vantastiks Check-Ins

Had a problem with our electric system of the motor of our Dodge. Señor Miguel is specialised in these kind of problems and used a scanner to manage to find a solution.
He worked several hours with another mechanic (also known here in iOverlander: Mario) and they managed to fix the problem. Our van feels like new! Totally recommendable, trustworthy and everything for a fair price!

+51 9 686 496 51
[email protected]

If you are looking for a green and private place to stay between Ica and Lima you are at the right address.

It is located just left, next to the street in direction to San Juan de Ihuanco, but hidden behind bushes and trees.
You can observe various birds at this place.

In the mornings there are trucks coming to fill their watertank.
A lady came by to ask who we are, and said it was no problem to stay if we would overland.

A bit noisy due to the road next by, but otherwise very recommended.

Good signal with Bitel.

Hidden place behind some bushes and trees on cracked-up, dry ground.
With Bitel (H+) and Claro (3G) reception.
Coming from Nasca, take the sandy road to the right.
No problem to reach with a 2WD.

Yellow River is paradise on earth.

Exotic fruits (bananas, mangos, carambolas, papayas, passion fruits, ananas, ...) and to us unknown vegetables grow here. Olga (72 yo) and Angel (76 yo) will from the first moment on take you as part of their family and introduce you to their world.

We initially thought to stay one night, which turned to three. Not only did we a part of the Inca Trail with Angel, but also did the coffee and cacao workshop with Olga, which were both amazing and totally recommendable!! We could take our “harvest” (cacao and coffee) with us.

Just next to the river (10mins walk) is a (very) hot spring. On the way down, Angel will show and explain you all about Ginger, Yuca or Kurkuma.

Don’t skip breakfast!!! It is simply INCREDIBLE. Don’t eat anything the evening before- there will be plenty of food on the table the next morning

You can also ask Olga to watch and help her cooking (we learned how to do “Lomo Saltado”).
The prices mentioned below are still correct.

With our 2WD van we had no problem getting down (and up again) to their address. We slept in the middle of the jungle, under cacao and mango trees.
We could use the shower and sleep for free.

Family friendly place.

Could fill our tank.
The prices are shown per Gallon.
95 gasoline = 14.10 soles
Could pay with Visa or MasterCard .

Quite expensive, but you can find almost everything: from imported goods to local specialties.
We left the van outside in the parking lot whilst doing the groceries. Safe.

After the Salar of Uyuni (or before going there- to protect the bottom of your car) this is THE place to have your car washed professionally. They not only cleaned the whole (!) exterior (elevated the van, washed it, sprayed the under part with a mix of Diesel and grease to protect it, washed it again), but also vacuumed the interior.
We went grocery shopping whilst they took care of the exterior of the vehicle.
Don Olimpia (the owner) was very friendly, honest, trust- and helpful.

He even let us refill our tank with water.
100 Bolivianos for 2h of work.

Just PERFECT!

An elderly man named Bernardo Bautista sells Gasoline for 7Bs/ liter. Perfect place to refill your tank before crossing Uyuni!

Good and safe place to stay a night before heading to the salar.
We let our van parked there (on the very end of the train graveyard) during the afternoon to spend some time in the village of Uyuni. We came back around 20h00 and found our vehicle as we had left it.

Beautiful spot at 4300m! First night after crossing the border from Chile. Night was very windy, but the wind calmed down in the morning.
have a walk around the Laguna Turquin. Awesome to observe different birds and lamas.

Little shop, where you can find everything your heart desires - or almost.
Prices are higher than in Calama, but fair.

Asked at the Acahualpas Hotel for “gasolina”. Doña Marta (an old lady) was really helpful but she offered us the liter for 1600 CLP, which we could manage to lower it to 1500 CLP. Quite expensive, but there is no other choice really...

Beautiful view, quite easy access on 2WD (you can continue on the same road and arrive on “Aguas Calientes” which is a nice spot too!), but no shelter from the wind...

We asked kindly inside the Municipalidad if we could refill our water tank before crossing the border. A very friendly guy told us there was no problem and that the water is indeed potable !

Easy to access with 2WD. We saw nice wild birds: gooses, flamingos, ducks and just next to the natural pool (water is tepid) were sweet little mice!
Toilets are still not working...

Just perfect. Pink flamingos all day long, Vicuñas during the morning, amazing landscapes, and what a sunset! But please: take your trash with you...

Very quiet and pleasant place to stay several nights. As mentioned before, beware of the spikes. There is wood to make a campfire.

Even though the place does not look that professional, the guys were really helpful. They diagnosed the problem after 30 minutes, but sadly did not have the spare part. They did not want any money, but we gave them 5.000 CLP anyways. Very honest.

Best bread and viennoiseries in town! The place is called: La Franchuteria.
Definitely worth a visit! Prices are ok, but quality is AMAZING!

Very bumpy road, but no problem with our 2WD. The road description is correct. The gas pipeline are the yellow poles near the road. As soon as you get to n° 157 you have arrived. There is plenty of space to park your vehicle.
During the afternoon it is REALLY windy, but as soon as the sun goes down, the wind disappears.
Do not miss sunset! -We walked uphill (left hand side coming from road B241) to enjoy the amazing landscapes surrounding us.

Beautiful spot, right underneath of huge red rocks. Wild donkeys came by to say hello. Amazing place to gaze at the stars!
We stayed two days and 3 tours showed up, but stayed no longer than 10min each.

We could refill our gas-tank without problem. The price is at 505.0/Liter.

Most beautiful place we have seen yet in Chile. Huge beach and some trekking paths around. Not so windy and absolutely no one when we were there. 3 days only with the sound of the ocean and a breathtaking view.

We did not only sleep behind the Copec station (as mentioned by an other Overlander), but could also refill the water tank of our van for free.

5 minutes away from Ruta 5 (exit at “Caleta Obispito”).
Just next to a big beach with incredibly huge waves and plenty of different birds to observe. You will find a nice little flat place to park your vehicle (not big rig friendly- but you can easily access with a 2x4). Bit windy, but quiet (except the sound of the waves), safe and private!

Very nice, safe, and beautiful site to camp. It is totally free of charge. Located just next to „Playa Blanca“ - which you can easily access by foot (very recommended!).

Neither Petrobras nor Copec had water to fill our watertank. We were lucky to find some here! But we don’t think it is potable- but for washing dishes etc. it is perfect!

Stayed here 3 nights. Loved it! Very quiet place right next to the beach. Wild nature (pelicans, foxes, etc.) and a lot of different coloured stones.

1.) exit highway at sign Chungungo
2.) follow dirt road untill sign Caleta Totoralillo norte
3.) drive down until the bay
4.) choose the spot you like

Good for a one-night stay. Safe and quiet, but as said dirty.

Nice place to sleep, just near the pueblo artesanal.