In This Guide
- Best South America RV Itinerary for long term rv rental - Overview
- 7-Day Classic Route in South America
- 14-Day Extended Journey in South America
- Recommended RVPlan Trip for South America
- Must-See Stops Along the Way (Avi Bandana Picks)
- Daily Driving Distances & Drive Times in South America
- Best RV Class for This Itinerary - Couple & Family Picks
- What is the 3-3-3 rule for RV travel?
- How much does a 1 month trip to South America cost?
- What is the farthest south you can drive in South America?
- What is the safest South American country to go to?
- What is the best RV for long distance travel?
- What countries are best for RV trips?
- Can you RV in South America?
Best South America RV Itinerary for long term rv rental - Overview
A long-term RV rental in South America offers unparalleled freedom to explore diverse landscapes, from the towering peaks of the Andes to the vast expanse of the Atacama Desert. While a minimum of 7 days is recommended for any RV journey, optimal long-term experiences often span 1-2 months, allowing travelers to cover roughly 1,500-3,000 km at a leisurely pace and truly immerse themselves in the local culture. The best season for RV travel in South America varies by region: Patagonia is ideal from December to February, while the Atacama Desert is accessible year-round, with shoulder seasons offering pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. For live availability and current prices, start with our RV Rental South America - Complete Guide 2026 guide. Bandana RV, with over two decades of experience since its founding in 2001, is your true RV specialist, guiding tens of thousands of travelers through such epic journeys with full transparency and no hidden fees.
7-Day Classic Route in South America
A 7-day classic route in Chile provides a fantastic introduction to South American RV travel, offering a mix of vibrant cities, renowned wine regions, and coastal beauty. On Day 1, you can pick up your rented motorhome in Santiago, Chile, then embark on a 120 km journey to the colorful UNESCO World Heritage port city of Valparaíso, known for its vibrant street art and historic funiculars, with overnight stays typically at RV parks near the coast. Day 2 involves a short, scenic 50 km drive to the Casablanca Valley, famous for its cool-climate wines like Sauvignon Blanc, where vineyard campsites offer unique overnight experiences. Day 3 takes you on a 40 km exploration of Pomaire, known for its traditional clay pottery, and the rural charm of Curacaví, sleeping at a rural campsite with local flair. Your adventure continues on Day 4 with a 90 km journey south to Rancagua, a city rich in Chilean independence history and close to the UNESCO-listed Sewell Mining Town, typically using a city RV park. Day 5 involves a 110 km drive into the heart of the Colchagua Valley, a premier wine region offering exceptional tastings and picturesque vineyards, with more vineyard camping opportunities. On Day 6, drive 130 km to the Pacific coast and the popular surf town of Pichilemu, perfect for relaxation or catching waves, settling into a coastal RV park. Finally, on Day 7, you complete your loop by returning 160 km to Santiago for your rented RV drop-off, concluding a memorable Chilean adventure. This itinerary averages around 80 km per day, perfectly aligning with our recommendation for slow travel to fully appreciate each location.14-Day Extended Journey in South America
An extended 14-day journey in Chile allows for deeper immersion into the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage, offering an average daily drive of around 70-80 km. Days 1-2 begin your adventure by picking up your rented campervan in Santiago, Chile, with ample time to explore its historical center, vibrant markets, and diverse neighborhoods. On Day 3, a short 50 km drive takes you to the cool-climate Casablanca Valley for a leisurely introduction to Chilean wines, where you can stay at a vineyard campsite. Continuing south on Day 4, a 120 km drive leads to the sunnier Colchagua Valley, home to world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère, with another overnight at a vineyard campsite. Days 5-6 delve into Chile's agricultural heartland, driving 100 km to the Curicó/Talca area, then 50 km to Altos de Lircay National Reserve for hiking and exploring unique ecosystems with national park camping. Days 7-8 involve a 150 km journey into the Andes to Nevados de Chillán, a mountain resort famous for its hot springs and winter sports, providing a full day for relaxation or adventure at a mountain resort RV park. Descend to the city of Chillán on Day 9 with an 80 km drive, known for its bustling market and historical significance, staying at a city RV park. Day 10 takes you 100 km to Concepción, a major university city with a lively cultural scene and coastal access, where you can find an RV park near the coast or city outskirts. The journey continues to Lota on Day 11 (40 km), where you can visit historic coal mines and Lota Park, staying at a local RV spot. Days 12-13 explore the coastal region and Mapuche indigenous culture, driving 80 km to Cañete/Arauco, then 60 km inland towards Angol, a gateway to Nahuelbuta National Park, with rural camping or small town RV parks available. Your comprehensive journey concludes on Day 14 with a 120 km drive to Temuco, a regional capital rich in Mapuche heritage, for your camper drop-off.Recommended RVPlan Trip for South America
