Tips for Overland Travel in South America
Rent a Car, Ship a Vehicle, Fly a Motorcycle in or Buy a Car
May 4, 2009
Overland travel is a term used for people that travel independently with a motorized vehicle. In most cases, the term “overland travel” applies to long-term travellers, but this isn't necessarily the case. The biggest advantage of overland travel is independence; to have the freedom to go and stop wherever one wants. South America is a perfect continent for overland travel, whether it's by car or motorcycle.
Rent a Car in South America
Car rental is suitable for short-term holidays, varying from a few days to a few weeks or months. Overland travel in this case means covering one country, or a specific region. In general it's too expensive and too much of a bureaucratic hassle to ship a car for such a short period.
South America is a good continent to rent a car; there are car rental agencies at most of the larger airports and in all major cities. However, there are several aspects one should take into account before renting a car in South America. For example, there are the long distances and the many unpaved roads to consider, in order to choose the most suitable car.
Fly a Motorcycle In
The experience of many motorcyclists has taught that in most cases the cheapest and easiest way to transport a motorcycle is by air. Horizons Unlimited is a longstanding and comprehensive resource for overland travel by motorcycle. It provides an active and up-to-date forum with all information regarding, among other things, transporting a motorcycle by air.
Car Shipment to South America
For overland travel in South America by private car one can ship a car by container or RoRo shipping – Roll on, Roll off. Regular vehicles are well-suited for container shipment – they fit, the price is reasonable and a container shipment is safe because the container is locked and sealed.
For higher vehicles, hi-cube containers or open-top containers may be an option, for wider vehicles flat tracks. In general, hi-cubes, open-top containers and flat tracks are more expensive than RoRo shipping, but the biggest problem with RoRo shipping is that it doesn't ply between all ports.
When shipping a car to South America, consider carefully which port to ship to. The continent is known for its corruption and port bureaucracies are no exception.
Buy a Car in South America
Another option for overland travel is buying a car or motorcycle in South America. It depends on the country whether this is an impossibility, a bureaucratic rigmarole or accomplished easily.
Be aware that well-intentioned locals will often say: "no problem", not realising that selling a car or motorcycle to a foreigner is a complicated matter. It may lead to problems when the actual transaction takes place or when the foreigner tries to cross a border.
South America – a Safe Continent for Overland Travel?
Safety has much to do with perception, but in general overlanders experience Chile, Argentina and Uruguay as easy and safe to travel and heavenly for bush camping. Feelings of safety about overland travel in Bolivia and Peru vary regularly because of political situations, while in Brazil – especially the northeast – more care is demanded in terms of finding safe camping spots.
As in regular travel, observe the normal safety measures when opting for overland travel. Check the political situation in the news, the embassies, or on the internet. Ask other overlanders that recently visited a particular country what the situation is like; many overlanders have websites and are happy to exchange travel experiences and tips.
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