Preparing for Van Life in South America

South America was our first van life adventure, and it was a great place to start, throwing us headfirst into the deep end.

That being said, there are some things we learned along the way and some things we wish we had prepared for better.

South America is not your average road trip. Sure, it sounds romantic, and often it is—waking up to views of the Andes, sipping coffee under the Amazonian canopy, or cruising along the endless sun-drenched coastline.

Yet, South America also tested us again and again. We experienced breakdowns, horrible illness, getting stuck, becoming hopelessly lost, and being harassed by corrupt cops. (We have our fair share of van life horror stories.) In the end, these experiences all became a part of one epic trip, but knowing what to expect can help you be prepared for everything that van life in South America will throw at you.

So, before you start mentally crafting your Instagram captions, understanding some of what goes into a South American campervan adventure is essential.

A continent of extremes, South America, will undoubtedly blow your mind, but it will also test your patience, your problem-solving skills, and your suspension system.

This guide is here to help you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime—or at least ensure you make it out with most of your sanity intact. Whether you’re planning to sample the empanadas of every South American city, conquer the salt flats of Bolivia, or climb Patagonia in your van, preparation is key. Because if there’s one thing South America guarantees, it’s the unexpected.

Research and Planning

Choosing Your Route

South America is big. Like, it’s really big. So, deciding on a route is crucial. Do you want to brave Patagonia’s winds and endless horizons? Or are you more into the tropical vibes of Brazil’s coastline? Perhaps you’re dreaming of climbing the Andes, one switchback at a time.

We recommend circling a couple of must-do items and filling in the gaps as you go. You can always add to your itinerary, but if you’re rushing madly from one stop to the next, you may end up missing most of it.

One mistake we made was biting off a little more than we could chew. Our itinerary had us purchasing a van in Chile, driving north along the west coast, taking in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia before returning to Chile to sell the van and fly home… all in 7 months. This was an ambitious itinerary, and while we loved that we got to see so much, we might have benefitted from allowing ourselves more time.

Whatever your preference, factor in seasons—because attempting the Bolivian Altiplano during the rainy season will likely leave you stranded in a mud pit, questioning your life choices.

Pro tip: Keep your itinerary flexible. South America has a funny way of throwing surprises your way, whether it’s a roadblock protest, a detour due to landslides, or just the realization that you absolutely must detour to see that hidden gem a fellow traveler told you about.

One of the biggest curve balls we got was having our van stranded near Machu Picchu when coca farmers closed the roads as part of a weeks-long protest. This and the subsequent multi-day journey through the jungle along Peru’s route 28b to get back to the coast were probably two of the biggest challenges we faced in South America.

Bucket List Destinations in South America

We recommend choosing a selection of major destinations/attractions based on your preferences and how long you have to travel in South America and crafting an itinerary around those key destinations.

Here are some of the must-see spots worthy of a place on any South America Campervan Itinerary.

🌿 Natural Wonders and Adventure Destinations

• Patagonia (Chile & Argentina) – Hike through Torres del Paine, explore glaciers, and witness stunning landscapes.
• Iguazu Falls (Argentina & Brazil) – One of the world’s most powerful waterfalls, surrounded by lush rainforest.
• Amazon Rainforest (Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia) – Experience the planet’s most biodiverse ecosystem…while you still can.
• Atacama Desert (Chile) – The driest desert on Earth, with otherworldly landscapes and incredible stargazing.
• Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia) – The world’s largest salt flat, creating surreal landscapes and mirror-like reflections after rainfall.
• Galápagos Islands (Ecuador) – A wildlife paradise with unique species found nowhere else on Earth. (Isla de la Plata is also worth a visit.)
• Banos (Ecuador) – A haven for adventure lovers, with waterfalls, hot springs, and thrilling activities like canyoning and zip-lining. (Mindo is also worth a visit!)
• Cotopaxi (Ecuador) – One of the world’s highest active volcanoes, Cotopaxi towers over the Andean landscape at 5,897 meters (19,347 feet). It’s a dream destination for mountaineers aiming to summit its snow-capped peak and for hikers exploring Cotopaxi National Park, home to wild horses, Andean condors, and breathtaking páramo scenery.
• The Lost City Trek (Colombia) – A challenging jungle hike leading to an ancient pre-Columbian city.
• Angel Falls (Venezuela) – The world’s tallest waterfall, deep in the remote jungle of Canaima National Park.
• Mount Roraima (Venezuela, Brazil, Guyana) – A stunning tabletop mountain straight out of The Lost World.
• Pantanal (Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay) – The best place in the world to see jaguars in the wild.
• Perito Moreno Glacier (Argentina) – One of the few advancing glaciers where you can witness ice calving in real-time

