Introduction
Four months, three countries, and an unforgettable overland adventure. Our journey through the fascinating eastern part of South America begins on the Atlantic coast in Montevideo, where we picked up our trusty motorhome in mid-June. This marks the start of a journey full of stark contrasts, untamed nature, and deep cultural insights, taking us thousands of kilometers all the way to Curitiba.
Join us on this intense road trip through the heart of the continent. We’ll cruise through the endless expanses of the Uruguayan pampas, cross historic river borders into northern Argentina, and stand face-to-face with the thundering Iguazú Falls. From there, our journey takes us deep into Brazil’s untamed wilderness: We’ll traverse the vast Pantanal wetlands in search of the elusive jaguar, marvel at the futuristic architecture of the “drawing board” capital, Brasília, and travel back to the colonial era of the gold rush in Minas Gerais. Finally, we follow the emerald-green Costa Verde through Rio de Janeiro all the way to the deep south, where we encounter towns founded by German immigrants and gaucho traditions.
This blog is a diary of life on the road, logistical challenges, overwhelming hospitality, and the untouched nature of South America.
Hop on board and travel with us—from the Pampas to the rainforest!
The Kickoff: The Overland Ignition
The RV is ready, the roads are endless. From the Atlantic coast of Montevideo, we roll through colonial alleyways, cross vast river borders, and follow the red earth of northern Argentina into a new continental adventure.
The Wilderness: Deep into the Wetlands
Dusty dirt roads, extreme heat, and Brazil’s untamed wilderness. We traverse the world’s largest inland wetland, balance our way across wooden bridges, and come face to face with the king of the jaguars in the depths of the Pantanal.
The Metropolises: Architecture and Gold
A stark contrast between the future and the past. First, we’re captivated by the futuristic architecture of Oscar Niemeyer in Brasília, the “drawing board capital,” before diving deep into the golden age and colonial Baroque of Ouro Preto.
The Dream Coast: The Emerald Coast
From a tropical paradise straight to the country’s most modern eco-metropolis: We leave the emerald-green bays of the Emerald Coast behind and head inland in our camper toward Curitiba—but our South American adventure extends far beyond the city limits.
The Deep South: The Final Highway to Uruguaiana
Half-timbered houses, dreamy Pacific beaches, and the endless expanse of the Pampa: Our campervan road trip takes us from Pomerode through Florianópolis before we cross the vast land of the gauchos and bid farewell to Brazil at the border river in Uruguaiana