For those seeking a ready-made adventure without the planning headache, RV PLANET (rvplan.net) offers meticulously designed itineraries for South America, simplifying your long-term RV rental journey. These expert-crafted route plans provide detailed daily schedules, vetted campground suggestions, and highlighted points of interest, allowing you to focus entirely on the experience rather than logistics. Bandana's direct partnerships with 50+ leading RV suppliers worldwide, including trusted names like El Monte and Apollo, mean you have access to a vast array of vehicles and the peace of mind that comes from booking with true RV specialists. With RV PLANET routes, you can even itemize and track every expense along the way for easy budgeting. Plus, enjoy a 25% planning discount when you use rvplan.net to plan your long term RV rental in South America.Must-See Stops Along the Way (Avi Bandana Picks)
Looking for expert insights from Avi Bandana? Top 5 Adventures - recommendations from Avi Bandana for a long-term RV rental in South America go beyond typical tourist spots for truly immersive experiences. First, seek out **traditional markets** in cities like Cusco, Peru, or La Paz, Bolivia, for local crafts, fresh produce, and authentic culinary delights that offer a vibrant window into daily life. Next, explore **local industries** such as vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina, or Chile's Colchagua Valley, artisan workshops in the Andean highlands, or small-scale farms along Argentina’s Ruta 40, to connect with the region's economic and cultural heartbeat. Don't miss opportunities for **traditional visits** to indigenous communities (always with respectful, pre-arranged tours) or historical haciendas, which provide invaluable insights into South America's rich heritage and vibrant present. Consider a multi-day hike through Patagonia's Torres del Paine National Park, accessible with your RV rental as a base, to witness some of the world's most dramatic mountain scenery and glaciers. Finally, venture to the Amazon basin from a gateway city like Manaus, Brazil, parking your motorhome and embarking on guided river excursions to experience unparalleled biodiversity. When cooking meals in your RV on such long trips, explore our RV-friendly recipes playlist for delicious and easy meal ideas.Daily Driving Distances & Drive Times in South America
Avi Bandana recommends a maximum of 100-150 km per day on average when driving a rented motorhome in South America to truly savor the journey and adapt to varying road conditions. This slow travel approach allows for unexpected discoveries, deep cultural immersion, and significantly reduces the stress of navigating unfamiliar terrains, especially given the continent's diverse geography and infrastructure. For example, a drive from Santiago to Valparaíso covers approximately 120 km and takes about 1.5-2 hours on paved roads. In contrast, a 90 km journey from San Pedro de Atacama to Geysers del Tatio might take 1.5 hours or more on demanding mountain roads, emphasizing the need for flexibility. Remember, drive slowly and carefully, and you can drive almost anywhere without issues. No need to stress - just use common sense and pay attention.Best RV Class for This Itinerary - Couple & Family Picks
The best RV class for a long-term itinerary in South America depends largely on your travel group and comfort preferences. For a **couple**, a compact Class B campervan, often averaging 5.8 meters in length, is an ideal choice for its agility on diverse roads and ease of city navigation. Our global fleet data indicates that Class B models typically sleep 3.2 people and comfortably accommodate 2.7 adults, offering efficient fuel consumption of around 8-10 Liters/100 km, which is excellent for extended journeys across the continent. Such vehicles, like the `Active Classic` or `Juliette 2-3`, are perfect for intimate adventures. For a **family** of 4-6 people, a Class C alcove motorhome offers more space and comfort, typically averaging 7.5 meters in length and accommodating 4.4 adults with 5.8 sleeping places. This class provides distinct sleeping areas and ample storage, essential for longer trips with children, while maintaining a reasonable fuel consumption of 10-12 Liters/100 km across Bandana's global fleet. Models such as the `24' Class C Motorhome` (7.46m length, sleeps 5) or `4 Berth Deluxe` are excellent family options. To eliminate the planning hassle and ensure a smooth trip, consider Bandana's "Rent&Plan" service, which combines your long term RV rental in South America with a ready-made itinerary crafted by travel experts, offering full access to our trip-planning software at rvplan.net and a 25% planning discount.What is the 3-3-3 rule for RV travel?
