Stelvio Pass is not for the faint-hearted
Wind in your hair, top down, and blue sky above, the ultimate driving experiences involve stunning scenery, great weather and a bit of road space.
Pan-American Highway, Trujillo to Lima, Peru
Many of the Pan-American Highway’s paved roads are great to drive on
This is the big one, believed to be the longest driving route in the world at around 48,000km (29,800 miles). The Pan-American is a set of roads between Alaska and Chile, allowing you to drive the length of the continent. This section in Peru has something for everyone as it sweeps along the coast from the architecturally impressive Trujillo to the Peruvian capital of Lima. You get some great views, a touch of urban, plus wide-open, moon-style landscapes and crashing waves. Fellow travellers are often friendly and wave or chat as they pass. Many of the paved roads are great to drive on, but do look out for animals (and occasionally children) wandering on the streets. Take a side trip from Trujillo to the Pre-Columbian Chan Chan, the capital of the Chimu Empire, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Apart from the stunning desert landscapes, there is lots of animal life to spot along the coast, including sea lions and pelicans.
Garden Route, South Africa
The Garden Route is an old favourite but a goodie
Inhale fresh sea air in this stunning coastal setting as you cruise the celebrated Garden Route in the Western Cape in South Africa. Wildlife breaks are mandatory, as is enjoying great meal stops along the route. There are wildlife reserves throughout the Garden Route National Park you can swing into and spend a sleepy morning in a Jeep looking for giraffes and lions. And just over your shoulder in the big blue there are whales to be watched (if the season is right). Admittedly this is an old favourite, but a goodie, with lots of choices. Stop off in Hermanus, the whale-watching capital of the world, and from June to November you have a good chance of seeing some marine action. For those who really love the wind in their hair, you can rent a Harley Davidson and give the route the Easy Rider touch. Don’t forget petrol stations can be hard to find though, so fill up when you can.
