Whether you're traveling for several months in a camper along the Panamericana, exploring South America as a backpacker, or cycling across the continent – in today’s digital world, the right travel apps and information sources can provide valuable support for both planning and the journey itself. After 15 months of long-term travel through South America, we’ve compiled the best and most frequently used travel apps, map apps, and information sources for South America and the Panamericana. These apps help with navigation, budgeting, safety, communication, and connecting with other travelers.
In this post we answer the following questions:
- How can I find reliable information on topics such as parking spots, border crossings, workshops, and road conditions?
- How can I connect with other travelers?
- Which map apps are suitable for navigation and outdoor activities?
- How can I keep track of my finances and find affordable places to withdraw money?
- Which apps and resources can help me ensure my safety while traveling in South America?
In this article
Overlanding apps and community knowledge for South America & the Pan-American Highway
iOverlander – Possibly the best travel app for the Pan-American Highway
iOverlander is probably one of the most important apps for travelers. Whether you're traveling by camper, bicycle, or on foot – overlanding apps like iOverlander are a real game changer, and for us, this app is the #1 overlanding app.
Where can I find a safe parking spot? How does border crossing work? Where is a reliable workshop? Is it worth visiting this attraction? These and many other questions are answered in iOverlander. Thanks to the comment feature, every user can comment on posts, so you always know how up-to-date the information is. The information is organized into clear categories, allowing you to quickly access details such as parking spots, gas stations, workshops, water points, and attractions, with the ability to filter specifically. Additionally, you'll find useful tips on shopping options, medical services, customs and border formalities, as well as vehicle insurance. Warning notices like "Road impassable" or "Robbery" are also included.
For us, the app is often the first point of contact when we need information on the topics mentioned above.
WhatsApp Groups – Direct exchange with travelers, tips, and recommendations
In addition to apps, WhatsApp groups are one of our most important tools on our journey. Do you want to know which shipping service provider is best for importing spare parts and what customs regulations apply? Are you looking for a recommended workshop or simply need tips for a specific region? In the WhatsApp groups, you can find direct help and gather current experiences from other travelers.
Another advantage of these groups is that not only other travelers are active, but also locals who, for example, operate campgrounds. They can provide valuable information from a local perspective, as they live in the country and know the local conditions even better. The most important groups in South America for us were:
- „Overlanding South America“ (German speaking)
- „Panamericana“ (German speaking)
- „Starlink Overlanding“
- Additionally, there are individual groups for each country in South America (mostly English-speaking), which also prove to be extremely helpful.
Access to the groups is via invitation links. If you are planning a trip to South America, feel free to contact us – we can provide you with the invitation links.
A handy tip: we have archived the groups so that we don't see hundreds of messages. This way, you still have the groups readily available when you really need them.
Facebook Gruppen – For exchange with travelers, tips, and recommendations
In addition to WhatsApp, there are also some Facebook groups. In principle, these work the same way as the WhatsApp groups. However, we did not use them, as WhatsApp and iOverlander have always been sufficient sources of information for us. If you prefer to use Facebook, there are, for example, the following groups:
- Overlanding South America
- PanAmerican Travelers Association
- PanAmerican Buy and Sell
Map-Apps and navigation for digital travel planning
Gaia GPS – For all outdoor and off-road activities
Gaia GPS is a navigation app that is especially geared towards outdoor enthusiasts. It offers detailed topographic maps, which are ideal for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities. Thanks to its extensive map material, it is also suitable for those who like to go offroad and travel on remote roads. The app allows you to plan and record routes. Another advantage is the ability to download offline maps. Additionally, Gaia offers various map layers, such as satellite images and specialized maps for different outdoor activities. The available options differ slightly depending on whether you use the free or paid version of the app.
Maps.me - Offline Maps for navigating without internet
Maps.me is a free and user-friendly map app. Here, you can find detailed maps and download them in advance to use offline. In the maps of Maps.me, you'll also find information about gas stations, attractions, restaurants, and accommodations, although we always double-check these details with Google Maps. Another advantage is the simple navigation, which works similarly to Google Maps. While Maps.me doesn't offer as many specialized features as Gaia GPS, it is our preferred app for navigation, especially when we're traveling in regions with poor or no internet reception.
Google Maps – As a supplement to other map apps
Google Maps should not be left unmentioned; however, smaller and remote roads are often not available on this platform. In South America, we frequently found that not all roads were mapped, and navigation in cities was not always accurate. Nevertheless, Google Maps was always a useful supplement for us, as it can be helpful to compare different maps at times. However, we would not rely solely on Google Maps for navigation.
Food and Drink: From Street Food to Vegan Options
Google Maps – For the best dining options nearby
When it comes to finding restaurants, Google Maps is our absolute go-to app. Here, we not only find suitable restaurants but also get reviews, photos, and information about approximate costs. However, it is worth mentioning that Google Maps works excellently in Europe but is less reliable outside of major cities in South America. Therefore, you should not always rely blindly on the reviews and opening hours.
