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Ruta 40 — Argentina — Adventure
South America

Ruta 40

Argentina

In short: Ruta 40 is a 5,000 km adventure road trip in Argentina, typically driven over 3–4 weeks, best in Nov – Mar (south) / May – Sep (north). Highlights: Punta Loyola, El Calafate, El Chaltén.

Distance
5,000 km
Duration
3–4 weeks
Best Season
Nov – Mar (south) / May – Sep (north)
LegendaryHardSUV onlyAdventureOff-road sections

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.

~9 refuels
~17 charges
Practical notes
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.
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Plan this trip

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Stops along the route

Punta Loyola — Departure — Ruta 40 — Argentina
Departure
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 — City — Ruta 40 — Argentina
City
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.
Hotels
Esquel — City — Ruta 40 — Argentina
City
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.
Hotels
Bariloche — City — Ruta 40 — Argentina
City
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.
Hotels
Mendoza — City — Ruta 40 — Argentina
City
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.
Hotels
Salta — City — Ruta 40 — Argentina
City
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.
La Quiaca — Arrival — Ruta 40 — Argentina
Arrival
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.
Hotels

Things to Do

El Chaltén — Nature — Ruta 40 — Argentina
Nature
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 — Nature — Ruta 40 — Argentina
Nature
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.
San Martín de los Andes — Nature — Ruta 40 — Argentina
Nature
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.
Cafayate — Nature — Ruta 40 — Argentina
Nature
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.
Humahuaca — Landmark — Ruta 40 — Argentina
Landmark
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.
Perito Moreno Glacier — Glacier — Ruta 40 — Argentina
Glacier
Perito Moreno Glacier
Witness the majestic ice formations and occasional icefalls of this advancing glacier in Los Glaciares National Park.
Cueva de las Manos — Archaeological Site — Ruta 40 — Argentina
Archaeological Site
Cueva de las Manos
Explore ancient cave paintings dating back over 9,000 years, showcasing early human art.
Nahuel Huapi National Park — National Park — Ruta 40 — Argentina
National Park
Nahuel Huapi National Park
Discover stunning landscapes of lakes, forests, and mountains, ideal for hiking and nature photography.
Quebrada de Humahuaca — Cultural Landscape — Ruta 40 — Argentina
Cultural Landscape
Quebrada de Humahuaca
Traverse this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colorful mountains and rich cultural history.
Aconcagua Provincial Park — Provincial Park — Ruta 40 — Argentina
Provincial Park
Aconcagua Provincial Park
Home to the highest peak in the Americas, offering trekking routes with breathtaking views.
Train to the Clouds — Scenic Train Ride — Ruta 40 — Argentina
Scenic Train Ride
Train to the Clouds
Experience one of the world's highest railways, offering panoramic views of the Andes.
Los Arrayanes National Park — National Park — Ruta 40 — Argentina
National Park
Los Arrayanes National Park
Visit the unique cinnamon-colored arrayán trees in this enchanting forest by Lake Nahuel Huapi.

Where to Eat

La Tablita — Argentinian Steakhouse — Ruta 40 — Argentina
Argentinian Steakhouse
La Tablita
Renowned for its Patagonian lamb and traditional Argentine steaks, offering a cozy atmosphere in El Calafate.
Cervecería Manush — Craft Brewery — Ruta 40 — Argentina
Craft Brewery
Cervecería Manush
Offers a variety of artisanal beers paired with hearty pub fare in a rustic setting in Bariloche.
Bodega El Esteco — Winery Restaurant — Ruta 40 — Argentina
Winery Restaurant
Bodega El Esteco
Set within a historic winery in Cafayate, serving gourmet dishes alongside their renowned wines.
Doña Salta — Traditional Northern Argentine — Ruta 40 — Argentina
Traditional Northern Argentine
Doña Salta
Famous for its empanadas and regional dishes, offering an authentic Salta dining experience.
La Casa de las Empanadas — Empanadas — Ruta 40 — Argentina
Empanadas
La Casa de las Empanadas
Specializes in a wide variety of empanadas, a must-try local delicacy in Cafayate.
El Boliche de Alberto — Parrilla — Ruta 40 — Argentina
Parrilla
El Boliche de Alberto
A classic steakhouse in Bariloche known for its generous portions and quality meats.
La Lechuza Pizzas — Pizzeria — Ruta 40 — Argentina
Pizzeria
La Lechuza Pizzas
Popular spot in El Chaltén offering a variety of pizzas and local beers in a relaxed atmosphere.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Ruta 40 drive?

The Ruta 40 covers 5,000 km from start to finish.

How long does the Ruta 40 take to drive?

Most travellers spend 3–4 weeks on the Ruta 40, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Ruta 40?

The recommended season for the Ruta 40 is Nov – Mar (south) / May – Sep (north).

Where does the Ruta 40 start and end?

The Ruta 40 runs from Punta Loyola to La Quiaca.

What are the main stops on the Ruta 40?

The Ruta 40 passes through Punta Loyola, El Calafate, El Chaltén.

How difficult is the Ruta 40 to drive?

The Ruta 40 is rated hard and is best handled with suv only.

Do I need a 4WD for the Ruta 40?

Yes — the Ruta 40 includes off-road or rough sections that require suv only.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Ruta 40?

Plan around 9 refuels (or about 17 EV charges) along the Ruta 40, based on its 5,000 km length.

Is the Ruta 40 safe to drive?

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.

What scenic tier is the Ruta 40?

The Ruta 40 is a legendary drive — The world's most extraordinary drives — once-in-a-lifetime road trips with cinematic scenery, legendary roads, and unmatched cultural depth.