Explore six of the globe’s most extraordinary road adventures, ranging from the Karakoram Highway to Iceland’s Ring Road.

While these pathways may be extensive, they present breathtaking scenery and a diverse array of cultures.

Embarking on a journey across a country by plane or train may have its charms, but nothing compares to the thrill of hitting the open road and immersing oneself in the diverse experiences it offers, whether in a car or camper van.

As you traverse the terrain, witnessing the changing landscapes, the flexibility to make spontaneous pit stops becomes a unique advantage. This allows for up-close encounters with a nation’s, or even an entire continent’s, most renowned attractions while uncovering its well-kept secrets.

Here are some of the world’s most exceptional road trips, distinguished by their epic length and stunning beauty:

The Carretera Austral

• Location: ChileLength: 1,240kmBest time to go: November to March

Embark on a two-week exploration of Patagonia’s grandeur along Chile’s Carretera Austral (Route 7). From Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins, this unpaved road winds through volcanoes, rainforests, glaciers, and ancient marble caves. Despite its potentially bumpy ride, the journey offers opportunities to hike through the Valdivian temperate rainforest, kayak through the Marble Chapels of General Carrera Lake, and experience thrilling activities like rafting on the Futaleufu River.

Karakoram Highway

• Location: China-PakistanLength: 1,300kmBest time to go: May to October (excluding July and August)

Connecting Islamabad in Pakistan to Kashgar in China, the Karakoram Highway, also known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, spans rugged terrain and hairpin turns. The journey, recommended over two weeks, unveils jaw-dropping views, snow-capped mountains, and cultural encounters in places like Fairy Meadows and the remote Hunza Valley.

Ring Road

• Location: IcelandLength: 1,332kmBest time to go: April to October

Iceland’s Ring Road offers a comprehensive exploration of the Land of Fire and Ice. Taking seven to ten days to complete, the route covers highlights like the Golden Circle, the black sand beach of Vik, and the otherworldly landscapes of Lake Myvatn. While generally in good condition, caution is advised, especially in winter, with strict prohibitions against off-road driving.

Route 40

• Location: ArgentinaLength: 5,194kmBest time to go: November to February

Stretching from the Bolivian border to Rio Gallegos, Argentina’s Route 40, or La Cuarenta, weaves through ancient forests, canyons, lava fields, and the remote plains of Patagonia. Highlights include Siete Lagos, Piedra Parada, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Los Glaciares National Park, home to spectacular glaciers.

Highway 1

• Location: AustraliaLength: 14,500kmBest time to go: Depends on your direction

Australia’s Highway 1, known as The Big Lap, encompasses major cities, coastal towns, and diverse landscapes. Highlights include the Great Barrier Reef, the Great Ocean Road, Kangaroo Island, the Bungle Bungle Ranges, and Kosciuszko National Park. The journey can be completed in two weeks with brief overnight stops or extended over three months for a more immersive experience.

Pan-American Highway

• Location: North and South AmericaLength: 30,000kmBest time to go: Depends on where you go

For an extraordinary journey spanning North and South America, the Pan-American Highway, the world’s longest motorable road, traverses 14 countries from Alaska to the southernmost tip of Argentina. The adventure, taking approximately nine months to two years, presents challenges such as extreme weather, landslides, and the impassable Darien Gap. However, it offers a diverse immersion into the continents’ landscapes, climates, and cultures, including iconic attractions like Machu Picchu and the jungles of Costa Rica.