Ruta 40

Ruta 40, Argentina's legendary highway, stretches over 5,000 kilometres along the spine of the Andes, offering one of the world's most epic road trips. For international travellers, this is a journey through Patagonian steppe, Andean peaks, wine valleys, and remote villages — a quintessential self-drive adventure that combines jaw-dropping nature, gaucho culture, and some of Argentina's best food and wine. The route is as much about the journey as the destinations, with each bend revealing a new landscape.

Highlights & What to See

• Los Glaciares National Park — home to the colossal Perito Moreno Glacier, where you can witness ice calving from walkways or take a boat tour. It's a non-negotiable stop for nature lovers.
• Bariloche & the Lake District — Swiss-style architecture, chocolate shops, and crystal-clear lakes. Hike in Nahuel Huapi National Park or drive the Circuito Chico for postcard views.
• Quebrada de Humahuaca — a UNESCO World Heritage site in the north, famous for its multicoloured hills (Cerro de los Siete Colores) and indigenous markets. Combine with a visit to Purmamarca and Tilcara.
• El Chaltén — Argentina's trekking capital, with trails leading to the base of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Even day hikes deliver world-class scenery.
• Mendoza wine region — detour off Ruta 40 to explore Malbec vineyards, bodegas, and the dramatic foothills of the Andes. Perfect for a food-and-wine pit stop.
• Cueva de las Manos — a remote cave with prehistoric handprints and hunting scenes, a fascinating cultural detour in Santa Cruz province.

Suggested Time to Spend

Driving the entire Ruta 40 end-to-end requires at least three to four weeks, but most travellers pick a section. For a focused trip, allocate 10–14 days for the southern Patagonian stretch from Bariloche to El Calafate, or a week for the northern section through the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Rushing is not recommended — the unpaved sections and long distances demand a relaxed pace, with stops for hiking, wine tasting, and soaking in the vast silence of the steppe.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Península Valdés — a wildlife haven on the Atlantic coast, famous for orcas, southern right whales, and elephant seals. A rewarding detour from the southern route.
• Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego — the end of the world, accessible by continuing south from Ruta 40 to the Beagle Channel. Combine with a cruise or hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park.
• Salta & the Cafayate wine region — just east of the northern Ruta 40, Salta offers colonial architecture, empanadas, and the dramatic Quebrada de las Conchas. A perfect cultural and culinary add-on.
• Puerto Madryn — a coastal town that serves as a gateway to Península Valdés and is ideal for whale watching (June–December) and penguin colonies.
• San Martín de los Andes — a charming lakeside town in the Lake District, with excellent fly-fishing and hiking. A quieter alternative to Bariloche.

Please check official sources for current details.