Argentina's legendary spine along the Andes, from the Lake District past Fitz Roy to the glaciers of El Calafate. That is what Ruta 40 (Patagonia) promises, and it delivers. At about 900 miles (1,448 km), it is a drive best taken slowly, over 7–10 days, with time to pull over whenever the view demands it on the way from San Carlos de Bariloche to El Calafate.
Open this route in XCRSNSetting out from San Carlos de Bariloche
Start early, with a full tank and a loose plan. San Carlos de Bariloche is where the road begins, and the first miles set the rhythm for everything that follows.
The first big moment is Cueva de las Manos rock art. Give it the time it deserves; it is why many people make this trip at all.
Along the way
The road strings together Esquel, Perito Moreno and El Chaltén. Each one makes a natural break, and Perito Moreno sits close to the middle if you want to split the drive with a night's sleep.
Do not miss Fitz Roy from El Chaltén.
Arriving in El Calafate
Save energy for the final stretch: Perito Moreno Glacier is still ahead.
By the end you will have seen Cueva de las Manos rock art, Fitz Roy from El Chaltén and Perito Moreno Glacier, and you will understand why Ruta 40 (Patagonia) belongs on any list of great drives.
When to go and how to pace it
The best time to drive it is November–March. Plan on 7–10 days so the drive never feels rushed.
Fuel stations can be 200+ miles apart in Santa Cruz — top up at every town.
XCRSN prices fuel for every leg in the local currency, finds stops along the way and books overnights near each town.