🏛️ Cultural & Historical Destinations

• Machu Picchu (Peru) – The legendary Incan citadel nestled high in the Andes.
• Cartagena (Colombia) – A colorful colonial city with cobblestone streets, lively plazas, and Caribbean vibes.
• Cusco & the Sacred Valley (Peru) – A cultural hub filled with Incan ruins, vibrant markets, and stunning landscapes.
• Buenos Aires (Argentina) – Tango, steak, and European-style architecture in one of South America’s most vibrant cities.
• Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) – Famous for Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana Beach, and the iconic Carnaval.
• Cuenca (Ecuador) – A charming colonial city with cobblestone streets, vibrant markets, and elegant architecture, Cuenca is often considered Ecuador’s most beautiful city. It boasts a rich cultural scene and a strong expat community and serves as a gateway to the surrounding Andes. The nearby Cajas National Park is a high-altitude wonderland of glacial lakes, rolling páramo, and misty cloud forests.

🏝️ Beaches & Coastal Destinations

• Mompiche (Ecuador) – A laid-back surf town with black sand beaches and pristine jungle surroundings.
• Huanchaco (Peru) – A historic surf spot where fishermen still use ancient reed boats called caballitos de totora.
• Tayrona National Park (Colombia) – A mix of wild beaches, jungle trails, and indigenous culture. Continue 70 kilometers along the coast to find the laidback vibes and incredible natural beauty of Palomino.
• Providencia & San Andrés (Colombia) – Caribbean paradise with crystal-clear waters and Creole culture.
• Jericoacoara (Brazil) – A stunning coastal village with rolling sand dunes and breathtaking sunsets.
• Florianópolis (Brazil) – A tropical island with 42 beaches, perfect for surfing and relaxing.
• Ilha Grande (Brazil) – A car-free island with pristine beaches and jungle hikes.
• Punta del Diablo (Uruguay) – A bohemian beach town known for its rugged coastline and relaxed vibe.

🍷 Wine & Coffee Regions

• Mendoza (Argentina) – South America’s most famous wine region, known for Malbec and stunning Andean views.
• Cafayate (Argentina) – A high-altitude wine valley producing Torrontés, Argentina’s signature white wine.
• Valle de Choapa (Chile) – A lesser-known yet stunning wine region, Valle de Choapa sits at the meeting point of Chile’s Atacama Desert and the Andes Mountains, creating a unique microclimate perfect for high-quality Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Colchagua Valley (Chile) – A top-tier wine region with world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère.
• Tarija (Bolivia) – A hidden gem in Bolivia’s wine country, Tarija is known for its high-altitude vineyards producing some of the world’s best Tannat wine.
• Colombian Coffee Region (Zona Cafetera) – A lush, mountainous area known for its picturesque coffee farms and charming towns like Salento and Filandia.

Some of our favorite destinations were the Atacama Desert, Bolivia’s Salt Flats, La Paz, Machu Pichu, Ecuadors Coast, Colombia’s Coffee Region and the North coast of Colombia.

Camping in South America

There are heaps of both paid private campsites and free ‘wild’ camping opportunities throughout South America. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that finding campsites to park your van up overnight was realtively straightforward throughout much of South America. Although, finding the perfect spot takes a bit of persistence and luck.

Finding Campsites

We relied on the iOverlander app to find campsites throughout South America. iOverlander is a crowdsourced app and website that helps travelers find and share information, not only about campsites and wild camping spots but also about other essential services such as fuel stations, border crossings, and mechanics. It allowed us to discover hidden gems and stay informed about road conditions and regulations throughout South America.

