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Ruta 40 — Patagonian Stretch
ArgentinaPatagoniaHighway

Ruta 40 — Patagonian Stretch

An empty ribbon along the Andes' eastern flank. Long days, fierce wind, glaciers, condors, and gauchos. The most underrated long-distance road in the Americas.

At a glance

The Ruta 40 — Patagonian Stretch is a 1450 km highway in Patagonia, Argentina. It runs from El Calafate to Bariloche in about 30 hours of driving. Highlights include El Chaltén and Perito Moreno town. Best driven November – March; rated advanced difficulty.

Road length
1450 km
Duration
1 days
Vehicle
Car
Difficulty
Advanced
Best season
November – March

Road length is the scenic route itself — your actual door-to-door driving distance depends on where you start and which stops you take.

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When to go

Best time to drive

Recommended window

November – March

What to expect

Expect more visitors over December–February; shoulder months are usually quieter and often offer better light.

Seasonal closures

High mountain passes on this route can close in winter due to snow. Always check local road status and seasonal closures before setting off.

General guidance only — always confirm local road and weather conditions before departure.

Plan your days

How many days for Ruta 40 — Patagonian Stretch?

Driving pace per day
Suggested plan

Plan around 6 days for this route.

At ~5 hours of driving a day, you'll want 5 overnight stops along the way. The route has 4 recommended stops to help you break it up.

Estimate based on total driving time — actual pace depends on stops, traffic, and breaks.

Map preview

The route at a glance

Itinerary

Stops along the way

  1. ●
    Start
    El Calafate
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  2. 01
    El Calafate

    Perito Moreno glacier base.

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  3. 02
    El Chaltén

    Trekking detour under Fitz Roy.

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  4. 03
    Perito Moreno town

    Halfway refuel.

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  5. 04
    Bariloche

    Lake district finale.

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  6. ◆
    Finish
    Bariloche
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Field notes

Travel tips

  • ★Fuel up at every station.
  • ★Carry water and a spare.
  • ★Wind can push small cars sideways.
Soundtrack

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Open road energy
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Common questions

Frequently asked

How long does it take to drive the Ruta 40 — Patagonian Stretch?

The Ruta 40 — Patagonian Stretch takes about 30 hours of driving non-stop to cover its 1450 km. Actual trip length depends on how often you stop at viewpoints and towns along the way.

How long is the Ruta 40 — Patagonian Stretch?

The Ruta 40 — Patagonian Stretch is 1450 km long, running from El Calafate to Bariloche.

When is the best time to drive the Ruta 40 — Patagonian Stretch?

Best driven November – March. Expect more visitors over December–February; shoulder months are usually quieter and often offer better light. High mountain passes on this route can close in winter due to snow. Always check local road status and seasonal closures before setting off.

Is the Ruta 40 — Patagonian Stretch hard to drive?

The Ruta 40 — Patagonian Stretch is rated advanced difficulty. It is classified as a highway.

What are the main stops on the Ruta 40 — Patagonian Stretch?

The route runs from El Calafate to Bariloche, with key stops including El Chaltén, Perito Moreno town.

Where is the Ruta 40 — Patagonian Stretch?

The Ruta 40 — Patagonian Stretch is located in Patagonia, Argentina. It runs between El Calafate and Bariloche.