SouthAmeriCar

Good to know: This day-by-day itinerary is based on the trip that took place in 2016. At present, no new SouthAmeriCar trip is planned.

Day 1 | Monday 1 May: Amsterdam – Lima

Today your Unique Journey begins! You’ll board your intercontinental flight to Lima. In the evening, you’ll land at the airport and be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a delicious dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Overnight stay: DoubleTree El Pardo

Days 2 and 3 | Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 May: Lima

You’ll be staying in Lima for the next few days. We’ll collect the cars together, and there’ll be time to explore the city at your leisure. During the colonial era, Lima was long regarded as the most important city in South America. Visit the historic city centre with its two beautiful squares, buildings featuring wooden balconies, or the cathedral and the Church of San Francisco. The characteristic districts of Miraflores and Barranco are also well worth a visit. Do you have some time to spare? Then pop into the Gold Museum. This museum houses a vast private collection of pre-Columbian artefacts, jewellery and ceremonial objects, most of which are made of gold. You should also visit the ruins of Pachacamac, just outside the city. These ruins are one of the most important religious centres along the coast. This blend of temples and residential areas has been continuously inhabited for around two millennia. The temples were visited by pilgrims to worship the creator god Viracocha. During your stay in Lima, be sure to set aside plenty of time for culinary adventures. Lima is, after all, regarded as the culinary capital of Latin America. We’d be happy to recommend some of the finest restaurants. Many seafood restaurants are only open for lunch, as the chefs consider the fish fresh enough to serve only at that time of day. Peru’s most famous – and utterly delicious – seafood dish is ‘ceviche’: raw fish marinated in lime juice. Peruvian cuisine has been put firmly on the international map by a number of renowned chefs of Peruvian origin, including Gastón Acurio. His fusion dishes are unique and of an exceptionally high standard. Overnight stay: El Pardo DoubleTree

Day 4 | Thursday 4 May: Lima – Paracas
(approx. 246 km / 3.5-hour drive)

Today we set off, driving from Lima to Paracas. Once we’ve left the metropolis of Lima behind us, we follow the Panamericana Sur southwards. We pass through various villages and small towns. The desert-like landscapes are occasionally broken up by green riverbeds that line the banks of rivers flowing from the Andes. Near the town of Pisco, follow the signs to Paracas. We’ll be staying here in a lovely hotel right by the sea. Paracas is a peninsula south of Lima. Many archaeological finds have been made in this area. It is also an important nature reserve, home to many species of birds such as flamingos and albatrosses. The nutrient-rich coastal waters also support a wealth of wildlife on the nearby Isla Ballestas, which is home to, amongst others, huge colonies of sea lions and Humboldt penguins.
Overnight stay: DoubleTree Resort Paracas

Day 5 | Friday 5 May: Paracas – Nazca
(approx. 216 km / 3.5-hour drive)

We recommend that you take a small boat early this morning to visit the nearby Ballestas Islands. The half-hour boat trip takes you to this archipelago, which is home to a wealth of wildlife. Afterwards, you’ll drive south from Paracas towards Nazca. On the way, you’ll pass through the town of Ica, amongst other places. From Ica, you can take a short detour to the Huacachina oasis, which is situated just outside Ica. This oasis is surrounded by high sand dunes, where sandboarding is very popular. Just before entering the town of Nazca, you’ll see observation towers on your right. From these towers, you can view the world-famous figures etched into the landscape. Of course, you can also see them from a small aeroplane. Your hotel is situated on the outskirts of Nazca.
Overnight stay: Hotel Majoro

Day 6 | Saturday 6 May: Nazca – Sacred Valley
(approx. 668 km / 12-hour drive)

Today you’ll be up early, as a long route lies ahead. It’s a truly spectacular, yet long and gruelling, route. Definitely a challenge for classic cars. As soon as we leave Nazca behind, the road climbs steeply; this road is in very good condition. You’ll be driving across the Peruvian high plateau, at an altitude of around 4,600 metres. The route takes you between the high mountain ranges of the western and eastern Andes. Don’t forget to look around you, as the views here are breathtaking. You’ll spot flamingos, llamas, cows, donkeys and, with a bit of luck, a condor, all of which have made their home at this altitude. You’ll also pass through many traditional (indigenous) villages. Finally, the road takes us back downwards and we follow a river, surrounded by green countryside, to Abancay. As soon as you pass Abancay, the road climbs steeply again and we reach an altitude of 3,500 metres on several occasions. The final part of the day sees us descending once more, and on a clear day you’ll have a spectacular view of Ausangate. At over 6,300 metres, this is the highest peak in the region. We’ll be spending the night in Urubamba, the main town in the Sacred Valley. This fertile area was very important to the Incas, which is why there are still many Inca archaeological sites to be found here. The altitude of 2,400 metres means the temperature here is almost always pleasant. Tired but certainly very satisfied, you will arrive at your destination today!
Accommodation: Sol y Luna

