road trip route 40 argentina

Driving the legendary Route 40 in Argentina: Road Trip Guide

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The legendary Ruta 40

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Argentines fondly refer to RN-40, or Ruta 40, the country’s longest road, as La Cuarenta (The Forty). Stretching from Cabo Vírgenes, the southernmost point of the Argentine mainland, to northernmost Ciénaga, on the Bolivian border, it’s more than just a highway. Like Route 66 in the US, the road has its own ethos – inspiring songs, books and arguments – and is as central to a visit to Argentina as a football match or a milonga .

Best way to see Ruta 40

A long and winding road, south to north: the route, tailor-made travel itineraries for argentina, created by local experts.

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The Great Lakes and Glaciers of Argentina

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From Chile to Argentina, across the Andean Lakes

Travel from Chile to Argentina across the stunning Andean Lakes, also known as the Lakes District. Beginning in Santiago, you will travel to Puerto Varas, in Chile, and then across the lakes to Bariloche, Argentina, taking in the stunning mountain scenery, before ending your trip in Buenos Aires.

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An adventure across three countries: Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay

A trip filled with history, culture and nature spread out over three beautiful and unique countries, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Visit some of the most stunning sites, like the Sugar Loaf Mountain, Iguazu Falls and UNESCO World Heritage site Colonia del Sacramento, during this 14-day trip.

By far the best way to approach Ruta 40 is to rent a vehicle and drive yourself – it’s worth investing in a 4WD, even for the paved sections. Special care is required, though, especially further south where strong crosswinds and poorly maintained gravel ( ripio ) roads make it extremely easy to flip over.

La Cuarenta runs a staggering 5224km – roughly the distance from Amsterdam to Kabul. Partly to make it more attractive for tourists, the road’s route has been changed over the years. Ruta 40 now starts at the ocean at Cabo Vírgenes and winds north through eleven provinces, past twenty national parks and across 24 major rivers, before reaching the altiplano. There it breaks a record: the dizzying Abra de Acay, at 5061m, is the highest point on a national road anywhere in the world. Although sections are relatively busy, notably around Bariloche and between Mendoza and San Juan, most of La Cuarenta runs through Argentina’s magnificent open spaces, seldom more than 100km from the majestic peaks of the Andes. Many visitors are drawn by the road’s rugged mystique – a result of its inaccessibility and frequently poor condition – while others are put off for the same reason. The Argentine government has pledged to pave the entire road but hasn’t completed the task yet.

Between a navy lighthouse at Cabo Vírgenes, La Cuarenta’s starting point, and Chos Malal, in Neuquén Province, the road zigzags across the Patagonian steppe, a barren, windswept expanse thickly blanketed with snow during the winter.

North of Neuquén Province, Ruta 40 enters El Cuyo , Argentina’s western midlands. It meanders through La Payunia, in Mendoza Province, a land of rosy lava and ebony gorges, deep karstic caves and flamingo-flecked lagoons, before passing near Laguna Diamante, an all-but-inaccessible lagoon from where you can admire the silhouette of Volcán Maipo. Further north, in La Rioja Province, the road skirts sunny valleys and hugs the Cuesta de Miranda, a serpentine corniche winding through polychrome mountains.

La Cuarenta’s last – and highest – stretch cuts through the historic northwest. Rippling hills, herds of goats and crumbling adobe houses are typical sights here. For a top-notch poncho, stop off at Belén, in Catamarca – traditional methods of weaving have been maintained in this highland village since pre-Hispanic times. You’ll also want to stop in Cachi, for a photo of the surrounding snow-topped sierras and valleys. Just before Ruta 40 reaches Bolivia, it is spanned by the mighty La Polvorilla viaduct, a fabulous feat of engineering.

Top image: Argentina, the dust road of ruta 40 between Cachi and Cafayate © Jeroen Mikkers/Shutterstock

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updated 26.04.2021

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Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip; Driving along Patagonia, Argentina

Ruta 40 listed as RN40 is the longest highway of Argentina and one of the longest highways in the world. National Route 40 stretches in over 3000 miles (5,070+ km). Starting from La Quiaca which is close to the Bolivian border, this Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip will take you to point B which is in Rio Gallegos, Santa Cruz, Argentina.

Along with being the longest highway, Ruta 40 goes through 20 National Parks, 18 Major Rivers, and 27 passes in the Andes. This road trip is a pure adventure and one of the most adventurous road trips around the globe. Route 40 is going to take a lot of time in doing the trip of over 5,070 km from one side. Viewing the UNESCO ancient caves, the World’s most famous glaciers, hiking the Argentinian capital of trekking, and much more. Get ready for the true adventure with this breathtaking Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip.

We’ve arranged all you need to know about the National Route 40 road trip. You’ll find the duration of the road trip, the best time to do this road trip, what will be the cost of the trip, what are the places you can visit during the road trip, what are the best hotels for stay, and what are the best food places on the route.

• Best Time to Do the Road Trip
• Cost of the Road Trip
• Best Route for Ruta 40 Road Trip
• Places to Visit during Road Trip
• Itinerary of Ruta 40 Road Trip
• Day 1: La Quiaca to Susques Department
• Day 2: Susques Depatment to Cachi
• Day 3: Cachi to Belen
• Day 4: Belen to San Juan Province
• Day 5: San Juan Province to Chos Malal
• Day 6 &  7: Chos Malal to San Martin de Los Andes
• Day 8: San Martin de Los Andes to El Hoyo
• Day 9:  El Hoyo to El Calafate
• Day 10: El Calafate to Rio Gallegos
• Back to Your City
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best time for Ruta 40 Road Trip?

As the winter stikes in June and stays till August, it becomes hard to drive on Ruta 40 due to bad weather conditions. You’ll see snow on roads and that’s why driving a vehicle becomes hard for anyone. The best season for doing Ruta 40 Argentina road trip will be November to March , these are the months when the weather stays sunny and warm suitable for travel. Hotels and food places are also very less open in winter months so it’ll be hard to do the road trip. Also, you’ll not be getting other facilities like mechanics on your way if you in case need it.

Note: All the calculation are done in “ Kilometers ” unit on traveleronwheels.com

How Much does the Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip Cost?

You may be starting the trip from different cities like Salta, Buenos Aries, Santiago, etc., But for a common understanding, we are taking the starting point as La Quiaca, Jujuy, Argentina for calculating the cost. So, when you start the trip, please also include the cost of fuel for reaching La Quiaca. The cost which we have mentioned here will be very close to the actual cost. Exact cost obviously cannot be mentioned because everyone has a different consumption and spending pattern and preference. Although, we’ve included all the essential things which you’ll be spending money on during the road trip. Let’s have a look at how much it is going to cost you. One more thing, whether you are doing it by bike or car, we’ve got you covered.

Note : Price is mentioned in $ (USD).

Note 2: Most of the restaurants, petrol pumps, and other places doesn’t accept card or any other digital payment method. So, please make sure to bring cash with you.

Cost of the Trip by Bike (Cost for 2)

• Fuel – On the average of 25 kilometers per liter, bike will be consuming 450 Liters of fuel (La Quiaca >> Santa Cruz >> La Quiaca) which will cost you $405.
• Food – Food will cost you about $40 per day for two people. So, the approximate cost of food will be $600 approximately as this is a long road trip and will take a lot of days.
• Accomodation – You’ll easily get decent hotel stay at $80-$150 per night, So the cost of stays will be approximately $500 to $900. Also, we’ll be mentioning hotels below in this article so you can calculate cost accordingly because different types of accomodations charges a different price.
• Miscellenous – For other expenses like tickets, toll taxes, repairs, etc., you can count $500 extra.
• Total – Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip by bike will cost you approximately about $2000 to $2500 for two people.

Cost of Trip by Car (Cost for 4)

• Fuel (Petrol) – On the average of 14 kilometers per liter, car will be consuming 730 Liters of fuel (La Quiaca >> Santa Cruz >> La Quiaca) which will cost you $660.
• Food – Food will cost you about $80 per day for four people. So, the approximate cost of food will be $1200 approximately as this is a long road trip and will take a lot of days.
• Accomodation – You’ll easily get decent hotel stay at $100-$108 per night, So the cost of stays will be approximately $600 to $1200
• Miscellenous – For other expenses like tickets, toll taxes, repairs, etc., you can count $800 extra.
• Total – Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip by Car will cost you approximately about $3400 to $4200 for four people.

Questions : From where to rent a Car for the road trip?

Best Route for Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip

If you just go and search for La Quiaca to Santa Cruz, Argentina then Google Maps will route you via different highways for a shorter route which goes through many highways including NR9, NH68, NR157, NR36, and more. The purpose of this trip is to explore Ruta 40, not to reach the destination quickly which is Santa Cruz. So, don’t do the mistake of following the route suggested by Google Maps. We are mentioning the road map which you need to follow to reach Santa Cruz along with exploring all the things which come in your way during Ruta 40 Argentina road trip.

We’ve marked all the locations on Google Map for your help. You can save it and access during the road trip. This map which we’ve created has all the major places to visit and the route of the road trip marked on it.

Places to Visit on Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip

On a 5000+ of Km long stretch like Ruta 40, you’ll find numerous interesting places to visit. As we told previously, Ruta 40 passes through 20 National Parks, 18 Major River, and 27 passes. There are a lot of places to visit on this road trip. We’ve written down all the places here. Have a look at the places you can visit and then we’ll move on to the day-by-day itinerary of Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip.

Note: This is the list of places that you can visit on National Route 40. We’ll be covering them in the Itinerary where the entire day plans will be mentioned. So, if you need a plan for the trip you’ll get that else you can use the list of these places and other things which we have mentioned on this page to create a plan by yourself.

• Complejo Volcanico De Santa Ana, Jujuy – Also called as Ilamatepec, the Santa Ana volcano is the main volcano of the complex. You need to walk a few meters to reach this place.
• Laguna Seca, Jujuy – If you are a photographer then this place offering a view of 2 rock plateaus will be a good place for clicking some pictures.
• Cerro Tucli (Tuzgle), Jujuy – Cerro Tuzgle is a mountain peak visible clearly from the main highway. It is a dormant stratovolcano at the elevation level of 5486 m. This place worth a visit, you need to go in for some Km from the Ruta 40.
• Viaduct Polrovilla, Salta – Also known as the train to the clouds, it is one of the highest elevated railways in the world. The journey starts from Salta and ends at Viaduct Polrovilla with enough time to enjoy journey and clouds. The ticket is somewhere around $80.
• Nevado Queva, Salta – 50 km Away from the National Route 40, this is a mountain with its peak at 6,000+ meters. The peak of the mountain is always covered with snow.
• Abra del Acay, Salta – It is the highest point of the Ruta 40 elevated at the level of 4,972 meters from the sea level. This is a perfect place to feel clouds just over your head.
• Puente del Diablo, Salta – It is a cave-like place with a water body flowing through. The place is just 500 meters away from National Route 40.
• Graneros Incas, La Poma, Salta – Graneros Incas is a natural cave as well as a historical landmark. You’ll be surprised to see how it has everything arranged for storage of raw material and rodent traps, ventilation, rain protection, and more.
• Nevado de Cachi, Salta – It is a large complex of mountains and a popular place for mountaineering. Nevado de Cachi counts several summits and the highest being at 6,380 meters which is called Cumbre Libertador.
• Cerro Malcante, Salta – It is a mountain peak that can easily be climbed. Once you get on top, you can see clouds around you. This place is located 5+ km from National Route 40.
• Intendencia Parque Nacional Los Cardones, Salta – Located in the center-west of the Salta, it is a national park in Argentina. It has an arid climate with a view of cactus all around you and a view of mountains in front.
• Quebrada de las Flechas, RN40, Salta – When you are on RN40, this is one of the must visit places on this route. During your Ruta 40 Argentina road trip, take a break here and enjoy magical views all around you. Perfect for photography.
• Mirador El Ventisquero, Salta – This is just a point you’ll be passing through having rocks on both sides. If you decide to stop here, there is a way to go up and see the whole way you’ve covered and the way which lies ahead to this point.
• Diqui San Carlos, Salta – A scenic spot with a water pond, clouds in the surrounding, mountains in front. If you got some picnic stuff in your car, this is a nice place for having a small picnic if the weather is in your favor.
• Cerro Galan, Catamarca Province – Approximately 75 km away from National Route 40, this is one of the largest exposed calderas in the world. Cerro Galan is the part of Central Volcanic Zones of Andes. To reach the top of 5912 meters, you need to hike the entire way.
• Quebrada de las Conchas, Cafayate, Salta – Located on the National Route 68 just a few km away from the Ruta 40, this is place is nature preserve visited frequently by passing travelers. Shells’ Ravine is adored for its beautiful rock formation and colorful views at different times of the day.
• Los Colorados, Cafayate, Salta – Located just a few km before the Quebrada de las Conchas, this is more popular for its breathtaking views. You’ll see giant rock formations, a river, greenery, everything at one place.
• Cumbres Calchaquies, Tucuman – If you are thinking to take a small break then this is a nice place for that. If the weather is good, you’ll be able to see the mountain peak covered with clouds on top.
• Cerro del Bolson, Tucuman – Just a few km away from the NR40, this is a place where you can witness clouds under you. Just reach to the top and look around you, you’ll see clouds down the place you are standing at.
• Pozo Verde, Hualfi, Catamarca – Pozo Verde is a beautiful rock formed wildlife park. If you are lucky to get good weather at the time you visit, you’ll be able to click some cool pictures.
• Virgen de Belen, Catamarca – Located on a mountain hill which is easy to climb, Virgen de Belen is a monument where someone can easily spend 10-15 minutes in peace.
• Sitio Arqueológico De Hualco, La Rioja Province – It is an archeological site and from the top of this place, you can see mountains and greenery all around. It offers a breathtaking view of the area it is surrounded by.
• Cristo del Portezuelo, La Rioja Province – With mountains on two sides in the background, this is a monument of Jesus. This tall statue of Jesus looks amazing at night with proper lighting.
• Incio Cuesta de Miranda, La Rioja – This place offers a beautiful view of the river and creek and if the weather is good, you’ll see it at it’s best.
• Cuesta la Miranda, La Rioja – If you are a travel photographer then this is going to be one of the most scenic spots for you. Standing on height, you can see the roads, mountains, greenery, rocks, and more in just one frame.
• Bordo Atravesado, La Rioja – Another viewpoint that offers a scenic view of green and red mountains ahead of you.
• Viejo Puente de Albardon, San Juan – It is a bridge built in the 1940s. Now a modern bridge is built parallel to this bridge so it has been left as vacant now.
• Cuesta del Chihuido, Mendoza – Lying on the Ruta 40, this place is a type of a halting-place where you can stop and look at the landscape around you.
• La Pasarela, Mendoza – It is a bridge located a few meters away from National Route 40, you can click some amazing pictures with a river between two rocks in the background.
• Cerro Payun, Mendoza – Payun is a stratovolcano lies in the back-arc region of the Andean Volcanic Belt. You can go there and have some pictures with this volcano shield.
• Punto Panoramico, Neuquen – This is a scenic spot offering amazing panoramic views of the Andes. You can take a break here and click some cool pictures with mountains and pond filled with clean water below.
• Observatorio de Condores, Neuquen – If you are coming just after Winters then you’ll see an amazing view of mountains covered with snow in front of you. Just park your car here and see the soothing landscape for a while.
• Vía Christi en Junín de los Andes – Parque via Christi is a very popular place on National Route 40. It is a park with a variety of views like religious, anthropological, infrastructure, and architecture. You’ll enjoy your time here.
• Mirador Bandurrias, San Martin de Los Andes – Mirador Bandurrias is such a place that cannot be explained in words. Once you get here, your eyes will see the most beautiful scene on this road trip with a river flowing in between mountains. You need to hike for a bit to reach this point.
• La Islita, Neuquen – Just some steps ahead of the Mirador Bandurrias. In this place, you’ll be able to see a small piece of land in the middle of the water with trees on it which makes it a perfect Instaworthy place.
• Mirador Lago Machonico, Neuquen – Another amazing view on the route ahead of San Martin de Los Andes, this place offers a view of snow-covered mountains with a river flowing down.
• Mirador Lago Falkner, Neuquen – Standing on the NR40 you can witness an amazing landscape and click some cool pictures here.
• Mirador Lago Villarino, Neuquen – Another viewpoint from where you can see an amazing landscape with a river and snow-covered mountains.
• Mirador Lago Escondido, Neuquen – Escondido is basically a pond which can easily be seen from the highway.
• Ruca Malen Bridge over the River, Neuquen – If you go down to the river which is quite accessible, you’ll see a small abandoned bridge that can be used as a nice prop for photography. The water of the river is crystal clear and there are some trees lying there so it will be a perfect photo spot.
• Mirador Inalco, Neuquen – Offering an extensive view of the Lago which is perfect for a drone shot.
• Barlovento, Villa La Angostura – Barlovento is a rest stop on a beach. So sit and watch the waves of the river and see moving boats with your fellow travelers.
• Punto Panoremico, Rio Negro – A photography spot but only if you are lucky enough to see water in the river. Without proper water level, this is just a normal place.
• Cerro Amigo, El Bolson – It is a scenic spot with a ticket of $1.2. It offers a view of the El Bolson town with snow-covered mountains and rivers in the frame.
• El Bosque Tallado, El Bolson – About 9 km away from the Town, it is a scenic spot with wooden made sculptures of people and animals. It has an entry fee, so make sure to bring some cash with you.
• Laberinto Patagonia, El Hoyo – It is a recreation tourist spot in El Hoyo. It has a labyrinth which you’ll find interesting to play with your fellow travelers.
• Mirador Lago Videma, Santa Cruz – Have a look at this huge Lago with glaciers in the background. Stay cautious about the windblast and enjoy the landscape.
• Mirador Cuesta De Miguel, Santa Cruz – Located just on the national route 40, this is an observation deck from where you can have an extensive view of mountains all around you.
• Puente Blanco, Santa Cruz – Puente Blanco is a view point of river Rio Gallegos located on the National Route 40.
• Guer Aike, Santa Cruz – Entry point of Rio Gallegos, it is a scenic spot built on a height on a flat mountain that offers an amazing view of surroundings.

Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip Itinerary

Starting this 10,000+ km long road trip from La Quiaca, Jujuy, Argentina, we’ll be going all the way to the bottom of the continent to Punta Loyola, Santa Cruz, Argentina. Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip will easily take about 17 to 24 days to complete and get back from where you started. In the itinerary, we’ve tried to plan everything at best so that you can enjoy within budget and best time period. If you want to do the trip according to your own plan then you can use the other information mentioned on this page as it’ll help you in planning the trip accurately. Otherwise, we’ve already planned everything for you. Have a look at Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip Itinerary here.

Day 1: La Quiaca to Susques Department (325 Km)

Starting off the Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip, on the day 1, you’ll be driving through dusty roads between rock mountains. We’ll suggest you to start the journey early in the morning so you can cover maximum distance and places of interest in a day. Starting the drive from La Quiaca, your first stop will be Complejo Volcanico De Santa Ana in Jujuy which is 153 Km from La Quiaca. Santa Ana Volcano is the main volcano of the complex. Park your car aside and take a break here. Also, if you like hiking then the hike to the peak of this volcano can be fun for you.

Untill you reach Susques Department, there are no decent or good hotels available for stay so we are making a plan to cover La Quiaca to Susques Department in a day. Once you reach Susques Department, you’ll be checking into a hotel and spending your night there. We’ve mentioned the list of best hotels for stay in Susques Department below.

Just 2.9 Km ahead of Santa Ana Volcano, you’ll arrive at Laguna Seca which is a decent place for clicking some pictures with giant plateaus in the background, though we do not recommend stopping here if you are already running late . Get back to the car and drive all the way straight to to reach Susques Department which is the stop for day 1.

Food Places between La Quiaca – Susques Department

• Cusi – Cusi Departamento Santa Catalina Jujuy – Located 4.7 Km away from National Route 40, this is a popular restaurant in Santa Catalina. You can enjoy a meal here during the Ruta 40 Argentina road trip.
• Comedor Don Hugo, Susques Department – Located in Susques Department, It is a reasonably priced quality food restaurant. You can have your meal here at night.

Best Accomodation for Stay in Susques Department

Complejo Turístico Pastos Chicos, Susques Department

Ratings : 7.4/10 Price : US $58 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Free Parking, Bar, TVs, Mountain Views, Wooden Furniture, Small Library, Game Room, Common Lounge, Restaurant, Breakfast Included, Hair Dryer, Heating, Wardrobe, Wake-up Service.

Petrol Pumps between La Quiaca – Susques Department

• ACA La quiaca – Unidad servicial N° 102
• Lubricentro, La Quiaca, Jujuy
• YPF, España Sur y Bolívar, Y4650 La Quiaca, Jujuy
• Posto de Combustível, Casa Quemada, Jujuy

Day 2: Susques Department to Cachi (272 Km)

On day 2 of the Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip, our 1st stop will be Cerro Tuzgle which is about 82.9 Km far from Susques Department. We’ll suggest you leave early from Susques Department so you can enjoy most of your day on the trip instead of a hotel. It’ll be a 1.5-hour drive to Cerro Tuzgle. Cerro Tuzgle is a dormant stratovolcano at the elevation level of 5486 meters.

If you’ve decided to climb to the top then make sure to leave early in the morning around 4 AM so that you can witness this amazing view under a starry roof. Cerro Tuzgle peak is covered with snow if you visit it just after the winters. hiking to the peak will take almost half of your day so plan accordingly.

Moving from Cerro Tuzgle, the next stop will be Viaduct Polvorilla (Viaducto la Polvorilla) which is a railway bridge. The train Tren a las Nubes that passes from here is known as the train to the clouds. Ticket of Tren a las Nubes is US$80 and the train can be boarded from Salta Province ending the journey at Viaduct Polrovilla.

Leave from Cerro Tuzgle and drive for around 26.7 Km on National Route 40 to reach Viaducto la Polvorilla. You can stop here for 15 minutes. This will be a nice place for watching the train going over this huge railway bridge. If you decide to experience the train ride, you can additionally go to Salta and board the train from there. We’ve not included the train ride in the itinerary.

From Viaduct Polrovilla, You need to drive 60.3 Km on the Ruta 40 to reach Abra del Acay which is the highest point of Ruta 40 elevated at 4972 meters from the sea level.

Take a small break here and enjoy the view of mountains and snow covered peaks from the highest point of this Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip. Continue driving for coming 51 km and you’ll arrive at Puente Del Diablo which is cave-like place with water flowing between the rocks. It is one of the best places on this route to click amazing pictures. Leaving early from Susques Department is really important on Day 2 because you are going to see many interesting places on Day 2 before reaching Cachi.

Just 11.65 Km away from Puente Del Diablo, you’ll arrive at Graneros Incas which is a natural cave as well as a historical landmark. A natural cave which has a lot of nature made arrangements like rain protection, rodent traps, ventilation, and more.

Along with the National Ruta 40 driving towards Cachi, you’ll see the range of mountains which is called Nevado de Cachi located a bit far from the highway. It is a complex of mountains among which Cumbre Libertador being the highest elevated mountain peak at 6380 meters. Nevado de Cachi is a popular place for hiking, so if you are interested in hiking then this is a must-go place.

Moving on with the Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip, our next and last places to visit for the day will be Intendencia Parque Nacional Los Cardones which is about 27 Km drive away from Graneros Incas. It is a national park where you can take your vehicle and drive between giant cactuses all around. Once you are done with all the places to visit for the day, it’s time to checck-in to hotel and rest until the next day drive starts. Drive all the way to Cachi which is just 12 km away from Intendencia Parque Nacional.

Food Places between Susques Department – Cachi

• Restaurante Los Patitos, San Antonio de los Cobres – A quite popular restaurant in San Antonio de los Cobres. They have good sitting arrangements for everyone. Staff is very welcoming and the owner takes care of how customers are being served and their experience with the food.
• Quinoa Real Restaurante, San Antonio de los Cobres – Quinoa Real is an authentic argentanian restaurant offering tasty argentinian food. Staff is very friendly and the sitting arrangements are good.
• Restaurante El Aguila, San Antonio de los Cobres – It’s a quick food restaurant where the cook directly serves you.
• Club Güemes, San Antonio de los Cobres – This restaurant serves a good variety of snacks and this is quite suitable for those who are driving by it.
• Resto Bar El Malevo, San Antonio de los Cobres – It is a traditional restaurant decoreted in a vintage style. The food is really tasty as well as worthy of the price.
• Huayra Huasi, San Antonio de los Cobres – Huayra Huasi is the most popular restaurant in San Antonio de los Cobres. Well know for Ilamas meat, it is a nice place for having proper meal.
• Comedor y hospedaje El Acay, La Poma – Comedor is an argentanian restaurant with sitting arrangements for upto 6 people on a table. Food is good and the price they charge is reasonable.
• El Aujero, RN40, Cachi – El Aujero is a local theme food restaurant in Cachi. It is quite popular for Cabrito, Empanadas, Cazuela, Ilamas, etc.
• Restaurant Nevado de Cachi, Cachi – Viracocha is a pocket-for-money resturant in Cachi. It is most visited for Empanadas, Cabrito, Lemonade, and Cazuela.
• El Bistro de Cachi, Cachi – You can visit this place at night and enjoy drinks with your fellow travelers in a bistro.

