renting a van to see the Andes, would like route suggestions

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ned_c
ned_c

hi all

im not a frequent traveller and therfore have not posted here much. My girlfriend and I are thinking of going to Argentina and/or Chile and renting a van, with the aim of driving down along the Andes for two weeks.
We intend sleeping in the van as much as is practical. I lived in a van for 6 months in and offroad cars as a hobby, and so I have a clue about that aspect.

What i would like, and I hope you dont mind me asking, is suggestions for a route. I have started reading about others road trips, but im getting the impression that i could read for a long, long time.

We are from Ireland, so hitting a sunny beach before we get back would be nice.. (we need sunshine), not sure if there are sunny beaches in that region though.

Has anyone any suggestions, are there established routes?
If we start south and head north will the weather improve?

The only real criteria is that we get to see some spectacular sights.

thanks for reading,
kind regards,
ned .

Edited by ned_c
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marka55
marka55

You need to get yourself a map and a guidebook, it is in general hard to find highways that run parallel to mountain ranges because mountain ranges are not usually nice and straight like brick walls. That said the two main alternatives are the Pan American Highway (Route 5) in Chile, which is a fine paved road, often close to sunny beaches but not particularly close to the Andes although you will be able to see them on the horizon most of the time; and Route 40 in Argentina, much of which is gravel and all of which is a long way away from sunny beaches but probably is the closest you will get to a road running parallel to the Andes. Either road is longer than you will probably manage in two weeks.

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ned_c
ned_c
In response to #1

Appreciate the info Marka, thanks

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femby
femby

If you want to cross the border you need a notarized permission from the rental company. This has an extra cost and takes 3-7 days to get. The vehicle has to be returned to the country of origin.

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