Day 7 | Sunday 7 May: Machu Picchu

Visiting the Inca city of Machu Picchu; for many, it’s a dream come true! Today you’ll visit this unique, hidden Inca city. Machu Picchu was discovered by chance in 1911 by the American Hiram Bingham. He was searching for the legendary city of Vilcabamba when local farmers pointed out ruins on a hill, overgrown by subtropical rainforest. The discovery of Machu Picchu is regarded as one of the most significant archaeological finds of the twentieth century. You will travel by train through the Sacred Valley to the village of Aguas Calientes. Here, your guide will take you to Machu Picchu, where you will learn more about this extraordinary city. From this hidden city, you will enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding subtropical rainforest. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll take the train back to the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to your hotel.
Overnight stay: Sol y Luna

Day 8 | Monday 8 May: Cuzco

On your second day off, you’ll visit the beautiful city of Cuzco. For a long time, Cuzco was considered the most important city of the Inca Empire. Following the arrival of the Spanish, the major Inca palaces were demolished and colonial houses were built on their foundations. You can still see the blend of these two architectural styles today in the well-preserved historic centre of the city. From your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we’ll follow a winding route into the mountains; on the way, we can visit the Maras salt pans and the Maras archaeological site if you wish. We then drive on to the high plateau, where we gradually merge into the chaotic traffic of Cuzco. In Cuzco, we park our cars in the central square, Plaza de Armas, and have some time to explore the city and have lunch somewhere. Afterwards, we’ll take a scenic route back via the village of Pisac. Pisac is famous for its large indigenous market. The day concludes with a spectacular drive through the valley back to the hotel.
Overnight stay: Sol y Luna

Day 9 | Tuesday 9 May: Sacred Valley – Puno
(approx. 430 km / 8-hour drive)

Another lovely day’s drive is on the programme today. A day centred around spectacular, sweeping landscapes and breathtaking views. The road winds through rolling countryside, and you’ll hardly notice that you’re crossing the 4,500-metre altitude mark once again. Along the way, you can stop at a number of interesting sights if you wish. For example, you can stop at the church in the village of Andahuaylillas. At first glance, it looks like an ordinary church, but when you step inside, you’ll find the most bizarre murals. At Raqchi, you can admire the ancient Inca temple of Wiracocha, and before reaching Puno, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Sillustani tombs. On the route to Puno, we’ll pass the Peruvian railway line, many small villages and archaeological sites. The roads are in good condition. In the chaos of the city of Juliaca, you’ll need to pay close attention and it might take a bit of searching, but otherwise it’s a pleasant and, once again, breathtakingly beautiful drive. The hotel where we’re staying is situated right on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
Overnight stay: Hotel José Antonio

Day 10 | Wednesday 10 May: Puno – Huatajata
(approx. 194 km / 6-hour drive)

This day is all about variety and adventure! We’ll be driving along the shores of Lake Titicaca for almost the entire day. At Kasani, we’ll cross the border between Peru and Bolivia and continue on our way to Copacabana. When Bolivians get a new car, they come to Copacabana to have it blessed at the local church. We’ll have our car blessed here too. Afterwards, we continue our journey and take the ferry across Lake Titicaca. Once we’ve made the crossing, it’s not far to the hamlet of Huatajata, where our simple hotel is situated on the lakeshore.
Overnight stay: Inca Utama Hotel

Day 11 | Thursday 11 May: Huatajata – La Paz
(approx. 86 km / 6-hour drive)

Today’s route is only 90 kilometres, but a real test of driving skill is on the programme at the world’s highest circuit: the Pucurani circuit. At an altitude of over 4,500 metres, we’ll take part in an agility test on this circuit, and the winner will be crowned ‘Europe’s best driver in the over-4,500-metre category’. After this agility test, you’ll be put to the test once more, as driving in La Paz is extremely chaotic and therefore a real challenge. On the other hand, it’s also a tremendous experience! There is a great deal of traffic, and the steep streets put a strain on the motorbike and brakes.Overnight stay: Stannum Hotel