Private Campsites

Private campsites exist throughout South America, though the level of amenities can vary drastically, from just a spot to park up behind a restaurant through to purpose-built RV parks with facilities. Private campsites are affordable and generally cost between $5 USD and $20 USD per night, depending on the location and the level of facilities.

Public Overnight Parking

Large roadside stations and fuel stations, public parks, large supermarkets, and other public carparks often allow overnight parking and can serve as good campsites when traveling between destinations. If a guard or attendant was present we always made a habit of asking permission to stay, and requesting they keep an eye out for us, offering a small tip when we left in the morning.

Wild Camping

The best kind of camping, in our opinion, wild camping is remote camping outside designated campgrounds, without facilities.

Wild camping is generally tolerated throughout South America, although campers should leave no trace, practice low-impact camping, make sure not to inconvenience or bother locals (including the local wildlife), and not overstay their welcome.

Stealth Camping

In big cities, camping in the back of the van while parked in a street or car park is possible if you have a discreet vehicle. While not our favorite camping style, we did stealth camp a few times to explore cities in South America.

Public parks or other public facilities, like bus stations or even in front of the local police station, often felt like safe options.

Common sense should be used when stealth camping; don’t try to set up a rooftop tent downtown or pull out an awning on a busy street!

Understanding Visa and Border Requirements

South America is a patchwork of countries, each with its own visa policies and border-crossing quirks. Some countries offer easy access, while others might make you jump through a few hoops. Research the visa requirements for your nationality ahead of time—because nothing says “fun” like being stuck at a border because you missed a crucial document.

If you’re traveling in your own vehicle, brace yourself for paperwork. The Temporary Import Permit (TIP) is your golden ticket to drive across borders legally. Keep copies of everything—passport, vehicle registration, insurance, and anything else you’d rather not lose in the chaos of a busy border crossing.

Good resources to get up-to-date information about border crossings include

• iOverlander
• Wiki Overland
• Facebook groups and other forums, such as Overlanding South America, are good places to ask specific questions of other travelers.

We also go into more detail about specific border crossings in these articles:

• Van Life Colombia
• Van Life Peru
• Van Life Chile

We experienced all sorts of “fun” the borders. In Chile, we almost weren’t allowed to leave with our Chilean-plated vehicle. In Argentina, our car was thoroughly searched, crossing into Colombia, with Kelli fighting a fever; the process took five hours. Our biggest takeaway about crossing borders is that you should be well prepared and understand the process and requirements of every border and understand that border crossing experience on the day will largely come down to the agents you deal with.

Language and Cultural Awareness

Unless you’re fluent in Spanish (or Portuguese if you’re heading to Brazil), now’s a great time to start brushing up on some basics. While hand gestures and Google Translate can get you pretty far, knowing key phrases will make your life infinitely easier, and it will definitely earn you some goodwill with the locals.

Some key phrases to learn include;

• Hola – Hello
• Como estas? – How are you?
• Gracias – Thanks
• Por favor – Please
• Buenas – dias / tardes / noches – Good – day / afternoon / evening (often shortened to ‘buenas’)
• Hablas Ingles? – Do you speak English?
• Muy rico – Very tasty
• El baño – the bathroom
• Cuanto cuesta? – How much (is this)?
• Cerveza – Beer

South America is warm and welcoming, but knowing how to greet people properly or navigate local customs will go a long way.

Even with the best intentions, things can still go hilariously wrong. While chatting with a local hotel owner in Spanish, Kelli mixed up her words and accidentally asked if his wife was his mother. He didn’t speak to us much after that.

Renting, Buying, or Importing a Vehicle

A van life adventure requires a van, and finding a van to use in South America comes down to the decision to rent a van, buy a van once you arrive, or import a van from overseas.

Renting a Campervan

If the idea of buying or importing a vehicle feels overwhelming or if you are planning a shorter trip in a single country, renting might be your best bet.

There are plenty of campervan rental options in South America, particularly in travel hotspots like Chile and Argentina.