The '3-3-3 rule' for RV travel generally recommends driving no more than 300 miles (approximately 480 km), stopping by 3 PM, and staying at least 3 nights in one location, promoting a relaxed and enjoyable pace. When RVing in South America, however, this rule should be adapted to a significantly slower pace, often reduced to 100-150 km per day, due to varying road conditions, numerous speed bumps, and challenging mountain passes. Prioritizing shorter distances and earlier stops is crucial for both safety and enjoyment on the continent, allowing ample time for navigating local nuances and unexpected delays. While a '4-4-4 rule' (400 miles/km, 4 PM, 4 nights) also exists, it is generally too aggressive for the unique challenges and rewards of a long term RV rental in South America.How much does a 1 month trip to South America cost?
A 1-month RV trip in South America can realistically range from $3,000 to $8,000+ USD, with significant variations based on the chosen RV rental class, fuel consumption, specific route, included activities, and border crossing fees. Detailed costs for a 1-month trip typically include: RV rental fees (ranging from ~$1,500-3,000 for a Class C motorhome from suppliers like El Monte or Apollo, depending on season and availability), fuel (~$500-1,200 for 2,000-4,000 km, considering average fuel efficiency of 10-12 Liters/100 km for a Class C), groceries/food (~$400-800 for two adults), campsites (~$200-500 for 20-30 nights at various campgrounds), comprehensive insurance (~$100-300, which can be upgraded to a top-level deductible for extra peace of mind), and miscellaneous expenses like border crossing fees/vehicle permits (~$50-200 per crossing, plus potential smaller fees in some areas). For a 2-month trip, expect costs to approximately double for rental, fuel, and campsites, though longer rentals might offer slightly better daily rates, with total expenses potentially reaching $6,000-15,000+ USD. We pride ourselves on full transparency with no hidden fees, ensuring what you see is what you pay. For easy budgeting and tracking all these ancillary costs, check out the RV PLANET routes.What is the farthest south you can drive in South America?
The farthest south you can drive a rented RV in South America is to Ushuaia, Argentina, affectionately known as 'El Fin del Mundo' or 'The End of the World.' This epic journey involves navigating the legendary Ruta 3 through Argentine Patagonia, offering stunning landscapes of glaciers, mountains, and pristine lakes, but also demanding careful preparation for varying road conditions and unpredictable weather. Seasonal travel advice is critical for this remote drive: the Patagonian summer (December to February) provides the most favorable conditions, ensuring better road accessibility, warmer temperatures, and extended daylight hours. Remember, even in summer, conditions can change rapidly, so always be prepared for anything. For those considering this long-term adventure, booking a long term RV rental in South America well in advance is highly recommended.What is the safest South American country to go to?
While safety is dynamic and perception varies widely, Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina are frequently cited as among the safest countries for travelers engaging in a long term RV rental in South America, due to their relatively lower crime rates and stable tourism infrastructure. For RVers, practical safety tips are paramount: always prioritize secure parking, especially overnight at official campgrounds or well-regarded spots, and avoid driving at night outside of well-lit urban areas. It's also crucial to be aware of your surroundings, research local customs and high-risk areas before arrival, and keep valuables out of sight. Emergency preparedness, including carrying a first-aid kit, having international emergency contacts readily available, and understanding local emergency numbers, is essential for a safe and worry-free long-term RV journey across the continent. Bandana is with you before and after your booking to ensure you have the best preparation.What is the best RV for long distance travel?