Best Accomodation for Stay in Cachi, Salta

El Corjito Hotel Boutique

Ratings : 8.7/10 Price : US $80 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Mountain View, Landmark View, Inner Courtyard View, Patio, Ensuite Bathroom, Barbeque, Free WiFi, Extra Long Beds, Free Barking, Breakfast, Bar.

Casas en Cachi

Ratings : 9.5/10 Price : US $48 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Garden View, Patio, Private Bathroom, Kitchen, Bedset, Sofa, Private Entrance, Seating Area, Wardrobe, Free Parking, Free WiFi.

Hosteria Villa Cardon

Ratings : 9.2/10 Price : US $77 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Garden View, Inner Courtyard View, Patio, Ensuite Bathroom, Free WiFi, Outdoor Dining Area, Wake-up Service, Mosquito Net, Marble Floor.

Petrol Pumps between Susques Department – Cachi

• YPF, San Antonio de los Cobres
• Energy Resource- Estación Shell, San Antonio de los Cobres
• YPF ACA Cachi, Cachi

Day 3: Cachi to Belen (425 Km)

Today’s ride is going to be a little more tiring as we’ll be covering over 400 km on Day 3. We’ve covered 597 Km so far on this Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip. Cachi to Belen is 425 Km in the distance which goes through a lot of rough and dusty patches. Again I would say leaving early in the morning will work in your favor. Our first stop will be Mirador el Ventisquero which is about 92 km away from Cachi.

Mirador el Ventisquero is a gate like a point on this route where you’ll see spiky gigantic rocks on both sides of the road. Once you cross this section and if you look back to it, you’ll see it appears like a gate on the highway. This is one of the most interesting points on Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip you’ll be passing through. You can take a 5-10 minutes halt at Mirador el Ventisuqero.

The next stop will be Dique San Carlos where you can stop for a while and enjoy it. From Ventisuqero, Dique San Carlos is about 36 km. Dique San Carlos is a beautiful landscape with a water body, mountains in the background, and area for stopping you care just close to the water and enjoy the view. You can even do a small picnic if you are prepared for it.

Cerro Galan is one of the most exposed Calderas in the world. Though it lies far away from the Ruta 40 so we’ve not included in the Itinerary of Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip. If you want to experience Cerro Galan, you can include 2 extra days to the schedule. After Dique San Carlos, we are going a bit off the Ruta 40 to experience two amazing places pretty close to it. Los Colorado and Shells’ Ravine are these two amazing places located on Ruta 60. We’ll be using RP44 because it is a shorter way to reach Los Colorado which is about 26 Km away and just next to it lies Shells’ Ravine.

Shells’ Ravine and Los Colorado are giant red rock mountains that offer a breathtaking view of rock formations and National Route 68 as well as Ruta 40. You can easily spend 2 hours at these places. Once you are done with exploring these places, get back to the Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip and head to the next stop. The next stop on this trip is Cumbres Calchaquies which is about 104 Km from Shells’s Ravine. if the weather is hot, we wouldn’t suggest you go here. It is a landscape viewpoint, so if you are willing to hike it, you can but that’ll require 1 extra day which we didn’t count in this Itinerary.

Well, moving forwards, the next stop will be Cerro del Bolson which is again a mountain peak. You need to trek to it in order to experience it. We would suggest you to visit it as it offers an amazing view of cloud even lower than the elevation level of the mountain. Try how far you can take the car, rest you need to do on feets.

Moving ahead of Cerro del Bolson, the next stop is Pozo Verde Wildlife Park which is about 62 Km from this place. Pozo Verde is a beautiful wildlife park with an amazing view of red rock formed mountain walls. Along with that, a flowing water body compliments the wildlife park. You can click some cool pictures here.

Our last stop for the day is in the Belen city which is Virgen de Belen. After a long day, the last stop Virgen de Belen is just 59.2 Km away from Pozo Verde Wildlife park. Once you reach there, you can first check-in to the hotel and then visit Virgen de Belen as it is just close to the city and you’ll be staying in Belen for a night. So, we are done with first 1000 km of the Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip. Rest is going to be awesome as we’ll be changing to a green landscape in coming days pretty soon.

Food Places between Cachi – Belen

• Restaurante y Alojamiento La Posada de Adelita, Salta – It is a 100+ years old restaurant in Salta and offers one of the best Empanadas in entire Salta province.
• El Rancho de Manolo, Molinos – Offering delicious empanadas with an amazing view of the valley. This is one of the best restaurants in Molinos.
• Los 3 Chinos, Molinos – It is the best authentic Argentanian dish restaurant in Molinos with nice seating arrangements for couples and groups.
• Bodega El Cese, Angastaco, RN40 – It is a small winery owned by a family in Salta. You’ll love the tour of the winery as the family is very welcoming and they tell the history of the business very well.
• Parador Ruta 40, Salta – Located just on the main highway, it is a quick snack restaurant where you can take a 15-20 minutes break and continue your ride.
• Restaurant-Comedor El Molino, San Carlos – It is a good place for having a chill time. You can stop here for chilled beers and amazing food.
• Restaurant Don Pablo, Santa Maria – Don Pablo is a reasonably priced tasty regional food restaurant which is usually rushed with crowd.
• Resto Bar K-ty, Belen – It is one of the most popular restaurants in Belen. This restaurant operates 24 hours so you can visit here at any time.
• Pizzeria-Bar Libra, Belen – The best pizza restaurant in the town. If you are looking for pizzas, this is the place you’ll love in Belen.
• Mikhuy Restaurante, Belen – It is a perfect place for dinner. Mikhuy is an Argentanean restaurant with good ambiance and outdoor sitting arrangements.

Best Accomodation for Stay in Belen

Villa San Ignacio

Ratings : 8.6/10 Price : US $24 Per Night, 3 Adults

Facilities : Free WiFi, Swimming Pool, Breakfast Included, Garden Area, Mountain View.

Estacion 40 Hotel

Ratings : 7.8/10 Price : US $21 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Air Conditioning, Flat-Screen TV, Free WiFi, Heating, Wardrobe, Clothes Rack.

Hotel Belen

Ratings : 8.1/10 Price : US $55 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Bar, Breakfast Included, Balcony, Garden View, Mountain View, City View, Air Conditioning, Spa Bath, Private Bathroom, Flat TV, Terrace.

Petrol Pumps between Cachi – Belen

• Estacion de Servicios, Villa el Monte, Seclantás, Salta, Argentina.
• Centro de Servicios San Onofre, Libertad, Angastaco 97, A4427 Salta, Argentina.
• YPF, Güemes Y, Brachieri, A4427 Cafayate, Salta, Argentina.
• ACA Hualfin, RN40, Hualfin, Catamarca, Argentina.
• Refinor Service Station, Av Coronel Daza & Sarmiento, Belén, Catamarca, Argentina.

Day 4: Belen to San Juan Province (623 Km)

So far we’ve done 1002 Km of the Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip which is about 20% of the trip. On Day 4, we’ll be covering 623 Km from Belen to San Juan Province. Day 4 is going to be more about driving and we’ll be changing to a new terrain which is green and you’ll love the roads here. So, starting the day leaving early at about 6 in the morning our first stop will be Sitio Arqueológico De Hualco (Hualco Archeological Site) which is 112 Km away from Belen. It’ll be a 1 hour 20 minutes drive.

Sitio Arqueológico De Hualco is an archeological museum where you can offering you an amazing view of landscape and ruins. You can spend hours in the pond on the premises of Hualco Archeological Site. The place is really quiet and beautiful, you’ll love exploring it. Once you are done with exploring this place, we’ll be moving to the next stop on Day 4 of this Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip . The next stop will be Cristo del Portezuelo in Chilecito which is again about 112 Km ahead of Hualco Archeological Site.

Cristo del Portezuelo is a tall statue of Jesus that can easily be seen from the road. It has scenic surroundings and you’ll love spending some time here. You can click some cool pictures standing on the stairs under the statue of Jesus. Moving ahead, the next stop is going to be Inicio Cuesta de Miranda which is a viewpoint offering a beautiful view of red rocks and mountains with a river flowing in the middle. Inicio Cuesta de Miranda is about 37.1 Km ahead of Cristo del Portezuelo which will take around 40 minutes to reach there.

Just a few km ahead of Inicio Cuesta de Miranda lies Bordo Atravesado which is an amazing viewpoint of colorful mountains covered with green grass with a mix of beautiful red rock mountain formation. Just a 10-minute ride covering about 10.8 Km and you’ll reach Bordo Atravesado. Our next stop is going to be in San Juan Province which is about 358 Km from Bordo Atravesado. So, once you are done with visiting Bordo Atravesado, grab some snacks and start your long journey to San Juan Province.

The next stop is Viejo Puente de Albardón which is an old bridge. It is not operational now as it has got a new bridge just on the right side of the ridge. You can click some cool pictures here and enjoy the view of the land from over the bridge. You can even visit this place the next morning as this is just close to the place you are going to stay at.

Food Places between Belen to San Juan Province

• Sandwicheria Tucuman, Londres – A reasonably priced restaurant offering wide variety of Sandwiches on National Route 40. You can take a small break and enjoy a sandwich.
• Comedor la Plaza, Londres – It is a pocket-friendly place where you can have a wide range of food options. From proper meal to quick snacks, you’ll get everything here.
• Estacion de Cerveza, San Blas de los Sauces – It is the only restaurant in San Blas de Los sauces, So if you are hungry or feel like eating something then this will be a good place for the break.
• Lomiteria El Pirata, La Roja – Lomiteria is a Pizza outlet where you can enjoy variety of Pizzas on your way to the next destination.
• Guidos Bar, RN40, La Roja – Guidos Bar is a popular Bar & Grill on National Route 40. If you want to eat something grilled or smoky, you can stop by it.
• El Rancho de Ferrito, Chilecito – This is an extremely popular restaurant in Chilecito and very near to Cristo del Portezuelo. Popular dishes of this restaurant are Empanadas and Parrillada.
• La Mexicana Comidas, RN40, Chilecito – Mexicana Comidas is popular for Tacos, Lomito, Burrito, and Empanadas. It is type of a quick food place.
• Parilla Ruta 40, F5350 Villa Union, La Rioja – Located just on the Ruta 40, this restaurant offers amazing Chivito, Empanadas, Goat Meat, Cabrito, Asada, Parrillada, Locro, and more dishes.

Best Accomodation for Stay in San Juan Province

Del Bono Suites Art Hotel

Ratings : 8.4/10 Price : US $82 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Swimming Pool, Free WiFi, Pets Allowed, Breakfast Included, Hot Tub, Kitchen, Desk, TV, Refrigerator, Microwave, Heating, Hairdryer, Wake-up Service, and more.

Hotel Casa Mia

Facilities : Parking, Non-Smoking Rooms, Free WiFi, Pets Allowed, Family Rooms, Breakfast Included, Air Conditioning, Ensuite Bathroom, TV, Refirgerator, Tea/Coffee Maker, Wardrobe, Ground Floor.

Hotel Vinas del Sol

Ratings : 8.7/10 Price : US $46 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Swimming Pool, Free Parking, Non-Smoking Rooms, Fitness Centre, Room Service, Bar, Breakfast Included, Air Conditioning, Free WiFi, Parking, Shower, TV, Wardrobe.

Oasis Cordillerano Village

Ratings : 9.2/10 Price : US $72 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Garden View, Pool View, Air Conditioning, Patio, Private Bathroom, Flat Screen TV, Soundproofing, Free WiFi, TV, Refrigerator, Heating, Microwave, Kitchenware, Stovetop, and more.

Petrol Pumps between Belen – San Juan Province

• YPF, Ruta Nacional 40 Km (Ex Prov. 11, F5327 Salicas, La Rioja, Argentina.
• YPF, Av. Eva Perón 772, F5360 Chilecito, La Rioja, Argentina.
• YPF, Ruta Nacional 40 Km Y 25 De Mayo, J5460, San Juan, Argentina.
• YPF, Villa General San Martín, San Juan Province, Argentina

Day 5: San Juan Province to Chos Malal (829 Km)

It’s day 5 of this Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip, we’ve so far covered 1600+ Km on Ruta 40. Today we’ll be covering over 800 Km on this stretch. Day 5 is going to be more about riding as we have only 3 major places to visit on the route. First stop for the day will be Cuesta del Chihuido which is about 531 Km ahead of our starting point for the day.

Cuesta del Chihuido is a mountain peak located just on the National Route 40 at the elevation of 1977 meters in Mendoza province. You can either take a halt on the highway or take the trek to the mountain peak. It offers amazing views of the surroundings and there is a waterfall between rocks. The waterfall can be a good experience for you at Cuesta del Chihuido and you can click some nice pictures here.

Continuing from Cuesta del Chihuido, the next stop will be La Pasarela which is about 87 Km away. La Pasarela is a bridge crossing over the Rio Grande river. You can stop here and take enjoy a photography session in this section of the road. The next stop is Cerro Payun that is a Stratovolcano lying in the back-arc region of the Andean Volcanic Belt.

We suggest you take a quick trek to Cerro Payun. You can take your car close to the mountain and cover the rest of the distance on feet. With patches of many colors, Cerro Payun looks tempting and if you are able to go just after winters, you’ll see some snow which makes it more beautiful. Now once you are done with the trek, we’ll be driving 188 Km all the way to Chos Malal and check-in to the hotel.

Food Places between San Juan Province – Chos Malal

• McDonald’s, Av. San Martín 1202, M5501 Godoy Cruz, Mendoza, Argentina .
• La Revancha, Mendoza – It is a popular restaurant and a takeaway food point in Mendoza. You can try Pizza, Spaghetti, Soup, and Empanadas here.
• Parador Del Sur, Chilecito – A decent place for hjaving lunch at. It is located just on the highway.
• Parador el Chacallal, El Sosneado – Parador is a simple quick snacks restaurant loacated just on the Ruta 40. You can have some snacks here and take a break.
• Vairoletto Café & Restó, Malargue, Mendoza – Vairoletto Cafe & Resto is a popular restaurant in Malargue. Some famous dishes of this place are Goat Meat, Chivito, Trout, Lasagna, Cazuela, and more.
• Turcara, Malargue, Mendoza – Turcara is a home cooking restaurant located near to the edge of mountain. You can try Goat Burger here with enjoying the view of mountains.
• Restaurant Dejavu, Neuquen – Dejavu is a small restaurant offering tasty food at reasonable price. Atmosphere is good and you can take a small break here.
• Canay, Chos Malal – Canay is a chill place where you can enjoy Pizza, Beer, Burgers, and more with music.
• La Favela Pizzeria, Chos Malal – It is the best place for having pizza in Chos Malal with a wide range of Pizza and drinks options.
• Don Costa, Chos Malal – Don Costa is a restaurant in a Hotel which offers all type of food options for Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast.

Best Accomodation for Stay in Chos Malal, Neuquen

Hotel Terra Malal

Ratings : 9.0/10 Price : US $70 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Swimming Pool, Breakfast Included, Bathtub, Air Conditioning, Flat-Screen TV, Heating, Hairdryer, Shower.

Hotel Picun Ruca

Ratings : 7.9/10 Price : US $80 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Bar, Breakfast Included, Balcony, City View, Air Conditioning, Patio, Flat-Screen TV, Terrace, Minibar, Free WiFi, Parking.

Petrol Pumps between San Juan Province – Chos Malal

• YPF Service Station, Las Heras, Mendoza Province, Argentina.
• Shell, San Martín 1500, M5560 Tunuyán, Mendoza, Argentina.
• ESTACIÓN DE SERVICIO EL SOSNEADO, San Rafael, Mendoza Province, Argentina.
• Service Station AXION Malargüe, Ruta Nac. 40 Y Calle Publica, Malargüe, Mendoza, Argentina.
• ACA Chos Malal, 25 de Mayo 614, Q8353 Chos Malal, Neuquén, Argentina

Day 6 & 7: Chos Malal to San Martin de Los Andes (458 Km)

Well, we’ve covered 2454 Km of Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip so far. This Ruta 40 Argentine Road Trip is going to be awesome as soon as we enter the San Martin de Los Andes as it has many beautiful landscapes for you. We’ll be reaching there on Day 1 and taking Day 2 to explore the entire place and getting back to the hotel in San Martin de Los Andes. You can’t just miss the beauty of this place.

You can leave from Chos Mala at around 8 AM or 9 AM as there is not many places to visit on the route. Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip has been quite adventurous so far and now it is going to be soulful. So, tighten your seat belts and leave for San Martin de Los Andes. Start your car and drive for 394 Km to reach the first stop for Day 6 that is Observatorio De Cóndores.

Observatorio De Cóndores is a viewpoint located just on Ruta 40. Park your car and experience this amazing view of mountains peaks covered with Snow. Continuing from here, the next stop will be Parque Via Christi. A drive of 23 Km which takes about 25 minutes will take you to Parque Via Christi from Observatorio de Condores.

After having a little bit of rest and a meal so your body can regain the energy to go out and explore more, we’ll explore two amazing viewpoints in San Martin de Los Andes and you’ll love these places. Just a few minutes of hike will get you on to Mirador Bandurrais and La Islita.

You can drive your car to Mirador Banduarrias, it is just 7 Km away from the center of the town. Mirador Bandurrias offers you an amazing view of Lago Lacar surrounded by mountains for miles. The water of Lago Lacar is crystal clean and you’ll love sitting here for hours. Just about a kilomtere away, you can visit La Islita which is a viewpoint of Lago Lacar with a small piece of land in the middle of water. Both of the places shown in the image above are great for photography and sitting for hours. Now, let’s take a look at the best hotels where you can spend quality time in this beautiful town.

Best Accomodation for Stay in San Martin de Los Andes

Huinid Bustillo Hotel & Spa

Ratings : 8.8/10 Price : US $60 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Swimming Pool, Parking, Spa and Wellness Centre, Fitness Centre,Room Service, Bar, Breakfast Included, Flat Screen TV, Minibar, Free WiFi, Wardrobe, and more.

Cabañas Villa Centauro

Ratings : 9.3/10 Price : US $30 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Free Parking, Non-smoking Rooms, Free WiFi, BBQ Facilities, Garden View, Flat Screen TV, Kitchen.

Charming Luxury Lodge & Private Spa

Ratings : 9.5/10 Price : US $164 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Swimming Pool, Free Parking, Spa and Wellness Centre, Fitness Centre, Bar, Breakfast Included, Beachfront, Private Beach Area, Balcony, Mountain View, Garden View, Landmark View, Pool View, and more.

Lirolay Suites

Ratings : 9.5/10 Price : US $79 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Swimming Pool, Free Parking, Spa and Wellness Centre, Fitness Centre, Bar, Breakfast Included, Beachfront, Private Beach Area, Balcony, and more.

We’ve selected these hotels very carefully taking in mind about your comfort and leisure. We hope you’ll like your stay at any of these hotels during this Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip. Once you wake up on Day 7, we’ve planned everything and a beach is waiting for you. Let’s start day 7 of this Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip.

Get in your car and put navigation on Google Maps to Playa de Yuco. Playa de Yuco is a beachfront just 26 km away from the city. You need to follow RP48 to get there and it’ll take around 50 minutes for you to reach there. We suggest you to go to this place in the morning at about 5 AM or 6 AM. You’ll find it magical in the morning when sun is about to rise.

Once you are done exploring this beach, get back to the hotel and leave from there to explore other places at around 12 PM. On Day 7 of the Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip you’ll be exploring 4-5 places and getting back to the hotel. So, the first place will be Mirador Lago Machónico which is just a few km away from the city on Ruta 40. Connected to the Lago Hermoso, Lago Mochonico is a small pond of water among the mountains offering an amazing landscape.

All these for Lagos are located within 50 Km from San Martin de Los Andes on Ruta 40. Here are the names you can put on Google map and navigate to these places:

• Mirador Lago Machónico
• Mirador Lago Falkner
• Mirador Del Lago Villarino
• Mirador Lago Escondido
• Cascadas Nivinco (Waterfall)

Once you are done with exploring these places, get back to the hotel and the next morning we’ll be leaving to our next destination which will be El Hoyo.

Food Places between San Juan Province – San Martin de Los Andes

• El Fortín Restaurant y Hospedaje, Las Lajas – It is a 24 hours open restaurant in Las Lajas offering delicious pasta and egg dishes.
• Restauran San Expedito, Las Lajas – San Expedito is a popular restaurant for its price value and quality of food. It is located just on the Highway.
• McMazzi, Zapala – McMazzi is a good restaurant in Zapala for Pizzas, Empanadas, and Burgers. You need to drive few meters off the highway to reach here.
• Vieja Deli, San Martin de Los Andes – This is a really amazing restaurant because of the lake and mountain views it offers. Food is a bit expensive here as the locating is really great. Vieja Deli is the most popular restaurant in San Martin de Los Andes.
• Parrilla Patagonia Piscis, San Martin de Los Andes – Parrilla Patagonia Piscis is famous for Lamb, Parrillada, Asada, Trout, Empanadas, Red Deer, Provoleta, Sorrentinos, and Malbec. It is also an expensive restaurant.
• Corazon Conteto, San Martin de Los Andes – With great ambience, they offer quality food at good price. This is a good restaurant for takeway and delivery.

Petrol Pumps between Chos Malal – San Martin de Los Andes

• YPF, Ruta Nacional 22 Km Y Ruta Nac 40 S, Q8347 Las Lajas, Neuquén, Argentina.
• YPF, Padre Luis Monti Y Trannack, Q8340 Zapala, Neuquén, Argentina.
• YPF, Ruta Nacional 234 Km, Q8371 Junín de los Andes, Neuquén, Argentina.
• ACA Estación de Servicios, Koessler 2176, Ruta 40, Q8370FSU San Martin de los Andes, Neuquén, Argentina.

Day 8: San Martin de Los Andes to El Hoyo (297 KM)

We’ve covered 2912 Km of this Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip so far. It’s been 8 days since you started this Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip and we hope you are enjoying it. We suggest you to leave at 10 AM in the morning from San Martin de Los Andes after having a good breakfast.

Our first stop of Day 8 will be Ruca Malen bridge over the river which his about 85 Km far from San Martin de Los Andes. Located on Ruta 40, this is a perfect Instaworthy place where you can click some amazing pictures and landscapes. The water is extremely clear and you’ll enjoy your time being here.

Color of water appears to be turquoise and emerald at many places which makes it a more beautiful place. People do spend time here being in the water and enjoying time with their fellow people.

Moving ahead, the next stop will be Mirador Inalco, and very close to it the second stop will be Punto Panoramico which is a perfect place to experience a panoramic view of the valley. Mirador Inalco is about 15.7 Km from Ruca Malen bridge which’ll take around 15 minutes to reach there. Mirador Inalco is a viewpoint of Nahuel Huapi Lake.

Just 2.5 Km ahead of Mirador Inalco, you’ll reach Punto Panoramico. You can take a quick break here and capture some cool panoramas. After Punto Panoramico, we’ll be visiting Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi . Nahuel Huapi National Park is the most visited tourist place on this Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip. You need to buy tickets for the national park which costs about US$40 for each person. You can consult with your Hotel about visiting Huapi National Park as it is a separate experience and takes a lot of time. So, do it on a separate day.

Our next stop will be Barlovento which is a halting place where people usually take a break sitting on the beach. You’ll enjoy sitting there for a hour on sand giving rest to your body. When you are done with taking a quick break, you can conitnue the drive to the next stop. Barlovento is about 12 km ahead of Punto Panoramico which will take around 15 hour of drive. After visiting Barlovento, you can also visit Cerro Catedral, A mountian peak in Rio Negro. This place is also popular for skying. Cerro Catedral is 93 Km ahead of Barlovento in Rio Negro.

There are two more places which we’ll be exploring on the route which are Cerro Amigo and El Bosque Tollado. These two are located very close to each other and just a few km before EL Hoyo. Cerro Amigo is a view point of El Bolson which offers a tempting view of town. Just a few km ahead of Cerro Amigo, you’ll see El Bosque Tollado which is a place where you can see wooden structures of humans and animals.

So, we are done for today and now we’ll be moving to our final destination for today which is El Hoyo. El Hoyo is 142 Km ahead of Cerro Catedral. It’ll be 2 hours and 20 minutes drive on a beautiful road. Once you reach El Hoyo, check-in to the hotel and take rest and we’ll continue to our next destination on Day 9 of this Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip.

Once you reach El Hoyo, take a little rest and then you can visit Laberinto Patagonia which is just 5.3 km via Camino al Desemboque. Laberinto Patagonia is a recreation spot where you can play tart with your friends.

Food Places between San Martin de Los Andes – El Hoyo

• Balneario Diurno Lago Espej, Neuquen – A perfect food place for having a beach-side meal with your fellow travelers.
• El Pamperito, Villa La Angostura – This restaurant is located in a garden type area where you can enjoy with your family. They have games for visitors which you can enjoy.
• Algeria Pasteleria, El Bolson – It is a home-made bakery and food product shop located a few meters from the highway in El Bolson.
• Parilla “El Pirata”, El Hoyo – El Pirata is a popular restaurant in El Hoyo. It is most visited for Fries, Grill, Choripan, Burger, Asada, and more fast food dishes.
• El Hoyo Bar, El Hoyo – You can enjoy some drinks here with your fellows.

Best Accomodation for Stay in El Hoyo

Hosteria El Hoyo

Ratings : 9.4/10 Price : US $59 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Bar, Breakfast Included, Garden View, Mountain View, Landmark View, Patio, Barbeque, Heating, Board Games, Books, DVDs for Kids, Private Entrance, and more.

