This trip to the Tatras was a bit different from what we’re used to. Almost the entire mountainous area is part of a national park or protected zone, so you can’t just drive around freely. If you want to avoid park regulations, you have to stick to the outskirts or know some locals you can visit. So, we had to stick to designated roads, and our trip ended up being more about hiking and sightseeing than cruising through nature. We barely got into the wilderness. Still, it was a different kind of experience, and the mountains were as beautiful as ever.

In Slovakia, we explored an old, majestic castle and visited a beautifully preserved manor house—the only castle in Slovakia that survived World War II without being looted, and which has retained its original interior. We also ventured into an ice cave, wandered scenic trails, took in breathtaking views, and explored an open-air museum.

In Southern Poland, the standout experience was the Bachledka Treetop Walk in Bachledova Valley—high above the forest floor with panoramic views. The highlight there was a spiraling observation tower.  We also visited old castle and toured a salt mine. 

Food was a big part of the trip too—delicious and hearty in both Slovakia and Poland. Most nights we stayed at official campgrounds. At first, camping didn’t seem like the best idea, but the sites were decent and worked out better than expected. 

All in all, the Tatras, Slovakia, and Southern Poland offered great views, rich history, and a mix of warm lake water and freezing mountain streams. It wasn’t the wilderness escape, but it turned out to be a rewarding journey in its own right.

P.S. Since our page focuses on offroad adventures, all photos from this trip show only the driving parts—even though most of the highlights were off the beaten path and explored on foot.

Our destinacion: Ojos del Salado, the world’s highest volcano, standing tall amidst the rugged terrains of the Andes.

Our mission? To push the limits of off-road adventure, aiming to ascend as high as possible with our trusty Toyotas. However, before tackling the ascent, our initial objective was to assess the conditions on-site thoroughly. We needed to identify potential risks and understand the modifications required to make our vehicles fit for the challenging terrain.

Our journey commenced from Santiago, where we flew to Calama and rented the vehicle essential for our expedition. Our trip took place in the beginning of January, amidst the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere. While the days were generally warm, the nights at higher altitudes were chilly, emphasizing the need for adequate clothing and camping gear. The route from Calama led us along the coastal roads to Copiapo before veering eastward into the Andes.

The Atacama Desert greeted us with its mesmerizing emptiness, stretching for miles with nothing but rocks and wind. The landscape surrounding Ojos del Salado was awe-inspiring, with rugged mountains, vast desert expanses, and stunning vistas at every turn. The road conditions varied from rocky and challenging to relatively smooth stretches, requiring constant vigilance and skillful driving. There were narrow roads, flanked by cliffs on one side and steep drops on the other, posed a challenge, especially considering the heavy trucks transporting materials from nearby mines. Despite the daunting landscape, the road conditions proved surprisingly manageable as we ventured deeper into the wilderness.

As evening approached, we found ourselves at the Chilean border, spending the night by the shores of Salinas, a salt lake nestled nearly 4000 meters above sea level. This overnight stop served as a vital acclimatization step before our onward journey.

The next morning, we crossed the border, heading towards Ojos del Salado. Situated within Chilean territory but nestled between two border points, reaching Ojos del Salado required navigating nearly 100 kilometers before reaching the Argentine border.

Navigating our way to the base of Ojos del Salado presented some challenges, including locating the precise entry point to the trail. The rocky terrain demanded skillful maneuvering, especially considering the reduced engine performance at higher altitudes.

As we ascended, the thin mountain air tested the limits of our vehicles. Our Mazda BT-50, a sturdy 4WD vehicle equipped with a 2.2-liter engine producing 147 horsepower and mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, admirably tackled the ascent. However, towing a track camper added considerable weight to our Mazda, demanding strategic RPM management and careful monitoring of temperature gauges.

The challenges of high altitude driving, combined with the weight of our camper, demanded precision and skill from our team of adventurers. Thin mountain air can significantly affect your car’s engine and diminish your acceleration and climbing power. The potential for overheating  is greater at high altitudes. Cars lose power as altitude increases because of the falling oxygen levels, making acceleration and climbing arduous tasks.

