2 weeks The real Ruta 40

Day 1 – Bariloche – San Martín de los Andes

Arrival in Bariloche, pick up a rental car at the airport and drive to San Martin de los Andes, only through the “Valle Encantado” with its bizarre rock formations along the Limay River, then further the Collón-Curá Valley along the legendary 40 Route north to Junin de los Andes. From there it continues briefly to San Martín. 2 nights in a hotel.

Driving distance: 270 KM of asphalt.

Day 2 – San Martín de los Andes / Lanin Volcano

We recommend a trip through the very colourful steppe and along the deep blue Río Malleo to the foot of the mighty Lanin volcano (3747 m), through Araucaria forests to the Mamuil Malal Pass and Lake Tromen, located on the border with Chile.

Driving distance: 195 KM of asphalt.  

Day 3 – San Martín de los Andes – Bariloche

Today we are on the “Road of the 7 Lakes”, the Ruta de los 7 Lagos, through southern beech forests to the south to the border town and ski area Villa La Angostura, here at Nahuel Huapí Lake along to Bariloche, a former mountain village. 2 nights in Llao-Llao, just outside the city in a beautiful natural setting.

Driving distance: 225 KM of asphalt.

Day 4 – Bariloche

Short tour of the room Llao-Llao the panoramic route "Small Circuit” and hiking on your own in this nature reserve is possible. Meeting with the Patagonia Road team to go over the rest of the route.

Day 5 – Bariloche – Esquel

The journey begins the true 40 Route along towards the south, through the lake-rich Los Alerces National Park up to Esquel. 2 nights in a family-run hotel.

Driving distance: 220 km asphalt, 80 km gravel.

Day 6 – Esquel

It is worth a trip to Gualjaina, where the "Piedra Parada" is an impressive rock formation, as well as a 5 km long gorge in shades of red.

Driving distance: 80 km asphalt, 90 km gravel circuit.

Day 7 - Esquel – Perito Moreno

We continue south to Perito Moreno Glacier (FILL UP!), near the Lago Buenos Aires located, 1 night in a easy Hotel.

Driving distance: 540 km of asphalt.

Day 8 – Perito Moreno – Cave paintings – Gobernador Gregores

First a short drive south to 30 km before Bajo Caracoles, then a detour of 35 km to the most important Cave paintings South America, mainly hands and hunting scenes. A guided tour begins at the guard's house, which goes about half a kilometer along the impressive rock walls to see the different caves. There are three different types of paintings. The oldest were created in 7.300 BC, the newest are around 1000 years old. We can distinguish them based on the technique/motifs and the colors. Total time around 3 hours.

Then it continues until Gobernador Gregores (FILL UP!). 1 night in a easy Hotel.

Driving distance: 70 km gravel, 360 km asphalt.

Day 9 – Gobernador Gregores – El Chaltén

Today we continue south on Ruta 40, through lonely steppe landscapes. Only here does the visitor realise what is Patagonia the infinity, the play of sunlight and shadows in this table mountain landscape. Again and again choices (local ostrich), Guanacos, wild horses and armadillos the way. Very rarely you can see a house or a remote estancia. 35 km after Tres Lagos, take Ruta 23 to El Chaltén, starting point for all hikes and expeditions on Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

3 nights in the Hostería El Pilar, just outside the village, on the Río Blanco, with a wonderful view of the Fitz Roy chain.

Driving distance: 230 km asphalt, 90 km gravel. 

Day 10 – El Chaltén / Fritz Roy

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Trekking on your own (very well trodden sidewalks) to the Los Tres Lagoon , at the foot of the Fitz Roy Hill, the most famous mountain in the southern Patagonian Andes. It takes three hours through beautiful forest and mountain landscapes to the Rio Blanco base camp, with Cerro Fitz Roy and its granite neighbors always in sight. Now follows a steady and steep climb to the Laguna de los Tres, which lies in front of the Fitz Roy and is a magnificent vantage point for the impressive Fitz Roy.

Walking time: 7-8 hours with an altitude difference of 800 m. Easy to moderate hike.

Day 11 – El Chaltén / Lago del Desierto

Drive (34 KM) to the idyllic Lake Desierto, a glacial lake on the border with Chile, where a short hike is possible to the Huemul Glacier or a boat trip to the northern end of the lake, past a series of hanging glaciers that flow there directly from the southern Patagonian Ice Field.

Day 12 – El Chaltén – El Calafate

Trekking on your own to Torre Lagoon, at the foot of the legendary Cerro Torre, one of the most difficult mountaineering destinations in the world. Its steep walls of over 1400 m high made of the smoothest granite make this easy to imagine, although the climate is the main factor why climbers often have to wait months before making the final push to the summit. The view from the Laguna Torre is breathtakingly beautiful, with a whole series of windswept granite needles and enormous glaciers. Walking time: approx. 6 hours easy hike with an altitude difference of 400 m.  Overnight as the day before.

Continue along the beautiful Leona River to El Calafate, located on Lago Argentino and thus the gateway to the glacier world. 2 nights.

Driving distance: 220 KM asphalt, 15 KM gravel.

Day 13 – El Calafate

Trip to the nearby (85 KM asphalt) Perito Moreno GlacierThis world-famous glacier is one of the great attractions of southern Patagonia. The roaring ice falls into the lake, which occur several times a day at its front, are unforgettable impressions. The front of the glacier is 4 km wide and 60 m high and is one of the most impressive in the southern Andes.

Day 14 – El Calafate – Departure

Car drop-off at the airport. Departure.

Important note: We recommend this route from November to April inclusive.