RoadAtlas
Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — Argentina — Adventure
South America

Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition

Argentina

Point-to-point
Cabo Vírgenes La Quiaca

In short: Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition is a about 5,200 km adventure road trip in Argentina, typically driven over 30 days, best in Nov – Mar (south) / May – Sep (north). Highlights: Cabo Vírgenes, El Calafate, El Chaltén.

Distance
about 5,200 km
Duration
30 days
Best Season
Nov – Mar (south) / May – Sep (north)
LegendaryHard4WD onlyAdventureOff-road sectionsPermit requiredGuide recommended

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
~18 charges
Practical notes
Treat this as two seasonal expeditions or a minimum 30-day journey with contingency. Begin at Cabo Vírgenes only in its operating season. Check the official Vialidad report every morning; use daylight-only stages, a high-clearance 4WD for any authorized rough north, multiple spares, recovery gear, fuel/cash reserves, offline navigation and named emergency contacts. Book every park ticket/hours and lodging. Ascend gradually and stop/descend for altitude symptoms. The Cachi–La Poma–San Antonio stage proceeds only when the official report, local operator and vehicle allow; otherwise publish a disclosed Salta/Quebrada detour rather than calling it RN40.

Make this route yours

Set your dates, pace, and taste, and RoadAtlas AI rebuilds this trip day by day with real, verified places.

Included with Traveler and Explorer plans.

Explore on the interactive map →

Plan this trip

Self-guided audio toursExplore local stories near city stops Hotels for this tripCompare stays before you go Flights for this tripCompare flight options before you go Car rental for this tripCompare rental options before you drive

Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Seasonal Cabo Vírgenes origin to Río Gallegos

Cabo Vírgenes RN40 origin · Confirmed Río Gallegos lodging dinner

Day 2Río Gallegos to El Calafate

Daylight Patagonian transfer · La Tablita

Day 3Perito Moreno Glacier full day

Perito Moreno Glacier · La Tablita

Day 4El Calafate to El Chaltén

Mirador de los Cóndores · Confirmed El Chaltén lodging dinner

Day 5El Chaltén weather day: Laguna de los Tres

Laguna de los Tres Trail · Lodging breakfast and packed trail lunch

Day 6El Chaltén to Gobernador Gregores

Daylight RN40 transfer · Confirmed Gobernador Gregores meal

Day 7Gobernador Gregores to Los Antiguos

Patagonian steppe stage · Confirmed Los Antiguos lodging dinner

Day 8Cueva de las Manos dedicated day

Cueva de las Manos · Cañadón Pinturas Viewpoint · Lodging breakfast and packed lunch

Day 9Los Antiguos / Perito Moreno to Alto Río Senguer

Long daylight transfer · Confirmed Alto Río Senguer lodging dinner

Day 10Alto Río Senguer to Esquel; La Trochita separately timed

La Trochita Historic Railway · La Luna

Day 11Los Alerces National Park full day

Los Alerces National Park · Esquel lodging breakfast and packed lunch

Day 12Esquel to Bariloche

RN40 lake-district transfer · Cervecería Manush

Day 13Bariloche and Circuito Chico

Circuito Chico · El Boliche de Alberto

Day 14Villa La Angostura and booked Arrayanes navigation

Booked Los Arrayanes navigation · Confirmed Villa La Angostura meal

Day 15Seven Lakes to San Martín de los Andes

Seven Lakes scenic transfer · Confirmed San Martín dinner

Day 16San Martín de los Andes to Zapala

Daylight RN40 stage · Confirmed Zapala lodging dinner

Day 17Zapala to Chos Malal

Northern Neuquén RN40 stage · Confirmed Chos Malal lodging dinner

Day 18Chos Malal to Malargüe

Remote RN40 daylight stage · Confirmed Malargüe lodging dinner

Day 19Malargüe recovery and road contingency

Closure and maintenance buffer · Confirmed Malargüe meal

Day 20Malargüe to Mendoza

Daylight transfer to Mendoza · 1884 Restaurante

Day 21Aconcagua and Puente del Inca RN7 day

Aconcagua Provincial Park · Puente del Inca · Mendoza lodging breakfast and packed lunch

Day 22Mendoza to San Juan

RN40 daylight stage · Confirmed San Juan lodging dinner

Day 23San Juan to Villa Unión

Cuesta and desert RN40 stage · Confirmed Villa Unión lodging dinner

Day 24Villa Unión to Belén

La Rioja/Catamarca RN40 stage · Confirmed Belén lodging dinner

Day 25Belén to Cafayate

Quebrada de las Conchas · Cafayate Vineyards · Bodega El Esteco

Day 26Cafayate through San Carlos/Molinos to Cachi

Calchaquí RN40 stage · Confirmed Cachi lodging dinner

Day 27Cachi / La Poma to San Antonio de los Cobres if officially open

Authorized high-clearance northern RN40 stage · Confirmed San Antonio lodging dinner