Looking ahead, our aspirations extend beyond the Mazda BT-50. Our future plans include conquering Ojos del Salado with a Toyota Land Cruiser 80, renowned for its legendary off-road capabilities and robust build. With its unmatched performance and reliability, the Toyota Land Cruiser 80 promises to be the perfect companion for our next expedition to the summit of Ojos del Salado.

As we reflect on our journey, we are filled with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead. From the rugged landscapes of the Andes to the towering heights of Ojos del Salado, our off-road adventure has left an indelible mark on our memories, fueling our passion for exploration and pushing the boundaries of off-road driving.

In late July 2023, Off-Road Rent’s Adventure Team embarked on an exciting mission to map new tracks in the breathtaking landscapes of Lapland and Northern Norway. Our exclusive opportunity allowed participants to join us in our preparation works for an adventure like no other.

Gathering near Helsinki, our travel companions eagerly anticipated the journey ahead. From the 20th to the 30th of July, we traversed through the stunning northern terrain, experiencing the magic of the midnight sun phenomenon. The continuous daylight provided a unique backdrop for our exploration, allowing for unforgettable night driving adventures.

Our first stop was Luosto Halti, Finland’s highest peak, renowned for its steep slopes and panoramic views. Standing in awe of its natural splendor, we set the stage for our expedition amidst the rugged beauty of the landscape.

Continuing our journey, we ventured to Alta, where the Alta Rock Art Museum showcased ancient rock carvings, offering a glimpse into Norway’s ancient past. These significant cultural heritage sites enriched our understanding of the region’s history and culture.

Next, our path led us to Mageroya, where adventurous souls had the opportunity to hike to the farthest tip of Europe’s northernmost island. Immersed in the island’s pristine natural beauty, we marveled at the untamed wilderness surrounding us.

Arriving in Vardo, an ancient whaling town steeped in history, we sampled the local delicacy of whale meat. Reflecting on the town’s maritime heritage, we indulged in Vardo’s authentic flavors, savoring the richness of its culinary traditions.

Continuing our exploration, we visited ruins of coastal fort near Hamningberg old fishing village , vestige of German military defense of 2d World War. Exploring these historical remnants offered us valuable insights into Norway’s tragic wartime past, adding depth to our expedition.

As our adventure neared its end, we journeyed to Grense Jakobselv, a remote village in eastern Norway. Despite its abandonment, the village provided a glimpse into Norway’s remote countryside, where we embarked on our journey homeward.

Throughout our expedition, we ventured off the beaten path, exploring scenic routes and ancient trails. Traversing old postal routes and testing our skills on off-road trails, we encountered exhilarating moments and unforgettable challenges.

Despite the weather not always favoring us, our spirits remained high. Evenings spent around the campfire, enjoying delicious food and engaging conversations, created lasting memories of camaraderie amidst the stunning landscapes.

Our off-road adventure in Northern Norway was a testament to the region’s natural beauty and historical richness. It was a journey filled with discovery, camaraderie, and a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature.

In April 2023, Off-Road Rent returned to the stunning Carpathian Mountains for another thrilling off-road adventure. This time, the landscape presented us with new challenges and unexpected surprises, making for an unforgettable drive through this captivating terrain.

The lingering winter had left its mark on the mountains, with patches of snow still adorning the peaks and valleys. As we navigated through the winding roads, we encountered the aftermath of the melting snow, transforming sections of the roads into rushing rivers. The sight of water cascading down from the mountains added an extra layer of excitement to our journey, testing our skills as we forged ahead. Additionally, the presence of clay in certain areas posed a unique challenge, especially when moist. The slick clay surfaces made traction difficult, requiring us to adapt our driving techniques to conquer this formidable adversary.

During our expedition, we had the pleasure of meeting up with our Romanian friends, who shared with us their knowledge of the most interesting and challenging routes in the area. Their expertise proved invaluable as they guided us through the rugged terrain, pointing out hidden gems and breathtaking vistas along the way.

However, not all routes were accessible to us this time around. The melting snow had washed away parts of the roads, rendering some of the best routes impassable. Despite this setback, we embraced the spirit of adventure and continued to explore the Carpathian Mountains, finding beauty and excitement in every twist and turn of the journey.