Hostel Luz Clara

Ratings : 9.7/10 Price : US $50 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Garden View, Mountain View, Patio, Soundproof, Coffee Machine, Free WiFi, Mosquito Net, Microwave, Dining Area, and more.

Petrol Pumps between San Martin de Los Andes – El Hoyo

• ESTACION DE SERVICIO YPF NORTE, Chos Malal, Av. Siete Lagos y, Q8407 Villa La Angostura, Neuquén, Argentina.
• Estacion De Servicio Axion Dina Huapi, Los Notros 277, R8402 Dina Huapi, Río Negro, Argentina.
• ACA Villa Mascardi, RN40, Villa Mascardi, Río Negro, Argentina.
• YPF, El Bolsón, Río Negro, Argentina.
• YPF, El Hoyo, Chubut Province, Argentina.

Day 9: El Hoyo to El Calafate (1295 Km)

So, Day 9 of Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip is going to be a driving day. You’ll be driving all the way to El Calafate which is just 500 Km away from our final destination of this Ruta 40 Road Trip. Our first and only place to visit for day 9 will be Mirador Lago Viedma which is about 1177 Km from El Hoyo. So, tighten your seat belts and put the destination on the Google map, and start driving. Enjoy various beautiful curves of the route through the car window. Take breaks at your convenience.

Experience incredible view of snow covered mountains straight from the highway. From here, drive 118 km to El Calafate and there you’ll be spending the night. Tomorrow on Day 10 of Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip, we’ll continue to our final destination for the trip which is Punta Loyola.

• Todo Casero, Tecka, Chubut Province – It is a down home cooking restaurant where you can enjoy a quick break with tasty fries and pasta.
• Parrilla “El Petiso”, Chubut Province – El Petiso is a popular restaurant which offers tasty soup, steap, churrasco, chorizo, and many other food items.
• Rotiseria Y Comedor “Lo Del Gordo”, Rio Mayo – If you are looking for homemade food then this place can offer you that.
• Rotisería el Buen Sabor, Perito Moreno – It is an argentanian food restaurant where you can have coffee and some homemade dishes.
• Comidas Rapidas El Viajero, Bajo Caracoles – Comidas Rapidas El Viajero is a good restaurant for having and takeaway sandwiches.
• La Anonima, Gdor. Gregores – A reasonably priced restaurant where you can have lunch or snacks as you would like to have.
• Isabel Cocina al Disco, El Calafate – it is the most popular restaurant of Calafate for dishes like Lamb, Cava, Trout, Wine, Steak au Poivre, and more.
• Parrilla Don Pichon, El Calafate – Locates on top of the hill it offers a beautiful view of lake. Food is really tasty and a bit expensive here.

Best Accomodation for Stay in El Calafate

Hotel Rochester Calafate

Ratings : 8.2/10 Price : US $80 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Free Parking, Family Rooms, Restaurant, Room Service, Free WiFi, Bar, Breakfast Included, Minibar, Bathtub, Flat Screen TV, and more.

Tierra Tehuelche Hostería y Aparts

Ratings : 8.7/10 Price : US $43 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Free Parking, Family Rooms, Room Service, WiFi, Breakfast, Lake View, Bathtub, Minibar, Patio, Mountain View, and more.

Petrol Pumps between El Hoyo – El Calafate

• YPF, Soldado Austin Y Güemes S/N°, U9201 Tecka, Chubut, Argentina.
• YPF, Julio Argentino Roca Y 28 De Febrero, U9223 Gdor. Costa, Chubut, Argentina.
• YPF Service Station, Río Mayo, Chubut Province, Argentina.
• YPF Service Station, Rivadavia, 9 de Julio &, Perito Moreno, Santa Cruz, Argentina.
• YPF El Alamo, Antártida Argentina S/N°, Z9311 Gdor. Gregores, Santa Cruz, Argentina.
• Petrobras, Av. del Libertador 1780, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina.

Day 10: El Calafate to Rio Gallegos (489 Km)

This is the last day of driving fro one city to another covering 100s of kilometers. On Day 10 of the Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip, we’ll be driving from El Calafate to Rio Gallegos covering 489 Km of stretch on Ruta 40. Leaving early from El Calafate, our first stop will be Mirador Cuesta De Miguez located on Ruta 40 about 54 Km ahead of El Calafate. Mirador Cuesta De Miguez is a viewpoint where you can look at an amazing view of mountains covered with snow and if you are lucky you’ll be able to see fox over here.

The next stop on Day 10 of Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip is Puente Blanco which is about 249 Km from Mirador Cuesta De Miguez. Puente Blanco is also a viewpoint located on Ruta 40 where you can take a quick break and click some pictures. Third and the last place to visit on Day 10 is Guer Aike that is the entry point of Rio Gallegos. From Puente Blanco, it’ll be a 162 Km ride to Guer Aike. From Guer Aike, jut 28 Km of the ride and you’ll arrive at the last city of this Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip. We suggest you spend at least 2 days here with your fellow travelers. Explore the city and visit Punta Loyola which is the endpoint of National Route 40.

Food Places between El Calafate – Rio Gallegos

• RESTAURANT “EL BUEN GUSTO´´, 28 de Noviembre – It is an argentanian restaurant serving tasty empanadas at a good price point.
• Hotel Posada Las Lengas, 28 de Noviembre – It is a popular restaurant located in a hotel. This palce is quite popular for its wide range of dishes for all types of meal.
• Neneo Restaurante, Rio Gallegos – It is the most popular restaurant of Rio Gallegos where most of the peope enjoy having wine, shellfish, and pasta.
• La Marta parrilla restaurante, Rio Gallegos – Most visited for Pizza, Lamb, Parrillada, Empanadas, Asada, Chord, and Sudero.
• Open Google Maps and explore Rio Gallegos, there are plenty of amazing food places which you can enjoy.

Best Accomodation for Stay in Rio Gallegos

Hotel Aire de Patagonia

Ratings : 8.6/10 Price : US $42 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Ensuite Bathroom, Free WiFi, Flat Screen TV, Hairdryer, Wardrobe, and more.

Hotel Comercio

Ratings : 8.3/10 Price : US $46 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Free Parking, Free WiFi, Breakfast, Bar, Flat Screen TV, Soundproofing, Bathtub, and more.

EL PATAGON viviendas

Ratings : 8.0/10 Price : US $35 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities : Free Parking, Free WiFi, Inner Courtyard View, Patio, Breakfast, Kitchen, Flat Screen TV, and more.

Petrol Pumps between El Calafate – Rio Gallegos

• Tapi Aike, Santa Cruz Province, Chile.
• AXION, Segundo Villagra Nº 22, Río Turbio, Santa Cruz, Argentina.
• Estacion de Servicio Ypf de Alma Sa, Antártida Argentinay Rn 40, 28 de Noviembre, Santa Cruz, Argentina.
• YPF, A J Barck Y Ruta Nacional 3, Z9400 Río Gallegos, Santa Cruz, Argentina.

Getting Back to Your City, Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip is Done Now!

Well, it has been a long trip, we finally did it. We hope you like the itinerary, places to visit, food places recommendations, and hotel recommendations. We suggest you to use Google Maps to navigate back to your home city as it’ll give you a shorter way and you’ll be able to explore a new route. If you have any question or message then please use the comment section given below and let us know.

Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip FAQs

Why ruta 40 is a dream road trip.

Ruta 40 is one of the longest road trips in the world with stretch of 5000+ kilometers from one side. During the Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip you passes through 20 National Parks, 18 Major Rivers, and 27 Passes. People from around the globe come to do it.

What major cities covered in Ruta 40 road trip?

You’ll be passing over 50 small towns and cities during the Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip. The major cities and towns lying on the route are La Quiaca, Susques Department, Cachi, Belen, San Juan Province, Chos Malal, San Martin de Los Andes, El Hoyo, El Calafate, and Rio Gallegos.

How much does the road trip cost?

Well, for some obvious reasons like length, it is one of the most expensive road trips. For two people doing it on bike, it’ll at least cost $2000 and if $3400 for 4 people doing the road trip by Car. Still, you can save cost on hotels and food places if you manage it well.

Do we need to carry cash on Ruta 40 Road Trip?

Yes, Most of the restaurants, hotels, petrol pumps, and tourist attractions don’t accept digital payment and card payment methods so we strongly suggest you to take a healthy amount of cash with you.

How many days this trip will be taking?

Well, covering 5,000 Km of stretch from one side is itself a hard task. As per our itinerary it’ll take 10 days for you to reach Rio Gallegos from La Quiaca exploring all the places coming between and halting at major cities at night. Adding to 10 days, it’ll take around 3-4 days for you to get back to your city. So, approximately it’ll be taking 15 days to complete this Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip.

I love to travel places and write about my experiences and travel guides to help people in making their travel plans with ease. Otherthan traveling and blogging, I work on my internet ventures and provide internet business consulting.

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Route 40 Argentina – The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

If you’re planning to embark on a road trip across route 40 in argentina, this guide is for you..

National Route 40 in Argentina has a  total length of 5.194 km.

Where does it begin?

It’s the largest highway in Argentina, starting in Cabo Vírgenes, Santa Cruz province, Patagonia.  

Where does it end?

Finishes in La Quiaca, Jujuy province. North, next to the border with Bolivia, running parallel to the Andes mountains.  

Provinces you will visit

It crosses many provinces:  Santa Cruz, Chubut, Río Negro, Neuquén, Mendoza, San Juan, La Rioja, Catamarca, Tucumán, Salta and Jujuy.  

When to travel

The Route 40 extends itself over more than 5000 km all along the western part of Argentina, so you have to know that each region has its own climatic peculiarities. Depending on your interests you should choose the season accordingly.

In Spring and Autumn , the North (Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán and Catamarca provinces) has good dry weather. It’s warm during the daytime and cool at night. In the highlands of the Puna is cold. 

While the Cuyo (La Rioja, San Juan and Mendoza provinces) has sunny and dry weather, there is a very little rain until December. During the day is warm, cool at night and hotter towards the end of the spring. In the high areas of the Andes is cooler.

In Patagonia (Santa Cruz, chubut, Neuquén and Río Negro provinces), during the day is cool and at night is cold. Here the spring arrives around October or November, the days are longer as the season advances. 

Snows falls rarely but the weather can change drastically any time in Patagonia, so do expect rains or overcast skies.

In Summer , in the North is rainy season, often pouring, which it can block the roads. Cuyo is cool during the day and cold at night, skies are clear and it hardly rains. During the windy Zonda season is hot, dry and dusty. Patagonia is cold during the day and colder at night. There are snowfalls and frost-ice, in the forested areas is the rainiest season of the year.

In Winter , the North is dry and rarely rains. During the day is cold and colder at night. In the highlands, the temperature is lower.

In Cuyo, the weather is dry and cool during the daytime and cold at night. 

Patagonia is cold in the day and colder at night. It snows and the frost covers the landscape. In forested areas, the arrival of winter means the rainy season has started.   

Precautions and recommendations.

Keep in mind that Route 40 passes through areas of low population density, so travel assistance services are usually scarce. Therefore it is necessary that you take all the precautions before starting the trip.

• Before starting the trip, perform routine maintenance on your car and make sure to carry a fire extinguisher and beacon.
• Take a first aid kit.
• Take different clothes according to the climate you will find, comfortable shoes, suncream, sunglasses, cap.
• Don’t forget the vehicle mandatory documentation: Driver’s License, Vehicle Identification Card (green or blue card), mandatory insurance policy and Vehicle Technical Verification. 
• Take a basic mechanic toolbox, a bottle of oil and a 10-liter drum with reserve fuel.
• Route 40, in general, is well maintained and paved but there are some sections of gravel. While driving on gravel, it is not recommendable to exceed 70 km/hr. So it´s very important to consider this when planning your travel time.
• Don’t wait for the warning light to come on. On Route 40 the service stations may be very far from each other and even, when you get to one, you may not have gasoline. Fill the tank in each town you can, avoid major problems.

Special considerations must also be taken into account depending on the area or zones to be covered and the climatic conditions:

Mountain route:

In the mountains, narrow, winding, sloping and gravel roads are very frequent; vehicles that are not prepared for this type of terrain tend to suffer overloads and damage. Therefore, it is extremely important to check the brakes, replace worn brake pads to avoid problems in steep climbs and descents, check the engine and gearbox according to the car manual and check the oil levels.

If you travel in a cold season, check the battery and its charge level. Keep in mind that extreme cold and high temperatures can wear it out. Check coolant, level and antifreeze content.

In mountainous areas the weather changes from one moment to another without warning and, at certain times of the year it can rain unexpectedly, so checking the windshield wiper is also essential.

Driving through arid and desert areas:

Hot, dry and arid climates and roads with sand and dust expose vehicles to extreme demands, so it is necessary to take the following precautions: Replace the coolant before traveling and check the engine belts, change them according to instructions in the vehicle user manual. 

Long trips, especially at high temperatures, can cause weak belts to break. Check the vehicle’s air conditioning. A desert trip without air conditioning can be uncomfortable and even dangerous to your health. Check the condition and wear of the tires, according to the user manual: extreme cold and heat can damage both old and new tires.

Gas stations on Route 40.

The reason you ned to know how many gas stations are in every town is because you can’t miss your chance to refuel, otherwise you may ot make it to the next town.  

Chubut Province

Río negro province, neuquén province, mendoza province, san juan province, la rioja province, catamarca province, tucumán province, salta province, jujuy province, what to see, these will be the highlights of your trip:.

• The Perito Moreno Glacier (Sta. Cruz): it is located in the Los Glaciares National Park, 80 km from the city of El Calafate. Its large mass of ice advances continuously, causing the accumulation, rupture and detachment of gigantic blocks of ice on its front 5 km wide.
• The Cave of the Hands (Sta. Cruz): it is located approximately 56.6 km by National Route 40 from the town of Perito Moreno southbound. It is a site that houses an exceptional set of cave art, dating back to 13,000 and 9,500 BC.
• Los Alerces National Park (Chubut): The protected area covers an surface of ​​263,000 hectares comprising different ecosystems: the Valdivian jungle, the Andean-Patagonian forests, the High Andean steppe and the Patagonian steppe. From the city of El Bolsón, to the north, take the national route 40 and then the provincial route 71.
• Route of the 7 Lakes (Neuquén): this section crosses the Lanín National Park and winds through the Correntoso, Espejo Grande, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Machónico and Lácar lakes.
• Shinkal de Quimivil (Catamarca): it is a complex of 23 hectares that conserves more than 100 buildings of Inca origin. It is located on the outskirts of the town of London, accessed from Route 40.
• Talampaya National Park (La Rioja) and Ischigualasto Provincial Park (San Juan): Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, both parks preserve rock formations, dinosaur fossils, petroglyphs and native flora and fauna. It is accessed from Route 40 in Jáchal, Huaco or Villa Unión.
• Quebrada de las Flechas (Salta): these are rock formations in the Calchaquí Valleys, with a strange appearance that raises up to 50 m above the ground.
• The Abra del Acay (Salta): it is the highest point on Route 40, it is 4,895 meters above sea level. It is located between San Antonio de los Cobres and Cachi.
• Las Salinas Grandes (Jujuy and Salta): they are a 212 km2 saline in full Puna at 3,450 meters high. It is accessed from the old Route 40 and the paved National Route 52.
• Valle de la Luna- Cusi Cusi (Jujuy): It is a multicolored valley: ocher, red, pink, white and gray in the middle of Puna Jujueña. It is almost 3,800 m high in the difficult final stretch of Route 40 between Susques and La Quiaca.

Useful Resources

We compiled these resources to aid you during your Route 40 Road Trip.

Vialidad Nacional – Route Status  

Routes 

Accommodation 

Servicio Meteorológico Nacional – Weather 

Useful Phones – Emergencies 

If you are ready to book click  here , for more destinations in Patagonia click  here , for more info click  here .

Ultimate Roadtrip Experience in Ruta 40 – Driving along Patagonia, Argentina

Are you looking for an epic road trip? Look no further than Ruta 40 (RN 40) in Patagonia , Argentina. At over 5,000 km long, this highway cannot be ignored. It crosses 236 bridges, 18 national parks, and major rivers, runs 11 provinces and three provincial capitals, and passes the Andes 27 times. How is that for some adventure on your next road trip?

It is comparable to the joys of traveling down Route 66 of USA! Indeed, taking Ruta 40 is serious fun. What a rewarding experience – not everyone can do it because it is so demanding. But during our trip to Argentina, this is one of the best decisions we have done!

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It takes some planning to set it up, but once you have your head wrapped around the details, all your effort will be rewarded tenfold. Don’t know where to begin? We are here to help you out! See the details below and explore the length of Argentina in a unique way.

Table of Contents

What Vehicle to use on your Ruta 40 Roadtrip?

Two options: rent a car or buy one and sell it before you leave. What kind of car? Most guides suggest getting a 4×4 vehicle, which is great if you can afford it, but if not, an SUV is enough. Yes, the roads along Ruta 40 can be treacherous, but they are manageable.

Go to a car rental company and discuss your options. Some would not give you a smaller car if you tell them you are going to Ruta 40, but that is fine since you are better off with a bigger vehicle anyway. We got ours from here and they have good deals.

Beware: the road is rough. 80% of it is paved but worn out, and the unpaved ones are especially difficult to maneuver, especially after rain. But as long as you drive carefully, there should not be too many problems.

The speed limit is marked along the road but be careful as others may not observe it and shower you with gravel. Skidding can be a serious concern – do not drive at high speeds! Also, pay attention to the health of your car. The route is unforgiving so observe for any signs of potential damage to your vehicle.

In case of a breakdown, stay calm. This route is not as remote as it once was. Plenty of tourists pass by and locals are starting to use the road more, too. Ask for help! Ultimately, it helps to have some tools with you and a good knowledge of how cars work!

The Ruta 40 Road Trip Route

Ruta Nacional 40 crosses the provinces of Santa Cruz, Chubut, Río Negro, Neuquen, Mendoza, San Juan, La Rioja, Catamarca, Tucumán, Salta and Jujuy.

• Santa Cruz – Located in the south, this province is the second largest in the country after Buenos Aires and is the least populated. This section of Ruta 40 can be divided into five: Cabo Virgenes to Rio Gallegos, Rio Gallegos to Rio Turbio, Río Turbio to Tres Lagos, Tres Lagos to Perito Moreno, and Perito Moreno to Esquel. The lighthouse in Cabo Virgenes is the designated Km Zero.
• Chubut – It is a mining and petrol province, but tourism is picking up, too. Main attractions include marine wildlife reservoirs and the Peninsula Valdes. This part of the drive has two sections: Perito Moreno to Esquel and Esquel to Bariloche.

• Río Negro – Ski resort towns are found here: Bariloche , Cipolletti, and General Roca. The Lake District near San Carlos de Bariloche inside the Nahuel Huapi National Park is one of the most visited areas, too. Be sure to try the white wines! It has two sections: Esquel to Bariloche and Bariloche to Zapala.
• Neuquén – Located in the northern end of Patagonia, this province features some national parks, ski resorts, and the famous seven lakes. The drive can be divided into two: Bariloche to Zapala and Zapala to Barrancas.

• Mendoza – Around 700,000 visitors come here annually to see the Las Leñas Ski Center, Aconcagua Mountain, and the provincial parks. Wineries are extremely popular, too. The following are the driving sections of this route: Barrancas to El Sosneado, El Sosneado to San Rafael, San Rafael to Pareditas, and Pareditas to Mendoza.
• San Juan – A semi-desert, this province is popular for its outstanding wines and olive oil. Your route here is from Mendoza to Guandacol.
• La Rioja – This part of the drive takes you to Guandacol to Alpasinche and Alpasinche to Santa María. It is semi-arid, but the fertile areas are nice, particularly the Talampaya National Park. See the hot springs and taste the wine, too!’

• Catamarca – Covered by mountains, the drive-through Catamarca covers Alpasinche to Santa María and Santa María to Cachi. There are plenty of accommodation here, plus fruit orchards and vineyards.
• Tucuman – It is the most populated area and is known for sugarcane, lemons, strawberries, kiwi, and soybeans. The most visited places are Campo de Los Alisos National Park, Valles Calchaquíes, Tafí del Valle, Ruins of Quilmes, and Diaguita community of Amaicha del Valle. This section takes you from Santa María to Cachi.

• Salta – A couple of sections here: Cachi to San Antonio de Los Cobres and San Antonio de Los Cobres to La Quiaca. The climate is tropical, but it varies due to altitude. This is the highest point of the drive, too! There are three national parks, canyons, cliffs, colonial houses and the Llullaillaco volcano here.
• Jujuy – The last leg takes you from San Antonio de Los Cobres to La Quiaca. Highlights include a visit to Quebrada de Humahuaca and its Cerro de los Siete Colores, Pucará de Tilcara, and Calilegua National Park in the Yungas jungle.

The Attractions that you’ll see on your Ruta 40 Road Trip

For an incredibly long stretch of land, there is no shortage of attractions to keep you entertained and make the trip more than worth it. Here are a few suggestions:

• Cave of the Hands in Santa Cruz
• Penguins in Cabo Virgenes
• Moreno Glacier
• Climb Volcan Lanin in Neuquén
• Seven Lakes in Neuquén
• Ischigualasto Park in San Juan
• Talampaya National Park in La Rioja
• Millennial Forest in Parque Nacional Los Alerces
• Trek the Fitz Roy range near El Chalten
• Whale watching in Reserva Faunistica Península Valdés
• Market in El Bolson every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
• La Trochita railway in Esquel or El Maiten
• Have Welsh tea in Trevelin
• Butch Cassidy’s hut in Bariloche
• Hot springs of Fiambala
• Volcanoes in the Route of Seismiles
• Salinas Grandes n Jujuy
• Ruins of Shinkal of Quimvil
• Paragliding in El Bolson
• Queraba de las Flechas in Salta
• Mummies of the Lulliaco children at the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology in Salta
• Snow-topped sierras and valleys in Cachi
• The Hills of Seven Colors in Jujuy
• Carnival in Jujuy

Our Top Tips about our Personal Experience of the  Ruta 40 Road Trip

1. Check the car completely before heading off. Check the tire pressure and water, oil, and gas levels. Have a spare tire or two!

2. Drive slowly. Be careful around potholes, loose gravel, and dirt and mud. It is better to be safe than sorry. Remember that there is a lack of car shops to restore your vehicle once it breaks down.

3. Bring plenty of supplies: water and food, plus music and other gadgets to keep you entertained.

4. Always fill your tank – only a few gas stations!

5. Bring cash – the ATM can be a struggle, and some establishments do not accept a card. The toll fee from Buenos Aires is paid in cash, too.

6. Don’t drive at night.

7. Pack a blanket and sleeping bags in case you need to sleep in the car. Of course, this will not happen if you do not drive too late, but in case you fail to reach lodging in time, you get some comfort if you have your gear.

8. As long as you feel safe and comfortable, help anyone stranded on the side of the road!

9. Be nice and pick up hitchhikers!

10. Be patient – there will be ups and downs but driving the Ruta Nacional 40 is a magical experience you do not want to miss!

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About Ruta 40

1. What is the best time to travel?

December to March.

2. How long is the ideal travel time?

One to two months.

3. What is the total distance?

The drive is a whopping 5194 km – the longest in Argentina and one of the largest worldwide! It runs 11 provinces and three provincial capitals.

4. What is the highest point of Route 40?

It is located in Salta at 4.952 m.

5. What makes the Ruta Nacional 40 special?

Some parts of the Route 40 belong to the Inca Trail dating back to the 15th century. It also passes through the best known national parks and natural reserves in Argentina, as well as connecting national historical monuments, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

6. Where can you buy food during your trip?

Long stretches of desert, remember? Fill your car with as much food and drinks as possible before taking on this journey. How much should you bring? Bring as much as you think is too much to consume. You will be glad you did it.

7. Are there any toilets?

No! It may be a challenge to pop a squat at the start, but there is not much of choice, is there?

8. Are there gas stations around?

Yes, you can find them in these areas: Bariloche, El Bolson, Esquel, Tecka, Gobernador Costa, Perito Moreno, Los Antiguos, Bajo Caracoles, Gobernador Gregores, El Chalten, and El Calafate.

BUT the gas stations are few and far between. Your best bet is to fill up your car every time you see one, regardless of the queue. It does not matter whether your tank is almost full – just do it. You never know how long before you see another.

9. Where are the ATMs?

The most reliable ATM is located in El Calafate. The cash machines between Esquel and Calafate simply does not work and rejects foreign cards. Do not risk it. Most of the establishments are not able to process payments with foreign cards, too. To withdraw cash in these ATMs, you need an Argentinian bank card, which is unlikely you have so just brought enough cash to last you the entire trip. Again, just bring the cash. DO NOT RISK IT.

10. Is the route safe?

Yes. As long as you prepare for your journey in advance, you should be fine and have a great time!

Note that our trip was made possible by Destino Argentina . However, our opinion was based on our experience.

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3 thoughts on “ Ultimate Roadtrip Experience in Ruta 40 – Driving along Patagonia, Argentina ”

Hi, thank you for sharing great information. Would like to know your budget for this trip? Do you both or one of you speak spanish? Wanted to know if language was an issue on your road trip.

