, you can choose to stay in pousadas such as the Pousada Água Doce or, for those who want a more complete option, the Gran Lençóis Resort is a great choice. Some restaurants are also highly recommended, such as Casa de Juja Atins and Mangue Restaurante, well worth a visit!
In Jeri, Pousada Jeribá and Pousada Capitão Thomaz are inexpensive, well-located options with many positive reviews. For those who want a premium experience, The Chili Beach Private Resort & Villas is an excellent option. Among the most popular restaurants are Restaurante Alecrim, Crepioca Jeri Fit Food and Bistrô Caiçara.
2. Route 40, Argentina
If you're looking for ideas on what to do in Argentina, Ruta 40 is a great way to get to know the country. The road cuts through Argentina from end to end, covering more than 5,000 km and offering breathtaking scenery. During your Ruta 40 road trip, you can include iconic places in your stops, such as:
- Patagonia: visit the Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate and enjoy the views from Cerro Torre (El Chaltén);
- Mendoza: Visit the region's famous wineries, such as Bodega Norton and Catena Zapata, and enjoy their tastings.
To make the most of your trip safely and enjoyably, plan ahead and book your accommodation so that you can get the best prices. In addition, whenever possible, do the tours on your own or don't book tours with hotels, as the prices are usually much higher.
3. Pan-American Highway
The Pan-American Highway crosses 14 countries and is over 30,000 kilometers long, making it one of the best places to travel by car. In Latin America, there are some excellent stops for those who want to enjoy beautiful landscapes, such as:
- Atacama Desert (Chile): enjoy the Valle de La Luna, Salar de Atacama and impressive landscapes such as geysers and salt flats;
- Costa Rica: one of the best destinations in Latin America for those who enjoy ecotourism. Discover the Arenal volcano and the beautiful beaches.
Without a doubt, the Pan-American Highway is a beautiful route, rich in culture from end to end. For those who like long journeys and unforgettable road trips, Latin American destinations are cheap and offer incredible experiences.
4. Water Circuit, Brazil
Located in Minas Gerais, the Water Circuit is one of the best places to travel by car. Poços de Caldas and Caxambu are two of the best-known cities on this route and have many activities and sights to see, especially for those who prefer outdoor activities.
In Poços de Caldas, enjoy the panoramic views from the cable car, relax in the Japanese Corner and, of course, visit the mineral springs, such as Fonte dos Macacos and Fonte do Cristo. There you can taste the region's famous waters. There's also the Thermas Antônio Carlos, for those who want to relax in the thermal waters.
In Caxambu, you can learn about the history of the region's mineral waters at the Water Museum, take part in various activities at the Water Park and, for those who like adventure, the Itatiaia Peak offers breathtaking views.
5. Wine Route, Chile
If you're looking for places to travel by car as a couple, the Ruta del Vino in Chile is a romantic destination that's excellent for wine lovers. In addition to its beautiful scenery, there you have the opportunity to taste the best wines in the world. The best-known regions and wineries include:
- Maipo Valley: Concha y Toro, Santa Rita;
- Casablanca Valley: Viña Mar, Casa del Bosque;
- Colchagua Valley: Montes, Viu Manent, Lapostolle;
- Maule Valley: Casa Silva, Viña San Pedro.
Many wineries offer guided tours and tastings of different labels, especially in high season, so make sure you book in advance. Also, when visiting local restaurants, always ask for wine suggestions to accompany the desired dish.
If you want to stretch your trip a little further and get to know Chile's capital, check out our list of 5 reasons to visit and go sightseeing in Santiago!
Why travel by car in Latin America?
Traveling by car offers a very different and enriching experience than traveling by plane, for example. What's more, it's a type of trip that gives you more flexibility and independence, as you can change your itinerary at any time, stay longer in one place or another, without having to spend money on rebooking airline tickets, for example.
Another advantage of getting to know places to travel by car is access to lesser-known places, such as rural areas and villages that are not so accessible by public transport, for example. Traveling by car is also a way to save money, as it is possible to stay outside tourist areas or in alternatives such as campsites.
What are the best times to travel by car in Latin America?
Once you've chosen your travel destinations, it's important to pay attention to choosing the right time of year, not only because of the climate, but also because of festivities that might make the place more crowded or have higher prices. Here are some of the best times to travel by car in Latin America:
- September to November: moderate temperatures and drier regions;
- March to May: pleasant weather and less rainfall, less crowded season;
- June to August: a good option for ski areas such as Patagonia. In Brazil, it's usually a rainy season;
- December to February: great options for coastal destinations such as Chile and Brazil.
It's also important to bear in mind that the weather can vary a lot. That's why you should think of a few options for excursions as a plan B, in case the weather isn't favorable during your trip.
What are the average costs of a road trip in the region?
The costs of traveling by car in Latin America vary greatly depending on the country, the duration and also the style of trip you intend to take. There are travelers who report spending around R$110 per day when staying in simpler places, such as hostels. But for those who want more comfort and privacy, the cost can be double or more.
Is it worth renting a car for a road trip?
Yes, it's well worth renting a car for a road trip, whatever your destination! For those planning to explore another country, a great option is to buy a cheap plane ticket and rent a car before arriving at your destination, ensuring practicality and flexibility from the start of your trip.
For those who want to explore Brazil's roads, renting a car can be the key to making the most of the landscapes and accessing places that aren't always on the traditional routes. With the right car, your road trip gains comfort, freedom and the possibility of creating a unique itinerary, whether inside or outside Brazil.
Whatever your plan, Happy Tours USA is ready to help you rent the ideal car, offering safety, comfort and total privacy to make your road trip unforgettable. Explore our options and start planning your next adventure now!
