The World Challenge Latin America

About CarChallenge

For over 17 years, CarChallenge has been defining the essence of automotive adventures, blending the joy of driving with luxury and the thrill of exploration across the globe. These journeys are far more than mere trips; they’re Challenges that test your creativity and resourcefulness, inviting you to venture off the beaten path and discover the world’s hidden wonders.

CarChallenge’s expeditions are carefully crafted to uncover the most extraordinary routes and experiences. Participants enjoy the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in diverse cultures and visit places beyond the typical tourist trails.

Since its inception in 2007, CarChallenge has organized more than fifty events across all continents, taking adventurers from Amsterdam to Singapore, Mumbai to Tokyo, Anchorage to Panama, and many more. Each Challenge is a testament to the spirit of adventure, offering a unique exploration of the planet’s most breathtaking landscapes and cultures.

What is a Challenge?

Organized adventure

Explore the world in your own car

Sports Car Events in Europe

Fully organized and guided

Together yet individually

In the adventurous realm of travel, CarChallenge introduces a unique journey that blends the thrill of exploration with the love of driving. At the heart of this experience is the Challenge—a meticulously crafted group expedition that transforms driving from a mere means of transport into a profound tool for discovering both the celebrated and hidden corners of the globe. Each Challenge is not just a journey but an odyssey of day-to-day stages that vary in difficulty, weaving through both rugged terrains and paved paths, ensuring that the adventure is as unpredictable as it is exhilarating.

The essence of a Challenge lies in its route, carefully designed to prioritize the journey over the destination. Participants navigate through these diverse landscapes in their own vehicles. It’s an adventure that demands resilience, as easy stretches of road give way to more demanding sections, ensuring each day brings a new test of endurance and skill.

Behind the scenes, CarChallenge’s commitment to a seamless experience is evident. From the initial planning stages to the live support provided during the trek, every aspect of the Challenge is engineered for discovery, comfort, and safety. Participants are not mere travelers but integral parts of the journey’s creation, offering input that shapes the adventure. On the road, a dedicated organization and technical support team stand ready to assist, ensuring that each day ends with a communal reflection on the day’s voyage, whether that’s under the stars in a Namibian camp or along the tranquil shores of Thailand.

Limited to a convoy of no more than 14 vehicles, the intimate group setting fosters a sense of camaraderie and mutual support. Daily, the organization anticipates the group’s needs, preparing hotels for their arrival and providing immediate assistance for any technical troubles that arise, ensuring that every car—and by extension, every participant—is ready to face the next day’s Challenge.

The World Challenge

In 2024, CarChallenge celebrates a decade since the launch of ‘The World Challenge’, a visionary concept inviting participants to circumnavigate the globe in their own vehicles over seven years, with each year dedicated to exploring a different continent.

Nearly 50 teams have participated, journeying across the world in seven years. Despite inevitably missing some countries and eagerly wishing to revisit others for their unforgettable impressions or for a more thorough exploration, the journey was transformative. To accommodate these desires and take a more in-depth approach, future stages will be divided into two or more segments, allowing for a more leisurely pace and detailed exploration.

Starting in 2024, we introduce ‘The World Challenge 2.0’, an evolution of the original concept. Each stage will be split into two or three parts, each lasting about five weeks, with roughly four-week intervals in between. This iteration is a culmination of all our knowledge and experience, offering flexibility as participants can book segments independently, allowing for a more personalized and immersive adventure.

The World Challenge

2024: North-America

Challenge Date Nights

America Part I

From Newfoundland to New Orleans

We start in Newfoundland on the east coast of the United States.

September 5 2024

•

October 9th 2024 ~ 35

America Part II

From Las Vegas to Panama

We follow the Baja California in Mexico towards the countries of Central America.

November 1st 2024

•

December 5th 2024 ~ 35

2025: Latin-America

Challenge Date Nights

Latin America Part I

From Paramaribo to Lima

We start in Suriname on the north coast of Latin America. The Amazon rainforest presents our first challenge.

August 16th-

September 20th 2025 ~ 35

Latin America Part II

From Lima to Ushuaia

Continuing to Bolivia and through the center of the country to the Pantanal in Brazil and on to Paraguay.

October 11th -

November 15th 2025 ~ 35

Latin America Part III

Antarctica

The ambition for part 3 is to visit various scientific settlements and to actually travel by car.