Day 12 | Friday 12 May: La Paz

Today you have a free day in La Paz. You’ll have time to explore the city at your leisure. La Paz lies in a valley and is surrounded by the high Altiplano. La Paz is the seat of the legislature. Contrary to what many people think, the city is not the capital of Bolivia. The capital of Bolivia is Sucre. You’ll take a journey back in time to a mysterious past. On every corner and in every street, you’ll find ‘hidden treasures’: the indigenous, colonial and modern buildings, the Indian Market, the witches’ markets and breathtaking panoramic views. All set against the backdrop of the majestic ‘Illimani’ mountain. Be sure to visit Plaza Murillo, formerly Plaza de Armas, which is named after General Murillo, a Bolivian independence fighter. From the ‘Mirador Laikakota’ viewpoint, you’ll have a magnificent view of La Paz and Mount Illimani. Visiting the indigenous market, the ‘witches’ market’, is a unique experience.
Overnight stay: Stannum Hotel

Day 13 | Saturday 13 May: La Paz – Arica
(approx. 550 km / 11-hour drive)

Today is a busy day as we cross the border into Chile. We set off early to beat the heavy traffic around La Paz. There are very few petrol stations on the route to Arica in Chile. So make sure to fill up at Patacamaya and just before the Chilean border. We’ll cross the border and drive through the stunning Lauca National Park in Chile, and in Arica, the Pacific Ocean will be beckoning us to take a lovely dip!
Overnight stay: Hotel Apacheta

Day 14 | Sunday 14 May: Arica – San Pedro
(approx. 702 km / 10-hour drive)

Today’s route, through the Atacama Desert, is perhaps one of the highlights of the trip. Stunning views and, as an added bonus, the road is in very good condition. Compared to Peru, Chile has fewer petrol stations, as this region is not as densely populated. So please bear this in mind. On the approach road to the town of Iquique, you can visit the ghost town of Humberstone. This settlement, built near a saltpetre mine, was abandoned overnight in 1960. Time seems to have stood still there. We’ll also drive past the Chuquicamata mine, the largest copper mine in the world. It’s certainly worth stopping here too to have a look around. Once you’ve passed Calama, it’s full steam ahead to San Pedro de Atacama. Just before we enter San Pedro, we pass through the Valley of the Moon. Here, enjoy a magnificent sunset, as the setting sun bathes the bizarre rock formations in many shades of red.
Overnight stay: Cumbres San Pedro

Day 15 | Monday 15 May: San Pedro de Atacama

This day is free to spend as you wish. You can choose to stay in and around the hotel and relax a little after the impressive days you’ve had. If you can’t get enough of driving, you can also take a number of beautiful routes today to explore the surrounding area. For example, you could visit the El Tatio geysers at an altitude of 4,200 metres. The route is unpaved and very adventurous. You’ll drive via the indigenous village of Pucará and along Ruta 23 back to San Pedro. In total, you’ll cover around 300 kilometres, most of which is on unpaved roads. Another option is to explore the area south of San Pedro de Atacama. This route is 250 kilometres long, with only 40 kilometres on tarmac. Along the way, you’ll drive past the Atacama Salt Flat. This is also a fantastic route for the true adventurer.
Accommodation: Cumbres San Pedro

Day 16 | Tuesday 16 May: San Pedro – Salta
(approx. 593 km / 12-hour drive)

Today, another unforgettable trip is on the programme. It will be a long day’s journey, during which we will once again be at high altitude. Along the way, we’ll see majestic volcanic peaks and small salt lakes, home to flamingos and vicuñas. Enjoy the breathtaking views. At Paso da Jama, the highest mountain pass in the Andes, you’ll find the border crossing with Argentina. Once you’ve crossed the border, you’ll come to a petrol station where you can fill up. After this, the road gradually winds up and down. You’ll pass the Salar de Jama on your right, and then we’ll cross the Salinas Grandes. If you’d like to drive across the salt flats, now’s your chance! Once we’ve passed this final salt flat, there are two options. Either you follow the route towards Purmamarca. This route is entirely tarmac-surfaced and, if you then take Ruta 9 at Jujuy, you’ll be treated to a very scenic winding road through a subtropical rainforest during the final part of the journey. Adventurers can also choose to take the route via San Antonio de los Cobres. The road to this mountain village is unpaved. After San Antonio de los Cobres, which lies at an altitude of 4,500 metres, you’ll find a beautiful, winding, tarmac road with some lovely bends. The road winds its way to Salta.
Accommodation: Finca Valentina & House of Jasmines

