Frequently Asked Questions
How much money will I need per day?
How much money is recommended per day, strongly depends on the country, the day's stage and the number of tollbooths. Generally you need money for petrol, toll booths and food along the way. In Peru and Bolivia you should rely 80 euros per day and per team. In Argentina, Chile and Brazil you should rely around 150 euro per team and day.
Average gasoline prices per liter (figures from 2020 www.globalpetrolprices.com/gasoline_prices/):
- Brazil € 0,66
- Argentina € 0,71
- Chile € 0,89
- Bolivia € 0,48
- Peru € 0,79
Will I receive all the local currency?
In every city where we will spend the night, there is the opportunity to stock up on cash in the national currency. However, it is advisable to obtain supplies already in Germany / Netherlands with some cash in any required currency and to be equipped so already connected directly at the border with the matching money.
What about the health benefit plan? Do I need special vaccinations?
In none of the countries visited special vaccinations are required. We recommend you to be guided by the medical notes of the Foreign Office.
Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, no matter how fit or how old you are. Medicines for altitude sickness are available at the pharmacy. They regulate breathing in height and help prevent the disease. Even before you go to high areas, you should drink plenty of water (at least two liters a day) and avoid alcohol at high altitudes. Normally at 3,000 meters symptoms of altitude sickness will start. If you have health restrictions and for further information please contact your doctor.
Do I have to travel with an above average physical condition?
No, you only need to have a normal condition. But be aware that you will travel very long distances with the cars on most of the days. If there are delays, it may also be times ten hours on the road. Also we are big differences in height to cover and reach a maximum height of 4,500 meters. If you have cardiovascular problems, then please seek advice from your doctor beforehand. During the Volvo Classics the oldest participant was 80 years old and did the ride without any problems.
Can we participate more than two team members?
Of course, it is also possible with more than two persons to form a team. We have provided a minimum of two people, because the long distances are too strenuous for a single person. The maximum number of team members is actually depends only on space in your car. For additional participants incur extra costs for accommodation, flights, transfers and meals. Please contact our team for more information.
Team members can be replaced?
Yes, this is possible. If the vehicle owner (also during the tour) exchanged, then you need to make sure that the new team members were previously registered with us.
Is it possible to arrive earlier or extend your trip?
This is of course possible. Sapa Pana Travel will provide you any individual deals on the days before and after the tour and also for the holidays together. Please contact our team if you are interested in an adapted program.
Do I need a visa?
EU citizens do not need visas for the countries we visited. You only need a passport that is valid for at least six months after return.
Which documents do I need?
You need a passport that is valid at least six months after returning yet, your national driving license and international driver's license (we need here both versions because Brazil requires a different type than the other countries), (travel) insurance documents. For the vehicles you need the valid insurance papers, the registration certificate and a Carnet de Passage. The Carnet de Passage can be requested through the ADAC in Munich. For questions about obtaining the documents we can help you.
How should I prepare my vehicle?
You must ensure that your car is in good condition. Our mechanic team is equipped with mechanical precision parts, the main tools and the necessary know-how to help you. The team can bring any spare parts due to the large range of vehicles though. Therefore, you must provide spare parts and type-specific tools for your vehicle yourself. If the vehicle can not be repaired immediately, then we trail you to the next town, where we help. If you are more than a day behind schedule, the tour for this period is initially without you. In this case, you need to pay accommodation costs and additional costs incurred itself. Once you catch the tour group again, the journey continues as planned. However, in our previous trips we did‘nt have a team that had not reached its goal for the day. There is always a solution!
How long is my car gone?
It takes four weeks to ship vehicles to and from South America. This means your car is gone four weeks before the trip and comes four weeks after you return to Germany / Netherlands.
Can I ride with a borrowed vehicle?
Generally, it is advisable to drive your own car. If not being driven by your own vehicle, a use permit (power of attorney) the owner is required. The power of attorney must be certified and translated into English, Spanish and Portuguese. Please note that the vehicle must be registered in your name private and not a company name.
How difficult are the driving conditions and road conditions?
The roads used by us are not difficult to navigate, they are all removed and fixed. It can happen that we have to change the route due to construction work and the road conditions are more difficult than expected. Also note that the traffic in South America can not be compared with the German or the traffic in the Netherlands. You should not expect everyone stops at a red light. But do not worry - if you go ahead and are well prepared, you will have a great trip with lots of fun!
Is there enough fuel along the way?
Yes, on this trip, there are almost enough gas stations everywhere. The only country where are little gas stations, is Bolivia. In Argentina, it often happens that the gas stations have run out of fuel. Therefore, you should bring a 20-liter jerry cans and fill for emergencies.
Do we have to drive in column?
No! Before every run the exact route is declared by Leading teams, as well as the departure times of the technical teams. All detailed route information can also be found in the logbook. You just have to make sure that you leave before the technical team, so they can help you in an emergency. During the day you have a lot of freedom, but also the possibility to merge with other teams in a small group. In the evening, all teams can share their experiences and adventures.