14 day itinerary for Ruta 40, Argentina

Itinerary

A 14-day road trip along Ruta 40 in Argentina is an incredible adventure that will take you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Here's a suggested itinerary for your trip:

Day 1: Buenos Aires to San Juan

Start your journey by flying from Buenos Aires to San Juan, where you can pick up your rental car and begin your road trip. Spend the day exploring the city and its beautiful parks, such as Parque de Mayo and Parque de la Ciudad.

Day 2: San Juan to Barreal

Drive west towards the Andes Mountains and stop at the Ischigualasto Provincial Park, also known as the Valley of the Moon. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features unique rock formations and fossils dating back millions of years. Continue driving to Barreal, a small town surrounded by mountains and perfect for stargazing.

Day 3: Barreal to Malargüe

Drive south to Malargüe, a town located near the border with Chile. Along the way, stop at the Laguna Brava National Park, a stunning high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Day 4: Malargüe to Las Leñas

Continue south to Las Leñas, a ski resort that offers plenty of outdoor activities during the summer months. Hike or bike around the area, or simply relax and enjoy the mountain views.

Day 5: Las Leñas to San Rafael

Drive east to San Rafael, a city known for its wineries and outdoor adventures. Visit the Atuel Canyon, a natural wonder with impressive rock formations and turquoise waters.

Day 6: San Rafael to Malargüe

Drive back to Malargüe and spend the day exploring the town and its surroundings. Visit the Malargüe Natural Sciences Museum, which showcases the region's flora, fauna, and geology.

Day 7: Malargüe to El Chaltén

Drive south towards El Chaltén, a small town located in the heart of the Patagonian Andes. This is a long drive, so plan to stop at some of the scenic viewpoints along the way.

Day 8: El Chaltén

Spend the day hiking in Los Glaciares National Park, which surrounds El Chaltén. The park features stunning glaciers, lakes, and mountains, including the iconic Mount Fitz Roy.

Day 9: El Chaltén to El Calafate

Drive south to El Calafate, a city located on the shores of Lake Argentino. Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most famous attractions in Argentina.

Day 10: El Calafate

Spend another day exploring the Perito Moreno Glacier and its surroundings. Take a boat tour or hike on the glacier itself for an unforgettable experience.

Day 11: El Calafate to Gobernador Gregores

Drive north towards Gobernador Gregores, a small town located in the middle of the Patagonian steppe. Along the way, stop at the La Leona Petrified Forest, where you can see ancient tree trunks that have turned into stone.

Day 12: Gobernador Gregores to Perito Moreno

Continue driving north to Perito Moreno, a town located near the border with Chile. Visit the Cueva de las Manos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features prehistoric cave paintings.

Day 13: Perito Moreno to Bariloche

Drive east towards Bariloche, a city located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Stop at the Los Alerces National Park, which features pristine lakes and forests.

Day 14: Bariloche

Spend your last day in Bariloche exploring the city and its surroundings. Visit the Nahuel Huapi National Park, which offers plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing.

This itinerary will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Argentina, from the deserts of the north to the glaciers of the south. Make sure to pack warm clothes, comfortable shoes, and a camera to capture all the amazing sights along the way!