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Argentina is well known for its vast extension, which holds one of the world’s most diverse landscapes and this Ruta 40 Argentina road trip is proof of that. In fact, it has been told many times by locals (and experts) that the country ‘has all the climates’, and that’s more likely to be true. Deserts, moon-like landscapes, rainforests, glaciers, beaches, mountains, and valleys. Everything you can think of in terms of nature can be witnessed traveling the Ruta 40 for an entire month. You will arrive in Argentina to the always vibrant and cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, from where you will travel to the northwest, where the real adventure begins in this unforgettable self-driving tour that will take you to the very ‘end of the world’.
A legendary route that all Argentinians and people around the world need to explore! It is an adventure of a lifetime and can be experienced in many different ways. We invite you to plan your “Ruta 40 Argentina road trip” together, and adapt it to your needs and preferences!
The city of tango, skyscrapers, and art-nouveau buildings await for you to discover its practically never-ending streets. One night in the ‘Paris of South America’ will be more than enough to impress you.
Below you will find a referential map of the Ruta 40. You will be transiting part of it, but is good to have an overview of the global picture. The complete road covers a total of 5194 km, from La Quiaca (A) in Jujuy province to Cabo Vírgenes (B) in Santa Cruz province. In between, you will find an impressive variety of landscapes, such as those described on this itinerary.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Loved by families, sports fans, and teenagers, Bariloche will welcome you with a wide variety of options regarding tourism.
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.
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.
After spending the afternoon in this landscape taking out of a dinosaur movie, you’ll be spending the night in the city of Sarmiento
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.
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.
Rock climbing, kayak, rafting, horse riding and biking, are some of the things we recommend you to practice here.
During this trip you’ll see waterfalls, wild animals (like horses living in ice islands) and of course, huge walls of blue ice.
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.
This type of travel is the best option for thrill-seekers looking to get an immersive travel experience meeting new people and trying new experiences. And the best part is that every self-driving tour can be tailored according to the visitors’ time frame and preferences. Buckle up and get ready for the ride of a lifetime!
If you liked this itinerary and would like to check some other road trips, you can visit our Argentina and Chile self-drive tours section.
Custom must always be personal. Tell us your style and requirements and we will manage the rest. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, Beyond BA can make it happen in style.
We count with privileged access to live authentic and unique experiences. Would you like to fish and cook your own Crab at a remote village? Would you like to see the falls from the sky? Let’s work together!
Our service is based on relationships, we live in Argentina, we know locals, we are locals. We like to treat our clients as if they were our close friends guests in our countries. Get ready to enjoy!
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