Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip

A new day begins and with it, the adventure you were waiting for: the ultimate Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip. You’ll arrive in Jujuy, one of the oldest cities in the country, famous for its picturesque colonial streets. The next stop is the Quebrada de Humauaca, a deep and colorful valley where you will see, like no other place in Argentina, the pre-Hispanic legacy. At night, Purmamarca is the place where you’ll be spending the night.

Dreamy and quiet the magical town of Purmamarca, located 2324 m.a.s.l., is by far one of the most representative places in the North of Argentina. This town is one of the entrances to the Puna desert. In only 66km away, on our way to a salt field, you will ascend to 4092 m.a.s.l. The Salinas Grandes are huge salt flats used for sodium mining, and are known for their surreal landscape and the funny pictures you can take.

We will continue to San Antonio de los Cobres, a town of five thousand people, main attraction is the ‘Tren a las Nubes’ (train to the clouds). On its origins, it connected Argentina and Chile for commercial reasons. Now it is only for touristic reasons, but it is still a masterpiece of engineering.

Salinas Grandes – Jujuy and Salta

Salta is the home town of what we call “colonial” history. It was one of the main cities of Argentina after the Spanish arrived.
During the day you’ll be touring this city full of archeology, colonial architecture from the Spanish Empire era. Once the night falls, plenty of culinary options and “peñas” await. There you will taste traditional food and hear traditional music.

Between Salta and Cachi, you will ride by winding road which borders the mesmerizing National Park of Los Cardones. The name is given by the massive amount of giant cacti that are located in the area, where trekking and biking are allowed but must be performed with care. Also, you feel adrenally and fascination when reaching 3348 m.a.s.l. on the “Cuesta del Obispo” (The Bishop Slope).

At only 40km west Cachi and its white houses made out of adobe will be your next stop. In this classical Andean town, remains of ancient civilizations were found and dated to 10,000 years.

On our way to Cafayate, we will pass through a breath-taking gorge, where the ground took the shape of blades that seem arrows from afar, a true sci-fi scenery. This is one of the most amazing pictures you will get during your Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip.

Close in the scale of awesomeness, comes Cafayate. In the Calchaquies Valleys, surrounded by high walls of red stone, Cafayate is where the most important wineries of the north are located. High altitude wines are their trend mark.

The very popular destination of Quebrada de las Conchas constitutes another portion of the Calchaquí Valley. The tectonic movements that gave birth to the Andes, changes this place forever and now diverse landforms can be seen.
Discovered in 1897, 30,000 square meters of ancient ruins showed how the life of the Quilmes tribe used to be. These native people were fierce and stood up against the Spanish conquerors.

The oldest town in Catamarca will be your home during the night. This mesmerizing city is a true archeological treasure of both nature and culture since the very own Inca empires reached this area in the year 1,400.

A few kilometers down the Ruta 40 and heading the Southwest from Belén, Villa Unión is the next stop.
Rock art made by natives, lakes and rock labyrinths are some of the main attractions. This incredible city is where you’ll be spending the following nights, only to continue a new chapter in this adventure exploring one of Argentina’s most iconic provinces.

The history of ancient tribes, the diversity of the wildlife, and more can be found in Talampaya National Park, declared Cultural and Natural Heritage by UNESCO in the year 2000.

But by far nothing can compare to the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) in Ischigualasto National Park. This hypnotizing landscape made out of eroded rocks that, as you can tell, resembles the surface of our natural satellite.
After ‘an afternoon in space’, you’ll return to Villa Union to rest.

The Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip is not even close to finish and from Villa Union a new destination awaits down South in Mendoza, the national capital of wine.

This is by far the most important city near the Andes, casinos, clubs, bar pubs, mountains, rivers, ski centers, vineyards and fine cuisine, are only some of the things that makes Mendoza a touristic paradise. As you can see, one night is not enough to enjoy it, that’s why we’re giving you two.

In need of adrenaline? Then this is your call. The Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Americas with 6,962 meters, and in this Park it’s possible to do some hiking over this colossus.

In this area not only Inca mummies were found but this is in fact, one of the key spots that José de San Martin (liberator of America) had to cross in its crusade for the Independence. That being said, the natural and cultural value of the Park is immense.

You can choose among many activities to do here, like kayaking, trekking, hiking and horse riding. But you cannot miss visiting the local vineyards.

The unique weather that combines dry winds, the right amount of rain and rich lands, makes Mendoza the ultimate paradise for wineries. This is the home of the many awarded and celebrated Argentinian Malbec, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness the whole process of making this ‘elixir of life’, first hand.

As we don’t recommend drinking and driving, it is better to take a guided tour. After you’ll return to Mendoza city to take a night bus that will take you to Patagonia, from where you will continue your Ruta 40 Argentina road trip.

The sun rises and a new chapter on the journey begins. After arriving, getting 4×4 is mandatory to tour the wildlands in the South.

Loved by families, sports fans, and teenagers, Bariloche will welcome you with a wide variety of options regarding tourism.

Only a few kilometers away from downtown, you can reach Isla Victoria for sailing activities, spend the afternoon in the Cerro Tronador or simply take a walk through the always astonishing Bosque de Arrayanes.

Bariloche

From Bariloche, you can easily drive around this area to discover places that seem to be taken out of a fairy tale. This section of the national route 40 is one of the most famous destinations for road trips in Argentina.

