How to drive the Ruta 40

Ruta 40 is Argentina’s classic long-haul road trip—and one of the longest continuous highways in the world. It runs more or less parallel to the Andes the whole way, cutting through 11 provinces, crossing 236 bridges, and linking up with 27 mountain passes. This drive lands on many bucket lists. It’s known not just for its sheer scale but for the dramatic shifts in landscape and climate along the way. Here’s the complete guide to how to drive the Ruta 40.
 

What is Ruta 40, and why is it famous?

Known locally as “La Cuarenta,” Ruta 40 runs from La Quiaca, up by the Bolivian border, all the way to Cabo Vírgenes at the southern edge of the mainland. At about 3,230 miles (5,200 kilometers), it’s the longest road in Argentina.

What makes Ruta 40 stand out is how much ground it covers, both geographically and culturally. It goes through high-altitude deserts—some above 16,400 feet (5,000 meters)—and drops down to sea level in Patagonia. This is one of the best activities in Argentina.

Along the way, it connects with 20 national parks and protected areas made up of red rock canyons, snow-covered peaks, and wide-open plains. You’ll pass through traditional Andean villages, wine country, dusty desert towns, and eventually hit remote southern outposts. It makes for an absolutely fantastic Argentina itinerary.

Before paved roads were common, Ruta 40 was a lifeline for many small Andean communities. These days, it’s more of a challenge – and a magnet for road-trippers, motorcyclists, and cyclists looking to take on a long, rugged route through wildly varied terrain. For adventurous Argentina trips, Ruta 40 offers the kind of open-road freedom you don’t find just anywhere.

Where does Ruta 40 start and end?

Ruta 40 starts in La Quiaca (Jujuy). La Quiaca is right at the top of Argentina, sitting at 11,293 feet (3,442 meters) near the Bolivian border. It’s dry, high, and very much rooted in Andean culture. 

The markets are full of traditional goods, and the pace is pretty slow. If you’ve just arrived from lower elevations, you’ll want to take it easy the first day or two—altitude sickness can catch you off guard. It’s not a big town, but it has a distinct atmosphere

The end of Ruta 40 is Cabo Vírgenes, where the land meets the Strait of Magellan. There’s a lighthouse, a few buildings, and that’s about it. It feels remote, and it is. You’ll likely see penguins during breeding season—Magellanic penguins come here in huge numbers. The landscape is wide open and windswept, with the Atlantic on one side and flat steppe behind you. It’s a quiet, stark place to end the trip, especially if you’ve come all the way down the length of the country.

Some major towns and cities en route:

• Salta: If you're starting in the northwest, Salta’s a good place to get your bearings. It’s known for its old colonial buildings, especially around Plaza 9 de Julio, where people hang out in the evenings. The city makes a good base if you’re planning to visit the nearby mountains and desert valleys. You’ll find plenty of places serving empanadas salteñas and locro, a thick stew made with corn and meat. 
• Mendoza: Mendoza sits near the Andes and is known for wine, especially Malbec. It’s green and tree-lined, thanks to old irrigation canals that keep the desert at bay. There’s a relaxed feel here—long lunches, outdoor cafés, and shaded parks. It’s also a jumping-off point for outdoor stuff like rafting or heading toward Aconcagua, which tops out at 22,837 feet (6,961 meters).
• Bariloche: Set on Lago Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche combines Swiss-style buildings and chocolate shops with classic Patagonian scenery. It’s a hub for hiking, skiing (at Cerro Catedral), and lake trips. A short drive to Cerro Campanario brings sweeping views of the region. After a day out, wind down with local chocolate and craft beer.
• El Calafate: This southern town is the main gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and Perito Moreno Glacier. Once a wool trading post, it’s grown into a traveler-friendly town with wood cabins, restaurants, and easy access to glacier tours. Beyond the ice, you can boat on Lago Argentino, visit estancias, or look for condors and flamingos in the surrounding steppe.

How to plan your Ruta 40 road trip

This isn’t the kind of drive you just wing; you’ll want to decide how to drive the Ruta 40 ahead of time, mostly because it passes through such remote areas with unpredictable conditions.

Before you go, figure out how much time you have—Ruta 40 is long, and most people only do a section of it. The climate changes a lot along the way, so you’ll want clothes for everything from dry heat to cold wind. See our guide to how to plan a trip to Argentina for info you will want to know before you go.

Download offline maps (Maps.me or Gaia GPS are good) because mobile service drops off pretty quickly once you're out of town.

Full route vs. section highlights

Driving the full 3,230 miles (5,200 kilometers) takes serious time—at least a month if you want to do it without rushing. Most people just pick one section, especially if you're traveling to Argentina with kids. The north, between Jujuy and Salta, has dramatic desert views and strong Indigenous culture. The middle section runs through wine country—Mendoza and San Juan—and crosses some of the Andes’ highest passes. The southern stretch, through Patagonia, has lakes, forests, and glacier access.

How long does it take?