Hi! Can you give me an idea of how you budgeted for this? How much was the car rental? Did you need and international drivers liscence? How much gas did you use? were you able to rent it one way?

Great information. Thank you. What if anything do you know about making this trip in late July? We want to go from Mendoza to see Mt. Fitz Roy.

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Written by Kach Umandap

Founder of Two Monkeys Travel Group. Since 2013, Kach has visited all the 7 continents (including Antarctica) and 151 countries using her Philippines Passport. In 2016, she bought a sailboat and went on sailing adventures with her two cats - Captain Ahab & Little Zissou in the Caribbean for 2 years. She now lives in Herceg Novi, Montenegro where she's enjoying her expat life and living on a gorgeous Stonehouse. She writes about her experiences traveling as a Filipina traveler with a PHL Passport. Also tips on backpacking trips, luxury hotel experiences, product reviews, sailing & adventure travel.

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The Ultimate Road Trip Through Wineries, Salt Flats, and Colonial Towns on Argentina's Ruta 40

T here’s so much more to Argentina than Buenos Aires , Iguazú Falls, and Mendoza — you only have to take a road trip in Salta to find out. A two-hour flight from the capital, Salta is a somewhat off-the-radar region. Quaint colonial towns, dusty Andean villages, and wine bodegas sit framed by dramatic mountain peaks and fascinating red rock formations. Throw in some beguiling salt flats and the highest pass on any national highway in the world and it’s all rather spectacular.

If you’re thinking that this sounds ideal for a road trip then you’d be absolutely right. Winding through the province is Argentina’s mythical Ruta 40, a national highway that stretches some 3,227 miles from the top to the bottom of the country. Salta’s section runs for about 220 miles and includes both paved and dirt track sections. You could cover it all in one long day of driving but you’d be missing out on a lot of fun if you did. For the most comfortable experience — and to ease your way around the dirt highway areas — we recommend going by 4WD drive vehicle or motorbike. Check out Cactus Rent a Car and Moto Alquiler Salta for options. Now here are some of the not-to-be-missed stops for your road trip in Salta, Argentina.

1. Cafayate

Photo: NiarKrad /Shutterstock

The first stop, and where the journey along Ruta 40 begins, is all about discovering the viticulture of northwest Argentina. However, before that there’s the small matter of arriving from Salta via the iridescent red-hued landscapes of the Quebrada de las Conchas (Canyon of the Shells). If you haven’t visited the Grand Canyon then this might just be the next best thing. Extraordinary rock walls shaped over millennia rise above a muddy river to create an otherworldly scene. It’s a three-hour straight drive through the canyon to Cafayate along Ruta 68, although you’ll want to pull over to capture the moment. Devil’s Throat, the Amphitheater, and the Toad are all worthwhile pit stops.

Photo: Daboost /Shutterstock

Cafayate itself is a busy colonial town in the Calchaquí Valley. It’s the heartland of Salta’s wine-making, as well. Dozens of bodegas, famous for their production of aromatic Torrontes white wines (and quintessential Argentine Malbecs), pepper the outskirts. Some, such as Bodega el Esteco and Bodega Vasija Secreta , are only a short stroll from the town center so you can park up and avoid any discussion about who’ll be the designated driver. You’ll probably want to stay the night here and can do so in style at the elegant winery-cum-hotel Patios de Cafayate.

2. San Carlos and Cachi

Photo: Lana Endermar /Shutterstock

From Cafayate, Ruta 40 meanders past vineyards and sleepy towns as it travels deep into the wild landscapes of the Calchaquí Valley. In about half an hour you’ll reach San Carlos, whose tree-shaded main square appears lost in time with its graceful arcades and white chapel. After another 30 minutes, the road climbs into the Quebrada de las Flechas (Canyon of the Arrows). With beige-colored cliffs rising up like arrowheads it’s easy to see how the canyon got its name. There are several rest stops and lookouts to get out and bask in the lunar-like setting.

Photo: Colomé /Facebook

If you’ve driven enough for the day, stay at the nearby Estancia Colome . It’s a winery and hotel where the stargazing is superb and there’s the chance to ride horseback over high-altitude plains. Otherwise, continue for just over two hours along the rocky, cacti-lined highway and across bridge-less rivers to Cachi. Maybe it’s the adobe homes, cobblestone plazas, and Spanish church, or perhaps the snowcapped Andes and clean air, but Cachi really has that jaw-dropping sensation. Pass by the Pio Pablo Diaz Archeological Museum to find hundreds of treasures excavated in the Calchaquí Valley. It’s on the main square, which has its fair share of bars and restaurants with outdoor seating.

3. Abra del Acay

Photo: Pedro Carrilho /Shutterstock

We aren’t saying that you should incessantly show off about your vacations, but bragging rights are part and parcel of traveling. A little over 60 miles from Cachi, the meandering highway becomes a wondrous section of chicanes and switchbacks upon reaching Abra del Acay. At approximately 16,000 feet above sea level, this is among the highest mountain passes on the planet (only those in the Himalayas surpass it). It’s an arduous and isolated drive with some sheer drop-offs, so you’ll want to take it slow. Those up for the challenge, though, will find that the panoramic mountain views, including the summit of the almost 20,000-feet-tall Nevado de Acay, are unprecedented. Fill up with gas and pick up water and food supplies at La Poma, because afterward it’s just the thrill of you and the open road.

Tip: Check the road conditions with locals before setting off; it can be impassable due to summer floods and winter snowfall. Also, register your departure at La Poma police station; they’ll come looking for you if you don’t register your arrival after crossing the pass.

4. San Antonio de los Cobres

Photo: buteo /Shutterstock

At the northern end of the mountain pass, the route drops down into the Puna — the local name for the upland plateau in the Andes foothills — and toward San Antonio de los Cobres. This mining town is the last notable settlement on Salta’s Ruta 40 and a good place to stock up before deciding on your next destination. While here, you can gain an insightful overview of life in the Puna at the small Museo Regional Andino.

Photo: Tren a las Nubes /Facebook

Should you be in the mood for more adventure then consider adding a trip on the Tren a los Nubes (Train to the Clouds) to the itinerary. Departing from the town center, the train trundles around the arid mountain sides of the Puna to the Viaduct Polvorilla. There’s a brief break to snap photos from 200 feet above a ravine before riding back to town.

Note: A bus service travels from Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres to link up with the train. Visiting villages and natural wonders en route, it’s a recommendable alternative if you’re a train fanatic and pressed for time.

5. Salinas Grandes Salt Flats

Photo: Cesar Girolimini /Shutterstock

To get more of that ethereal and away-from-it-all feeling, swap Ruta 40 for Ruta 51 and drive to the Salinas Grandes. This white salt desert covers 82 square miles on the border of the provinces of Salta and Jujuy and is one of Argentina’s seven natural wonders. The backdrop of the Puna highlands does a fine job in adding to the mysticism. Visiting the salt flats is a simple task. A road, which resembles more a low-lying bridge, crosses the northern part. Pull over and stretch your legs with a walk over a vast salty ocean. Budding photographers will have a blast creating disproportionate shots and mirror images.

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Road Trip Patagonia: Driving Scenic Ruta 40 From Esquel To Bariloche

Route 40 is the most famous highway in Patagonia, and when they say all roads lead to beautiful things, they clearly meant this one.

The southern tip of the Americas evokes images of a mountainous, windswept wilderness. Skiers, fly fishing enthusiasts, and hikers worldwide choose this region, called Patagonia, as a top destination . Curving roads through old-growth forests transform into straight paths over the southern steppe. Driving Patagonia's most famous highway, Ruta 40, will take travelers past mountain vistas, crystal clear lakes, and wide views of cloudless skies. Both Esquel and Bariloche offer prime skiing from July through September.

Additionally, each of these Patagonian cities is near impressive national parks: Nahuel Huapi and Los Alerces. They also are near commercial airports, making it easy to get there--this is not the always case with southern destinations in Argentina and Chile. Driving the 300 km stretch between the two can take as little as four hours, but travelers should plan on taking longer (possibly two days) to explore the sites along the way.

Esquel and Trevelin

This journey begins in Esquel. La Trochita, Patagonia's historic narrow-gauge steam engine, might be the city's most famous attraction, but this destination along with neighboring Trevilin has far more to offer. Nature lovers and hikers will want to visit Los Alerces National Park. Wine enthusiasts can try vintages from some of the world's southernmost vineyards. Winter travelers can ski on the slopes of Mount La Hoya. Visitors in springtime will be awestruck by the tulip fields in the Welsh settlement of Trevelin.

• Contact La Trochita: [email protected], 54-2945-451-403
• Hours: 10 am on Saturdays, more frequency in peak tourist season
• Price: $20-$40 US
• Ski Season at La Hoya: July - September
• Lift Tickets: Around $30 per day when purchased online

Los Alerces

Driving 40 minutes to the west of Esquel, visitors will discover UNESCO Site, Los Alerces National Park. This forest is home to trees that sprouted over a thousand years ago. El Alerce Abuelo, or grandfather fitzroya, is the oldest specimen here. It is around 2600 years old, measures nearly 190 feet in height, and has a circumference of around nine feet. Visitors can see this imposing individual by taking a 40-minute boat ride across Lake Menendez. People must buy tickets for this excursion ahead of time in Esquel's center.

The park is a glorious destination for fishing, hiking, kayaking, camping, or taking a scenic drive. People who don't make it to see the Alerce Abuelo can still take hikes through patches of orange Arayan trees and exotic-looking monkey puzzle trees.

• Entrance fee: About $10 US
• Transport to the park: Rental cars or buses from Esquel's bus terminal
• Boat excursion to Alerce Abuelo: About $60 US through Patagonia Express
• Excursion times: 10:45 on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays

related: If You're Visiting Chile For Its Landscape, This Is The Best Time To Go (And Why

Waterfall Nant Y Fall And Trevelin's Tulip Fields

Welsh settlers in Argentina founded Trevelin which means mill. This small community has preserved its Celtic heritage and some residents still speak their ancestors' language more than 100 years later. After a day of hiking in Los Alerces National Park, it's the perfect place to settle down and experience "Welsh Tea." From about 5 pm to 7 pm travelers can stop at one of the town's teahouses. There, for a flat fee, servers will bring them a variety of cakes, cookies, and treats that are traditional to the settlement.

• Where: Nain Maggie Teahouse, Perito Moreno 179
• When: 5 pm to 7 pm
• Price: $12 US

Nearby, the Nant Y Fall River flows out of the mountains onto the Patagonian steppe. This geological transition has formed seven spectacular waterfalls within just a few feet. The sight will awe visitors on the half-mile hike.

• Where: Reserva Nant Y Fall, Provincial Highway 259
• Entrance fee: $3 US

Along the same gravel highway that leads to the falls, visitors can stop and enjoy a wine tasting at the beautiful Viñas Nant Y Fall Winery, or if it's October see tulip fields at Tulipanes Patagonia. They'll also find Nant Fach, the original watermill that gave the town its name. Today it's a quaint, fun museum.

• Tour of Tulip Fields: $8 US
• Tour of Nant Fach Mill: $4 US

related: Argentina's Valley Of The Moon Has Been Called "Unearthly" And Here's Why

Back on Ruta 40, drivers should head north to El Bolson. This Patagonian town has earned fame for its handmade crafts and fanaticism for elves. Try to make it here on a Saturday afternoon when the crafts fair in the Plaza Pagano is at its busiest. Artists display their works from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, on Thursdays through Sundays.

Driving through this town, visitors will notice unique, modern adobe constructions. This type of architecture has become a trend here because it's environmentally friendly, artistic, and warm throughout the snowy winter.

As drivers travel north along Ruta 40, they'll see the enticing Lake Gutierrez to the west. There are scenic lookouts aplenty and beaches where travelers can eat a picnic lunch. The highway passes through the heart of Nahuel Huapi National Park and visitors will see hiking trails and campgrounds where they can stop and explore the wooded area.

On the northwestern shore of Lake Gutierrez, tourists can take a short hike to the Cascada de los Duendes, Elves' Waterfall in English. It is an enchanting spot and the hike is accessible for all ages.

The city of Bariloche is just minutes away. This is one of Argentina's most famous tourist destinations and it's easy to see why. Lake Nahuel Huapi sits against a backdrop of snowcapped peaks. The mountain slopes are carpeted with indigenous trees like orange arayans, but also planted with pines. Circuito Chico, or the short loop, is a scenic drive along the shores of Nahuel Huapi that takes tourists past some breathtaking views.

German settlers here developed the skiing infrastructure. Today, visitors can ski Mount Catedral's slope from July to September. Mount Otto, another nearby peak, offers rides from cable car rides from the base to a rotating cafe on the summit. The views are incredible. When travelers finish a day of sightseeing or skiing, they've got to re-energize with some of Bariloche's famous chocolate.

• Lift Ticket for Cerro Catedral: $40 US online
• Cable car ride on Cerro Otto: $15 US

next: How To Plan A Trip To Torres Del Paine: One Of South America's Most Eye-Watering Parks

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Road trip, Ruta 40, Argentina Patagonia.

Road trip from Bariloche to El Chaltén along the marvelous Ruta 40 (Route 40).

This is an iconic road trip.

The trip starts in the chocolate box town of Bariloche. Bariloche is set in a scenically beautiful spot on Lake Nahuel Huapi. The small town is surrounded by Andean peaks cloaked on their lower slopes by Patagonian forests.

We travel through some of Argentine Patagonia’s well well known highlights as we travel southwards to end in El Calafate.

More on Route 40 Road Trip

We visit Los Alerces National Park, home of the endangered alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides), 2nd longest living tree species. Here dense temperate forests give way to alpine meadows and high Andean peaks.

We drive across the immense Patagonian steppe to visit the Sarmiento Petrified Forest and the Cave of Hands, cave paintings on the Pinturas River Canyon, declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 2017.

From there we will go west to Los Antiguos, by the huge Buenos Aires lake, the second-largest lake in South America. From Los Antiguos we cross to Chile for a day tour to the Marble Caves, in General Carrera Lake.

Next on our journey we go to Lago Posadas on Route 41, the scenic Mount Zeballos Road, through lunar type landscapes. We resume driving the Route 40, staying one night at Estancia La Angostura, a typical Patagonian ranch.

We then drive on to El Chaltén, the Argentinian capital of trekking. Say goodbye to your driver here.

You spend a couple of nights here, giving you time to trek to the granite spires of Fitzroy and Cerro Torre.

The journey continues by minibus to El Calafate for two nights and a chance to set eyes on the vast sparkling glacier of Perito Moreno.

Trip Highlights

Cueva de las Manos

Petrified Forest

Argentinean ranch

Wildlife - rhea, fox, Andean condor, guanaco

General Carrera lake

Marble caves

An amazing road trip, the best guide too.

L. Chapman 2020

Full Itinerary

Day 1: bariloche - los alerces.

0900 pick up. From Bariloche we take Route 40 direction south, passing by lakes Gutierrez and Mascardi to reach El Bolsón, a small and relaxed town at the foot of Piltriquitron Peak. If it is open we will walk by its colorful handicrafts market, the best in Patagonia.

After El Bolsón we will take the detour to Cholila, a rural village in a beautiful green valley to get to the north gate of Los Alerces National Park. We will do several stops as we cross the park north to south by Rivadavia, Menendez and Futalaufquen lakes. By lakes Menéndez and Verde we can do a 2-hour hike to admire the magnificent flora and the amazing blue and green colors of the lakes and rivers.

Overnight at Hosteria Quime Quipan or similar.

Distance: 315 km, paved and gravel road.

Day 2: Los Alerces - Sarmiento

We leave the national park and drive down to Esquel by the beautiful Percey River valley to take Route 40 again towards the huge empty spaces of the Patagonian Steppe. As Route 40 moves south it also turns to the centre of the Chubut province, and after passing by the town of Tecka and Gobernador Costa the steppe landscape of needle grasses turn into a desert-like terrain, with only a few hard and flat bushes. In the afternoon we will arrive to Sarmiento, a small town in the middle of the steppe and between Lakes Musters and Colhué Huapí.

Overnight at Cabañas Años Verdes.

Distance: 475 km, paved.

Day 3: Sarmiento - Perito Moreno

In the morning we will visit Sarmiento Petrified Forest, located 30 km away from the town. It is a palaentology site where there are fossilized trees from past geological eras. Patagonia is one of the richest areas in the world on this kind of sites, with the Sarmiento forest being one of its main exponents. In the afternoon we will continue driving south and reach the town of Río Mayo, located on the Senger River department. This area in famous for its sheep breeding estancias, that produce top-quality wools. From Río Mayo we will continue to the town of Perito Moreno, where we will spend the night.

Overnight at Hotel Kelman.

Distance: 340 km, paved and gravel road.

Day 4: Perito Moreno – Cueva de Las Manos

From Perito Moreno we will continue by Route 40 and then take a detour to the formidable Pinturas River Canyon to visit Cueva de las Manos (“Cave of the Hands”). The canyon walls feature paintings of four different periods from 9,300 to 1,300 years ago, being one of the most ancient artistic expressions of the South American natives. It was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.

After visiting the paintings we will go back to Perito Moreno and after a quick stop we will detour to the west, covering 65 Km to Los Antiguos, by the immense Buenos Aires Lake.

Overnight at Hosteria Antigua Patagonia.

Distance: 180 km, paved and dirt road.

Day 5: Los Antiguos - Marble caves

With a tour company based in Los Antiguos you cross to Chile in a minivan and drive all the way by Lake General Carrera to Puerto Tranquilo, with amazing views over the lake and the mountains around the Northern Patagonia Ice Field.

Chelenko Lake, shared by Argentina and Chile, is the second largest in South America. Is located at the foot of some of the highest peaks in Patagonia and the Northern Ice Field, displaying some of the best sceneries in Patagonia.

In Puerto Tranquilo we will take a boat excursion to the stunning “Marble Chapels”, rocky formations of amazing shapes resulting from the wind and water erosion. After that we have a picnic by the lake and make our way back to Los Antiguos.

Distance: 360 km, paved and dirt road.

Day 6: Los Antiguos - Lago Posadas

From Los Antiguos we will take the Mount Zeballos Road*, a scenic route of 160 km of dirt road covering 4 different environments: steppe, Andean forest, altitude grassland and high mountain.

We will go up from 200 to 1.500 m. to reach a viewpoint with great sights of Mount Zeballos. Going down we will pass several estancias before reaching the small village of Lago Posadas.

In the afternoon we will explore the spectacular Posadas and Pueyrredón Lakes.

Overnight at La Posada del Posadas.

Distance: 240 km, dirt road.

* This road is subject to authorization due to climatic conditions. If the road is not open we will go to Lago Posadas by Routes 40 and 39 instead.

Day 7: Lago Posadas – Estancia La AngosturaURA

From Lago Posadas we will cover 75 km of dirt road to take Route 40 again at Bajo Caracoles. Then we will continue south to Estancia La Angostura, and authentic Patagonia Ranch owned by the Kusanovic family, pioneers in the area since 1878. In the estancia we can do horse riding, go birdwatching and enjoy some superb Patagonian food.

Overnight at Estancia La Angostura.

Distance: 350 km, dirt road and paved.

Day 8: Estancia La Angostura - El Chalten

Back again on Route 40 we will drive to Cardiel Lake, where we can see big herds of guanacos, the Patagonian camelid. Back on the paved road again we will reach Tres Lagos and head to El Chaltén.

This is the Argentinean capital of trekking, with innumerable attractions for hikers and mountain climbers.

The most iconic peaks are Mount Fitz Roy (3,405 m) and Cerro Torre (3,102) which attract climbers from all over the world due to their extreme technical difficulty. If the weather conditions are good this part of the route offers majestic landscapes, with great views of the impressive Fitz Roy massif and the Viedma Glacier, both within the Los Glaciares National Park.

Overnight El Chalten at Hostería Infinito Sur.

Distance: 280 km, dirt road and paved.

Day 9: El Chalten

El Chalten is a small settlement on the floodplain of the Rio de Las Vueltas, with many small shops, restaurants and a micro-brewery! It is set amid the magnificent surroundings of the Fitzroy Range on the edge of Los Glaciares National Park. The park comprises some 2,300 square miles of forested mountains, sheer granitic spires and immense glaciers and lakes. It is one of the great glacial regions of the world.

The trails from El Chalten are well marked and there are several iconic treks from the town that can be done on day walks.

We recommend trekking to the foot of Mount Fitz Roy (3,441 metres), Laguna de los Tres.

It’s a good 7-10 hour round trip walk, depending on your trekking speed (total distance: 25km, 15.6 miles).

This spectacular granite peak, named in honour of the captain of the Beagle, the ship Charles Darwin sailed on in the 1830s, reaches two miles into the sky and was first climbed in 1953. It is one of the best viewpoints in the park. Retrace your steps to Chalten.

Another walk is the Cerro Torre trail to Laguna Torre. Cerro Torre (3,128 metres) is a sheer, needle-shaped mountain which was once rated unclimbable and conquered only after Everest.

The walk is straightforward and doesn’t require a guide. Again, it’s a good 7-8 hour round trip walk, depending on your trekking speed (total distance: 19km, 12 miles).

Retrace your steps to Chalten .

Overnight El Chalten.

Day 10: El Calafate - Perito Moreno

Travel to El Calafate today.

Day 11: El Calafate

Today you have a one day tour to Perito Moreno glacier.

Your day will begin with an hour’s journey to the port where you will embark on a boat ride that gives you a unique approach to the glacier. The drive follows a beautiful route around the edge of Lake Argentino. There will be time for photo stops along the way and you may even be lucky enough to spot condors and eagles.

Once you have stepped aboard, the boat journey will take you along Canal de Los Tempanos toward the northern face of the glacier. Before you reach the glacier, the lake branches off and you will enter Seno Mayo until you get to Bahia Toro where black sand meets glacial blue waters. You will hop out here and take a short walk through beautiful coihue forest, typical of the Patagonian Andean region. Finally, you arrive at an impressive waterfall and fascinating rock formations. Your guide will tell you all about the fauna and flora, glacial formations and the history of Perito Moreno.

On return to the boat, you will continue the ride before making a second stop for another forest walk and a closer look at Glacier Mayo. You will embark once more for an hour’s boat ride that will take you right up to the northern face of Perito Moreno. You will spend some time watching its spectacular display of calving ice and the formation of deep blue icebergs.

After disembarking at the bottom of the visitor walkways opposite the glacier, you will have the opportunity to explore along the paths which offer brilliant views of the glacier from a different perspective. At the end of the day you will be taken to your accommodation.

Overnight El Calafate

Day 12: El Calafate

Prices From $3,750 / £3,049 per person

Enquire about booking

What's Included?

Route 40 included:  Ground transportation and guidance from Bariloche to El Chalten during the entire tour in a modern and comfortable 4WD vehicle,  accommodation and breakfast  in double rooms in the hotels and estancias mentioned on the itinerary or similar.

What's Not Included?

Route 40 not included:   Meals (lunch and dinner), drinks, Entrance fees to National Parks and Cave of Hands, travel insurance, any other expense not specifically mentioned above.

Accommodation

We use a variety of fabulous lodges, haciendas (working farms) and friendly locally owned guesthouses for this trip, with en-suite bathrooms when available.

Our specially selected guides are great with kids and adults alike, and will help to bring the area alive for everyone.

All of our guides are qualified in first aid and speak English and will answer your questions and interact with the locals you meet.

Training is a vital investment in our guides to ensure the security and safety of all our trips and is ongoing.

All hotels/lodges included breakfast, these will feature juices, hot drinks, toasts, fruits, cereals and eggs.

Many  lunches are included, usually a healthy box lunch.

Please let us know if you have any special dietary requests or food allergies, we can cater for almost all requirements with advance notice.

Activity Level

This itinerary is flexible and has some walking and suitable for all walkers.

Practical Information

Atol holiday protection.

Andean Trails has 25 years of experience of putting together the best South America holidays.

We pay a fee to the CAA for every licensable passenger we book since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking.

We also offer ATOL (Civil Aviation Authority) protected holidays to give our customers peace of mind when booking and travelling.

When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package from Andean Trails Ltd you will receive a Confirmation Invoice from us confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number 6275.

You can read more about ATOL, who is covered and what protections you have if not ATOL-covered, on our ATOL page.

What is ATOL?

The CAA’s ATOL scheme offers protection to your money and your holiday if you book with us. Not everybody is covered (see ‘Who is covered?’ for more), as you must purchase an ‘air package holiday’ with Andean Trails to be protected.

And  ‘air package holiday’ is defined as including a flight and some ground services (hotel, transfer, trek etc). This is also known as an ‘ATOL-protected holiday’.

Who is covered?

To be covered by ATOL, you must book a flight and some ground services with us and be from the UK. If you are from the UK and only book ground services and no flights, you are not covered by ATOL (see below for more on how non-ATOL clients are covered).

If you are outside the UK and buy flights with us, you will be ATOL protected IF any of the flights booked with Andean Trails touches/stops in the UK at any point during your holiday package booked with us.

If you buy your flights elsewhere, please check with that agent if you are ATOL protected. Be careful with online flight purchases and make sure you know what protection you have, if any, before paying for flights.

Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.

For land only holidays not involving any air travel, in accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992”, all UK passengers booking with Andean Trails Ltd. are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all money paid to us, arising from cancellation or curtailment of travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Andean Trails.

I’m not ATOL covered, what protection do I have?