Three hours up North San Martín de los Andes is the main way to access the Lanín National Park. This area is full of life and vegetation and offers unique access to the Lanín volcano. A few minutes from the city the road of the Siete Lagos is a tour anyone should miss. Greenish and deep lakes at high altitude surrounded by huge mountains, where you can kayak or simply swim during the summer, are definitely unforgettable.

Between San Martin de los Andes and Bariloche, the chic city of Villa Langostura awaits. A paradise for skiers, this town hosts one of the best natural ski slopes on the planet.

A new province and also a new beginning. Chubut will welcome you to El Bolsón, known as a hippy town. An eco-friendly imprint as well as a bohemian spirit, marks the identity of this Patagonian city.
Lago Puelo, located 16 kilometers south, it’s a great option during the entire year. Native Mapuche tribes still are living in this picturesque town. And here is where you’ll be spending the night.

Once again on board of your pick-up truck, you’ll have to jump to the Ruta 40 and take an exit to the provincial route 71. This route passes through Los Alerces National Park, more than 200 thousand hectares of nature. Also, some restaurants, camping, fishing areas, and lodges can be found nearby.

After passing the National Park you will reach Esquel where you’ll spend the night. This dreamy is famous for being a top destination during the winter due to the snow and mountains.

Back again on the road and 500 kilometers away heading east, a petrified forest near a town called Sarmiento is ready for you to be very impressed. This is an authentic archeological heaven, a rare collection of fossilized trees and plants in a vast extension of land that was discovered in 1927.

After spending the afternoon in this landscape taking out of a dinosaur movie, you’ll be spending the night in the city of Sarmiento

Leaving Sarmiento behind and going straight back to the Andes on a 181 km travel, you’ll be arriving in a town called Perito Moreno, which isn’t where the glacier is. Patience, we will reach there. From there a provincial route will take you to Los Antiguos, where you will spend the night.

If you can’t get enough of exploring ancient cultures and tribes, your next stop is 176 kilometers away at Cueva de las Manos. Here old rock paintings are basically everywhere, and by foot you can reach Río Pinturas, a quiet river that crosses this canyon-like valley.

Once your adventure day is over, a new night awaits at Lago Posadas, on the Southeast of Santa Cruz. But if you are feeling excited, we recommend you to spend an extra night so you can visit de marble chapels (on the Chilean side of the border), and the Lago Pueyrredón and its 150 meters high cascade.

Lago Posadas has a big surface, and it’s optimal for water sport as well as for fishing.
The weather is usually cold but good, meaning there’s sun practically throughout the entire year.

Once this part of the journey ends, you’ll have to travel about 530 kilometers West to El Chaltén. In this city is where you’ll spend the night and also, where you’ll find a whole variety of activities to do.

Walking amount mountains, forests, plants, being in touch with the wildlife and behold nature, are key factors when we discuss trekking in El Chaltén. This town is in fact considered the ‘national capital’ of trekking.

Rock climbing, kayak, rafting, horse riding and biking, are some of the things we recommend you to practice here.

El Chalten

After an intense day of walking non-stop, you better jump in the car and keep moving down South until you reach this Patagonian gem: El Calafate. This trendy, yet humble, the city is home to the ever wonderful Perito Moreno glacier

About 75 kilometers West this humongous block of ice that attracts tourists and locals awaits. Take pictures on the glacier, walk on it, climb it or kayak through it, and once you’re done, return to El Calafate for some hot chocolate and get some rest.

Patagonia Argentina – Perito Moreno Glacier, taken by Toshiya Nishikawa

Every day more adventure and glaciers are waiting to be discovered. Now we’re talking about the Upsala and Spegazzini, these two are located in a national park dedicated especially to glaciers and is very common to cruise this area on specific tours that sail from El Calafate Port.

During this trip you’ll see waterfalls, wild animals (like horses living in ice islands) and of course, huge walls of blue ice.

El Calafate is located very close to the neighbor country Chile; this is why you can’t miss crossing the border and drive into Torres del Paine, an incredible National Park of Chilean Patagonia. Your Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip takes a pause to see our brother country Chile.

Golden grasslands, deep blue blocks of ice and bright crystal clear green waters, are the perfect ingredients of this one of a kind dreamy landscape.

Only 318 kilometers south, the city of Punta Arenas waits. Here is where you’ll find options for accommodation, and also Chile’s most southern city. Here you can visit Magdalena Island, home of thousands of penguins that chose that place to bare their eggs and grow the chicks.

The trip is about to end and it’s time to return to Argentina in one of the longest parts of the journey: a 6 hours travel to Tolhuin in Tierra del Fuego, the very last province of Argentina.

Tolhuin and its lake will provide an exciting way to reach your next and last destination: Ushuaia.
Cruising the Fagnano lake through the mountains and feeling the strong wind on your five, is one of the highlights of this area.

You’ve officially made it: you’ve reached the end of the world! From Ushuaia there are a handful of activities that we recommend for you: visiting National Parks, penguin reserves, going whale watching, or simply visiting local fish restaurants; doing that is definitely a must.

It is the last day and it’s also time to say goodbye and keep the best memories of your Ruta 40 Argentina Road trip. You’ll find the drop-off point for the rental company and in the afternoon, a flight to Buenos Aires will have your name on it.
Once in the country’s capital, you can choose to return to your house or extend your visit and keep falling in love with Argentina. We strongly encourage you to do so, we’re not jealous people!