December 2025 ~ 14

2026: Cape to Cape

Challenge Date Nights

The World Challenge Cape to Cape

Van de North Cape naar Türkeye

We start at the northernmost tip of Europe and drive south through Finland, take the ferry from Helsinki to the Baltic States, then on to Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Türkeye.

The World Challenge Cape to Cape

From Türkeye to Tanzania and South Africa

Then we sail to Israel, pass through Egypt with its numerous pyramids and, of course, the Valley of the Kings. We follow the Nile southward.

August 2026 ~ 35

The World Challenge Cape to Cape

From Tanzania to South Africa

We drive through the countries of Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Eswatini, and into South Africa. But before we reach the finish line at the southern cape, we visit Lesotho and other well-known and undiscovered parts of South Africa. The finish? As spring in South Africa draws to a close and summer is just about to begin!

October 2026 ~ 35

November 2026 ~ 35

2027: The Far East

The World Challenge | The Far East

From Amsterdam to Hong Kong and Sydney

Starting in Amsterdam certainly has its charm, but finishing among the skyscrapers of Hong Kong is nothing short of epic! Everything in between is an adventure of a different magnitude. How the route will unfold is yet to be determined. As always, it will depend on global developments.

September October November

The World Challenge Latin America

2025: From Paramaribo to Lima

South America and the Amazon are familiar territories for CarChallenge. Sixteen years ago, CarChallenge hosted its first Challenge in the Amazon, and we have returned eight times since.

The new World Challenge leverages this wealth of experience, along with the expertise of our own Hernan, who was born and lives in Argentina. This deep well of knowledge and experience is tapped to encapsulate the best of South America in the second stage of The World Challenge.

We start in Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname. Despite being a small city, half of Suriname’s population resides in Paramaribo.

We’ll spend a few days exploring one of the former plantations, delving into the history of this ex-Dutch colony. We’ll also immerse ourselves in Surinamese cuisine before heading east. Our first border crossing, curiously, takes us back to Europe. French Guiana is a department of France, and its culture is distinctly French. Here, we’ll tackle our first unpaved tracks and spend the night in the capital, Cayenne, before crossing into Brazil.

Newfoundland

Panama

Paramaribo

Moose Factory

Nova Scotia

New York

New Orleans

Monterrey

Mexico Stad Cancun

Ushuaia

Uyuni

Mendoza

Lima

Pantanal

Amazone

Macapá

Perito Moreno

Everything changes as we enter Brazil. The culture, the scenery, and even the roads transform—although the shift to asphalt takes a while. Compared to a few years ago, there’s more pavement now, and we quickly make our way towards the Amazon rainforest. Here, we encounter red mud, which, depending on the weather, turns into dust. Rainfall in the rainforest occurs all year round, varying from month to month.

The Amazon region is extraordinary. The vast river branches extensively, and activity is high. It’s also a relentless landscape that constantly shifts.

Unpaved roads become mud pits during frequent rains, and when the sun evaporates the water, dust lingers among the towering jungle trees.

At times, the road disappears, and an Amazon boat carries us further upstream. Unlike in previous years, we now traverse the rugged northern bank of the Amazon, reaching remote areas where settlements offer little to no accommodation.

We also spend time on one of the many Amazon ships. After several days of adventure, we relax in a stunningly beautiful Amazon Lodge—a well-earned reward!

Then, we descend towards North Bolivia. Crossing the river, we enter a scarcely visited region. Accommodation is scarce here too, but the journey to northern Bolivia is undoubtedly worth the effort.

After traversing North Bolivia, we cross into Peru. Still in the Amazon region, Peru’s side feels distinct. We head north and encounter Machu Picchu. Even for those who have visited before, it remains an unmissable experience! Its exceptional location warrants a day of rest.

Moving further north, we explore Peru’s lesser-known, yet equally impressive areas. We tackle the high altitudes of the Andes Mountains and, ultimately, finish in South America’s culinary capital, Lima. Here concludes the first part of The World Challenge 2.0 2025.

In a nutshell:

Roughly 35 days with at least 6 designated rest days

Start at august 16th 2025

We start in Suriname

The Amazon rainforest, complete with an Amazon ferry experience.

A true off-road adventure.

Exploring the uncharted northern regions of Bolivia.

A stunning jungle experience in eastern Peru.

A visit to the iconic Machu Picchu.

Traversing the majestic Andes Mountains.

Finish in Lima, the culinary capital of South America.