Happy Cow – Find vegetarian and vegan alternatives in your area
Are you a vegetarian or vegan, or simply looking to escape the constant meat consumption in South America? Then Happy Cow is especially useful. The app offers an extensive database of restaurants with plant-based options. By the way, you can also find Happy Cow as a website: happycow.net.
Finance on the go: Financial apps for travel
ATM Fee Saver – Save fees when withdrawing cash
While there are credit cards like those from DKB and Bank Norwegianthat do not charge fees for cash withdrawals abroad, ATM operators often impose their own fees, which are beyond your bank's control. These fees can vary significantly between different banks within a country. When you arrive in a new country, you might not initially know at which ATMs you can withdraw money free of charge or at low cost. The app ATM Fee Saver provides an overview of the applicable costs, helping you to easily find the best options.
Western Union – For fast and secure money transfer worldwide
In some countries, it makes sense not to withdraw money from an ATM but to order it through Western Union. In Argentina, WU was even the only way to access cash. In other countries, it can also be helpful to check the costs for WU and compare them with ATM fees. A particular advantage is that with WU, you can withdraw larger amounts than at ATMs, which can make the costs more manageable. The easiest way to check the costs, find the nearest WU location, and organize a transfer is through the WU app.
Travel Spend – Keep track of your expanses
To keep track of your finances during vacation or a longer trip, we recommend an app like Travel Spend. With it, you can list all expenses in detail and categorize them, such as accommodation, restaurants, and groceries. This way, you always have an overview of where your money is going.
Language and Communication: Overcoming Language Barriers
Duolingo – Learn the basics of a language
There are many language learning apps available. For us, Duolingo was a good option to learn a few basics. While you probably won't become fluent in a language with it, the free version of the app is enough to learn some basic words and phrases. Additionally, the app has some good features to help keep you motivated, so you practice for a few minutes each day.
Google Translate – To overcome language barriers
Without Google Translate, we wouldn't have gotten far. Whether in spontaneous conversations with locals, at the mechanic, or during traffic checks – if you don't speak the local language, Google Translate is often the only way to understand each other somewhat. Additionally, the camera function is a useful feature for understanding documents or menus, for example.
Travel Safety: Navigating South America and the Pan-American Highway Securely
"Sicher Reisen" App – For your safety on the go
Sicherheit sollte immer an erster Stelle stehen, wenn du reist. In manchen Ländern oder Regionen, in denen die politische Situation nicht so stabil ist, können sich Lagen auch kurzfristig ändern. Die App „Sicher reisen“ wird vom Auswärtigen Amt bereitgestellt. Du findest in der App die gleichen Informationen zu den Ländern, wie auch auf der Webseite des Auswärtigen Amtes. Der Vorteil der App ist es, dass du beispielsweise bei veränderter Sicherheitslage oder Gesundheitswarnungen eine Push-Benachrichtigung bekommst.
ELEFAND - Electronic Registration of Germans Abroad
ELEFAND ist ein System des Auswärtigen Amts, das es deutschen Staatsbürgern ermöglicht, sich während ihres Aufenthalts im Ausland elektronisch zu registrieren. Das geht sowohl für kurze Reisen, als auch längerfristige Auslandsaufenthalte. Ziel ist es, dass im Notfall schnell Informationen bereitgestellt und Kontakt aufgenommen werden kann. Die Registrierung ist freiwillig und erfolgt online. Du kannst weitere Reisepartner angeben, auch wenn diese keinen deutschen Pass haben. Auch andere Länder bieten elektronische Erfassungssystem für ihre Mitbürger im Ausland an. Über diesen Link kannst du dich auf der Emergency Preparedness List of the Federal Foreign Office here.
Reise dokumentieren und teilen: Erinnerungen Festhalten
Instagram – Für Inspiration, Fotos und den Kontakt mit anderen Reisenden
Instagram ist nicht nur eine hervorragende Plattform, um deine Reiseerlebnisse in Fotos festzuhalten und mit anderen zu teilen, sondern hat sich für uns auch als eine wunderbare Plattform erwiesen, um mit anderen Reisenden in Kontakt zukommen und sich sogar „in Echt“ zu verabreden.
Polarsteps – For automatically tracking your journey and memories
Polarsteps is specifically designed for travelers. With the app, you can automatically track your route. It creates a digital travel journal map, allowing you to document your experiences and share them with family and friends.
Conclusion: The best travel apps and information sources for South America and the Pan-American Highway
A new continent, unfamiliar roads, language barriers – traveling through South America is exciting but also full of challenges. The right travel apps and information sources can make the difference between an organized dream trip and a logistical nightmare. After over a year of overlanding in South America, we were truly convinced by the aforementioned apps and information sources.
Do you have any other apps and sources that you use on the Pan-American Highway and in South America? Let us know!
Otherwise, there's only one thing left to say:
Buen viaje!
