Preparation & Planning
Documentation, gear, logistics, borders, basic mechanics. Everything you need to know before setting off, and what to learn along the way. From the first trip to a months-long journey, practical content that gets you out of preparation paralysis.
Articles
Renting a Car in Chile, Argentina and Uruguay: Border Rules
Documents, deposit, insurance and the IDP you need to rent a car in Chile, Argentina and Uruguay, plus how to cross the border legally with a rental car.
October 25, 2026
Is Gas Cheaper in Argentina Than Brazil? 2026 Fuel Prices
Gas in Argentina now costs more than in Brazil. See the 2026 numbers, diesel grades, ethanol content and how to check fuel prices before you cross the border.
October 22, 2026
Carta Verde Mercosur Car Insurance: Cost and Coverage
Carta Verde Mercosur insurance for Brazilian cars: what it covers, 2026 prices, where to buy it and why it is not valid in Chile. A guide for border crossings.
October 20, 2026
Do You Need a 4x4 for Dirt Roads? What Really Matters
Do you really need a 4x4 for dirt and gravel roads? What matters more: tires, ground clearance, skid plates and breakover angle, plus when 4WD is a must.
October 15, 2026
Altitude Sickness on a Road Trip: How to Drive High Safely
How to drive up the Andes without getting altitude sickness: the 500 meter sleeping altitude rule, what doesn't prevent it and the signs it's time to descend.
October 13, 2026
What Is Ripio? How to Drive Gravel Roads Safely
Ripio is the loose gravel road of Argentina and Chile. Learn safe speeds, what the law says, the tire pressure debate and where gravel remains today.
October 4, 2026
How to Organize Your Car Interior for Overland Travel
Organize your overland car interior by frequency of access: three zones, weight distribution and what must stay within reach on the road.
July 2, 2026
What to Pack for an Overland Trip: Essentials to Comfort
A layered overland packing list: documents, vehicle safety, sleeping and food basics, plus the comfort gear worth adding for long trips.
June 10, 2026
Overland Tires: How to Choose, Inflate and How Many to Carry
A practical tire guide for overland travel in South America: HT vs AT vs MT, tire pressure for each terrain, how many spares to carry, and how to fix a flat far from any shop.
June 7, 2026
Vaccines and Health for Overland Travel in South America
Mandatory and recommended vaccines, the yellow-fever certificate, a first-aid kit, health insurance and altitude care for an overland trip through South America.
May 30, 2026
Overland Budget: How Much It Costs to Drive South America
How much an overland trip through South America costs: three budget profiles, spending categories and a country-by-country comparison, with values in USD.
May 27, 2026
Crossing the Andes by Car: 7 Argentina-Chile Passes
Seven Andean passes between Argentina and Chile you can cross by car, with altitude, season and the best path for each destination.
May 24, 2026