Approximately 8.000 kilometer

The World Challenge Latin America

2025: From Lima to Ushuaia

The journey recommences in Lima, where the first part of our adventure concluded. The four-week interlude between the finish and the start of the next leg offers a splendid opportunity for an excursion. Participants could choose to explore the Galápagos Islands, opt for a relaxing stay in Curaçao, or even return to Europe. Direct flights from Amsterdam to Lima and vice versa facilitate these options, courtesy of KLM.

Departing from Lima, we head southward. Huacachina serves as the quintessential oasis, emerging like a mirage in the desert. The enigmatic Nazca Lines await, their nearly extraterrestrial patterns etched into the earth, while the majestic Colca Canyon is a sight not to be missed in our Peruvian journey. Crossing the Andes to the east, we approach Bolivia via a border crossing east of Lake Titicaca. This passage leads us into lower, yet equally stunning terrains.

This less-traveled path through Bolivia is nothing short of mythical, leading us into Brazil and the vast expanses of the Pantanal. This marshland, as expansive as Tunisia, stands as the largest wetland in the world and is an ecosystem richly deserving of exploration. Our journey continues into Paraguay, a country not widely recognized as a tourist destination but intriguing enough to warrant discovery.

After visiting Paraguay, we re-enter Bolivia, encountering a landscape vastly different from the northern regions we’ve previously traversed. Our journey leads us towards the Uyuni salt flats, an immense expanse that we’ll cross in our own vehicles—a truly unforgettable experience!

Argentina is our next destination, with its breathtakingly beautiful north offering a stark contrast to the countries we’ve visited thus far. The driving experience is splendid, enhanced by exquisite wines and excellent accommodations. We’ll navigate the most beautiful sections of the famous Ruta 40, ensuring a memorable drive. Our stay in the wine region of Mendoza promises relaxation and indulgence, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of this leg of the journey.

Crossing the Andes once more, we enter Chile, embarking on a southern journey marked by unparalleled beauty. We continue our drive southward, navigating through the Chiloé Archipelago. After a ferry ride back to the mainland, we embark on the famed Carretera Austral—a must-drive route that showcases the pristine wilderness of Chile. Briefly re-entering Argentina through a small border crossing, we quickly find ourselves back in Chile to traverse the surreal landscapes of Torres del Paine.

Now deep within Patagonia, we visit Punta Arenas before crossing into Argentina, aiming to finish in the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia.

Ushuaia, more a sizable town than a city, serves as the gateway to Antarctica. It’s from here that several cruises set sail to the white continent.

Our ambition extends to Antarctica as well, which will be part of the third segment of our journey, with details to be announced later.

In a nutshell:

Roughly 35 days with at least 9 designated rest days

Start around October 11th 2025

We start in the culinary capital of South America, Lima

Nazca Lines

Colca Canyon

Lake Titicaca

Bolivian Amazon

Pantanal in Brazil

Several stages through the lesser-known Paraguay

Crossing the Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia

Unreal stages in the Andes

Ruta40

Mendoza wine region

Carretera Austral

Patagonia

Torres Del Paine

Ushuaia

Approximately 11.000 kilometer

Practical Matters

For this Challenge, we meticulously craft the most scenic route and seek out the finest hotels. We personally inspect the route, all hotels, restaurants, and crucially, border crossings and necessary procedures and permits in advance.

The suitable vehicle for this Challenge? A 4x4, such as a Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover Discovery, Toyota Hilux, or similar. Adequate ground clearance, underbody protection, and quality All-Terrain tires are essential. A 4x4 provides comfort and assurance. Technical support accompanies the Challenge to ensure everyone reaches the finish line.

The focus is on a beautiful route, but we design the Challenge to make each stage manageable, allowing time for cultural excursions, outings, and rest.

We arrange excursions that we found worthwhile during our inspection trip, including unforgettable experiences that vary widely.

This Challenge includes complex border crossings. After our inspection trip, we understand the challenges, procedures, and are there to assist everyone in crossing.

Navigation is managed via a route on your tablet, provided by us in advance. Using the tablet, you’ll follow the meticulously planned route. Teams set off individually rather than in a convoy, and while driving together is an option, it’s not mandatory.

The same flexibility applies to dining. Sometimes, meals are shared experiences, but often, you’re free to choose. For major stops, we provide restaurant recommendations. Submit your dining receipts to the organization for reimbursement, or choose to dine at the hotel if you prefer.