If you are not ATOL covered, any payments you make to us go to a Trust account.

We can only access this money once your tour has been completed, meaning that if anything happens to Andean Trails Limited while you are on holiday, then your money is secure and you can either complete the trip or be able to make it home.

If you pay for your holiday with a credit card, some offer payment protection – please check with your cardholder.

You also should have cancellation protection written into your insurance (which we recommend you have at the time of booking) in case you need to cancel.

Introduction to Argentina

Argentina is a land of contrast.

Nothing states this better than the fact it features the highest point in the South America, Aconcagua, and the lowest, Salinas Chicas, 40m below sea level.

Its vastness – it is the eighth largest country in the world – and diversity are just part of the appeal. A fantastic culture of fine wine and dining sits alongside its adventurous and beautiful landscapes.

The local’s cheery disposition and fantastic word plays add to the enjoyment of being in this fascinating country.

The name Argentina derives from argentinos, the Ancient Greek diminutive (tinos) form for silver (argentos), which is what early Spanish explorers sought when they first reached the region in the sixteenth century.

There are distinct regions of Argentina, from the Andean culture of the North West to the rancho lifestyle of the plains of Patagonia to the eternally seductive Buenos Aires.

Communication

Dialling codes

To call Argentina from abroad, or using your mobile phone in Argentina, follow these steps.

Example number: Buenos Aires (0)11 1234-5678, you would dial:

• +54 is Argentina’s country code
• 11 is Buenos Aires’ city code, minus the (0)
• +54-11-1234-5678 is the final number you dial.

Argentina mobiles start with the number 15. If using your mobile phone to call an Argentine mobile, follow these steps.

Example number: Buenos Aires mobile 15-8765-4321, you would dial:

• +54 for Argentina’s dialling code
• Remove the 15 from the start of the mobile number
• Add in a 9, and the area dialling code minus the (0) – in this example Buenos Aires, code = 11
• +54-911-8765-4321 is the final number you dial.
• From an Argentine landline or mobile, simply dial 15-8765-4321.

Mobile phones

If taking a mobile phone with you, check roaming rates with your operator before leaving – they can be very high.

A good way to avoid expensive charges is to bring own unlocked tri- or quad-band phone to Argentina and then buy an inexpensive SIM chip with a local number. These are available in many kiosks and locutorios and offer ability to make cheap calls as well as affordable data for the internet.

Most hotels, cafes, restaurants and airports offer free and generally good Wi-Fi.

There are also a lot of ‘locutorios’ (internet cafes) in towns and cities. You can often make cheap calls home from here, use faxes etc.

Skype and other internet-based phone systems are also good ways to contact home.

Correo Argentino is the national, state-run postal service.

Good kit is vital for every trip.

Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s  fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.

Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world, and has a myriad of climates from humid tropics to bracingly cold Patagonia.

When planning for these changeable climatic conditions you will encounter across Argentina, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system.

The sun is very strong throughout the country, so good sun cream, a hat and sunglasses are vital. Summer in the north of the country means t-shirts and shorts.

It can also get very cold at night time especially in the mountains. Jumpers, fleeces and warms hats – which you can buy there – are also essential.

Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.

Below is a more detailed guide.

Detailed kit list

• Medium weight parka or a down jacket.
• Waterproof jacket and trousers. The jacket needs to be water proof and roomy. Side-zip pants are recommended.
• 2-3 long-sleeve shirts – no cotton
• 2-3 short-sleeve T-shirts – no cotton
• 2 pair of hiking trousers- cotton or synthetic material (no jeans)
• 1 fleece or sweat trousers (for cold evenings)
• 2 pair hiking shorts
• Long thermals – synthetic or wool – light to medium weight top & bottoms.
• 2-3 mid-weight (wool or synthetic) socks.
• 2-3 liner socks if needed
• Athletic-type socks, several pairs, city use
• Hiking boots that are waterproof and well broken-in.
• Running/tennis shoes or sandals are very comfortable when you are in cities
• 1 lightweight wool sweater or windproof fleece
• 1 wool or synthetic warm hat.
• 1 light sun hat with a wide brim.
• 1 pair of medium-weight wool or synthetic gloves
• Broad-brimmed sunhat, essential.
• Sunglasses with UV filter.
• Scarf for cold.
• Bandanna – to protect neck from strong sun.
• Daypack (at least 30 litres). Comfortable and with waterproof lining or cover.
• Water bottle (2 litres approx.) & purification tablets.
• Personal first-aid kit to include: painkillers, plasters (band-aids), moleskin, anti-biotic cream, general antibiotics (ask your GP), after-bite (tiger balm), anti-diarrhoea tablets, throat lozenges, re-hydration salts & personal medication.
• Insect repellent (just in case)
• Towel & wash-kit.
• Wet Wipes/antiseptic hand-wash cream.
• Sunscreen (factor 30+) and lip salve.
• Head-lamp (plus spare bulb and batteries).
• Travel alarm clock.
• Plastic bags – ‘Zip-loc’ & tough bin liners.
• Camera and film / memory cards (take at least twice the amount you think you will need!).
• Book, e-book, mp3 player/ipod or other to help pass the time.
• Binoculars.
• Spanish/English phrasebook.
• Extra snacks i.e. cereal bars or favourite chocolate bars.

Miscellaneous others

• Money belt.
• U.S. dollars cash, mixed-denomination notes, undamaged and unmarked.
• ATM cash/credit card.
• Any inoculation certificates.
• Personal & medical insurance certificates.
• Presents e.g. Postcards from home.
• Comfortable clothes for travel, smart clothes for night life, especially in big cities.

ATOL protection

Geography of argentina.

Argentina’s neighbours are Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay to the north, Uruguay to the north east and Chile to the west. In the east Argentina has a long South Atlantic Ocean coastline.

The central region of Argentina is the rich plain known as La Pampa.

There is jungle in the extreme northeast while the southern half of Argentina is dominated by the flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia.

The western border with Chile is along the rugged Andes mountains, including Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside the Himalayas. Close to Aconcagua lies Mendoza, an area famed for its fine wine production.

The western Cuyo regions at the base of the Andes are mostly rocky desert.

Most Antarctic cruises embark and disembark in Ushuaia, at the tip of South America, allowing access to the South Pole, South Georgia and also the Falkland Islands.

Kit list, Argentina General

Weather, rest of argentina.

Argentina’s seasons are the reverse to the northern hemisphere, with summer running from October to March, and winter from May to September.

Buenos Aires and the Pampas in the north are temperate; cold in the winter, 5-15°C, and hot and humid in the summer, 17-27°C, the warmest and most humid being December to February. Spring and Autumn are lovely times to visit Buenos Aires.

The best time to visit Iguazu Falls is from January to March – the rainy season, this is when water flow of the waterfall is greatest, but the waterfall is amazing at any time of year. The hottest months in Iguazu Falls are October through April with lows of 20°C and highs of 32°C. Winter sees this fall to highs of 22°C and occasional lows of 12°C, with cooler nights. Being tropical and humid, there is always the chance of rain in Iguazu.

Bariloche is nestled in Argentina’s Lake District and is built next to the cold water Lake Nahuel Huapi. During the summer, daylight extends from 6am to 10pm and temperatures fluctuate from 5-20°C, the warm days making for ideal conditions for exploration. In the winter, snow abounds for skiers and daylight is from 9am to 7pm, city temps varying from just above to just below freezing, with much cooler temperatures in the mountains.

The rain-shadow effect in Bariloche means weather conditions are relatively dry and stable. Summer rainfall in the town of Bariloche is low (average 5 days precipitation a month).

Bariloche, Argentina

Bariloche is the jewel in Argentina’s Lake District Crown.

Beautiful mountains, forests and lakes make this area perfect for anyone who likes the outdoors.

You can kayak, bike and hike around the stunning scenery of Nahuel Huapi National park.

Or perhaps hike to amazing viewpoints with panoramas over a geographically stunning area of great beauty.

Bariloche also offers the Cruce Andino Lake Crossing into Chile. The best time to visit the area is October-April.

El Calafate, Argentina

El Calafate is situated on the southern shore of Lago Argentino, and is your starting point for discovering Argentine Patagonia.

Most trekkers will come through El Calafate en route to Chalten and Fitzroy National Park.

Nearby attractions to El Calafate itself include the Perito Moreno Glacier – one of the few glaciers which is still advancing. There are a series of walkways mean that you can get up close to the 75 m high and 5Km wide glacial wall.

Other glaciers which can be visited are the Upsala glacier and the town has its own Glaciarium – ice museum.

The town offers a wide range of accommodation options and restaurants as well as outdoor shops.

El Chalten, Argentina

El Chalten is the trailhead for the trekking trails into the Glaciares National Park – Fitzroy!

Day treks include the Torre Trail (to Lake Torre), trek to Laguna Los Tres at the base of Mount Fitzroy, and the Loma de Pliegue Tumbado Trek.

The town is also the departure point for expeditions to the Southern Ice Field.

Other options in the area include horseback riding, kayak, mountain bike and glacier treks.

This small settlement has a variety of accommodation options.

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Dates & Prices

2024 price, per person, based on private guided tour for two people. Single supplement applies

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Our lodge-to-lodge hiking tour offers the best trekking in Ecuador in comfort. Ecuador is one of the best Andean countries for trekking and day walks. On this lodge-to-lodge hiking tour, you experience fabulous expansive mountain vistas and volcanoes wherever you look. Enjoy views over deeply carved valleys, vast plains and a picturesque patchwork of fields. You’ll also enjoy diverse wildlife and flora, rich cultures, and interactions with friendly local people. The tour takes you through three of Ecuador’s most beautiful mountain regions: Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Chimborazo. Full details of our Lodge-to-Lodge 13-day Trekking Tour, Ecuador.     Lodges and Guesthouses Used …

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Route 40 is one of the hidden treasures of Patagonia. It is a question of traveling through very little traveled roads from the coast to the Andes.

Renting a 4×4 vehicle and making daily segments of no more than 300 KM to reach the rural accommodations (country stays) where they await you. This is a program for you if what you are looking for is:

• Drive a total of 1,500 KM (in intervals of no more than 300KM)
• Horseback riding or rural walks.
• Get to the lonely and hospitable Patagonia.
• Meet local people.
• Enjoy the Argentine gastronomy.
• Visit tourist places but also NOT tourist ones.
• Stay in country stays

How many km has route 40

With a length of 5,224 km that extends throughout the entire Argentine territory, National Route 40 is the longest national highway in Argentina and a popular travel route if you have a rental vehicle and time to travel it.

The southern end of Route 40 is located on the South Atlantic coast and the highway goes north following the Andes until it reaches Quiaca, on the border between Argentina and Bolivia.

Passing through a variety of climatic zones and landscapes, driving the entire route 40 is still a bit difficult as some areas can become difficult to access even with a 4×4 vehicle.

Much of the road is not yet paved, you can also find sections that are under construction where vehicles need to travel on a temporary gravel track next to the main road.

Route 40 Patagonia map (Argentina)

Originally Route 40 Argentina began as a connection between some sparsely inhabited places in the strategically border area with Chile.

Today it is a popular travel route and famous throughout the world for its beauty.

From Ushuaia to La Quiaca, all the destinations mentioned in this article See map

It is normal to only travel part of the route due to its great length and difficult conditions – an example of the latter is the Abra de Acay mountain pass, where the path rises to 4,972 meters above sea level.

Route 40 has been modified over the years. In the north there are still debates about which of the gravel roads (gravel) should be called National Route 40.

In the south there is still a 100 km stretch between Cabo Vírgenes and Río Gallegos. Therefore, the southernmost end point of Route 40 is at Punta Loyola, a small port town near Río Gallegos.

How to plan a trip along Route 40 Argentina

You should plan at least 10 days to two weeks for your Route 40 trip, even more if you really want to enjoy the route. If you are in a hurry, the road can be covered in 8-10 days.

Keep in mind that to travel certain places such as climbing the Abra del Acay in the north as well as to travel some ranch roads in the south you may need an all-terrain vehicle.

There may be ice and snow blocking some roads during winter. Therefore, spring, fall, and summer are the best seasons for your Route 40 trip.

Do not trust yourself when driving on Route 40

As already mentioned, some of the sections may require a 4×4 vehicle. Always try to leave early to arrive with natural light at the destination and do not drive segments of more than 350 KM (if it is gravel) or 500 (if it is asphalt).

You don’t run on Route 40 … you enjoy it.

Fill up the tank whenever you can, especially in Patagonia. First of all, there is no guarantee that the next gas station will have fuel available, plus the mountainous terrain means higher fuel consumption than you might expect.

Route 40 tour:

Route 40 patagonia.

Due to its long length, this is a word that we always use in Patagonia to plan where we take Route 40 to travel only one segment of it.

There are multiple starting points, depending on where you want to start the trip

Here we travel a long itinerary from South to North starting in Río Gallegos, province of Santa Cruz (you can take a plane from Buenos Aires to Río Gallegos and from there rent a rental vehicle)

Segment (Cabo Vírgenes) -Punta Loyola-Río Gallegos

Cape Virgins Distance: 37 km (when the coastal road is finished, it will be 137 km) Road surface: asphalt

There are plans to extend Route 40 along the coast to the southernmost part of the Argentine mainland to Cabo Vírgenes, although as of early 2011 nothing had materialized yet. Therefore, the official starting point for Route 40 is Punta Loyola, a small port town with some industries and a Norwegian shipwreck.

It is still possible to visit the cape by a gravel road (gravel) that leaves highway 3. There the Magellan path begins, and on the same cape there is a lighthouse and a Chilean border post.

Following the bay, the road enters the 2 Río Gallegos, one of the largest cities in southern Argentina.

Rio Gallegos-El Calafate trip Distance: 460 km Road surface: gravel (gravel) until “November 28”, then asphalt until Tapi Aike, gravel (gravel) until RP 5, asphalt until Calafate.

Highway 40 overlaps Highway 3 for 35 km, then turns west and follows the Río Gallegos valley. The next urban nucleus is located at about 235 km, from 3

The Turbio. It is the largest plant in Argentina’s coal industry, although production has been reduced since the 1990s, when it was affected by the economic crisis. After the city of 4 November 28, the highway turns north and joins Highway 5, with which it will overlap up to 5 Charles Fuhr.

Detour towards Torres del Paine

From Río Turbio you can take a detour to Puerto Natales and later go to the world famous Torres del Paine National Park with its snowy peaks.

El Calafate and Los Glaciares detour

El Calafate is located about 32 km west of the highway, but it is the only major city in this region and, as such, the best alternative to find a place to sleep.

The city is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, with its glaciers and its forested mountainous landscape. The road to the national park is completely paved.

Charles Fuhr-Perito Moreno Distance: 656 km Road surface: up to Tres Lagos asphalt, then more than 70 km of gravel (gravel) (possibly paved), then asphalt

Alternative routes: Between Lake Cardiel and Riera there is a shortcut that was part of Route 40 and is almost 50 km shorter than the current route. On the other hand, the current route through Gobernador Gregores is paved, but the shortcut is not.

After El Calafate the road follows the eastern shore of Lake Argentino, the second largest lake in Argentina, and then passes through Lake Viedma, the third largest.

El Chaltén detour

North of Lake Viedma there is a paved side road that leads to El Chaltén.

The road crosses the Patagonian plateau made up of a hard steppe, some hills and some small green valleys. It’s a bad place to get into car trouble on this lonely stretch of road.

The only important town is Gobernador Gregores with about 3,000 inhabitants and a gas station, although most of the people just walk past it.

150 km to the north there is a small hamlet “Bajo Caracoles” (100 inhabitants).

Then follows Perito Moreno, a town with 4,000 inhabitants and all the services you may need for a good stopover, including places to eat and sleep, a bank, a supermarket and a gas station. If driving between Los Glaciares and San Carlos de Bariloche, Perito Moreno is halfway there, making it a good place to spend the night.

Perito Moreno National Park detour

The Perito Moreno National Park can be entered from Tamel Aike, 89 km from the highway. With rudimentary infrastructure, this may be Argentina’s loneliest national park, but this also means that pristine landscapes of lakes and forests can be enjoyed at the foot of the Andes without hordes of tourists.

Cave of the Hands detour

From Bajo Caracoles you can reach 8 Cueva de las Manos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Patagonia. It owes its name to the famous paintings of hands, although there are also other cave paintings. 44 km from the highway.

Segment from Perito Moreno to Esquel Landscape of streets in Esquel Distance: 512 km Road surface: asphalt

The landscape is still desolate after Perito Moreno, but after Río Mayo, some 110 km away, the road is paved again and you will go through small towns: José de San Martín, Gobernador Costa and Tecka (the latter has some natural attractions) . Eventually you reach the city of Esquel; with 40,000 inhabitants it is the largest city since Río Gallegos.

Esquel doesn’t have many places of interest, but its very beautiful location in the foothills and the range of activities available such as hiking, mountain biking, and winter sports make it worth a stop.

Esquel-San Carlos de Bariloche segment Distance: 283 km Road surface: asphalt

The section between Esquel and Bariloche is probably the most touristic part of Route 40 from the south.

The landscape includes dense forests and many lakes. The only notable town here is El Bolsón, a former hippie colony that has become a popular destination for mostly Buenos Aires tourists. On the other hand, 15 San Carlos de Bariloche on Lake Nahuel Huapí has become a city with great tourist activity, and is a gateway to the Nahuel Huapi National Park, the most visited in the country.

Route 40 Downtown

San Carlos de Bariloche-Chos Malal segment

Distance: 585 km

Road surface: asphalt

Passing Bariloche the road skirts Lake Nahuel Huapi, then continues on to San Martín de los Andes, a picturesque town on Lake Lácar. It is a popular destination thanks to its access to the Lanín National Park.

The next big city is Zapala (40,000 inhabitants), situated between hills of sand. Around Chos Mahal the road approaches the Andes again. Apart from some historical buildings, Chos Mahal is not a spectacular city but it is a good access point to the mountains.

Chos Malal-Malargüe segment South of Malargüe Distance: 334 km Road surface: to the border with the Mendoza asphalt, then asphalt tracks to Malargüe.

After Chos Malal there is again a lonelier section and in some places the road is in poor condition. The volcanic and steppe landscape is little traveled by tourists but it has some things that are worth seeing such as the Tromen volcano. The only inhabited places here are the two small towns of Ranquil and Barrancas. Then follows the city of Malargüe with a good selection of accommodations.

Malargüe-Mendoza segment Distance: 350 km.

Road surface: asphalt to El Sosneado, dirt road to Pareditas (better use the alternative route), followed by asphalt, from Ugarteche on the four-lane highway.

After San Rafael there are some typical landscapes of Cuyo, including steppes interspersed with green and populated oases. After Tunuyán, when the roads turn into a four-lane highway, it is a sign that you are about to reach Mendoza. Mendoza is the center of Argentine viticulture and, with one million inhabitants, the fourth largest metropolitan area in the country. It is also a starting point for trips to some of the highest mountains in the Andes, including Aconcagua.

Mendoza-San Juan segment Distance: 165 km Road surface: asphalt.

This relatively short stretch between two large cities is in good condition, but traffic is heavy. The only notable sight here is the sandy desert near Lavalle, the only such desert in South America. San Juan is an oasis city and an important agricultural center.

San Juan-Chilecito segment San José de Jáchal Distance: 409 km Road surface: asphalt.

Leaving the oasis of San Juan, the road crosses a dry and rugged landscape. 130 km north of the provincial capital is the second largest oasis in the Jáchal valley with the city of San José de Jáchal. The highway bypasses this city of 20,000 inhabitants.

Villa Unión, in the province of La Rioja, is the next prominent city and access point to Talampaya. Then follow the Cuesta de Miranda, where the path passes next to a spectacular ravine. After a few smaller hamlets you reach Chilecito, the largest city at the northern end of the route and a bit more touristy. In the surrounding area there are several attractions: ancient villages, rock formations and one of the highest mountain railways in the world, which, however, has been closed.

Talampaya detour

Off the road is the Talampaya National Park with interesting rock formations and paleontological excavations. To get there, turn off at Villa Unión and drive south for about 70 km to the Puerta de Talampaya. To explore the park in depth, it is necessary to participate in a guided tour; in high season these tours are usually sold out.

Chilecito-Belén segment

Distance: 218 km Road surface: asphalt.

To the north of Chilecito, the road crosses the valley between the Sierra de Velazco and the Sierra de Famatina, one of the highest areas of the Andes with some mountains that reach up to 6,000 m in height.

In the north of the province of La Rioja, the valley becomes the Campo de Belén plateau. At the northern end of this plateau is London, the second oldest city in Argentina (after Santiago del Estero). This very quiet and green city has two cities, but unfortunately few historical buildings remain. A few kilometers further north is Belén with a better selection of accommodations.

Route 40 North

Bethlehem-Santa María del Yocavil segment Distance: 172 km Road surface: asphalt.

Up next: some exciting scenery. Just after Bethlehem the road passes through a gorge, and then the valley widens again. One place worth stopping is Hualfín, a town surrounded by red rock walls.

The road rises 2,200 m above sea level and descends into the Calchaquí Valley, one of the highlights of the trip. When you start to see built-up areas, there are about 15 km to 32 Santa María del Yocavil, the largest city in the valley. Santa María offers a spectacular setting (with hardly any historical buildings), and there are many archaeological sites around the city.

Segment Santa María del Yocavil-Cachi Quebrada de las Flechas See also: Calchaquí Valleys Distance: 235 km Road surface: asphalt to San Carlos, then gravel (gravel) to Cachi.

After Santa María comes the most famous part of the Calchaquí Valley, a high altitude valley between 1,700 and 2,000 m above sea level. There are many things to see in a few kilometers. A worthwhile detour is the Amaicha del Valle, a Native American community of 4,000 residents with a large museum featuring local culture. A few kilometers further north are the Quilmes ruins, probably the best-preserved pre-Columbian site in Argentina.

Cafayate is the tourist center of the region and also a center for viticulture. The rock of the Quebrada de Cafayate also deserves a small detour.

After Cafayate the road becomes lonelier. There are several small towns with preserved colonial architecture such as San Carlos and Molinos. The next largest town, Cachi, is the center of the northern part of the valley. Cachi has a well-preserved center and there are several places to sleep.

Although the road to Cachi is passable in a smaller car, it is relatively challenging and can present several detours into mud, sand and gravel (gravel) without leveling.

Cachi-San Antonio de los Cobres segment Abra del Acay Distance: 145 km (over the Abra del Acay), alternative route 100 km longer Road surface: asphalt to La Poma, from there a challenging to overwhelmingly challenging gravel (gravel) road

After Cachi comes the most difficult section of the route. Near La Poma the road begins to climb through the valley. After this the path becomes considerably steeper. An off-road vehicle is recommended, and the road can become impassable in both summer (due to rain) and winter (due to ice and snow).

The road winds uphill to Abra del Acay, at 4,972 m above sea level, the highest mountain pass in Argentina and one of the highest in the world (there are others higher in the Himalayas). From there, the descent path improves and leads to the mining town of San Antonio de los Cobres. A fairly poor city, it is the main settlement in western Salta.

Detour Salta / Alternatives to Abra del Acay

There are two ways to get around the Abra del Acay. Both routes are around 100 km longer than the pass through the mountain pass. They will pass through the capital of the province of Salta, with half a million inhabitants and one of the best preserved old colonial centers in Argentina.

San Antonio de los Cobres-La Quiaca segment Distance: 380 km Road: poor quality road to Susques, better gravel (gravel) to Santa Catalina, then asphalt

The 13 best places of interest on Route 40

Choosing the best attractions and destinations along Route 40, Argentina is not an easy task because there are many sites, natural and cultural monuments, historical landmarks, incredible landscapes and cultural events along its winding route.

Here we list the “Thirteen Best Attractions” of Route 40 that we consider unique and worth visiting. They are listed from north to south.

Attraction # 1: Cusi Cusi

The “Valley of Mars” Jujuy Province A multi-colored valley with ocher, red, pink, white and gray tones, located on the Plateau de la Puna in the province of Jujuy.

It is also known as “Valle de la Luna 2” (since Valley number 1 is Ischigualasto in San Juan). The Cusi Cusi Valley is located at an altitude of 3,800 m – 12,460 ft on a gravel (gravel) stretch of Route 40 between Susques and La Quiaca.

Attraction # 2: Salinas Grandes Salinas in the Puna Jujuy and Salta

The “Salinas Grandes” (which means “Salinas Grandes”) extend for 212 km2 in the highlands of the Puna at 3,450 meters high.

The vast surface of white salt contrasts with the deep blue sky. It is a temporary lake when it rains, and the salt is harvested using traditional methods. It is located on the border of the provinces of Jujuy and Salta, and the “old” Route 40 runs along its southern and eastern shore. National Route 52, paved, crosses it and connects Susques and Purmamarca.

Attraction # 3: Abra del Acay

The highest point on Route 40 Jump

The Abra del Acay is the highest pass on a national highway in the world and the highest highway pass outside of Asia: it stands at 16,050 feet. (4,895 m) above sea level.

Located in the Cordillera del Nevado del Acay de los Andes, it is a difficult mountain road between the towns of San Antonio de los Cobres and Cachi.

Attraction # 4: Quebrada de las Flechas

Incredible rock formations in the Calchaquí River Valley Jump

A lunar landscape in the heart of the Calchaquí Valleys. Strange sloping layers of ash-colored rock protrude up to 150 feet above the surrounding terrain. Its name means “Barranco de las Flechas”, where the “arrows” are the sharp angular slabs of rock. They are part of the protected area, the Angastaco Natural Monument.