The pros?

• You avoid the bureaucratic headache of vehicle ownership.
• Many rentals come equipped with everything you need.

The cons?

• Rental costs can add up quickly, especially for long-term adventures,
• You’ll be a little more restricted – you’ll need to read the fine print carefully. Insurance coverage, mileage limits, and whether you can take the van across borders are all details to double-check.

In our opinion, once you’re talking about a trip in months instead of weeks, then it’s time to start thinking about importing a van or buying a van. Our South America expedition was seven months long; it made total sense for us to buy a van on arrival and sell it upon our departure.

Buying a Vehicle Locally

For long-term trips, buying a vehicle in South America can be a cost-effective and practical option. Chile, in particular, is a popular choice for van lifers due to its relatively straightforward vehicle purchase process for foreigners. Just be prepared to jump through a few hoops to get the vehicle registered and insured. Once you’ve navigated the paperwork, you’ll have the freedom to customize your ride and call it home.

Pro tip: Look for vehicles from fellow travelers who are wrapping up their own adventures. These vans are often already equipped with the essentials and come with a built-in “road-tested” seal of approval.

We bought our van in Santiago de Chile directly from an English couple who had used it to travel South America before us. To help us with the paperwork, we used the help of Suzi Santiago, a local company that specializes in helping overland adventurers buy and sell vehicles in Chile.

Importing Your Own Vehicle

If you’ve got your own van already, importing might be worth considering. However, importing a vehicle to South America is not for the faint of heart. Between shipping costs, customs regulations, and the occasional bureaucratic nightmare, it’s a process that requires patience and a solid plan.

You’ll need to research each country’s import laws, as they vary widely. Make sure your paperwork is impeccable—because the last thing you want is your van stuck in port purgatory.

You can ship your car (by shipping container or ‘RORO’ – roll on roll off shipping) using a shipping company; this generally takes weeks. Some overlanders traveling the Pan-American Highway will ship their vehicles from Panama across the Darien Gap, which takes a few days plus a week or so in customs on arrival.

Tips for Choosing the Best Option

Deciding whether to rent, buy, or import depends on your budget, travel plans, and how much time you’re willing to dedicate to logistics. Short trips will favor rentals, while long-term travelers may benefit from buying. And if your heart is set on importing, prepare for an adventure before the adventure.

Since we didn’t already own a van and intended to spend a few months exploring a number of countries in South America, buying a van was the obvious answer. We researched A LOT about the process beforehand and employed Suzi Santiago to help us navigate the paperwork. It ended up being a great option for us both economically and having the freedom to travel wherever we wanted – although navigating the bureaucracy of border crossings wasn’t always straightforward!

Preparing Your Vehicle

Preparing your vehicle for South America isn’t just about stocking up on snacks and playlists (though those are important, too). The continent’s roads range from multilane highways to dirt tracks that seem specifically designed to test your van’s limits. Whether you’re renting, buying, or importing, here’s what you need to consider to make sure your vehicle is ready for the challenge.

Choosing the Right Vehicle

Your vehicle will be both your transport and your home—so choose wisely. Vans, camper trucks, or even converted 4x4s with a rooftop tent are all great options, but the best choice depends on your planned route and personal preferences.

If you plan to stick to major roads, a standard camper van will probably do just fine. But if you’re dreaming of exploring remote areas, like Bolivia’s Altiplano or the remote jungles of Peru, you may want a vehicle with good ground clearance, sturdy suspension, and maybe even four-wheel drive.

Planning to spend most of your time in remote regions? A rooftop tent will be fine. Love that city life? Think about something discreet that you can stealth camp in.

You also want to be careful about the make of the vehicle. Choosing a vehicle that is widely available in South America will make it a lot simpler and cheaper to fix when it breaks down.

We bought a Suzuki APV for our South American adventure, possibly one of the smallest vans I had ever seen. While we may have been skeptical at the start, our van, which we named Pablo Van Go, turned out to be an absolute workhorse. Pablo took us through deserts, jungles, along desolate beaches, and high into the Andes. As a popular model throughout South America, finding parts and mechanics familiar with our car was easy!