It depends on how far you want to go. Driving the full route—from La Quiaca to Cabo Vírgenes—takes about 3 to 5 weeks if you want to actually enjoy it, not just drive straight through. 

A lot of people focus on a section instead. From La Quiaca to Mendoza, plan on a 14-day Argentina itinerary. Around Mendoza itself, 4 to 5 days gives you time to visit vineyards and relax. The Patagonian stretch from Bariloche to El Calafate takes at least 7 to 10 days, especially if you stop for hikes or boat trips. 

Keep in mind that it’s not really about how fast you go—Ruta 40 is full of places you’ll want to stop at last minute, whether it’s a roadside view, a small museum, or just a quiet place to walk around. In Patagonia especially, you might want extra days built in—weather can throw off your plans fast. A bare minimum would be to plan to spend a week long Argentina itnerary to make it worth it.
 

What's the best direction to drive?

Most people go north to south—La Quiaca down to Cabo Vírgenes—and it does make things easier. You start at high altitude and slowly make your way down, so you’re less likely to have problems adjusting. If you’re traveling during the southern summer (December to February), it also makes sense temperature-wise—you’ll hit Patagonia when the weather is most stable. 

That said, if you’re only doing the southern part, you might think about driving south to north instead—Patagonia’s winds usually blow from the west and can be exhausting if you’re heading straight into them.

When to go

When you should go depends on the section. If you’re planning to drive the full route, the best stretch of time is from mid-October to early April. That way you avoid snow in the high passes. Otherwise:

• Northwest (Salta and Jujuy): April to November. Dry season means more reliable roads and better travel conditions. Summer rains can lead to floods and muddy detours.
• Mendoza (Wine Region): September to November or March. Spring brings green vineyards and mild weather; March is harvest season with events and fresh local wine everywhere.
• Patagonia (Bariloche to El Calafate): December to February. Long days and milder temperatures make it easier to hike, drive, and explore, though strong winds are common.
• See our guide to when to visit Argentina for a more thorough look.

Driving conditions and safety tips

If you’re wondering how to drive Ruta 40, the short answer is with a bit of planning. The road changes a lot along the way, and around 40% of it is still unpaved—especially in remote parts of Patagonia and the northwest. These gravel sections, known locally as ripio, can get rough. You’ll want to take it slow—about 25–40 mph (40–60 km/h)—to avoid damaging your car. 

If you’re doing the full drive, a 4x4 is the best choice, especially during shoulder seasons when rain, wind, or snow can make things more difficult. 

Fuel is something you need to plan carefully. In southern Patagonia especially, you’ll run into stretches of over 185 miles (300 km) with no gas station. It's best to top up whenever you can and carry an extra can just in case.

Navigation isn’t always straightforward. Signs come and go, and GPS isn’t reliable in the more remote areas. Bring a paper map and download offline maps ahead of time. Cell service can disappear for long stretches. Let someone know where you’re headed before you start each leg, and keep some emergency basics in the car. See our Argentina travel health tips for more suggestions on staying safe.
 

Highlights along Ruta 40 

Part of learning how to drive Ruta 40 is knowing where it makes sense to stop—and where it’s worth slowing down. There are too many highlights to ever be able to list them all, but you can think of this list as the greatest of the greatest hits, listed from north to south.

Quebrada de Humahuaca

This high-altitude valley runs through a dramatic stretch of the Andes, following what used to be an old Inca route. The rock formations come in layers of color—red, green, purple, orange—and change with the light. You’ll pass through small towns like Purmamarca, known for the Hill of Seven Colors, and Tilcara, where there’s a pre-Inca fortress to check out. This is one of the best places to visit in Argentina.

In town plazas, markets sell handmade textiles and pottery, and the whole region still feels deeply rooted in Indigenous culture. It’s up there—between 8,200 and 13,100 feet (2,500–4,000 meters)—so give yourself time to adjust to the altitude.

Salinas Grandes

These salt flats stretch across the border of Jujuy and Salta provinces, sitting at about 11,300 feet (3,450 meters). It’s a wide, white expanse that seems to merge into the sky.

During the short rainy season (January–February), the flats turn reflective in places, creating a kind of mirror effect. Salt is still harvested here by local communities using traditional methods, and you’ll see small rectangular pools cut into the crust. 

Cafayate wine region

Cafayate is a small town at around 5,600 feet (1,700 meters), known for its Torrontés wine—a crisp, aromatic white that grows well in the dry, sunny climate. Wineries tend to be low-key, and you can usually just walk in for a tasting. 

Getting there is half the fun. The road through the Quebrada de las Conchas passes wind-carved rock formations like the Amphitheater and Devil’s Throat, which are worth a stop. In town, you’ll find wine ice cream, a small wine museum, and a relaxed pace that makes it easy to hang around for a few days.
 

Mendoza Wine Country

Mendoza is the biggest wine-producing region in Argentina and the place to go for Malbec. The vineyards stretch out toward the Andes, and there’s a mix of small producers and larger, more established names. The Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo are the two main sub-regions for tastings. 

