Stretching through some of the most dramatic landscapes in South America, Argentina’s National Route 40 (RN40) is the ultimate adventure for travelers seeking nature, culture, and wide-open horizons. Spanning 5,194 km from Cabo Vírgenes in Santa Cruz to La Quiaca in Jujuy, this legendary highway mirrors the Andes and crosses 11 provinces, 27 national parks, and countless communities rich in history and tradition.
Route 40 is not just a road—it’s a collection of ecosystems, cultures, and natural wonders. From glaciers and turquoise lakes to vineyards, salt flats, Andean peaks, and ancient archaeological sites, it offers endless options to craft a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary.
Often compared to Route 66 in the United States, RN40 is far more remote, diverse, and breathtaking—an epic journey from Patagonia’s glaciers to the high deserts of the Puna. Ready to hit the road? Below is a province-by-province guide to the highlights along this astonishing route.
Santa Cruz – Where the Journey Begins
Route 40 begins its journey in Santa Cruz, at the windswept Cabo Vírgenes lighthouse, the southernmost point of the highway. From here, the road stretches north toward El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and the world-famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Continuing along the shores of Lake Viedma, the route leads to El Chaltén, Argentina’s Trekking Capital, surrounded by the towering silhouettes of Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. As the landscape opens into steppe again, the highway reaches Lake Cardiel and then the extraordinary Cueva de las Manos, where 10,000-year-old hand stencils create one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in South America.
Chubut – Ancient Forests and Wildlife
Entering Chubut, Route 40 skirts the outskirts of the mountain town of Esquel, a destination known for its quiet alpine charm and easy access to Los Alerces National Park. This vast protected area offers ancient forests of Patagonian cypress, turquoise lakes, excellent trekking opportunities, and pristine fly-fishing streams that remain largely untouched even during peak travel season.
Río Negro & Neuquén – The Lake District
In Río Negro and Neuquén, travelers arrive in the heart of the Lake District, a region defined by its snow-dusted peaks, deep blue lakes, and thick forests of native coihue and arrayán trees. Route 40 weaves through beloved mountain towns such as El Bolsón, San Carlos de Bariloche, Villa La Angostura, and San Martín de los Andes, as well as the magnificent landscapes of Nahuel Huapi and Lanín National Parks. Here, visitors can enjoy everything from chocolate tasting and lakeside strolls to high-adrenaline rafting, kayaking, skiing, and long-distance trekking.
Mendoza – The Wine Capital of Argentina
If you love wine, this is paradise. Upon reaching Mendoza, the scenery shifts dramatically to sun-drenched vineyards set against the foothills of the Andes. This province is the heart of Argentina’s wine country, home to world-renowned regions such as Maipú, Luján de Cuyo, Las Compuertas, and the high-altitude terroirs of the Uco Valley—including Tunuyán, Tupungato, and San Carlos—known for producing some of the finest Malbecs and signature varietals in the world. Traveling along Route 40 through Mendoza means passing historic wineries, boutique vineyards, and exceptional gastronomic experiences that invite visitors to pair award-winning wines with gourmet cuisine, all while enjoying horseback rides, cycling among vineyards, or hiking along the Andean foothills.
San Juan & La Rioja – A Journey Through Deep Time
Crossing into San Juan and La Rioja, Route 40 enters a land shaped by geology and ancient cultures. The journey passes through Media Agua and other historic towns surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and fruit orchards before connecting with the region’s traditional Wine Route. Detours lead to two of Argentina’s most spectacular natural parks: Ischigualasto (Valle de la Luna) in San Juan and Talampaya in La Rioja. These UNESCO-listed landscapes reveal towering red canyons, bizarre rock formations, and some of the world’s most significant Triassic fossil deposits.
Catamarca – The Argentine Puna
In Catamarca, the route ventures into the remote beauty of the Argentine Puna, a high-altitude desert of salt flats, volcanic domes, windswept plateaus, and adobe villages that seem frozen in time. Small mountain communities preserve traditions rooted in indigenous and colonial heritage. A highly recommended detour leads to Antofagasta de la Sierra, a surreal region of black volcanoes, high lakes, and the vast white expanse of the Campo de Piedra Pómez pumice fields. After exploring this otherworldly terrain, travelers return to Route 40 to continue the journey north.
Tucumán – The Land of the Quilmes People
The highway crosses only a portion of Tucumán, but it is home to one of the country’s most important archaeological sites: the Quilmes Ruins. These are the remains of the largest pre-Columbian settlement in Argentina, once inhabited by the Quilmes people, who resisted incursions for centuries. The site offers a fascinating look at terraces, fortifications, and the engineering mastery of indigenous Andean cultures.
Salta – Wine, Valleys, and High Mountain Passes
In Salta, Route 40 enters the legendary Calchaquí Valleys, one of the most scenic and culturally rich regions of northern Argentina. Travelers pass through dramatic geological formations such as the Quebrada de las Conchas, with its iconic landmarks—Los Castillos, El Sapo, and El Fraile—before reaching the vineyards of Cafayate, renowned for producing the aromatic Torrontés wine. The route continues through Angastaco, Molinos, and Cachi, charming towns of colonial architecture and deep-rooted Andean traditions. Beyond Cachi, the road climbs to Abra del Acay, at 5,061 meters one of the highest drivable mountain passes in the world, before descending toward San Antonio de los Cobres, starting point of the iconic Train to the Clouds. A short detour leads to the dazzling Salinas Grandes, a vast salt flat stretching across the high plateau of the Puna.
Jujuy – The Colorful Finale
Finally, in Jujuy, the northernmost province, Route 40 reaches its end near La Quiaca after crossing a high-altitude region rich in Andean history and culture. Though remote, this area offers access to some of Argentina’s most impressive landscapes, including the UNESCO-listed Quebrada de Humahuaca. Here, travelers can explore Purmamarca and its famous Hill of Seven Colors, traditional markets filled with Andean crafts, ancient farming terraces, and villages that preserve centuries-old traditions—an unforgettable ending to a journey through the full length of Argentina.
Ready to Experience Route 40?
Argentina’s Route 40 is not just a road trip—it’s a journey through the soul of a country shaped by mountains, glaciers, deserts, vineyards, and centuries of history. Whether you want a full expedition or to explore a specific region, we can help design the perfect itinerary.
Have questions? Contact us to start planning your adventure today!