Day 17 | Wednesday 17 May: Salta

Fancy taking it easy today? Then why not visit the beautiful colonial centre of Salta or take a walk to the viewpoint, where you can enjoy a view over the city. For those who enjoy driving, it’s possible to take a route via Cachi and Cafayate. This is a 500-kilometre route, of which just under 150 kilometres is on unsealed roads. From Salta, follow the road to the mountain village of Cachi, with its whitewashed buildings. From Cachi, you’ll follow an unforgettable route through canyon-like landscapes, along an unpaved road through the so-called Valle Calchaquies. Eventually, this road leads to Cafayate, a charming little town renowned as a centre for wine-growing. There are a number of renowned Argentine wineries in the vicinity of the town. The final section of the route runs through a beautiful valley, known as the Quebrada de las Flechas.
​Overnight stay: Finca Valentina & House of Jasmines

Day 18 | Thursday 18 May: Salta – Corrientes
(approx. 831 km / 11-hour drive)

We leave the mountains behind us and continue across the famous Argentine Pampas. No winding roads today, just a straight drive along the endless Ruta 16 to Resistencia and Corrientes. This route cuts right through the Argentine hinterland. In this rural landscape, you’ll rarely come across other travellers. You’ll arrive in Corrientes in the evening.
Overnight stay: La Alondra

Day 19 | Friday 19 May: Corrientes – Puerto Iguazú
(approx. 615 km / 9-hour drive)

Today brings another long drive through the vast, empty and warm north of Argentina. Along this route, we’ll be driving near the Iberá Nature Reserve, a vast wetland home to many animals such as caimans and capybaras. Just past Posadas, near San Ignacio, it is possible to visit the ruins of the Jesuit mission posts. These ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight stay: Selvaje Lodge

Day 20 | Saturday 20 May: Puerto Iguazú – Foz do Iguaçu
(approx. 16 km / 2-hour drive)

Today, the distance we cover is solely to get from Argentina to Brazil. In the morning, we’ll visit the waterfalls on the Argentine side. The spectacular natural spectacle of more than 200 different waterfalls, plunging down here in a subtropical setting, is currently regarded as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. On the Argentine side, we can view the waterfalls from above. The view from above of the largest waterfall, known as the Devil’s Throat, is particularly impressive. Afterwards, we’ll drive to the Brazilian border and, once the formalities have been completed, we’ll enter the national park on the Brazilian side. We’ll be staying at the only hotel located within the national park, within walking distance of the falls. Unforgettable – what an experience!
Overnight stay: Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas

Day 21 | Sunday 21 May: Foz do Iguaçu

Today is a day off. Before breakfast, take a short walk outside to have a look at the waterfalls. At this time of day, the park isn’t open yet and only hotel guests have access to this special spot. As the sun rises, rainbows appear on all sides. There’s a path leading all the way down to the base of the thundering waterfall, with several lovely vantage points along the way. In the afternoon, you can take a spectacular boat trip to the base of the thundering waterfall. Enjoy this special day and the impressive natural beauty.
Overnight stay: Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas

Day 22 | Monday 22 May: Foz do Iguaçu – Curitiba
(approx. 654 km / 10-hour drive)

After breakfast, you’ll continue your journey to Curitiba. The route takes you through the western part of the Brazilian state of Paraná. Many immigrants from Germany, Poland and Ukraine, as well as from Japan, have shaped this region. You’ll pass many farms and plantations growing maize, soya beans and coffee. Most of the journey is along the BR 277, which runs from east to west through the state of Paraná. Curitiba, with a population of 1.3 million, is the capital of the state of Paraná. It is a truly special city. Curitiba is also known as ‘the green city’. And rightly so, as it boasts no less than 50 m² of green space per inhabitant! Pioneering work has also been carried out here in the fields of education, childcare and employment. The greatest success story is the public transport system, which also serves as a model for New York, USA.
Accommodation: Nomaa Hotel

Day 23 | Tuesday 23 May: Curitiba – São Paulo
(approx. 410 km / 7-hour drive)

We’ll spend most of the day driving through the state of São Paulo on a motorway of very high quality. This, Brazil’s wealthiest state, is almost as big as Germany. The landscape is hilly, with vast sugar cane and orange plantations. Along this route, many participants’ eyes will be drawn to the lovely souvenirs and local delicacies available here at the petrol station, alongside petrol and fast food. In the metropolis of São Paulo, we can expect traffic to be at its absolute peak. Naturally, this is to be expected in a city with over 20 million inhabitants. São Paulo is the economic and financial heart of South America. It is a vibrant city offering a wealth of art, culture, entertainment, fine dining and nightlife.
Accommodation: L’Hotel PortoBay