The Carpathian Mountains have long been known as a challenging and intriguing destination for off-road enthusiasts, and our experience in April 2023 reaffirmed this reputation. From navigating snow-covered peaks to traversing rushing rivers, every moment behind the wheel was filled with excitement and anticipation.

As we reflect on our spring adventure in the Carpathian Mountains, we are reminded of the unpredictable beauty and rugged charm of this iconic destination. It’s a place where every drive is an adventure, and every turn of the road reveals a new discovery waiting to be explored. Until next time, Carpathian Mountains, we’ll be dreaming of our next off-road escapade in your captivating landscape.

Reflecting on an Adventure in the Carpathian Mountains: Exploring Rock Climbing and Clay Roads

In October 2022, Off-Road Rent embarked on a captivating journey to the Carpathian Mountains, offering participants an unforgettable experience featuring rock climbing and navigating clay roads. This adventure was characterized by adrenaline-inducing moments and awe-inspiring scenery, marking it as a trip to be cherished.

The Carpathian Mountains are renowned among off-road enthusiasts for their challenging nature, making them one of our favorite destinations. Having undertaken numerous adventures in these mountains before, this expedition marked our inaugural outing under the banner of Off Road Rent.

The terrain of the Carpathian Mountains primarily comprises clay soil, presenting distinctive challenges for off-road enthusiasts. Our routes meandered through the undulating landscape, featuring steep inclines and declines that put both driver skill and vehicle capability to the test. From scaling rocky outcrops to navigating river crossings, each leg of the journey presented its own array of obstacles to conquer.

Driving conditions in the mountains are heavily influenced by the weather, with wet ground posing a significant challenge due to slippery mud. Negotiating the ascents and descents became even more demanding under these conditions, necessitating precise control and unwavering concentration to navigate the terrain safely.

A standout feature of our adventure was navigating the slopes, rises, and descents that define the mountainous terrain. These rugged side slopes and steep inclines injected an additional dose of excitement into the journey, pushing both drivers and vehicles to their limits. Deep trenches carved by forestry activities and the presence of fallen trees further heightened the challenge, requiring meticulous navigation and adept maneuvering to surmount these obstacles.

Despite the rugged terrain and demanding driving conditions, our team embraced the adventure wholeheartedly, relishing the thrill of conquering the Carpathian Mountains. The breathtaking vistas and sense of achievement rendered every twist and turn of the journey worthwhile, creating indelible memories that will endure for a lifetime.

As we reflect on this remarkable adventure, we are grateful for the opportunity to have immersed ourselves in the beauty and excitement of the Carpathian Mountains. It was an expedition marked by adrenaline, camaraderie, and the sheer joy of exploration, serving as a poignant reminder of the exhilaration inherent in off-road adventure amidst one of Europe’s most striking landscapes.

I’d like to share with you our latest adventure! Last May, we embarked on an incredible off-road journey to western Latvia. Our destination was Liepaja, but the journey itself was just as fascinating as the destination. One of the highlights of our trip was exploring Liepaja’s war port, a relic from the era of the Russian Tsars. Walking through the remnants of this historic site, we were transported back in time, imagining the bustling activity that once filled its docks. The old defensive line of Liepaja also captured our imagination, offering a glimpse into the city’s strategic importance throughout history.

During our trip, we had the opportunity to explore some truly remarkable historical sites, including old fortresses, church ruins, and cemeteries that bore witness to the trials of WWII, having been destroyed in the battle. Navigating through old and partially closed roads added an extra layer of excitement to our journey, not to mention those heart-pounding moments driving over bridges that were not the most reliable!

Of course, no off-road trip is complete without a cozy campfire under the starry sky. We embraced the spirit of adventure by spending the nights in our cars, surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Reflecting on our experience, we couldn’t be more pleased with how our trip unfolded. It was a time filled with laughter, discovery, and unforgettable memories that we’ll cherish for years to come. In conclusion, our off-road expedition through Latvia was a memorable journey filled with discovery and adventure. Liepaja, with its war-torn past and historic landmarks, provided a captivating backdrop for our exploration. Thank you to everyone who joined us on this remarkable journey, and here’s to many more adventures together!