Attraction # 5: Shinkal de Quimivil

Prehispanic ruins Catamarca The Shinkal (or Shincal) is a National Historic Monument that preserves the Inca ruins.

It covers nearly 50 acres of what was once a provincial capital in the Inca Empire. More than 100 buildings, including a “pyramid”, are on the site. It is located on the outskirts of the city of London (London), along Route 40.

Attraction # 6: Cuesta de Miranda

The Rioja La Cuesta de Miranda, is a section of Route 40 that was famous for its dangerousness: a narrow one-lane road that winds through the Miranda River canyon. It crosses a gap between the 19,000-foot-high Famatina Mountains and the Cordillera de Sañogasta.

It is now a paved road and it is safe and easy to drive. It is located between the towns of Chilecito and Villa Unión in the province of La Rioja and its maximum height is 6,690 feet. (2,040 m) above sea level.

Attraction # 7: Talampaya and Ischigualasto

National and Provincial Parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site La Rioja and San Juan Both parks are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Talampaya National Park is located in the province of La Rioja, and is next to the Ischigualasto Provincial Park in the province of San Juan.

They are known for their rock formations, dinosaur fossils, pre-Hispanic rock art, and their native animals and plants. You can get from Route 40 to Jáchal, Huaco or Villa Unión.

Attraction # 8: El Payén La Payunia Provincial Reserve Mendoza

El Payén or Payunia, is a volcanic region with large lava flows, basaltic rocks and volcanoes.

It averages 2.75 volcanoes per 10 square miles and disputes with the Siberian Peninsula of Kamchakta for the title of “most volcanoes in a given area” worldwide. Its lava flows and lava fields are among the largest in South America.

Attraction # 9: Route of the Seven Lakes

Route 40 in the Patagonian forests and the lake region Neuquén and Río Negro Route 40 between the cities of Bariloche, Río Negro and San Martín de los Andes in Neuquén is known as the “Route of the Seven Lakes”.

Its name means “The Route of the Seven Lakes”, it is completely paved and crosses two National Parks, in the Andean forests and runs along the shores of more than seven lakes today. The highway is aligned in the Andes, with its forested slopes, a pristine area protected by the Nahuel Huapi and Lanín National Parks.

Attraction # 10: The Cave of the Hands One of the most important Paleolithic detachments in the world Santa Cruz

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the caves of the hands offer a trip to the past to understand the life of the Indians of Patagonia.

Attraction # 11: Petrified Forest La Leona

The Petrified Forest closest to Tourism Santa Cruz Just 100 kilometers before reaching El Calafate is the most easily accessible Petrified Forest.

Attraction # 12: Perito Moreno Glacier

The most famous glacier in Patagonia Santa Cruz

The Perito Moreno glacier is unique in that it does not recede, but advances, damming Lake Argentino, periodically bursting in a spectacular rupture of the ice dam when the pressure of the lake’s water breaks it.

It is located in Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, near the city of El Calafate.

Attraction # 13: Torres del Paine

The most important detour of Route 40 Chile Torres del Paine National Park is perhaps the most important detour from Route 40. Its granite towers and its beautiful lakes and glaciers make it a must-see.

Tips for driving in Patagonia

Watch your speed., drive defensively., in summer the rains are scarce., fuel and gas stations., beware of the fauna., do not sleep , book your tours, search for your hotel, related posts.

Cave of the hands

Petrified Forests

Patagonian Coast

Perito Moreno Glacier

About the author

I am Matias, born in Patagonia, and a lover of my land.

For more than 20 years I help foreign travellers to organise their trip to Patagonia.

I also manage this exotic accommodation on the Atlantic coast.

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Argentina Road Trip: National Route 40

Ruta 40 argentina road trip (self drive tour).

Argentina is well known for its vast extension, which holds one of the world’s most diverse landscapes and this Ruta 40 Argentina road trip is proof of that. In fact, it has been told many times by locals (and experts) that the country ‘has all the climates’, and that’s more likely to be true. Deserts, moon-like landscapes, rainforests, glaciers, beaches, mountains, and valleys. Everything you can think of in terms of nature can be witnessed traveling the Ruta 40 for an entire month. You will arrive in Argentina to the always vibrant and cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, from where you will travel to the northwest, where the real adventure begins in this unforgettable self-driving tour that will take you to the very ‘end of the world’.

A legendary route that all Argentinians and people around the world need to explore! It is an adventure of a lifetime and can be experienced in many different ways. We invite you to plan your “Ruta 40 Argentina road trip” together, and adapt it to your needs and preferences!

• Salta and Jujuy
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The city of tango, skyscrapers, and art-nouveau buildings await for you to discover its practically never-ending streets. One night in the ‘Paris of South America’ will be more than enough to impress you.

Below you will find a referential map of the Ruta 40. You will be transiting part of it, but is good to have an overview of the global picture. The complete road covers a total of 5194 km, from La Quiaca (A) in Jujuy province to Cabo Vírgenes (B) in Santa Cruz province.  In between, you will find an impressive variety of landscapes, such as those described on this itinerary.

We will continue to San Antonio de los Cobres, a town of five thousand people, main attraction is the ‘Tren a las Nubes’ (train to the clouds). On its origins, it connected Argentina and Chile for commercial reasons. Now it is only for touristic reasons, but it is still a masterpiece of engineering.

Salinas Grandes – Jujuy and Salta

At only 40km west Cachi and its white houses made out of adobe will be your next stop. In this classical Andean town, remains of ancient civilizations were found and dated to 10,000 years.

Close in the scale of awesomeness, comes Cafayate. In the Calchaquies Valleys, surrounded by high walls of red stone, Cafayate is where the most important wineries of the north are located. High altitude wines are their trend mark.

The oldest town in Catamarca will be your home during the night. This mesmerizing city is a true archeological treasure of both nature and culture since the very own Inca empires reached this area in the year 1,400.

But by far nothing can compare to the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) in Ischigualasto National Park. This hypnotizing landscape made out of eroded rocks that, as you can tell, resembles the surface of our natural satellite. After ‘an afternoon in space’, you’ll return to Villa Union to rest.

This is by far the most important city near the Andes, casinos, clubs, bar pubs, mountains, rivers, ski centers, vineyards and fine cuisine, are only some of the things that makes Mendoza a touristic paradise. As you can see, one night is not enough to enjoy it, that’s why we’re giving you two.

In this area not only Inca mummies were found but this is in fact, one of the key spots that José de San Martin (liberator of America) had to cross in its crusade for the Independence. That being said, the natural and cultural value of the Park is immense.

The unique weather that combines dry winds, the right amount of rain and rich lands, makes Mendoza the ultimate paradise for wineries. This is the home of the many awarded and celebrated Argentinian Malbec, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness the whole process of making this ‘elixir of life’, first hand.

As we don’t recommend drinking and driving, it is better to take a guided tour. After you’ll return to Mendoza city to take a night bus that will take you to Patagonia, from where you will continue your Ruta 40 Argentina road trip.

Loved by families, sports fans, and teenagers, Bariloche will welcome you with a wide variety of options regarding tourism.

Three hours up North San Martín de los Andes is the main way to access the Lanín National Park. This area is full of life and vegetation and offers unique access to the Lanín volcano. A few minutes from the city the road of the Siete Lagos is a tour anyone should miss. Greenish and deep lakes at high altitude surrounded by huge mountains, where you can kayak or simply swim during the summer, are definitely unforgettable.

Between San Martin de los Andes and Bariloche, the chic city of Villa Langostura awaits. A paradise for skiers, this town hosts one of the best natural ski slopes on the planet.

After passing the National Park you will reach Esquel where you’ll spend the night. This dreamy is famous for being a top destination during the winter due to the snow and mountains.

After spending the afternoon in this landscape taking out of a dinosaur movie, you’ll be spending the night in the city of Sarmiento

Once your adventure day is over, a new night awaits at Lago Posadas, on the Southeast of Santa Cruz. But if you are feeling excited, we recommend you to spend an extra night so you can visit de marble chapels (on the Chilean side of the border), and the Lago Pueyrredón and its 150 meters high cascade.

Once this part of the journey ends, you’ll have to travel about 530 kilometers West to El Chaltén. In this city is where you’ll spend the night and also, where you’ll find a whole variety of activities to do.

Rock climbing, kayak, rafting, horse riding and biking, are some of the things we recommend you to practice here.

Patagonia Argentina – Perito Moreno Glacier, taken by Toshiya Nishikawa

During this trip you’ll see waterfalls, wild animals (like horses living in ice islands) and of course, huge walls of blue ice.

Golden grasslands, deep blue blocks of ice and bright crystal clear green waters, are the perfect ingredients of this one of a kind dreamy landscape.

This type of travel is the best option for thrill-seekers looking to get an immersive travel experience meeting new people and trying new experiences. And the best part is that every self-driving tour can be tailored according to the visitors’ time frame and preferences. Buckle up and get ready for the ride of a lifetime!

If you liked this itinerary and would like to check some other road trips, you can visit our Argentina and Chile self-drive tours section.

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• National Parks fees
• Other non specified services

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Cachi - Taken by José Deiros

Moon Valley - Taken by Eduardo Rivas

Gauchos in Cafayate - Taken by José Deiros

Cactus - Taken by José Deiros

Northwest - Taken by José Deiros

Los Cardones National Park - Taken by José Deiros

Salt Flats - Taken by José Deiros

Valle de las Conchas - Taken by José Deiros

Moon Valley - Taken by Thousandwonders

Glacier Perito Moreno

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

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Everything You Need to Know Before Driving in Patagonia

By Author Steph Dyson

Posted on Last updated: 22nd November 2023

There are a number of places around the globe that just lend themselves towards a road trip. Patagonia is one of them; a place of rugged mountains, thick forest that transitions into arid, wind blasted grasslands and, running throughout, the vast, open road.

Driving to or around Patagonia is a means of exploring a remote destination that has attracted adventurers for centuries and, with the state of the road improving each and every year, there are fewer reasons not to do so.

This guide follows my multiple visits to Argentine and Chilean Patagonia, where I’ve rented a car and explored vast stretches of road – and learned a lot about driving and road conditions along the way.

I’ve collated all of the information you need to know about car rental in Patagonia, getting around Patagonia on your own four wheels and I’ve even thrown in a road trip itinerary to get the inspiration flowing.

Click to navigate this article:

Where (and why!) should you drive to in Patagonia?

As someone who’s driven sections of the famed Southern Highway, aka the Carretera Austral and gone beyond-the-beaten trail on some increasingly dodgy roads in Chilean Tierra del Fuego , the question you should really be asking yourself is why shouldn’t you drive in Patagonia?

The landscapes are extreme and sublime and the roads that traverse them offer a window into the southernmost hinterland of the continent, making it an absolute gem of a South America road trip.

If you’re seeking places with barely a trace of human interaction and to discover some of the world’s most beautiful, pristine terrain, Patagonia is your place (although you might want to find out exactly where Patagonia is before planning anything).

Bear in mind that the best time to visit Patagonia is generally in the Austral summer (December through March) or shoulder seasons (October/November and April). This is when the weather is settled and you can expect conditions to be suitable for driving – i.e. not too much snow, an issue that the region faces when it enters winter!

The main destinations for a Patagonia road trip are:

The Carretera Austral

The Carretera Austral is considered one of South America’s finest road trips : a 1,240-kilometre, mostly unpaved route that winds itself from the Chilean Lakes District deep into the heart of Aysén, Chile’s least populated region.

It lies in what’s considered northern Chilean Patagonia (that’s quite a mouthful!), which effectively means it lies along the very western coast of South America and is separated from Argentina by the ridge of the Andes Mountains.

It’s possible to link this road up with Southern Patagonia via the border crossings at Futaleufu, Chile Chico and in Patagonia National Park, while you can also head through to fjords via the Tabsa ferry that departs from Puerto Yungay (in the far south) and travels to Puerto Natales and southern Chilean Patagonia.

Southern Chilean Patagonia

While many people visit Southern Chilean Patagonia – it’s home to Torres del Paine National Park after all – any road trip here is best combined with a drive along Ruta 40 (if you’ve not got much time), Tierra del Fuego (if you’re feeling adventurous) or the Carretera Austral (if you’ve got at least three weeks).

You can head north from here to the Carretera Austral via the Tabsa ferry that departs from Puerto Natales and heads to Puerto Yungay (in the far south of the Carretera Austral) or into Argentina via Paso Río Don Guillermo, from where you can continue to El Calafate.

To reach Tierra De Fuego, you’ll want to take the TABSA ferry across to Porvenir or drive east and take the TABSA ferry from Cruce Punta Delgada to reach Cruce Bahía Azul and Tierra del Fuego.

Officially Argentina – and one of the world’s – longest road, Route 40 actually begins on the northernmost tip of Argentina at La Quiaca in Jujuy Province. It continues 5,194 kilometres south to reach Río Gallegos in the Santa Cruz Province in Argentine Patagonia and transects both northern and southern Argentine Patagonia.

I’ll only be covering the Patagonia section of this route: focussing on Bariloche heading south. This road is very different from the Carretera Austral, passing through mostly flat, grassy plains with a backdrop of ridged mountains in the west.

In my personal opinion, the scenery is less interesting than what you experience on a road trip along the Carretera Austral.

What most visitors do is link this road with the border crossing into Chile at Paso Río Don Guillermo, from where you can continue to southern Chilean Patagonia where lie Torres del Paine National Park and Puerto Natales.

Tierra del Fuego

The road through Tierra del Fuego, the island right at the tip of South America, is the least traversed of all driving routes in Patagonia. It contains both Chilean and Argentine territory; in fact, most road trips will see you moving between both countries.

Traditionally, travelers have driven south through Chilean Patagonia and crossed into Argentine Patagonia at Paso San Sebastián, from where you can continue south to reach Ushuaia, the most visited city on the island.

However, the Chilean section of the island is – in my opinion – vastly more beautiful, if practically entirely lacking in infrastructure. You can read about my experiences of staying in a beautiful lodge there and also of traveling independently in this guide to Chilean Tierra del Fuego .

Fast facts about driving in Patagonia

Can you drive to patagonia.

Yes! Plenty of visitors head to the region as part of a road trip, driving down from  Santiago (the Chilean capital ), Buenos Aires (the Argentine capital) or cities further south on the periphery of Patagonia such as Puerto Montt, where rental costs are affordable. Renting a car in Patagonia is a reasonably straightforward process, making it an ideal place for a road trip.

If you’re coming from the US, it’s even possible to drive (most of!) the PanAmerican Highway, as it starts in Alaska and meanders its way through the Americas to finish at the very south of Patagonia.

However, the actual route of the Pan-American Highway is hotly contested, depending on who you speak to. If they’re Chilean, they’ll say the Pan-American Highway (or Ruta 5 as it’s known in Chile) slices southwards through the country, continuing all the way to Puerto Montt where the road hits the sea at the very tip of northern Chilean Patagonia.

If you speak to an Argentinean, however, they’ll tell you that the PanAmerican actually heads due east across the Andes Mountains at Santiago, before continuing all the way south until it reaches Río Gallegos in Patagonia.

Either way, the full PanAmerican Highway takes at least six months, but often more, to cover, with many travellers spending a full two years driving its length. 

Can you drive from Santiago to Patagonia?

Yes you can drive from Santiago to Patagonia! The easiest part of Patagonia to reach from Santiago is the Carretera Austral, the main highway through northern Chilean Patagonia. This road (also known as Ruta 7 or the Southern Highway) begins at Puerto Montt, a city 1,000 kilometres south of Santiago. From here, you can drive the full length of  the Carretera Austral  (all 1,200 kilometres!) to reach Villa O’Higgins, where the road ends.

At Villa O’Higgins, you have two choices: return north to Chile Chico where you can cross the border into Argentine Patagonia and drive south down Ruta 40 to reach El Chaltén, El Calafate and, across the border to Puerto Natales and  Torres del Paine National Park ; or you can catch the  TABSA ferry  that sails through the fjords to reach Puerto Natales further south.

Is it safe to drive in Chilean Patagonia?

Yes of course. Patagonia is considered one of the safest parts of South America. It’s a very relaxed and rural place, where most people know each other and, as a result, crime is low.

The biggest challenges you face driving is the state of the road; most of the Carretera Austral and some sections of Ruta 40 are unpaved gravel, which can be dangerous to drive on if you take it too fast. Punctures are also a possibility, while flying gravel can chip and even crack windscreens.

I cover essential tips for driving to and around Patagonia below, while read these for more information about  the state of the Carretera Austral  and  the state of Ruta 40 .

Can you rent a car in Chile and drive to Argentina?

Yes you can! However, as with crossing any international border, you will need to ensure that you have the correct insurance to cover you.

For both countries, it is your responsibility to inform your rental company that you plan to drive across the border and you must do this at least two weeks in advance to allow them the time to prepare the necessary documents. They will charge you an additional $100 USD or so to do this.

These should be presented to you when you pick up the car; make sure you know where they are as you won’t be allowed to cross the border without them!

Renting a car in Patagonia

Renting a car for a road trip through Patagonia is a relatively straightforward. I personally always recommend doing so in Chile, rather than Argentina.

In my experience, prices have been cheaper and, thanks to an influx of international companies that have driven the standard of rental vehicles up, quality and service is better. However, the current issues with the economy in Argentina (2020) may well have lowered prices.

Rental prices vary significantly depending on where you pick up the car and also where you intend to drop the vehicle back off. As far as I’m aware, it is not possible to pick up a vehicle in Chile and drop it off in Argentina .

If you choose to rent a car from Santiago and return it in Punta Arenas, for example, you can also expect a significant one-way fee, which can be anything upwards of $400,000 CLP ($560 USD).

Learn more about the best places to arrive into in this post about getting to Patagonia .

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Insurance and documents for car hire in Patagonia

You are required to have insurance for any vehicle that you rent in Chile or Argentina. The company generally requires you to pay a substantial deductible as liability in the event of an accident, such as damage, theft or a write off, which can be between $500 and $2,000 USD.

You will also normally be required to pay a guarantee using a credit card, anywhere in the region of $500,000 CLP ($700 USD) and $800,000 CLP ($1,100 USD).

Most international companies offer roadside assistance, but you’ll find the smaller, local companies across the region rarely do (something I have personally fallen foul of!).

Ensure that the car comes with its permiso de circulación (vehicle registration document) and the revision tecnica (MOT certificate); you normally find these in the glove compartment.

Insurance for crossing the border in Patagonia: If crossing into Argentina from Chile or vice versa with a rental vehicle, you need the necessary paperwork and insurance; this should be organized through your rental company at least 10 days in advance and generally costs $80,000 CLP ($112 USD).

Other important information for border crossing : Another important thing to note when driving between Chile and Argentina is that the customs officials will not permit you to bring fruit, vegetables or any fresh animal products across the border.

This isn’t enforced very strictly when crossing from Argentina to Chile in my experience, but you could get a heavy fine if you don’t declare any items in the other direction. It’s always better to do this and let the customs officials tell you if the offending items need to be binned rather than try and smuggle them in.

Many borders are open 24 hours, with others only during daylight hours. For a full list of this information, you should consult this website .

Chile: Renting a car for the Carretera Austral

There are various places along the Carretera Austral where you can rent a hire car. (For more information about what there is to see along this highway, read my ultimate guide to the Carretera Austral ).

Car rental in the north: Aeropuerto Internaciónal El Tepual , the airport just outside of Puerto Montt on the northernmost tip of the Carretera Austral, has some of the cheapest car rentals I’ve found in Chile, with rental rates starting from $20,000 CLP ($30 USD) per day.

I recommend booking through Rental Cars , a comparison and booking site I’ve used on numerous occasions.

Hiring a car or campervan for Patagonia

Rental Cars  find the best deals for car rental in the region. I’ve used it in Chile on numerous occasions and have found it both helps you find the best deal, but they also send you your insurance documents in English!

They also have plenty of different vehicles to hire, although you don’t need a 4WD for the Carretera Austral unless you plan to drive the tiniest of roads or cross the border to Argentina through any of the crossings not mentioned in this guide (of which there are a number, but the state of the road itself is generally poor). However, some companies won’t let you hire a car for the Carretera Austral – I know Econorent in Puerto Montt does.

It’s important to note that you will need additional insurance if you plan on continuing your trip beyond the Carretera Austral and taking the vehicle across the border into Argentina.

This should cost around $80,000 CLP ($117 USD) and must be organised  at least  10 days prior to your trip; the car rental company can organise all of this for you.

I’ve had a reader report that they struggled to organise these insurance documents when booking via  Rental Cars . However, I didn’t find out exactly what happened – so if you’re planning on doing this, be sure to check with the rental company you have chosen that they are able to do this.

Prices are also significantly higher if you rent from one destination and return to another, so it’s best to try and plan an itinerary that loops back to where you started.

Car rental along the Carretera Austral: Another option is from Aerodromo Balmaceda , around halfway down the Carretera Austral and close to Coyhaique . Prices are much higher than in Puerto Montt and you can expect to pay at least $560,000 CLP ($768 USD) for a week’s rental. You can check up-to-date prices with Rental Cars , the company I use when hiring cars in Chile.

Hiring a campervan for the Carretera Austral

Hiring a campervan for the Carretera Austral is also very popular – particularly as it allows you to stop as and when you wish along your journey.

In the north: The best place to pick up your new wheels is in the north from Puerto Varas (a 30-minute drive northeast of Puerto Montt) with Chile Motor Homes or Wicked Campers .

Expect to pay $483,000 CLP ($662 USD) for a one-week rental. Prices will be significantly higher if you rent from one destination and return to another.

Along the Carretera Austral: I’m not aware of any places that rent out campervans along the Carretera Austral. Please let me know in the comments if this is incorrect!

Chile: Renting a car in southern Chilean Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego

There are two main towns in southern Chilean Patagonia: Punta Arenas (with the largest airport) and Puerto Natales (the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park).

The cheapest place to pick up a rental car is in Punta Arenas , although there are also rental companies in Puerto Natales. You can expect to pay from $236,000 CLP ($332 USD) for a week’s rental of a small car.

There is nowhere to rent a car in Tierra del Fuego , so you’ll need to organise rental in the nearest city, Punta Arenas.

Hiring a campervan for southern Chilean Patagonia

If you’re looking for a campervan for exploring Patagonia, the best place to pick up your new wheels is in Punta Arenas. Chile Motor Homes , Wicked Campers and Holiday Rent have depos here. Expect to pay $480,000 CLP ($658 USD) for a one-week rental.

There is nowhere to rent a campervan in Tierra del Fuego , so you’ll need to organise rental in the nearest city, Punta Arenas.

Argentina: Renting a car for Argentine Patagonia, Ruta 40 and Tierra del Fuego

The cheapest place to pick up a rental car is in Bariloche, where prices start from $160,000 CLP ($225 USD) for a one-week rental. However, from Bariloche, it’s an 18-hour drive south along Ruta 40 to reach El Chaltén and the rest of southern Argentine Patagonia, so bear in mind that you’ll need to drive this both ways to avoid an extortionate one-way fee.

Instead, if you plan on visiting the region, it’s easier to rent in El Calafate , where there are a number of international companies based in both the airport, Aeropuerto Internacional de El Calafate and in the town itself. Expect to pay from $230,000 CLP ($330 USD) for a week’s rental of a small car.

Prices for rental in Ushuaia from the airport, Aeropuerto Internacional de Ushuaia, start from $250,000 CLP ($350 USD) for a one-week rental of a small car.

Argentina: Hiring a campervan for Argentine Patagonia, Ruta 40 and Tierra del Fuego

I have no experience of encountering campervan rental companies in Argentina and, I’ll be honest, I’m struggling to find any further information online. If you’ve done it and want to share your experience with the community, please reach out to me via email or in the comments below!

Essentials to know before embarking on a Patagonia road trip

The main appeal of a Patagonia road trip is the fact that, with your own transport, you can stop practically anywhere you wish for a photography, for a picnic or, in some parts, even to camp overnight.

The latter is one of the reasons why I recommend that people bring a tent with them for the trip, as wild camping at different spots along the road – beneath a practically unblemished sky – is quite something and many of the national parks have remote camping sites just waiting for you to pitch up.

However, those who enjoy a spot of comfort will find that lodgings are becoming increasingly of better quality and comfort level – and still grant easy access to beautiful night skies.

Note that the wind can be fierce along Ruta 40, so finding a protected site can be difficult. iOverlander (mentioned below) is your essential guide with this.