Day 24 | Wednesday 24 May: São Paulo

Today you’ll have plenty of opportunity to explore the metropolis of São Paulo. São Paulo is sometimes referred to as the ‘New York of South America’, as it is by far the continent’s most important business centre. The people of São Paulo are known for working hard, but when it’s time to relax, they certainly know how to make the most of it; you’ll find plenty of excellent restaurants and interesting shops, amongst other things. Ibirapuera Park is also a popular spot where many of the city’s residents spend their free time. If you’re interested in art, do visit the MASP museum (Museu de Arte de São Paulo). This is São Paulo’s most famous art museum, with a permanent collection featuring works by renowned artists such as van Gogh, Renoir, Velázquez, Portinari and Picasso. The building is also regarded as a work of art in its own right, particularly due to its freestanding design; the museum ‘suspends’ between two square arches. In the afternoon, you can have lunch at the Mercado Municipal. This is the largest city market in the centre of São Paulo and is housed in a striking neoclassical building with stained-glass windows. It’s fascinating to see the wide variety of fruit, vegetables and herbs on sale here. On the top floor of this market, you’ll find several restaurants. Why not try a codfish pie or a mortadella sandwich?
Overnight stay: L’Hotel PortoBay

Day 25 | Thursday 25 May: São Paulo – Paraty
(approx. 362 km / 9-hour drive)

The journey from São Paulo to Paraty is one of the most beautiful of the entire trip! From the top of a mountain plateau in the Serra do Mar mountain range, we travel through the Atlantic Rainforest, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich biodiversity. We’ll travel along (relatively) quiet, modern motorways and, via the town of Mogi das Cruzes, head to the coastal town of Bertioga. This is certainly one of the most spectacular descents in Brazil. Surrounded by tropical rainforest, we have views of the Atlantic Ocean. Be sure to stop for a moment to enjoy the unique views of this incredible landscape. Once we’re on the Rio–Santos coastal road, you can soak up the natural beauty: mountains, forests, bays, beaches, islands, rivers and waterfalls – all in a single day! Along the way, idyllic bays with white sandy beaches await you as you take a stroll through Paraty. Marvel at the Portuguese colonial architecture of this former hub for gold that was shipped to Europe from the state of Minas Gerais. Today, this charming and romantic town impresses with its tasteful pousadas and cosy little bars.
Overnight stay: Pousada Literária

Day 26 | Friday 26 May: Paraty

Today is a free day. Paraty is situated on the waterfront and has its own distinctive colonial atmosphere. The village was founded in 1667 and played an important role in history as a transit port for sugar cane, gold and diamonds bound for Portugal. Paraty enjoyed its heyday in the 17th century, when gold and diamonds mined in the state of Minas Gerais were shipped from Paraty to Europe. However, this came to an end following Brazil’s independence in 1822, though the beautiful colonial buildings remained intact and, since 1966, the town centre has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town centre is entirely car-free, allowing you to stroll peacefully and at your leisure through the cobbled streets. Paraty has 65 small islands and over a hundred beautiful beaches. Enthusiasts can set off by boat today to see these enchantingly beautiful islands up close – highly recommended! Taking it a bit easier and simply strolling through the streets of Paraty and/or visiting a beachside terrace are, of course, also options. And if you can’t bear to leave the car behind, you could visit Ubatuba, a coastal town mainly frequented by Brazilians, or drive to the small fishing village of Picinguaba.
Accommodation: Pousada Literária

Day 27 | Saturday 27 May: Paraty – Rio de Janeiro
(approx. 256 km / 6-hour drive)

The final leg of our journey awaits us. The route has been deliberately kept short so that we can once again take our time to enjoy the surroundings. The road takes us back along the stunning coastal route, with views of the Atlantic Ocean, and leads us to our final destination: Rio de Janeiro! It’s wise to make sure we arrive in Rio before the evening rush hour begins, as traffic often comes to a standstill then. What a special moment it will be when, after such a long journey, we turn onto the world-famous Copacabana today.
Overnight stay: Copacabana Palace

Day 28 | Sunday 28 May: Rio de Janeiro

Wake up today feeling content whilst gazing out over Copacabana Beach. Today is the final day of this unique adventure. Round off this unforgettable journey on Copacabana or Ipanema Beach, or use this day to see a bit more of this beautiful city. Rio de Janeiro (São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro), or Rio for short, is the capital of the state of the same name in south-eastern Brazil. The city lies on a wide bay, the Baía de Guanabara, and was the capital of Brazil until 1960. Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado with its immense statue of Christ, and the old, characterful neighbourhood of Santa Teresa are just a few of the special sights you can visit.
Overnight stay: Copacabana Palace

Day 29 | Monday 29 May: Rio de Janeiro – Amsterdam

Today marks the end of this unique and unforgettable journey through South America. You will be taken to the airport, where you will board your intercontinental flight home. You will arrive there the following day.

Day 30 | Tuesday 30 May: Amsterdam

You will arrive at Schiphol today