Essential Modifications and Equipment

South America’s varied terrain requires a few upgrades to make your ride adventure-ready. Consider installing all-terrain tires, adding extra fuel and water storage, and reinforcing your suspension for rough roads. A roof rack or storage box can also be a lifesaver for carrying extra gear and storing dangerous items like gas tanks outside the vehicle.

Other must-haves include:

• A reliable GPS or offline maps
• A winch or recovery boards (for when you get stuck…)
• Spare parts, like belts and filters that can be hard to find in remote areas
• Insulation and proper bedding for cold nights in the mountains or deserts.
• Solar panels or dual-battery system to keep your gadgets charged
• A portable shower or water pump and bucket for those long stretches without facilities

Pro tip: Carry duct tape and zip ties. They may not fix everything, but they’ll get you far enough to find someone who can.

While our van was incredibly reliable, one issue we did have was losing a shock absorber when we tried to climb the mountains of Juarez in Peru on rough gravel roads. We taped the loose shock absorber to the car and limped back to town. Thankfully, it was an easy fix, and an afternoon in a local mechanic saw us on our way.

Packing the Essentials

When space is limited, every item needs to earn its place. Focus on packing multi-purpose tools and gear that can withstand the elements. A well-stocked toolbox, a sturdy first-aid kit, and a portable air compressor are all non-negotiables

Clothing and Weather Essentials

Packing for South America is like preparing for a fashion show where you need a range of outfits linked by the theme “chaotic climates.” You’ll need everything from swimmers for the coast through to thermals and jackets for Patagonia. Stick to lightweight, versatile layers because your van’s storage will disappear faster than you think.

Pro tip: quick-dry fabrics are your best friend when the rainy season inevitably turns your wardrobe into a damp mess.

We also travel with a Scrubba wash bag to give clothes a basic wash between laundromats.

Cooking and Food Storage

Local ingredients are your culinary playground, so stock your van kitchen with basics like a portable gas stove, a sturdy cooler, and enough spices to mask your first few failed attempts at local recipes. Space-saving gear like collapsible bowls and stackable pots will keep you sane. And yes, you can buy quinoa at the source in Bolivia—your Instagram followers will love that.

Check Out Our Van Life Kitchen Essentials

Testing Your Setup

Before you hit the road, give your vehicle a thorough shakedown. Take it on a test trip to identify any issues or upgrades you might need. Think of it as a rehearsal for the main event—it’s better to find out your fridge doesn’t work when you’re an hour from home rather than in the middle of the Atacama Desert.

Pro tip: Have a trusted mechanic check your vehicle before you leave, even if you think it’s in perfect condition.

Budgeting and Costs

Van life in South America is generally budget-friendly, but having a realistic financial plan is essential. When we set out, neither of us had jobs, so stretching our pesos as far as they would go was essential. To help us, we started tracking our spending with a self-made van life budget tool that we still use to this day.

From gas money to emergency repairs, here’s how to prepare your wallet for the road.

Estimating Your Weekly Expenses

A rough monthly budget for van life might include:

• Fuel: Costs vary by country, but gas prices in South America can be surprisingly high in some areas. Factor in long distances and potential detours.
• Food: Local markets and street food are your best friends for keeping costs low. Dining out can be affordable in some countries, but cooking in your van is almost always cheaper.
• Camping and Parking: Many spots are free (thanks, iOverlander!), but paid campgrounds or parking areas in cities might eat into your budget.
• Tolls and Fees: Be prepared for toll roads in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Chile.
• Mobile and Internet: Staying connected is easy and cheap with a local sim or, more reliable but more costly, satellite internet.
• Unexpected Costs: Repairs, bribes (it happens), or last-minute excursions can quickly add up, set aside some money for contingencies.

We spent around $360 per week on living expenses traveling around South America in 2018.

