TOP 5 road trips through the Americas

 “Life is a highway, I wanna ride it all night long” – Tom Cochrane

There is something about the sun setting on an open road, the long stretches of asphalt that disappear into the unknown, adventure hiding at every turn… Road trips have captivated the hearts of many, time and time again. Living on one of the most diverse continents in the world, hitting the road is one of the best ways to experience travel. Whether you want to step off the beaten paths into the lush wilderness of South America or stay on the iconic drives of the Pacific Coast, here are the five trips everyone should take at least once in their life.

Pan-American Highway

Starting in Patagonia, the southernmost tip of Argentina, this vast highway travels all the way to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. It’s the ultimate road trip, spanning over 48 000 km, from the lush greens of South America to the wilderness of Alaska.

Must see

1. Swing at the end of the world, Ecuador
2. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
3. Northern lights, Alaska
4. Peruvian Andes, Peru
5. Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Cabot Trail

From the dramatic highlands of Cape Breton to the rustic charms of seaside villages like Ingonish, this is the road trip for the romantics. The 298 km road in the heart of Nova Scotia, Canada, is full of breathtaking sights and nostalgic remnants of Scottish and French influences.

Must See

1. Inverness Beach Boardwalk
2. Aspy Bay
3. Acadian Trail
4. Dolphin and whale watching
5. Kidston Island Lighthouse

Salar de Uyuni

   Perfectly flat, it’s the largest salt lake in the world, covering an impressive 12 000sq km. Perhaps one of the most dreamlike places in the world, the sands of the Salar de Uyuni desert are so powerfully white they glow in the moonlight and resemble ice during the daylight sun. After the rain, the desert becomes a mirror that reflects the skyline and surrounding peaks, transforming the entire landscape into a mystical fusion between the earth and sky.

Must see

1. Isla Incahuasi
2. Dalí Desert
3. Laguna Verde
4. Hotel de Sal, Atulcha
5. Laguna Colorada

Pacific Coast Highway

Perhaps one of the most famous drives, made iconic through countless American songs and movies, is the Pacific Coast Highway. It is the quintessential road trip, a rite of passage of sort for the American youth. Stretching over 198 km of wild Californian coastline, the scenic route is full of thrilling bedrock cliffs, sandy beaches and enchanted redwood groves.

Must See

1. Big Sur
2. San Francisco
3. Venice Boardwalk
4. Los Angeles
5. Ventura Beach

Road to Hana

You had us at Hawaii. Situated on the island of Maui, and just over 109 km long, this is a gem not to be missed. Renowned for its curved roads and stunning cliffs, the wild beauty of this drive is highlighted by miles and miles of rainforest and cascading waterfalls.

Must See

1. Wailua Falls
2. Wai’anapanapa State Park
3. Hamoa Beach
4. Ke’anae Peninsula
5. Seven sacred pools (‘Oheo Gulchi)

Whether you decide to venture on a short trip around the islands or make your way through the jungles and desert of the Pan-American Highway, a road trip is always a good idea. May this be the beginning of a beautiful adventure!