If you do drive, I’d recommend the following:

• Allow yourself a flexible itinerary . In Patagonia, things don’t always go quite to plan, so leave yourself plenty of cushion for your trip.
• A 4WD vehicle is not essential but a high-clearance vehicle and patience are indispensable. There are a handful of places where your rental company will advise you not to drive unless you have a 4WD. Listen to them! They know what they’re talking about and you do not want to get stranded or stuck anywhere – particularly as breakdown services are costly and extremely slow!
• Avoid driving faster than 60 kilometres per hour. Possible hazards include tire punctures, chips to the windscreen from gravel, and unexpected wildlife on the road. Pack food, water and a sleeping bag in case of breakdowns. When picking up your vehicle, double-check it has its spare tire – you may well want it!
• Fill up with fuel every time you see a gas station. While there are now plenty of gas stations in Patagonia, the rule of thumb is to fill up whenever you see one. I’ve listed where they are in the area-specific tips below.
• Pick up a copy of the COPEC Rutas de Chile map . This map of all of Chile and Argentine Patagonia is indispensable for anyone driving in Patagonia. You can theoretically pick it up from any COPEC gas station in Chile for around $3,000 CLP ($4 USD) – however, in practice, many places don’t stock it, so you may need to visit a couple. It has all COPEC gas stations marked on it; as the most frequent of all the companies selling fuel in Chile, this is useful stuff. They also have Argentine fuel stations marked.
• Download maps .me. This free app allows you to download maps of Patagonia to your phone (do this while you still have a WIFI connection!) that can then be used offline. Their maps use OpenStreetMap data (another great website for Patagonia) so generally have hiking marked accurately on them.
• Download the ioverlander app. This free app is a crowd-sourced guide to road conditions and campsites as compiled by overlanders (people who travel overland). It is an indispensable resource for helping you to find good wild camping spots, as well as up-to-date information about the state of the roads in Patagonia. You do need internet to be able to access the maps in the app.  
• Make sure your normal sim card works or pick up a local sim card or esim for Chile and for Argentina . If you plan on booking accommodations and doing other logistical stuff en-route, don’t expect to be able to rely on the internet anywhere in Patagonia. The internet reception through my phone is invariably faster than what you can pick up through WIFI at most hotels and hostels, so do yourself a favour and sort this before you get to Patagonia.
• Consider picking up hitchhikers. The vast majority are your fellow travellers just looking for a kind stranger to give them a ride. They’ll be ever so grateful if you do!

Advice for driving the Carretera Austral

If you want to drive the Carretera Austral, first I recommend you read my complete guide to visit Ruta 5 aka the Carretera Austral and secondly, I suggest you follow these tips:

• Around 90% of the road from Puerto Montt to Puyuhuapi is now paved. This means that you really should have no issue on this stretch of road with a normal, low-clearance car.
• You can find updates on the state of the roads here (English). This should tell you exactly where roadworks are taking place. Note that road works can cause sections of the road to be closed, normally between 2pm and 5pm during the day. This information is best found by consulting the tourism office of the town you’re in and then planning accordingly.
• This site (English) gives you information about the different border crossings along the Carretera Austral. You can find information about the state of the roads – many of which are just gravel or in worse condition. You can find opening hours for all of the border crossings here .
• Wild camping is generally possible. In most cases, you can pitch up practically where ever you want along the Carretera Austral, although the free ioverlander app should give you a good sense of where you can’t and where it’s recommendable to stay. Practice ”leave no trace” principles and make sure that whatever rubbish you bring in you take out with you. If the land is clearly privately owned and there’s a dwelling nearby, be sure to pop in and ask for permission before settling down for the night.
• Along the Carretera Austral, Entel has the best phone coverage . Claro comes in second. Sim cards can be picked up from booths manned by these companies in big shopping malls in cities such as Santiago or even in some corner shops. You top it up in pharmacies (don’t ask me why!) by asking for recarga .
• Make sure your car insurance covers transit along the Carretera Austral. I had a company in Coyhaique who tried to rent me a vehicle but said it wasn’t covered for the road. Go figure.
• Gas stations are located in: Puerto Montt, Hornopirén, Chaitén, Futaleufú, La Junta, Puyuhuapi, Puerto Cisnes,  Mañihuales, Puerto Aysén, Puerto Chacabuco, Coyhaique, Chile Chico, Puerto Río Tranquilo, Cochrane and Villa O’Higgins.
• If you start in Puerto Montt, there are two ferry crossings before you reach Chaitén. For more information, read this article about travelling the Carretera Austral .

Advice for those driving in southern Chilean Patagonia

If you plan to drive anywhere around Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales or in Tierra del Fuego, bear the following in mind:

• Most of the main roads around Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales are paved . However, once you get away from the main highways (Ruta 255 and Ruta 9), many are unpaved gravel roads. Generally, these are fine to drive on with vehicles with some clearance, but you’ll want to take it slow to avoid gravel bouncing up into your windscreen.
• Practically all roads in Torres del Paine are unpaved. Again, you should have no issue traversing these with a normal vehicle, even one with low clearance.
• Roads in Chilean Tierra del Fuego are practically all gravel, except the road from the very north of the island to Onaisin . If you plan to head deep into the Chilean side of the island, you will need a vehicle with high-clearance and I would personally recommend a 4×4 as poor weather conditions may cause roads to become unpassable – and there really isn’t anyone coming to help you here! The road between San Sebastián and Cullén in Tierra del Fuego is also in a dreadful state and I wouldn’t recommend driving it!
• Gas stations are located in: Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Terminal San Gregorio, Cerro Sombrero, Cullén, Porvenir and Russfin.

Read this guide to Tierra del Fuego for more information.

Advice for driving Ruta 40 and Argentine Patagonia

If you’re planning on hiring a rental car in Argentine Patagonia, the following information should be helpful:

• Claro is the best cell network for Argentine Patagonia . However, connection can be poor in lots of parts, including El Chaltén. You can buy a sim card by going to any of the company’s shops in Buenos Aires or other Argentine cities. The full process is described in detail here .
• Gas stations are scarce south of the Chile Chico border crossing and are located in the towns of: Perito Moreno (the town, not the glacier), Gobernador Gregores, Tres Lagos, El Calafate, Esperanza, and Tapi Aike (although the latter is often closed and, when open, is cash only), Río Gallegos, Río Grande, Tolhuin and Ushuaia.

Patagonia road trip itineraries

If you’ve got the time, spirit of adventure and the money, there’s no excuse not to embark on a road trip through Patagonia, and I strongly recommend you do it. Some of the most powerful memories I’ve got from my different trips exploring Patagonia come from road trips through the region’s wild landscapes.

The following itineraries give you an idea of various different road trips available to you for different parts of Patagonia.

If you’re interested in learning more about any of them, I offer a trip planning service for Patagonia and can provide you a fully customised itinerary, taking the stress and hassle out of putting together your trip. Find out more information here .

Fourteen days driving t he Carretera Austral

Two weeks is enough time to drive, and enjoy, most of the Carretera Austral. However, because of the prohibitively high costs of one-way rentals, it makes financial sense to hire and drop off your vehicle in the same place.

This route includes most of the Carretera Austral, as well as a short trip through Chiloé, another of the most magical parts of Chile.

Overview of this 14-day Carretera Austral itinerary:

Day one: puerto montt to hornopirén.

• Day Two: Hornopirén to Chaitén

Days Three and Four: Parque Nacional Pumalín

• Day Five: Puyuhuapi and the hanging glacier in Parque Nacional Queulat
• Days Six and Seven: Villa Cerro Castillo and Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo
• Day Eight: Puerto Río Tranquilo and the marble caves

Days Nine: Parque Nacional Patagonia

• Days Ten and Eleven: The Naviera Austral ferry to Quellón

Days Twelve and Thirteen: Chiloé Island

Day fourteen: puerto montt.

Rent a car from the airport in Puerto Montt using Rental Cars . Either board the Naviera Austral ferry service from Puerto Montt to Chaitén (9 hours, $114,000 CLP ($146 USD) per vehicle plus $17,300 CLP ($22 USD) for passengers) or drive south to Hornopirén (3 hours).

Stay overnight in the cosy bedrooms of Hosteria Catalina .

Day Two: Ferry boat from Hornopirén to Chaitén

Board the SOMARCO ferry at 10.30am to Caleta Gonzalo (4.5 hours, $33,500 CLP ($43 USD) per vehicle including passengers; price includes ferry to Leptepú and to Caleta Gonzalo) and head south to Chaitén (1 hour).

Stay overnight in the basic cabins at Chucao Bosque y Cabañas .

Enjoy Parque Nacional Pumalín, one of the most spectacular parks along the Carretera Austral, packed full of hiking opportunities, hot springs and kayaking.

Day Five: Puyuhuapi and Parque Nacional Queulat

Drive south to Puyuhuapi (2.5 hours) and spend the afternoon in Parque Nacional Queulat, where the spectacular Ventisquero Queulat (or Queulat Hanging Glacier) is located.

Stay overnight in the affordable Hostal Aonikenk , which is ideal if you’re self-catering.

You MUST make a reservation in order to visit the park. You must do this on this website . You can only enter the park between 9:00am and 14:30pm (you can stay within the park until 16.30pm) and you must bring your reservation code on your phone or printed off to show at the park entrance.

Days Six and Seven: Villa Cerro Castillo and Parque Nacional Villa Cerro Castillo

Drive south to Villa Cerro Castillo (6 hours) via Coyhaique, the largest town along the Carretera Austral and a great place to pick up provisions in the large UNIMARC supermarket located there.

Spend the following day hiking the trail up to Lago Cerro Castillo for incredible views of Cerro Castillo, a castle-shaped peak in the middle of park.

Stay in the beautifully decorated rooms at Refugio Cerro Castillo , with views of the mountain from the windows.

Day Eight: Puerto Río Tranquilo and the Marble Caves

Drive south to Puerto Río Tranquilo (3 hours) and visit the marble caves on the cyan waters of Lago General Carrera, or go ice trekking on the nearby Glaciar Exploradores.

Stay overnight in nearby Mallin Colorado Ecolodge (read my review of this Patagonian lodge ).

Drive south to Valle Chacabuco (2.5 hours), a part of the beautiful Parque Nacional Patagonia.

Spend the day hiking in the national park and drive back to Mallin Colorado to stay the night.

Days Ten and Eleven: Naviera Austral Ferry to Quellón

Drive north to Puerto Cisnes (8-9 hours) to stay overnight, The following morning, catch the Naviera Austral ferry to Quellón (12.5 hours, $179,000 CLP ($188 USD) per vehicle plus $30,500 CLP ($32 USD) per passenger), a town in the south of Chiloé Island. This is a beautiful journey north, just be aware that it only departs three times per week.

Note that tickets give you a seat on the boat (like a reclining seat on a bus), not a cabin. When you reach Quellón, drive north to Castro (1.5 hours) and stay overnight in the picturesque converted palafito , Palafito 1326 .

Explore the palafitos (old fishermen dwellings on stilts) of Castro, take a day trip out to Cucao to hike in the beautiful Parque Tepuhueco , or drive out to Isla Quinchao or Isla Lemuy for the day.

Drive north back to Puerto Montt (4.5-5) hours via the boat from the Chacao port (operates 24 hours, 30 mins, $12,600 CLP ($16 USD) vehicle with passengers).

Changes you can make to this Carretera Austral Itinerary: Add an extra two days and visit Futaleufú, a three-hour drive east of Chaitén that is known as one of the world’s best places for white-water rafting and also has some beautiful hikes.

Two-week Carretera Austral self-drive itinerary from Balmaceda

This road trip through Patagonia offers an alternative route, this time arriving in Balmaceda by plane and exploring most of the southern part of the Carretera Austral:

Day One: Balmaceda to Puyuhuapi

Day two: parque nacional queulat, days three to five: villa cerro castillo and parque nacional cerro castillo, days six and seven: puerto río tranquilo and the marble caves, days eight to ten: parque nacional patagonia, day eleven: caleta tortel, day twelve and thirteen: chile chico, day fourteen: ferry and drive to balmaceda.

Fly into Balmaceda and rent a car using Rental Cars . Drive north to Puyuhuapi (5.5 hours) and stay overnight in the affordable Hostal Aonikenk , which is ideal if you’re self-catering.

Spend the day in Parque Nacional Queulat, where you find the spectacular Ventisquero Queulat (or Queulat Hanging Glacier) and return to Puyuhuapi at night.

Covid-19 update: You MUST make a reservation in order to visit the park. You can do this on this website , but you will need to pay in cash (bring small notes) upon arrival. You can only enter the park between 9:00am and 14:30pm (you can stay within the park until 16.30pm) and you must bring your reservation code on your phone or printed off to show at the park entrance.

Spend a day or two in the national park, hiking the trail up to Lago Cerro Castillo for incredible views of Cerro Castillo, a castle-shaped peak in the middle of park, and other trails in the other side of the national park.

Drive south to Valle Chacabuco (2.5 hours), a part of the beautiful Parque Nacional Patagonia. Spend a day or two hiking in the national park; you can also visit Sector Tamango, which is a couple of kilometres east of Cochrane.

Stay overnight in the luxurious Lodge at Valle Chacabuco or in the more utilitarian guest house Lejana Patagonia in Cochrane, an hour’s drive south.

Drive south to Caleta Tortel (3 hours) and enjoy this remarkable village, where there are no roads. Instead boardwalks traverse for miles across this picturesque the fjord-side settlement.

Stay overnight in the modern bedrooms of the stylish Entrehielos Lodge .

Drive north to Chile Chico (6.5 hours). This is along the southern shores of Lago General Carrera, which are both vertiginous and horribly potholed – so you’ll want a 4WD if you plan on undertaking this journey.

Spend a day in the northernmost sector of Parque Nacional Patagonia, Jeinimeni, for glorious mountain views and some beautiful short hikes.

Stay overnight in the charming Hostería de la Patagonia .

Take the Somarco ferry across to Puerto Ingerniero Ibáñez (2 hours, $19,750 CLP ($25 USD) for vehicles plus $2,300 CLP (3 USD) for passengers) and then drive back to Balmaceda to return the car (1 hour).  

Changes to make to this itinerary: Add three days and drive down to Villa O’Higgins (7 hours) where there is hiking, boat visits to and flyovers of Glacier O’Higgins. You may well see a huemul – a rare species of deer – on the road here.

A 14-day drive through Southern Chilean and Argentine Patagonia

Two weeks is enough time to explore the main highlights of southern Chilean and Argentine Patagonia.

You’ll cover large distances, and spend a lot of time on the road, but can break it up with visits to extraordinary national parks and natural highlights, such as the Perito Moreno Glacier and the king penguin colony in Tierra del Fuego.

Day One: Punta Arenas

Days two to four: puerto natales and parque nacional torres del paine, days three and four: parque nacional los glaciares and glaciar el perito moreno, day five to seven: el chaltén and parque nacional los glaciares, day eight: río gallegos, day nine: parque nacional pali aike, day ten: parque pinguino rey and ushuaia, days eleven and twelve: ushuaia, day thirteen: porvenir, day fourteen: ferry to punta arenas.

Fly into Punta Arenas and rent a car using Rental Cars . Spend a day visiting the nature reserves located nearby or driving to the end of the road beyond Puerto del Hambre, where you can appreciate the mountains of Isla Dawson and Tierra del Fuego and may see dolphins swimming in the Strait of Magellan.

Stay overnight in Swedish design-inspired Hotel Ilaia.

Drive north to Puerto Natales (3 hours) and then into Torres del Paine National Park (1.5/2 hours, depending on which entrance you use).

Spend a couple of days hiking sections of the W trek and exploring the different viewpoints and short hikes around the national park. Stay overnight in one of the luxury hotels or more budget-friendly cabins or camping in Torres del Paine National Park .

Drive east to El Calafate (3-5 hours, depends on traffic at the border) and enjoy the scenery across Lago Argentina. Stay overnight in Design Suites Calafate , which has mesmorizing views of the lake.

Drive east to the southernmost section of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (1.5 hours), one Argentina’s best national parks , to visit El Perito Moreno, the country’s most impressive glacier. Return to El Calafate for the night.

Drive to El Chaltén (3 hours). Spend a couple of days hiking here, including the most well-known hike up to Laguna de los Tres and Monte Fitzroy. Stay overnight in the charming Nothofagus B&B .

Drive south to Río Gallegos (6 hours), a nondescript port town on the Atlantic coast. Stay overnight in Hotel Patagonia , the smartest and most upmarket (but still affordable) option in town.

Drive into Chile and to Parque Nacional Pali Aike (2 hours), a barely-visited national park with volcanic craters, lakes filled with flamingos and the chance to spot armadillo and even puma.

Stay overnight in nearby Punta Delgada and the simple but comfortable Hostal San Gregorio .

Drive to Ushuaia (7 hours) via Parque Pinguino Rey, a private reserve home to a colony of king penguins.

Cross the border back into Argentina at Paso San Sebastián and stay overnight in La Casa en Ushuaia, a smart little guesthouse with incredible views of the Beagle Channel.

Explore Ushuaia, hiking up to Glacier Marshall, exploring Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego with its spectacular views of the Beagle Channel or taking a boat trip out to visit sea lion and penguin colonies.

Cross the border back into Chile and drive to Porvenir (5.5 hours), a small town on the western edge of Tierra del Fuego and stay overnight in the neat, spacious bedrooms at Yendegaia House .

Take the TABSA ferry from Porvenir across to Punta Arenas (2 hours, $43,000 CLP ($55 USD) for vehicle including passengers) and return the vehicle to the airport.

A road trip through Chilean Tierra del Fuego

If you’re interested in exploring Chilean Tierra del Fuego, an incredible remote and wild part of the region and one that truly does feel like the very ends of the earth, download my free Patagonia ebook, which has an itinerary that covers this stretch of the country. You can also read this article .

Friday 1st of March 2024

Your guide has been very useful in planning my trip, thank you very much.

I am going to the CA for 2 weeks. I had a question about cash – your article recommends taking lots of US dollars, since paying for hotels and tours this way as a foreigner can exempt you from VAT.

However I’ve read on a few sites that US dollars aren’t accepted in a lot of places in Chilean Patagonia, and further still that where they are, you often get a poor exchange rate (outweighing the tax saving). I’ve also read mixed things about using credit cards – some saying they are widely accepted, others saying not.

Overall what mix of USD and CLP would you recommend withdrawing for 15 days in the CA? I can withdraw the chilean pesos in Santiago before flying down.

Thank you for your time, Lena

Steph Dyson

Sunday 10th of March 2024

Hi Lena, honestly, that's a very hard question to answer. I'm currently in Chile and have had no issue paying with credit card so far - but I'm not yet anywhere as remote as the Carretera Austral. Whenever I have travelled there, I've just paid in Chilean pesos as a lot of small B&Bs won't give you the tax saving anyway. So my recommendation would be just to travel with some CLP, pay using card where possible and reach out to any hotels you're planning on staying at in advance and asking them how you'll be able to pay for your stay. Steph

Tuesday 18th of July 2023

Hi Steph, I'm going to read your whole book before driving the Carretera Austral, but I am trying to do all my reservations before we go in November and I am confused at the fine print of the rental car companies in both Santiago and Puerto Montt. Euro Rent A Car seems to have the most liberal rules, but I am worried that driving on "unpaved roads" or getting on a ferry--which you have no choice but to do--"violates" the rental agreement. Obviously everyone is doing it anyway, but am I missing some important detail about buying 3rd party insurance or something? I would appreciate the advise of your experience on how to do this properly. We do not plan to cross into Argentina, we are just going to round trip from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins and back.

Wednesday 20th of September 2023

Hi Wayne, unfortunately you need to find a rental company who does allow this. Econorent does allow the above (I believe - double check). Steph

Monday 29th of May 2023

Hi Steph. I’m planning a short road trip from El Calafate to Torres del Paine and back to El Calafate. Is it okay to carry some spare gas in a container across the border to Chile? A few blogs indicated that it’s not allowed. Grateful for your experience with this. Thank you Vinodh

Monday 5th of June 2023

Hi Vinodh, I've never had any experience with this but I can't see why it would be an issue. There's a fuel station not too far before the border from El Calafate, so I recommend filling up there and then if you do get fuel taken off you, you'll have fuel (and can head to Puerto Natales if you run out). Steph

Thursday 29th of December 2022

Hi Steph. I fly in to Puerto Montt Jan 16. Have to be in Santiago Feb 5 Want to get to El Chalten for maybe 4 days. Is it worth a week ton 10 days on the The Carretera Austral or am I better off to go to the Lakes district etc for a few days and work my way down to El Chalten via public transportation After because of the short time # weeks total) Thanks so much for your input. Rusty

Thursday 19th of January 2023

Hi Rusty, so sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I hope you're having a brilliant trip. I would have suggested it's definitely worth it going along the Carretera Austral! Steph

Monday 26th of December 2022

Another very helpful article, thank you Steph!!!

Minor comment/question: the "Hiring a campervan for the Carretera Austral" section of the article appears under the "Chile: Renting a car in southern Chilean Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego" heading. Should it be under the "Chile: Renting a car for the Carretera Austral" heading instead?

Thanks Adi - I will change this now!

The tough gravel sections of Ruta 40

Ruta 40's unpaved legs.

Driving an unpaved gravel highway (called "ripio" in Argentina) in a rented car can be a daunting experience, specially on long lonely road sections in the Puna Highlands or in the Patagonian steppe.

Learn exactly what type of road surface you will encounter on your road trip, where are the gravel sections and where are the paved ones.

This page will help you plan an enjoyable Road Trip along Ruta 40.

Paved highway linking Ruta 40 to the village of El Chaltén in Patagonia, Argentina:

Ripio, the South American Gravel Roads

Ruta 40 's road surface.

Part of the myth of Ruta 40 was its difficulty: long sections of hundreds of miles of tough gravel road, with a ridged washboard surface, potholes and lose stones and sand blasting the underside of your car. Paving work done over the past ten years have paved most of Ruta 40 and roadwork is continuing, but there still are some very difficult gravel and dirt sections on Ruta 40.

Ripio = gravel

The Spanish word " ripio " (pronounced "ree-pee-oh") comes from the latin word " replum " which is a derivation of the verb " replere " which means "to fill in". It was deformed in early Spanish to "rípel" meaning rubble, debris, gravel, and in turn led to the Portuguese word for "pebble".

The "Ripio" (Gravel) Sections

There are Six (6) unpaved sections along Ruta 40, two in the north, one in Mendoza Province and the other three in the province of Santa Cruz in Patagonia

Gravel in the North

La quiaca to san antonio de los cobres: gravel.

The leg of Ruta 40 between the town of La Quiaca in Jujuy and Cafayate in Salta is almost totally unpaved. We will first mention the leg from La Quiaca to San Antonio de los Cobres:

We describe this part of Ruta 40 in our Section 16 (a mile-by-mile detailed itinerary).

This section is 276 miles ( 444 km ) long and only 2 miles (3.2 km) of it are paved (at Susques, where Ruta 40 overlaps the paved Ruta Nacional 52 (see this map of the paved part in Susques ).

This is the map of the whole section from San Antonio de los Cobres to La Quiaca .

This part of Ruta 40 is mostly gravel, but there are sandy patches which can be quite tricky. The road fords many dry rivers which can carry water during the wet season, it also fords the wide Granadas river (a 500 yard ford along the gravel, sand and water of the river) close to the village of San Juan de Oro.

It even runs along the bed of a river, the "rio Oros" River along Paicone Canyon. This is a 7.5 mile-long (12 km) section of winding "natural" road at an altitude of 13,270 ft (4.050 m) near the town of Oros in Jujuy. (See this Map with directionsa ).

The second gravel section runs between San Antonio de los Cobres and Cafayate, with a short paved section into Cachi. We describe this leg below:

Gravel from San Antonio de los Cobres to Cachi

The section spans 90 miles, 145 km and has only two paved legs:

• The first 12,3 km from Cachi to Payogasta ( Map )
• The final 13,1 km from the junction of Ruta 40 and 51 in Muñano to San Antonio de los Cobres ( Map )

The rest is gravel, rock, sand (119,6 km) .

This part of Ruta 40 crosses the highest point of the whole alignment, at Abra del Acay Pass, which is the highest road pass in the whole world on a national highway and it is also the highest road outside of Asia: at 4,895 meters (16,060 feet) above sea level .

Acay Pass is a narrow -one lane- cliff hanging track.

Complete information about the Abra del Acay

Visit our page on the Acay Pass to learn about its difficulty, when to drive it and what safety tips to bear in mind:

> > Abra del Acay Pass

Gravel surfaced Ruta 40 zig-zagging up to the pass

Cachi a Cafayate gravel section

View of Ruta 40 (lower right) at the "Quebrada de las Flechas"

Read more about the Quebrada de las Flechas

Visit our page where we provide full information on it:

> > Quebrada de las Flechas

The first part of this section between Cafayate (Spanish webpage) and the town of San Carlos is paved. This is a 19.2 mi. (31 km) paved leg, the rest is gravel (80 mi. - 128 km) and is shown in this map .

We describe this unpaved section in our Section 14 webpage (Santa María to Cachi).

The next section south of San Carlos is paved all the way to the town of Bardas Blancas in the province of Mendoza This is a section over 1200 km long of paved highway; see this map of this paved section from Fuerte Quemado to Pareditas.

Ruta 40: Gravel in Mendoza

South of Pareditas was one of the worst sections of Ruta 40. It has been paved and opened to the public in July 2019 .

We describe it as part of Section 9 (Barrancas to Pareditas, in Mendoza province).

Brand New paved section from Pareditas to El Sosneado:

The whole northern and central part of Mendoza has a paved Ruta 40, it continues paved through the town of Malargüe and all the way to the hamlet of Bardas Blancas, this is a 72 mi (116 km) long paved section ( see map ).

South of Bardas Blancas, and all the way to the junction of Ruta 40 with Ruta Provincial 221 it is gravel road which is being paved, so you will encounter roadworks.

106 km (66 mi) of gravel.

See this Map of the gravel section from Bardas Blancas to Ruta Provincial 221.