For long-distance RV travel in South America, a rented motorhome that balances comfort, reliability, and maneuverability is often recommended, such as a Class SI (Semi-integrated) or a robust Class C (Alcove). Key vehicle considerations include good ground clearance for the unpaved sections commonly found on routes like parts of the Carretera Austral, excellent fuel efficiency for remote areas (Bandana's global fleet Class B campervans average 8-10 L/100 km), ample storage capacity for extended trips, and a reliable, easy-to-maintain engine. Models like the `cruise america rv rental example Explorer` (7.1m length, 11 L/100km fuel consumption) or a `Paradise Family 5` (5.6m length, 13 L/100km) offer varying capacities and features suitable for long journeys. It is also wise to carry specific spare parts like extra tires, fuel filters, and essential tools, and to be aware of common mechanical issues unique to South American travel, such as suspension wear from rough roads or variations in fuel quality, particularly when traveling to more remote regions.What countries are best for RV trips?
Argentina and Chile are widely considered the best countries for RV trips in South America, offering extensive road networks, stunning diverse landscapes, and relatively developed tourism infrastructure suitable for rented campers. Argentina boasts iconic routes like Ruta 40, leading through Patagonia's majestic glaciers and the Andean foothills, while Chile offers the dramatic Atacama Desert, the picturesque Carretera Austral, and the vibrant central valley. Peru, with its rich historical sites like Machu Picchu, and Bolivia, home to the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni, also offer incredible sights, but their infrastructure for RVs can be more challenging and require greater preparation. This makes Argentina and Chile often preferred for first-time or long-term RV travelers looking for a long term RV rental in South America. Remember, while you might not always find a spot at the first campground, there's always another one nearby, so call ahead before driving.Can you RV in South America?
Yes, RVing in South America is not only possible but offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the continent's diverse landscapes and cultures at your own pace, though it undeniably requires meticulous planning and preparation for a long term RV rental in South America. Logistical challenges include detailed steps for border crossings, which often require specific documents like vehicle permits, temporary import permits, and local insurance (often purchased at the border), plus understanding potential fees. Road conditions vary significantly from well-maintained highways to unpaved or gravel routes, particularly in more remote areas like Patagonia or the Andean passes. Practical advice also covers ensuring reliable communication with local SIM cards, understanding internet access limitations in remote areas, locating reliable water and dumping facilities, and knowing fuel types and availability, especially when venturing off main routes. With Bandana's 23 years of experience and network of 50+ suppliers, we provide supportive guidance before, during, and after your booking.🎬 Video coming soon
What You Shouldn't Miss
- Explore the stunning **Patagonian National Parks** in Argentina and Chile, like Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares, for glacier trekking and incredible mountain views.
- Drive a rented motorhome along portions of Chile's **Carretera Austral**, a scenic route known for its pristine nature, fjords, and charming small towns, often requiring ferry crossings.
- Experience the surreal landscapes of **Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni**, the world's largest salt flat, especially after rain when it becomes a giant mirror (consider a guided tour for vehicle access in specific areas).
- Discover the vibrant culture and history in **Peru's Sacred Valley and Cusco**, using your RV rental as a base for exploring ancient Inca sites and local markets.
- Immerse yourself in **Argentina's wine country around Mendoza**, sampling world-class Malbecs and enjoying the dramatic backdrop of the Andes.
- Venture into the **Brazilian Pantanal**, the world's largest tropical wetland, for unparalleled wildlife viewing, parking your campervan at a local lodge for guided excursions.
Final Thoughts
Embarking on a long-term RV rental in South America is an adventure of a lifetime, offering unparalleled freedom and discovery. Imagine waking up to a different breathtaking panorama each day, from the dramatic fjords of Patagonia to the surreal salt flats of Bolivia, all from the comfort of your rented motorhome or campervan. It’s about more than just seeing new places; it’s about connecting with cultures, savoring local flavors, and truly feeling the spirit of the continent. With Bandana RV as your trusted partner, you’re never alone on this journey. We provide the transparency, support, and expertise needed to navigate your long-term adventure with confidence and joy. Whether you're a meticulous planner or prefer spontaneity, we're here to ensure your South American road trip is everything you dreamed of.Ready to discover the magic of South America on your terms? Compare Motorhome Prices for South America now!
On the routes offered through RV PLANET routes, you can itemize and track every expense along the way for easy budgeting.