Estimating your other expenses:

Outside your day-to-day living expenses, you’ll need to plan for costs such as;

• Travel Insurance
• Vehicle Insurance
• Flights
• Import Permits

Saving Money on the Road

The road can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to stretch your budget:

• Wild Camping: Free camping spots abound in South America if you’re willing to get creative and set up for off-grid camping.
• Local Markets: Stock up on fresh produce and local staples to cook in your van.
• Negotiate Wisely: Haggling is common in markets (and for some services), but always approach it respectfully. Not speaking any Spanish immediately puts you at a disadvantage, so it’s worthwhile to learn the basics. Often a gringo tax will automatically be applied. Shop around to get a feel for prices and buy once ready.
• Travel Slowly: The faster you move, the more you’ll spend on fuel and tolls. Slow travel saves money and gives you time to savor each destination.

Most of our favorite campsites in South America were free wild camps. Our favorites were among ruins in the hills above Cusco, on the cliffs above Mompiche, the coast of Ecuador, and on the outskirts of the towns in the Colombian coffee region.

Managing Currency and Payments

South America is a mixed bag when it comes to money management. Here are some tips:

• Cash is KING: In many rural areas, cash is the only accepted payment method. Keep a mix of small bills and coins.
• ATM Fees: Research which banks have lower fees or agreements with your home bank.
• Exchange Rates: Use apps to track rates and exchange money when it’s most favorable.
• Choose your Bank Carefully: Not all banks are compatible with international travel. Consider multinational neo-banks like Revolut, which offer affordable options for converting currency and making international transfers and withdrawals.
• Emergency Funds: Always have a backup stash of cash hidden in your van. You’ll thank yourself when the nearest ATM is hundreds of kilometers away over a mountain range.

Pro tip: We also kept a ‘fake’ wallet with a small amount of cash (around $20 USD in local currency) in it up front in the van cab while most of our cash and ‘real’ wallets were in a hidden lock box. The few times we were solicited for bribes, we were able to offer all the cash we had on us to keep on going.

Staying Healthy on the Road

For every beautiful wild camp and deserted beach in South America, there’s a swarm of mosquitos or a nasty bout of food poisoning waiting to ambush the unprepared.

Before you even set out, ensure you’re covered for the vaccines recommended for the countries and regions you plan to visit, such as yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis.

Unfortunately, water in South America is generally not potable. You will need to either bring a filtration system or purification tablets, boil everything, buy water jugs as you go (widely available), or pretend you’re Bear Grylls and sip dew off leaves.

With the above in mind, we felt travel insurance was non-negotiable in South America. You can read about why we choose Safety Wing nomad insurance for Van Life here.

We got a sick a few times during our time in South America, the most memorable a vicious bout of food poisoning from some chicken we bought in the markets in Cusco and an advanced UTI Kelli developed in the north of Ecuador which resulted in a trip to the hospital in Cali Colombia.

Safety Concerns in South America

If you’ve mentioned your South American van life plans to anyone, you’ve probably been met with the look. You know, the one that says, Have you lost your mind? Followed by a cautionary tale from someone’s cousin’s neighbor’s friend who heard about a “bad experience” in Bogotá in 1997.

Yes, South America has its risks, but so does downtown, most places after dark. The key to staying safe is a mix of common sense and preparation.

• Pick your parking spots wisely. Free camping is great, but make sure it’s not going to draw attention to the police, it’s safe, and not just a local hot spot for late-night parties or petty crime. Users of iOverlander will often leave safety warnings if they run into trouble. In general, pick somewhere well-lit and public to camp if you’re in a built-up area.
• Blend in (as much as a giant, foreign van can). Keep valuables out of sight, don’t flash expensive gear, and resist the urge to park in front of the one five-star resort in town.
• Be friendly, but not too friendly. South Americans are some of the warmest people you’ll meet, but if someone’s too interested in your travel plans, maybe keep the specifics vague.
• Drive like you mean it. Expect chaos, learn to read the road (and the unwritten rules), and above all, drive assertively. People expect you to edge your into traffic to merge, they don’t expect you to jam on the breaks to let someone els in, drive like the locals do, though maybe not quite as fast on the mountain roads.
• Keep up to date with travel warnings: A lot of South America is deemed unsafe for travel by various foreign government departments. Aside from the obvious increased risk, traveling in these areas may also exclude you from consular assistance or insurance if something goes wrong. Check your foreign affairs website. We use the US Department of State website and the Australian Australian Smart Traveller Website. For more localized updates and warnings, use local Facebook groups and local news, and check warnings and updates on iOverlander.
• Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Move on, change plans, or just pretend you forgot something in another country.