Outside of wine, there’s horseback riding through the foothills, rafting in nearby rivers, and a few solid hiking options if you want to get into the mountains.

San Juan & the Andes Foothills

San Juan tends to fly under the radar, but if you’re interested in geology or less touristy wine areas, it’s worth a detour. It produces good high-altitude Syrah and Torrontés, and the scenery is dramatic—dry valleys backed by the Andes. 

Ischigualasto Provincial Park (also called Valle de la Luna) is the big draw here. The landscape is shaped by millions of years of erosion, and they’ve found some of the oldest dinosaur fossils in the world. Talampaya National Park, just across the border in La Rioja, has towering red rock canyons. You’ll also find natural hot springs and clear skies that are great for stargazing.

Bariloche & the Seven Lakes Route

Bariloche marks the start of the Lake District, where forests and snow-capped peaks surround deep glacial lakes. 

The Seven Lakes Route runs about 66 miles (107 km) through national parks, passing Machónico, Falkner, Villarino, Escondido, Correntoso, Espejo, and Nahuel Huapi. 

Each lake has its own look and water color, from deep blue to bright green. You can hike through beech forests (some of the best hikes in Argentina), paddle a kayak, or just stop along the way for views. There’s a chance of seeing condors, foxes, and occasionally huemul deer if you’re lucky.
 

Cueva de las Manos

This site is out of the way but fascinating. Set in a canyon along the Río Pinturas, the cave walls are covered with stenciled handprints—mostly left hands—made by spraying pigment around the hand. These date back 9,500 to 13,000 years. 

Most of the prints are thought to be from adolescent boys, possibly as part of some kind of coming-of-age ritual. There are also paintings of people hunting guanacos. The cave is sheltered by a rock overhang, which is why it’s so well preserved.

El Chaltén & Fitz Roy

El Chaltén is a small mountain town that feels like it was made for hikers. It sits right at the base of Mount Fitz Roy, and you don’t need a car or guide to hit the trails—most hikes start right from town. 

There are short walks and more demanding multi-day treks, depending on how much time and gear you’ve got. Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre both rise sharply above the plains, and when the weather cooperates, you’ll see their peaks catch pink light at sunrise.  See our Argentina travel tips for more info you'll want to know before you go.

Perito Moreno Glacier

This glacier is near El Calafate and pretty easy to access. Unlike many glaciers, Perito Moreno is still advancing. Its face is around 3 miles (5 km) wide and 230 feet (70 meters) tall. 

Every so often, chunks of ice break off and crash into the lake below—it’s loud and pretty wild to watch. There’s a network of boardwalks with different viewpoints, so you can get close without much effort. If you want to get on the ice, there are guided trekking tours that include crampons and let you explore some of the crevasses and ice formations.

Accommodation and food on Ruta 40

Where you stay in Argentina depends on where you are along the route. In rural areas, estancias (working ranches) are a good way to experience life in the countryside. Some include meals and let you join in on gaucho activities.

In wine country, you’ll find small vineyard lodges—quiet, scenic, and usually centered around good meals. When you’re driving through more remote areas, basic hosterías work fine for a night. They’re simple but comfortable enough after a long day on the road.

Larger towns like Bariloche and El Calafate have more familiar hotel options, while outdoor-focused places like El Chaltén lean toward hostels and cabins. 

Food to try

The food shifts a lot as you move through the country. In the northwest, it’s more Indigenous-influenced—dishes like locro (a thick corn and meat stew), humitas (steamed corn wrapped in husks), and spicy empanadas salteñas.

In wine regions, you’ll eat a lot of grilled meats and seasonal produce. Down in Patagonia, lamb is often slow-roasted over an open fire, and trout and salmon are fresh from nearby lakes and rivers.

Each region has its own pastries too, and mate—the herbal tea everyone drinks—is shared across the whole country.

Pre-booking is important

If you’re traveling in December through February, especially in Patagonia, it’s smart to book ahead—places fill up quickly. With our tailor-made trips service, our local travel experts can help you get reservations at places that fill up fast, and they’re good at sorting out logistics like one-way car rentals or routes through tricky terrain.

They also build in time to actually enjoy the places you’re passing through, instead of just driving all day. If something unexpected comes up—weather, road closures, car trouble—it helps to have someone local you can call.

You can definitely plan it yourself, but if you want to focus more on the experience and less on the logistics, working with someone who knows the route can be a big help. Our tailor made trips is a fantastic option for those who want to travel without worrying about details or who might want 24/7 assistance during the trip.
 

Self-drive vs. guided trip: what’s best for you?

If you’re comfortable driving long distances, dealing with rough roads, and navigating rural Argentina, a self-drive trip gives you full flexibility. You can stop when you want and take side trips easily—but you’re also on the hook for everything: planning, fuel, road conditions, and emergencies.

Guided trips handle the logistics for you. A local Argentina travel expert can share insights, handle tough terrain, and make the experience easier—especially in Patagonia or remote northern regions. These are good for families or anyone who just wants to focus on the trip without the stress. See our tour ideas gallery.