Day 28San Antonio de los Cobres to Abra Pampa

Puna RN40 stage · Confirmed Abra Pampa lodging dinner

Day 29Optional weather-gated Humahuaca/Hornocal detour

Hornocal optional detour · Doña Salta

Day 30Abra Pampa to La Quiaca / Yavi finish

La Quiaca Border Lookout · Yavi Colonial Church · Confirmed La Quiaca final meal

Stops along the route

Cabo Vírgenes — Departure — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — Argentina
Departure
Cabo Vírgenes
Seasonal official southern RN40 origin; stage through Río Gallegos.
El Calafate — City — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — 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: Full Seasonal Expedition — 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: Full Seasonal Expedition — 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
Zapala and Chos Malal — City — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — Argentina
City
Zapala and Chos Malal
Explicit daylight stages before Malargüe.
Mendoza — City — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — 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
Show 3 more
Cachi — City — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — Argentina
City
Cachi
Northern RN40 stage through the Calchaquí valleys.
San Antonio de los Cobres — City — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — Argentina
City
San Antonio de los Cobres
Proceed only on an officially open authorized rough stage.
La Quiaca — Arrival — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — 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: Full Seasonal Expedition — 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.
Los Antiguos and Cueva de las Manos — Nature — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — Argentina
Nature
Los Antiguos and Cueva de las Manos
Use separate arrival and cave days.
San Martín de los Andes — Nature — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — 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: Full Seasonal Expedition — 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.
Perito Moreno Glacier — Glacier — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — 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: Full Seasonal Expedition — Argentina
Archaeological Site
Cueva de las Manos
Explore ancient cave paintings dating back over 9,000 years, showcasing early human art.
Show 7 more
Nahuel Huapi National Park — National Park — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — 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: Full Seasonal Expedition — 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: Full Seasonal Expedition — Argentina
Provincial Park
Aconcagua Provincial Park
Home to the highest peak in the Americas, offering trekking routes with breathtaking views.
Circuito Chico Bariloche — Scenic drive — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — Argentina
Scenic drive
Circuito Chico Bariloche
Give Bariloche a dedicated local day.
Booked Los Arrayanes navigation day — Boat / park visit — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — Argentina
Boat / park visit
Booked Los Arrayanes navigation day
Use a separate Villa La Angostura day with current navigation booking.
Seven Lakes scenic transfer — Scenic drive — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — Argentina
Scenic drive
Seven Lakes scenic transfer
Name the Bariloche-region to San Martín stage explicitly.
Weather-gated Hornocal optional detour — High-altitude viewpoint — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — Argentina
High-altitude viewpoint
Weather-gated Hornocal optional detour
Only on a separate Humahuaca day after acclimatization and road confirmation.

Where to Eat

La Tablita — Argentinian Steakhouse — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — Argentina
Argentinian Steakhouse
La Tablita
Renowned for its Patagonian lamb and traditional Argentine steaks, offering a cozy atmosphere in El Calafate.
La Luna — Argentinian — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — Argentina
Argentinian
La Luna
A reliable stop for grilled dishes and classic Patagonian flavors in town. Good for a relaxed dinner after a long day behind the wheel.
Cervecería Manush — Craft Brewery — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — Argentina
Craft Brewery
Cervecería Manush
Offers a variety of artisanal beers paired with hearty pub fare in a rustic setting in Bariloche.
El Boliche de Alberto — Parrilla — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — Argentina
Parrilla
El Boliche de Alberto
A classic steakhouse in Bariloche known for its generous portions and quality meats.
1884 Restaurante — Argentine — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — Argentina
Argentine
1884 Restaurante
Reserved Mendoza city dinner with a sober driver.
Bodega El Esteco — Winery Restaurant — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — Argentina
Winery Restaurant
Bodega El Esteco
Set within a historic winery in Cafayate, serving gourmet dishes alongside their renowned wines.
Show 2 more
Doña Salta — Traditional Northern Argentine — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — Argentina
Traditional Northern Argentine
Doña Salta
Famous for its empanadas and regional dishes, offering an authentic Salta dining experience.
Confirmed remote lodging meals — Lodge dining — Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition — Argentina
Lodge dining
Confirmed remote lodging meals
Reserve one meal and packed provisions at every remote overnight.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition drive?

The Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition covers about 5,200 km from start to finish.

How long does the Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition take to drive?

Most travellers spend 30 days on the Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition?

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

Where does the Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition start and end?

The Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition runs from Cabo Vírgenes to La Quiaca.

What are the main stops on the Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition?

The Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition passes through Cabo Vírgenes, El Calafate, El Chaltén.

How difficult is the Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition to drive?

The Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition is rated hard and is best handled with 4wd only.

Do I need a 4WD for the Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition?

Yes — the Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition includes off-road or rough sections that require 4wd only.

Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition?

Yes — the Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: Treat this as two seasonal expeditions or a minimum 30-day journey with contingency. Begin at Cabo Vírgenes only in its operating season. Check the official Vialidad report every morning; use daylight-only stages, a high-clearance 4WD for any authorized rough north, multiple spares, recovery gear, fuel/cash reserves, offline navigation and named emergency contacts. Book every park ticket/hours and lodging. Ascend gradually and stop/descend for altitude symptoms. The Cachi–La Poma–San Antonio stage proceeds only when the official report, local operator and vehicle allow; otherwise publish a disclosed Salta/Quebrada detour rather than calling it RN40.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition?

Plan around 9 refuels (or about 18 EV charges) along the Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition, based on its about 5,200 km length.

Is the Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition safe to drive?

Treat this as two seasonal expeditions or a minimum 30-day journey with contingency. Begin at Cabo Vírgenes only in its operating season. Check the official Vialidad report every morning; use daylight-only stages, a high-clearance 4WD for any authorized rough north, multiple spares, recovery gear, fuel/cash reserves, offline navigation and named emergency contacts. Book every park ticket/hours and lodging. Ascend gradually and stop/descend for altitude symptoms. The Cachi–La Poma–San Antonio stage proceeds only when the official report, local operator and vehicle allow; otherwise publish a disclosed Salta/Quebrada detour rather than calling it RN40.

What scenic tier is the Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition?

The Ruta 40: Full Seasonal Expedition 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.