3 Routes · ~3,000–4,200 km · Paraguay → Bolivia → Peru

Asunción → Lake Titicaca

An overland epic from Paraguay's lowlands to the roof of the world — crossing Chaco scrub, Andean foothills, the Altiplano, and the sacred shores of the world's highest navigable lake at 3,810 m.

3,810 m Lake Titicaca elevation
4,650 m Highest road pass
3–4 Border crossings
8–12 Days recommended
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Choose Your Route

Three distinct corridors — each with its own character, landscapes, and logistical considerations.

Elevation Profile

Map Legend

Route
Border crossing
Scenic stop
Fuel stop
Overnight

Daily Itinerary

Day-by-day breakdown for the selected route.

Border Crossings

Key immigration and documentation requirements for each crossing.

Practical Essentials

Fuel, altitude, road conditions, and gear — what you need before departing.

Altitude Acclimatization

Arrive in La Paz (3,650 m) at least 2 days before continuing to Titicaca (3,810 m). Coca tea, hydration, and light activity. Soroche pills (acetazolamide) recommended — consult a doctor before departure.

  • Asunción: 64 m → La Paz: 3,650 m (+3,586 m)
  • Puno: 3,827 m · Copacabana: 3,841 m
  • Highest road pass (Route 1): ~4,650 m

Fuel Strategy

Bolivia has subsidized fuel — but subsidized stations often restrict foreigners to tourist fuel at market rates (approx. 2–3× local price). Carry a jerry can for Bolivia's rural stretches.

  • Paraguay: ~0.65 USD/L · Argentina: ~0.80 USD/L
  • Bolivia (tourist): ~1.10 USD/L equivalent
  • Peru: ~1.20–1.40 USD/L
  • Fill up in Potosí, Oruro, La Paz before remote legs

Vehicle Documents

Most rental contracts prohibit cross-border travel. Either use your own registered vehicle with SOAT insurance, or hire a private driver for each country segment.

  • Valid registration + international insurance (SOAT)
  • Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for Bolivia & Peru
  • Notarized permission if vehicle not in your name
  • Fumigation certificate at some borders

Road Conditions

Routes range from modern highways to unpaved Chaco tracks. Dry season (May–October) strongly recommended. Route 1 via Salta is the most road-maintained; Route 2 Chaco has some rough sections.

  • Ruta 9 (PY Chaco): paved but remote
  • RN 9 Argentina: excellent paved highway
  • Bolivia: mix of paved & rough unpaved mountain roads
  • La Paz–Copacabana: good paved, lake ferry needed

Best Season

May through October is the dry season across all three countries. The Altiplano is bitterly cold at night year-round but roads are paved and passable. Avoid November–March rainy season — Bolivian mountain roads can become impassable.

  • Peak season: June–August (cold but clear)
  • Shoulder: May, September–October
  • Avoid: Dec–Mar (heavy rains, landslides)
  • Night temps at altitude: −5°C to −15°C

Visas & Entry

US, EU, and most Western passport holders can enter Paraguay, Bolivia, and Peru without a visa. Brazil (Route 3) requires a valid passport with at least 6 months validity.

  • Paraguay: visa-free for most nationalities (90 days)
  • Bolivia: visa-free for most (30–90 days)
  • Peru: visa-free (183 days for US/EU)
  • Always carry printed onward travel proof

Export GPX Files

Download GPS track files for your selected route — compatible with Garmin, OSMAnd, Wikiloc, and Google Maps import.

01

Via Salta & Andes

Full track from Asunción through Salta, Jujuy, Villazon, Potosí, Oruro, La Paz, Copacabana to Puno.

~4,200 km Waypoints: 32
02

Via Santa Cruz

Direct track from Asunción through Villamontes (Paraguay-Bolivia border), Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, La Paz, Copacabana to Puno.

~3,100 km Waypoints: 27
03

Via Brazil

Full track from Asunción through Pedro Juan Caballero, Corumba (Brazil), Bolivia border, Santa Cruz, La Paz, Copacabana to Puno.

~3,800 km Waypoints: 29
GPX files contain named waypoints for all cities, border crossings, scenic stops, and fuel stations. Import into any navigation app for offline use — strongly recommended for Bolivia's remote Altiplano.