Ruta 40

A legendary road running more than 5,000 km along the eastern foot of the Andes in Argentina. It passes the northwestern highlands, colorful valleys, Mendoza wine country and the lake district, and ends at the Patagonian glaciers.

National Route 40 is the longest road in Argentina. It runs north from La Quiaca at the Bolivian border to Cape Vírgenes on the Atlantic coast in the south. The route is about 5,194 km long, crosses 11 provinces and 20 national parks, and runs parallel to the Andes. The northern section crosses the Puna plateau, at 3,000 to 4,000 m above sea level. It passes Abra Pampa and San Antonio de los Cobres, climbs over Abra del Acay (4,895 m), the highest point on the route, and descends to Cachi, the Quebrada de las Flechas, and the Cafayate wine region. The middle section passes the Quilmes ruins and Chilecito, crosses Miranda Pass, and reaches the Valley of the Moon in Ischigualasto. It then continues to Mendoza and the vineyards of the Uco Valley, then south to Malargüe and Chos Malal. The lake district section passes Junín de los Andes, San Martín de los Andes, the Seven Lakes Route, Bariloche, El Bolsón and Esquel. The final section enters the desolate Patagonia, passing the town of Perito Moreno, the Cueva de las Manos (Cave of Hands), and Bajo Caracoles, before reaching El Chaltén, the Perito Moreno Glacier near El Calafate, and Río Gallegos. The full trip takes 3 to 5 weeks, and most people travel it in sections: the northwest section (Salta to Cafayate to Cachi), the lake district (the Seven Lakes Route), or the south (El Chaltén to El Calafate). Some sections are still gravel, and gas stations can be more than 300 km apart, so carry fuel. Patagonian winds are extremely strong, so hold car doors firmly when opening them. Watch for altitude sickness in the highland sections.

Ruta 40

Along the route