Paved Road begins again

South of the junction with RP 221, in Mendoza, Ruta 40 begins a very long paved section: it is completely paved across the provinces of Neuquén, Río Negro and Chubut.

And in the province of Santa Cruz, it is all the way to Gobernador Gregores. Passing that town, at Lago Cardiel lake junction the paved road ends, after a stretch of 1,260 miles or 2.028 km ( Paved section map ).

Below we detail the three unpaved segments in Santa Cruz province:

Gravel in Santa Cruz

There are three unpaved gravel road sections in the province:

• From Cabo Vírgenes to Ruta Nacional 3, (Described in our Section 1 webpage)
• Some parts of Section 2 (close to the town of Río Turbio)
• And the leg between the town of Tres Lagos and Cardiel Lake (described in section 4

Cabo Virgenes to Ruta Nacional 3

This is a 69 mi ( 111 km ) stretch of gravel. Flat with washboarding. ( map ).

Río Blanco to Turbio Viejo

This is an unpaved segment from milepost km 310 to km 358: 30 miles or 48 km of dirt and gravel which can get very muddy during the rainy season.

See this map of the gravel-dirt road.

Tres Lagos to Cardiel Lake Junction

The final gravel leg in Santa Cruz spans km 860 to 932, a stretch of 45 mi. 72 km. Shown in this map .

Safe Driving on a Gravel Road

What is a gravel road.

A gravel road is an unpaved road whose surface is made up of broken-down rock of various sizes. They usually are smaller than 0.8 inches (2 cm) but in Patagonia you may encounter " Canto Rodado " rounded pebbles with a diameter of 2 inches or even more (more than 5 cm). They are tough on the suspension and the car's under body.

Gravel surfaces are cheaper to build than concrete or bitumen paved roads, but if they are not well maintained they can deteriorate and washboarding can ocurr and ruts and potholes can form.

Washboarding

A corrugated surface, with transverse ripple is very commonly seen on gravel roads. It is very unfomfortable and may cause vehicles to lose traction.

Gravel roads come in all shapes and sizes: some are narrow one-lane tracks, others are wide and accommodate two lanes of traffic.

Some are smother with smaller gravel particle sizes, others are rough with larger pebbles. Some have hard surfaces others are sandy and your vehicle may sink in it.

Safety Tips for driving on gravel roads

Pay attention, keep focused on the road conditions and its surface.

They can be dusty if there is plenty of traffic, so be on the lookout for other vehicles, cyclists, wildlife or cattle on the road.

There is no centerline so keep to your right when you meet an oncoming vehicle.

Flying stones can break your windshield or a headlamp! Slow down when overtaking a vehicle or when you meet oncoming traffic, move right to leave space. Don't tailgate the vehicle that is ahead of you, leave distance or overtake it.

Rain can wet the road and make it muddy, which makes the road more slippery. Drive with caution on a muddy dirt road and keep a reasonable speed so as not to get stuck in the mud. Try lower gears (2nd or even 1st.).

Gravel tends to build up on the sides of the road, it can be slippery too, and can provoke a roll-over.

Watch out for the tracks (the rut) made by the traffic, if it is too deep it can rub against your car's undebody.

Speed: drive slowly

Traction on loose gravel is poor so go slower than you'd normally drive. Braking is worse on gravel. The slower you drive, the safer you'll be.

Slow down on the curves and downhill sections. Slow down when you pass a stopped vehicle, overtake or meet one coming in the opposite direction.

Stay in the tracks made by other vehicles, it will be more level and less rough.

Keep a safe distance with the vehicle ahead of you: less dust and less risk of flying rocks against your car, aim at least for a six (6) seconds gap.

You will skid on gravel or mud. Keep calm, take your foot off the gas, and don't hit the brake, steer in the direction you want to go. As soon as the skid stops, continue driving, but slower.

Don't "overdrive", steer smoothly with both hands on the steering wheel: If you turn the steering sharply, instead of turning, the inertia and skidding will keep the car moving in the same direction it had. So keep focused and plan your maneouvers.

Steer into the slide: Turn your front wheels in the same direction that the rear of the vehicle is sliding. So if the back of your car slides to the left, turn the wheel to the left.

You can also visit:

Perito Moreno Glacier

Cuesta de Miranda

Talampaya National Park

Antofagasta de la Sierra

Adobe Route Tinogasta

Ruins of Shinkal de Quimivil

Road Trip Journeys Liniers 440 , B1602 Florida Buenos Aires, Argentina www.turismoruta40.com.ar E-mail: 0) { this.href = obfuscated.split('©')[0] + '@' + obfuscated.split('©')[1]; }">info©turismoruta40.com.ar

TurismoRuta40 Ruta 40 (Argentina) Online Travel Guide: Information on accommodation, sights, attractions and destinations. Itineraries, tours and resources for planning your Route 40 Road Trip.

Updated on 19.July.2019 V.12

VisitArgentina.net

Your Guide to Argentina

Route 40 in Argentina

Just as United States has route 66, Argentina has the longest road that is called Route 40 . This road is a wonderful way to plan your journey around wonderful country Argentina.

Route 40 starts at the west of Argentina (Cavo Virgenes) in Santa Cruz and goes all the way to the southern part (La Quiaca) in Jujuy province. The road is almost 5 000 km and it’s full of extreme surprises, beautiful landscapes and interesting stories. To be prepared for the trip, you should be sure of your car as it is very important when you decide on such a long journey. 

Argentinean government added and paved other highways into Route 40 in order to promote national tourism. The road has numerous fascinating and mysterious stories that are being spread among visitors of the country.

Route 40 was firstly constructed in 1935 and after was changed several times. On November 2004 National directorate of highways decided to add “zero km” at Cavo Virgenes. Before 2004 Route 40 was divided into 2 parts “Ruta 40 Sur” and “Ruta 40 Norte” with the “zero km” as a start in Mendoza .

Northern part starts at the Bolivian border at La Quiaca, and then it goes to Saun Juan de Oro through the beautiful Calchaqui valleys which are parallel to mighty Andes Mountains. The Northern part of the road stops at San Juan and then it stretches as a busy highway down to world famous wine yards of Mendoza.

The southern part goes from Mendoza to wonderful cities like Chros Malal, Zapala and Malarque. Then it takes travelers to the east Bariloche, El Maiten and continues at Jose de Martin and a wonderful place Alto Rio Senguer which is situated in a fun and hospitable Argentinean town in Chubut province.

Ruta 40 Sur takes its visitors through the most dangerous and at the same time most exciting places in Argentina. One of the most remote parts of the road is at 124 km. It is situated at the southern part of Perito Moreno. This route will show you marvelous Cuevas de las Manos and a tiny-tiny settlement of one of the last Indian tribes in Argentina which is called Bajop Caracoles. Its population is less than 50 people.

One who dares to continue this journey should be aware that after a further 100 km there is almost no sign of civilization except for a junction to Perito Moreno national Park that was recently added to the list of the natural protected national parks in Argentina . On the 325 km one will come across Tres Lagos town and then it riches a coast of Atlantic Ocean in Punta Loyola.

Route 40 that stretches more than 5200 kilometers from the Bolivian border in the north down south to Ushuaia which is an official most southern city in the world, often called the edge of the world.  

Route 40 is a wonderful touristic and adventurous destination that takes you to the highest peaks of Andes, goes alongside turquoise waters of Argentine glaciers, shows you diverse  Argentine culture  and takes you to a lifetime road trip.

• ← The Popularity of Argentine Beef
• La-Plata →

5 of the best road trips in Argentina

Dec 4, 2022 • 7 min read

Soak up the incredible landscapes of Argentina on one of these epic road trips © Holger Mette / Getty Images

With its vast open spaces, dramatic and diverse scenery and endless highways,  Argentina is an ideal place for a road trip.

Hiring a car allows you to escape the crowds, explore at your own pace and visit remote areas that would otherwise be out of reach. Although Argentina’s main highways are generally paved, you can expect gravel and potholes on many minor roads, particularly in the south, though this just adds to the adventure. Roads off the beaten track are best tackled in spring or summer, avoiding the bitter cold and snows of the South American winter.

For Argentina's most rugged routes, you'll need a 4WD, but there are also plenty of laid-back day trips on sealed roads visiting historic sites, vineyards and viewpoints in some of the most scenic parts of the country.

Whether you’re looking for legendary routes such as the Pan-American Highway or little-known back roads through the wilds, Argentina has you covered. Here are five of our favorite road trips.

Best route for epic adventure Cabo Virgenes–La Quiaca; 5224km (3246 miles); allow 3–5 weeks

Argentina’s answer to Route 66, Ruta 40 is one of the world’s longest roads, stretching almost the entire length of Argentina. Also known as RN40, Ruta Nacional Cuarenta or simply La Cuarenta (“The Forty”), this epic highway starts in the far south in Cabo Virgenes, a windswept settlement on the Strait of Magellan, and finishes in the extreme northwest in the town of La Quiaca, which sits at a breathless 3442m (11,293ft) above sea level on the Bolivian border.

Between these two outposts, the highway traces the Andes, passing through 11 Argentinian provinces and scores of stunning landscapes, from vast canyons and rugged mountain passes to temperate rainforests and lush valleys cloaked in vineyards.

The quietest, and perhaps most atmospheric, section of the road runs from El Calafate , a touristy hub for outdoor activities on the edge of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares , to the city of Bariloche in the Argentinian Lake District . For most of this leg of the journey, you'll largely have the road to yourself, with snowy Andean peaks to the west and the seemingly endless Patagonian steppe to the east.

Planning tip:  The route is best attempted by experienced motorists in the spring or summer. Ruta 40 is now mostly paved, but it's useful to have a 4WD, particularly if you plan to explore some of the gravel roads (known locally as ripio ) that branch off into remote areas of Patagonia.

2. The Pan-American Highway

Best long-distance road trip Mendoza–Ushuaia; 3300km (2051 miles); allow 2–4 weeks

A network of interconnected routes snaking right down through the Americas from northern Alaska to Tierra del Fuego , the 3000km (19,000-mile) Pan-American Highway is, quite simply, the world’s most epic road trip. But there's no need to follow the entire route – the southernmost section in Argentina is a highly memorable drive that takes in many of the country’s highlights.

The route starts in Mendoza province , the heart of the country’s famed wine industry, before heading east to the bright lights of the capital, Buenos Aires . Beyond the sprawling suburbs, the highway continues south, skirting the fertile grasslands of the Pampas , tracing the Atlantic coast, and then arrowing through sparsely populated Patagonia .

When you reach the far south, cut into Chile and take a ferry across the Strait of Magellan (this short hop is one of just two stretches of the Pan-American Highway that cannot be driven, alongside the Darién Gap dividing Panama from Colombia ). It’s then a relatively short drive to the city of Ushuaia , where ubiquitous signs let you know you’ve reached "El Fin del Mundo" (The End of the World).

Planning tip:  Although the Argentinian section of the Pan-American Highway can be driven year-round, the bitterly cold, snowy and windy winters in southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego mean a summer or spring journey is the best bet. It’s also important to make sure your car rental agreement and insurance allow you to cross into Chile (you may have to pay an extra fee for this).

3. Cuesta del Obispo route

Best for mountain views Salta–Cachi; 160km (99 miles); allow 1–2 days

This drive from the charming city of Salta to the tranquil town of Cachi showcases the dramatic mountain landscapes of Argentina’s northwest. Heading southwest from Salta along RP33 – a largely paved provincial road – the route travels through the sunny Calchaquí Valley region, which is carpeted with high-altitude vineyards and dotted with clusters of attractive adobe houses.

The journey then continues over a precipitous mountain pass known as the Cuesta del Obispo (“Bishop’s Slope”), which features a dizzying series of switchback turns, before dropping into Parque Nacional Los Cardones , named for the tall cacti that stud this arid area.

Planning tip:  Check the weather forecast before setting out along the Cuesta del Obispo route, as heavy rain can make it impassable. Although you can head back to Salta the same day, it’s well worth spending the night in beautiful Cachi, which is encircled by snowy peaks and set within striking distance of several wineries. Take time to relax and enjoy a few glasses of the region’s signature torrontés – an aromatic, peach-fragranced white wine – while soaking up the views.

4. Camino de la Historia

Best historic drive Córdoba–Cerro Colorado; 170km (106 miles); allow 2–3 days

Often overlooked by travelers, Córdoba province provides some fascinating insights into the history of the indigenous peoples who originally inhabited this area, as well as the Spanish colonists who came later. Start in the city of Córdoba , founded in 1573 and known for its rich cultural scene.

The first section of the RN9 highway has been dubbed the Camino de la Historia ("Historical Route”), and it follows the colonial-era Camino Real del Perú (“Royal Road of Peru”), which once ran from Lima to Buenos Aires via the legendary silver mines of Potosí in present-day Bolivia .

On the way, you'll pass the evocative estancias (ranches) of Jesús María and Santa Catalina , which were built by Jesuit missionaries, who had a devastating impact on the area's indigenous inhabitants in the 17th and 18th centuries. Centered on striking whitewashed churches, the estancias – listed as Unesco World Heritage sites – offer museums and guided tours that lead visitors through this complicated period in Argentinian history.

At the end of the Camino de la Historia, you'll reach a collection of caves and mountain slopes covered with beautiful petroglyphs near the pretty village of Cerro Colorado. Created up to 1000 years ago, these ancient artworks depict humans and animals, scenes from everyday life, and abstract shapes and figures, providing a snapshot of a lost world.

5. Ruta de los Siete Lagos

Best scenic drive San Martín de los Andes–Villa La Angostura; 110km (68 miles); allow 1–2 days

Gorgeous landscapes reminiscent of the Alps, numerous options for side trips, plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or stay the night – with perks like this, a leisurely drive along the Ruta de los Siete Lagos (“Seven Lakes Route”) is hard to beat.

Connecting the tourist hubs of San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura, the drive follows Ruta 40 through two national parks – Lanín and Nahuel Huapi – taking in a particularly picturesque swathe of the Argentinian Lake District.

As you’d expect given the name, the highlights of the route are the seven eponymous lagos , which are lined with beaches, surrounded by dense forests and watched over by snowy mountains and volcanoes. All have crystal-clear waters that are ideal for swimming, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding, though it may be hard to tear yourself away from the sublime views.

Planning tip: Snow can block off parts of the road in winter, so the Ruta de los Siete Lagos is best driven in the spring, summer or early fall.

This article was first published November 2021 and updated December 2022

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Bucket List: The 12 Best Road Trip Routes In The World

• Road trips offer freedom and flexibility, allowing travelers to explore at their own pace and stop as long as they want. No schedules or time constraints to worry about.
• The world is full of incredible road trip routes, from scenic coastal drives to traversing challenging mountain passes. There are options for every type of traveler.
• Some of the top road trip routes include Route 66 in the US, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Ocean Road in Australia, Trollstigen in Norway, and the Ring Road in Iceland. These routes offer amazing views and unforgettable experiences.

Traveling by train, like enjoying an adventure on Amtrak's epic sleeper train routes around the world , can be a comfortable way to explore a destination (and multiple, at that!). However, there's far less freedom when traveling by rail because passengers are limited to the time constraints and stops on the journey. What's better than rail travel for folks with wanderlust hoping to be free from the clutches of time limits? Road trips, of course!

Going on a road trip is an amazing way for travelers to discover the world at their own pace; explorers can go wherever their hearts desire and stop for as long as they wish without having to worry about schedules. Moreover, there are countless options for road trip routes that range from scenic coastal drives to traversing rugged mountain passes and immersing oneself in the culture and history of an area (or an entire country, in many cases).

For aspiring roadtrippers looking to see the world, here are the top ten best road trip routes around the globe to add to the bucket list. From the breathtaking vistas of Scotland's North Coast 500 to the remote and challenging terrain of Pakistan's Karakoram Highway, these amazing bucket list road trips offer unforgettable experiences and awe-inspiring views for those who crave adventure on the open road.

UPDATE: 2023/11/30 12:40 EST BY NOAH STAATS

Who's Up For A Drive? These Are Some Of The Most Beautiful Routes To Take

This list covers a number of the most beautiful road trips in the world (in other words, the best!). However, there's always room for more! As such, this article has been updated with two new bucket list road trip routes, both in the US and the most beautiful to embark on ASAP. From Route 66 across the Western United States to the Blue Ridge Mountain Drive, there are endless places to travel by vehicle. Have fun!

Related: Road Trip Bucket List: 12 Major Cities To Stop At Along Route 66

Route 66, United States

Welcome to the wild west: route 66 is the perfect desert adventure.

One of the most famous road trips in the world is Route 66 in the United States. Not only has this iconic road-inspired movie like Cars , but it also boasts endless scenery, history, and communities worth stopping in for the night. Most notably, Route 66 offers tons of epic stops and spans over 2,400 miles across states like Arizona, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico and ends in Los Angeles, California.

This is undeniably one of the best driving ideas for a road trip itinerary and should keep everyone occupied from mile one to 2,488. Moreover, Route 66 boasts an eight-state coverage, with something to see and do at nearly every turn. However, much of this route goes through desert landscape, so make sure and bring plenty of water!

• Distance : 2,448 miles
• Time to Drive: 10 days (minimum) , but 2 weeks is an ideal timeframe

The Blue Ridge Parkway, United States

This road trip route is known to be the most scenic drive in the united states.

Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most stunning drives in the United States and arguably North America. Here, people can embark on a 469-mile adventure through this famous mountain range, traveling through states like Virginia and North Carolina. Moreover, the Blue Ridge Parkway detours into places like Shenandoah National Park and the Smoky Mountains National Park system. This makes it a perfect choice for mountain lovers and hikers, plus it is a pretty scenic route from start to finish.

It's also worth noting that while on this road trip route, you will drive through countless towns, including Linville Falls, Blowing Rock, Boone, Sparta, Roanoke, Virginia, Bryson City, Mouth of Wilson (Grayson Highlands State Park), West Jefferson, and so on.

• Distance: 469 miles
• Time to Drive: ~9-10 hours

The Blue Ridge Scenic Highway through North Carolina is another epic US road trip route in this region!

Great Ocean Road, Australia

Coastal views and cliffside driving make the great ocean road a top road trip.

Covering a distance of 413 miles, The Great Ocean Road is a picturesque coastal route that starts from Torquay and ends in Allansford, near Warrnambool, located on the southeastern coast of Australia.

Constructed by Australian soldiers in remembrance of their fallen colleagues, the road is renowned for its scenic beauty, with stunning oceanic views, cliffs, and rainforests. Exploring this road with its gorgeous scenery is one of the best things to do in Australia.

• Distance: 413 miles
• Time to Drive: ~9.5 hours

Trollstigen, Norway

Get ready to turn (a lot) in norway while driving trollstigen.

Trollstigen, which translates to the "Troll's Path" or the "Troll's Road", is a mountainous road located in western Norway, running from south to north from Sylte in Fjord Municipality to Åndalsnes in Rauma Municipality. It is approximately 20 kilometers long and contains 11 hairpin turns that ascend the steep mountainside, with gradients as steep as 10%.

The road was built between 1925 and 1936 and has since become a popular tourist attraction due to its breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, earning a spot on many lists of the world's most scenic drives. Even though it is not included as one of the things travelers should not miss out on in Norway because it's a bit off the beaten path (and tourists without a car will have to rent one), it provides a breathtaking experience for road trip fans.

• Distance: 31 miles
• Time to Drive: ~1-2 hours

Ring Road, Iceland

Also called route 1, this route offers glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs, and falls.

The Iceland Ring Road, also referred to as Route 1 or simply the Ring Road, is an 828-mile-long highway encircling the entire island country of Iceland. The road provides access to some of Iceland's most popular tourist spots, such as volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, and waterfalls.

Completed in 1974, the Ring Road has emerged as a major tourist attraction in Iceland, offering visitors stunning vistas of the country's diverse landscapes and unique geological formations. Several charming towns and villages in Iceland (other than Reykjavik) dot the road, providing essential services and accommodations to travelers. From Icelandic culinary adventures to marveling at Iceland's unique beaches , Iceland's Ring Road is worth the bucket list because it promises a deep exploration of the entire country.

• Distance: 828 miles
• Time to Drive: Approximately 6 days in summer and 12 days in winter , at a minimum

The Garden Route, South Africa

190 miles of beaches, mountains, lagoons, and forests.

Located on the south-western coast of South Africa, The Garden Route is easily one of the most scenic drives in the world; it's a 190-mile-long scenic route between Mossel Bay and Storms River, passing through a range of breathtaking landscapes such as lush forests, pristine beaches, towering mountains, and tranquil lagoons.

As a popular tourist spot, The Garden Route offers visitors an array of attractions and activities throughout the journey, making it an ideal road trip destination. Drive down this road and discover what South Africa is really like .

• Distance: 190 miles
• Time to Drive: 2-3 hours (but it's recommended to take a few days to complete it and appreciate the sights along the way)

Amalfi Coast, Italy

High-class living and mediterranean views make the amalfi coast an upscale road trip choice.

The stunning Amalfi Coast is a 31-mile road that winds along the southern coast of Italy, connecting the cities of Sorrento and Salerno. The road passes through a series of charming coastal towns, such as Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi, each with its own unique character and attractions.

The narrow, winding road features hairpin turns and steep drops, providing breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and cliffs. Travelers can stop at scenic overlooks, indulge in local cuisine, and explore historical sites and cultural attractions.

• Time to Drive: ~2 hours

A82, Scotland

Catch a glimpse of the lochness monster on scotland's a82 route.

In Scotland, the A82 is a major road that spans approximately 167 miles from Glasgow to Inverness, passing through some of Scotland's most stunning landscapes, such as Loch Lomond, Glencoe, and Loch Ness.

Initially constructed in the 18th century as a military route to the Highlands, it has become a vital transport link and popular tourist route. The A82 goes through several towns and villages, including Fort William, the gateway to Ben Nevis, which is the highest mountain in the UK.

• Distance: 167 miles
• Time to Drive: ~3 hours (but it's better to take one's time to enjoy the stops and views along the way)

Related: Discovering The Beauty Of The Palisades Parkway: A Road Trip Adventure In Northern New Jersey

The Karakoram Highway, China/Pakistan

Peaks, glaciers, and valleys from kashgar, china to islamabad, pakistan.

The Karakoram Highway, also known as the Friendship Highway, is one of the best travel routes for road trippers on this list for those who crave adventurous terrain. The route spans over 1,300 kilometers from Kashgar in China to Islamabad in Pakistan. The road traverses through some of the most remote and rugged terrain on earth, including the Karakoram mountain range, which houses some of the world's highest peaks, such as K2, the second-highest mountain in the world.

The construction of the Karakoram Highway was completed in 1986, and it is recognized as a remarkable engineering feat involving the construction of numerous bridges and tunnels through some of the planet's most challenging terrain. The highway provides breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and deep valleys while also providing an opportunity to experience the culture and history of the region.

• Distance: 810 miles
• Time to Drive: ~4-5 days (but travelers can spend longer if they wish to take their time)

Related: From Canyons To Wildflowers: Discovering Anza Borrego On A Scenic Road Trip

The North Coast 500, Scotland

Castles, cliffs, pubs, and water views in the scottish highlands.

The Scottish Highlands is a picturesque region in Scotland that boasts natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and historical landmarks. Many scenic routes and roads are scattered throughout the area, offering visitors breathtaking views of the region's unique culture and history. However, none are quite as enchanting as the North Coast 500 drive, which easily earns its place among the world's best road trips for its scenery alone (and the quintessential Scottish pubs en route!).

One of the best road trips in Scotland (or indeed the UK overall) is the North Coast 500, a 516-mile road trip showcasing some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. The journey begins and ends in Inverness, taking travelers through small villages, historic towns, dramatic mountain ranges, and rugged coastlines. There are plenty of ancient castles, scenic overlooks, and traditional Scottish pubs to stop and enjoy along the way.

• Distance: 516 miles
• Time to Drive: ~ 8 hours 30 minutes

The Overseas Highway, Florida Keys, USA

This is the drive between the florida keys and miami beach.

The Overseas Highway , located in the Florida Keys of the USA, is a 113-mile-long road that connects Miami to Key West, the southernmost point in the continental United States. The highway spans a series of islands, providing awe-inspiring views of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

Originally built as a railroad track in the early 20th century, it was later converted to a highway to connect the Keys' islands. Today, the highway is one of the best road trips in the world for coastal scenery, passing through several towns and villages, including Islamorada and Marathon, each with its own unique attractions and activities.

• Distance: 113 miles
• Time to Drive: ~4 hours one-way

Related: From Waterfalls To Wildlife: Exploring The Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway On A Road Trip Adventure

The Atlantic Road, Norway

This route in norway makes its way to the little island of averøy.

The Atlantic Road in Norway is a 5.2-mile road that runs along Norway's coast, connecting the mainland to the island of Averøy with eight bridges. It passes through some of Norway's most stunning coastal landscapes, offering views of the open sea, rugged cliffs, and tiny islands.

This road is an engineering marvel, completed in 1989, as it required the construction of several bridges and causeways in one of the most challenging marine environments in the world. The Atlantic Road is a popular tourist attraction that offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery to those visiting Norway.

• Distance : 5.2 miles
• Time to Drive: ~10 minutes

This road is short but sweet; however, if travelers want to extend it, they can drive the whole of the super scenic Route 64 ( Route 64 includes the Atlantic Road ). Doing so will add around an hour and 15 minutes to the journey.