Ruta 40
Argentina, south-america
5,194 km
5,061 m
moderate
November to March
# The Ultimate Argentine Road Trip: Ruta Nacional 40
If you're looking for one of the most epic road trips on the planet, Ruta Nacional 40 is it. This legendary highway stretches over 5,000 kilometers from Cabo Virgenes at the very tip of Patagonia all the way up to La Quiaca on the Bolivian border. Running the entire length of Argentina's western edge alongside the Andes, it's an absolute masterpiece of a drive that passes through 20 national parks, crosses 18 rivers, and takes you over 236 bridges. You'll experience landscapes that range from the wild, windswept steppe of Patagonia to otherworldly high-altitude deserts in the Puna.
The southern Patagonian section? That's where things get *real*. This is the most notorious and challenging part of the route—endless stretches of emptiness with hardly a soul around. Fuel stations are few and far between, sometimes separated by hundreds of kilometers, and the famous Patagonian winds will seriously test your driving skills with gusts that can hit over 100 km/h. The road itself is a mixed bag of smooth paved sections and rough gravel, especially once you venture into the really remote southern territories. The stretch between El Chalten and Perito Moreno is some of the most isolated drivable terrain you'll find anywhere in South America.
Head north and the scenery completely transforms. You'll wind through Mendoza's stunning wine country with perfectly manicured vineyards and the snow-topped Andes looming dramatically in the distance. Push further north into the Puna's high desert, and the elevation starts climbing seriously—you'll reach over 5,000 meters at Abra del Acay, one of the highest points on any national highway in the world. Plan on two to three weeks to tackle the whole thing. Trust us, it's a bucket-list road trip you won't forget.
Where is it?
Ruta 40 is located in Patagonia to Jujuy, Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -40.0000, -71.0000
Driving Tips
# Road Trip Tips for Patagonia
Definitely stock up on extra fuel before heading out – gas stations can be seriously far apart, like hundreds of kilometers. You don't want to get stranded out there. Fill up whenever you see a station, just to be safe.
Plan for a solid 2-3 weeks if you're doing the full route. It's a long stretch, so don't rush it or you'll miss all the amazing scenery.
Fair warning: some sections in the south are unpaved gravel roads. They're totally doable, but take them slow and steady. Your vehicle will thank you, and you'll actually enjoy the drive more. Just watch for loose gravel and give yourself extra stopping distance.
The wind in Patagonia is no joke – it gets absolutely wild out there. Expect serious gusts, especially if you're driving during windy season. It can affect your steering and make driving more tiring, so stay alert and don't push yourself if conditions get gnarly. If the wind picks up too much, it's totally fine to pull over, grab a coffee, and wait it out a bit.
Road Surface
Mixed paved and gravel
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Region
- Patagonia to Jujuy
- Length
- 5,194 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,061 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Mixed paved and gravel
- Best Season
- November to March
- Coordinates
- -40.0000, -71.0000
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