Details on pricing will be provided later. The following pages outline what is included and excluded. Included are all accommodations, dinners, and breakfasts. Also covered are excursions, preparation, route planning, support by a professional technical team, permits for driving in all countries, mandatory guides in certain countries, and of course, vehicle transportation.

Vehicle Modifications

While a 4x4 serves as an excellent foundation for the journey, depending on the brand and model, vehicles may require minimal to extensive modifications.

Modifications range from “necessary” aspects like the right wheels and tires, ground clearance, and undercarriage protection, to “nice to have” features like an in-car coffee maker. Based on years of experience, we’ve identified the following modifications as “necessary” and “not mandatory, but recommended”.

Necessary Modifications: Not Mandatory, But Recommended:

• Undercarriage protection

• VHF Radio with an antenna

• All Terrain tires from “BF Goodrich”

• Dual battery system

• Two spare wheels

• A compressor

• A dashcam

• A tablet with 4G connectivity

• An inverter in the cabin

• A tablet mount for navigation

• A functioning refrigerator

• In-car storage system

• Additional LED lighting

• 2 Extra USB ports

Many modifications are made without the necessary experience and knowledge, leading to issues during the journey. These problems can start as early as during the shipping process, with instances where the electrical system is “switched off” before the Challenge even begins. Additionally, many modifications aim to create a “rally” car, but what’s truly needed is a vehicle capable of enduring a marathon.

It’s not uncommon for our technical team to spend time on the road adjusting previously made modifications. For this reason, we’ve decided to collaborate with our specialists from Namibia to adapt participating vehicles to our standards. This ensures that you, as a participant, start the Challenge perfectly prepared, and any necessary adjustments can be efficiently handled.

Here’s how it works:

We recommend which modifications are ‘must-haves’. After discussing everything, we create a quote in partnership with our partners, covering all costs, including labor. Once you agree to the quote, we order all parts and schedule your vehicle for modification.

The modifications are documented and labeled, making it clear to any technician which fuse serves what purpose and where each cable runs. This documentation stays with the vehicle as a manual for the technical team or local mechanics.

“If you haven’t purchased a vehicle yet, we also provide advice in this area.”

Price Structure

Price Structure

Included Excluded

• Shipping

• All hotel accommodations

• Lunch on certain days

• Drinks during dinners

• WA (BA) insurance for the car

• Parking fees

• Permits to drive in various countries

• Airline tickets

• Car-related expenses

• Personal expenses

Our Goal: "Leave your wallet at home"

What we do before the Challenge:

• Research from our desks

• All preparations, including pre-driving the entire route

• Shipping, including customs procedures

• Obtaining customs documents

• Applying for all necessary visas

• Applying for permits

• Selecting, evaluating, and visiting hotels

• Researching possible excursions for rest days

• Booking airline tickets (if desired)

• Facilitating pre or post-vacation arrangements (if desired)

What can you expect from the CarChallenge team during the Challenge?

• Extensive guidance from 4 CarChallenge personnel, along with office support

• Guidance includes both an organizational vehicle and a technical vehicle.

• Each vehicle is equipped with a GPS tracker.

• Assistance at all border crossings.

• Inspection of hotel rooms with advance check-in arrangements.

• Advancement of various expenses.

• Reservation and booking of spa services.

Determining a precise price at this stage is challenging. Shipping rates fluctuate significantly, and hotel prices have risen considerably in recent years. A final price can only be provided after the inspection trip. Part 1 is expected to be more expensive than Part 2.

Additionally, we’ve added some services to the package, such as dinners on rest days and beverages during dinners.

We estimate the participation fee for a team consisting of one car and two individuals sharing a room to be approximately €40,000 for Part 1 and €45,000 for Part 2.

CarChallenge will inspect the entire Challenge, which is scheduled for the first half of 2025.

CarChallenge also offers additional services:

1. Application for a Carnet de Passage

2. Application for personal visas

3. Booking of airline tickets

4. Pre or post-vacation arrangements

2025

Part 1: Registration open. Closing date when 14 teams are registered or by February 1, 2025, at the latest.

Part 2: Registration open. Closing date when 14 teams are registered or by April 1, 2025, at the latest.

Part 3: Registration available once the program is finalized. Maximum of 3 teams (6 people).

Participant Agreement & Cancellation Insurance

Registration is complete once the travel agreement is signed and the deposit is paid. Additionally, at that time, cancellation insurance must be obtained (not mandatory, but must be obtained within 7 days after signing the travel agreement).