Ruta 40
Argentina
Argentina's longest highway traces 5,000 km of the jagged Andes from the shores of the South Atlantic at Punta Loyola through Los Glaciares, Bariloche, Mendoza, Salta, and the Bolivian border at La Quiaca, traversing 20 national parks, crossing 18 major rivers, and climbing over 27 mountain passes. One of the most epic drives on the planet.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Punta Loyola
The windswept Atlantic shore where Ruta 40 begins its 5,000 km climb along the Andes spine. Magellanic penguins nest in the cliffs in October and November.
- El Calafate
Gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and Perito Moreno Glacier, 5 km wide and 60 m above the lake surface. One of the few advancing glaciers on Earth.
- El Chaltén
Argentina's trekking capital beneath the granite towers of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, reached via a short spur off Ruta 40. The Laguna de los Tres hike is the finest day walk in Patagonia.
- Perito Moreno
A dusty Patagonian service town on Ruta 40 near Lago Buenos Aires, the second-largest lake in South America. Winds here regularly exceed 100 km/h, rattling the corrugated iron storefronts.
- Esquel
A Welsh-heritage town at the edge of Los Alerces National Park, where 3,000-year-old alerce trees tower above glacial lakes. The narrow-gauge La Trochita steam train has run since 1945.
- Bariloche
A Swiss-style resort on the shore of Nahuel Huapi lake ringed by Andean peaks. The Seven Lakes road north to San Martín de los Andes is the most scenic drive in Argentine Patagonia.
- San Martín de los Andes
A refined lakeside town at the head of Lago Lacar inside Lanín National Park. The snowcapped cone of Volcán Lanín (3,776 m) dominates the view from every street.
- Mendoza
Argentina's wine capital at 750 m, with Malbec vineyards of Luján de Cuyo stretching toward the snow-capped Andes. Aconcagua (6,961 m), the highest peak outside Asia, looms to the west.
- Cafayate
A Torrontés wine town approached through the Quebrada de las Conchas, 50 km of red sandstone sculpted into organ pipes, amphitheatres, and the Devil's Throat gorge.
- Salta
Argentina's finest colonial city, with a preserved 18th-century core of pink buildings, cathedral, and cabildo around Plaza 9 de Julio. Peña clubs play zamba and chacarera through the night.
- Humahuaca
A UNESCO-listed town in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a canyon of striped polychrome mountains used as a trade route for 10,000 years. The Cerro de los Siete Colores glows deepest at midday.
- La Quiaca
The northern terminus of Ruta 40 at 3,442 m on the Bolivian border. Llamas cross the road and the Altiplano stretches flat and treeless toward La Paz beyond the frontier bridge.
Where to Eat
- La TablitaArgentinian Steakhouse
Renowned for its Patagonian lamb and traditional Argentine steaks, offering a cozy atmosphere in El Calafate.
- Cervecería ManushCraft Brewery
Offers a variety of artisanal beers paired with hearty pub fare in a rustic setting in Bariloche.
- Bodega El EstecoWinery Restaurant
Set within a historic winery in Cafayate, serving gourmet dishes alongside their renowned wines.
- Doña SaltaTraditional Northern Argentine
Famous for its empanadas and regional dishes, offering an authentic Salta dining experience.
- La Casa de las EmpanadasEmpanadas
Specializes in a wide variety of empanadas, a must-try local delicacy in Cafayate.
- El Boliche de AlbertoParrilla
A classic steakhouse in Bariloche known for its generous portions and quality meats.
- La Lechuza PizzasPizzeria
Popular spot in El Chaltén offering a variety of pizzas and local beers in a relaxed atmosphere.
Things to Do
- Perito Moreno GlacierGlacier
Witness the majestic ice formations and occasional icefalls of this advancing glacier in Los Glaciares National Park.
- Cueva de las ManosArchaeological Site
Explore ancient cave paintings dating back over 9,000 years, showcasing early human art.
- Nahuel Huapi National ParkNational Park
Discover stunning landscapes of lakes, forests, and mountains, ideal for hiking and nature photography.
- Quebrada de HumahuacaCultural Landscape
Traverse this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colorful mountains and rich cultural history.
- Aconcagua Provincial ParkProvincial Park
Home to the highest peak in the Americas, offering trekking routes with breathtaking views.
- Train to the CloudsScenic Train Ride
Experience one of the world's highest railways, offering panoramic views of the Andes.
- Los Arrayanes National ParkNational Park
Visit the unique cinnamon-colored arrayán trees in this enchanting forest by Lake Nahuel Huapi.
Travel advisory
Northern sections above Mendoza include long unpaved ripio stretches with no fuel or services for hundreds of kilometres; carry extra fuel, water, and spare tyres. High Andean passes can close without warning due to snow and wind. Plan each day's drive around known fuel stops and check road conditions locally.