Reality check: Millions of people live, work, and travel safely across South America every day. You’ll probably do just fine with a few street smarts and a good dose of situational awareness. And if all else fails, perfect your gringo lost and confused face—it might just get you out of a tight spot.

There were only a couple of times we felt unsafe in South America. Once, the night some locals were creeping around our van at night in Jardin, Colombia, and once when the police were leaning on us pretty hard for a large bribe late at night in Peru. In the end, both resolved without incident by keeping calm and taking decisive action.

Emergency Preparedness

In South America, “emergency” can range from a flat tire to a spontaneous landslide. A robust medical kit and a basic understanding of first aid are lifesavers. Memorize the local emergency numbers (or program them in your phone).

Some South American countries require you to have a medical kit, emergency triangles, hi-vis vests, and a fire extinguisher on board, we were checked for this equipment in Bolivia. Make sure you know the rules in advance, or you risk a fine or extortion.

For vehicle breakdowns, a toolkit with duct tape, WD-40, and blind optimism should get you 90% of the way, but essentials like wrenches and screwdrivers won’t go astray either. And always have a backup plan, even if it’s “cry while flagging down a passing truck.”

Navigation and Connectivity

Navigation

Google Maps is excellent right up until it isn’t, which in South America can happen often. Make sure you download your maps for offline use for when you lose service, and don’t rely on Google’s accuracy in remote areas. Roads marked on Google often turned out to be nothing more than goat tracks. Consider getting hardcopy maps if you plan on getting well off the main roads.

Also, download Maps.me for its additional offline capability and consider a dedicated GPS.

Connectivity

It is possible to stay connected throughout South America. That being said, planning is necessary if you are relying on a decent internet connection.

For connectivity, local SIM cards are cheap and effective (when close to civilization). Use Nperf for a celular data coverage map.

Although we definitely experienced challenges, with some forward planning, we were able to work online using video conferencing throughout South America, even in 2018. Since then, coverage and speeds have greatly improved.

If you’re headed into the sticks and are reliant on the internet, consider satellite internet like Star Link, which is now available throughout most South American countries (besides Bolivia and Venezuela at this stage).

We use a VPN when we travel for privacy protection and improved online security, to access geo-restricted content, and occasionally to Hide our location. We use and recommend Nord VPN.

Finding the Van Life Community in South America

If you prefer a convoy to the lonely road, you’ll need to link up with some like-minded overland travelers heading in the same direction as you.

Major hubs and attractions like Patagonia, Santiago de Chile, the Atacama, La Paz, Montanita, etc, are the best places to find people.

Book into campsites or other accommodations catering to overlanders, and plan to spend some time in these hubs to gather your tribe.

Alternatively, harness social media and post to Facebook Groups and Reddit forums.

Interacting with Locals

If you are hoping to make local friends, you’ll need to lean into local events, meet-ups, and activities. You might find locals happy to hang out and practice their English with you (and help you practice Spanish, too).

Smile, learn a few key phrases, and remember: you’re a guest. Showing respect for local customs goes a long way. Support local businesses, whether it’s buying handmade crafts or eating at that roadside stand that looks sketchy but smells divine.

Final Thoughts on Preparing for Van Life South America

The romanticized version of van life skips over the flat tires, language barriers, and existential crises. But it’s these challenges that make the journey worth it. From misjudging a river crossing to befriending a family who helps you out of a ditch, every hiccup becomes part of the story. Embrace the chaos—it’s why you signed up for this, right?

For overlanders, South America represents more than a destination; it’s a mad adventure that will test your patience, broaden your perspective, and reward you in ways you can’t imagine. So pack your van, take the leap, and don’t forget to share your own misadventures in the comments. After all, misery loves company.