Ruta 40 vs Seven Lakes Route
Argentina's legendary, sprawling highway, an epic journey through diverse Patagonian landscapes.
|A spectacular, paved scenic drive winding through pristine lakes and ancient forests in the heart of Patagonia's Lake District.
Deciding between Ruta 40, Argentina's iconic epic highway, and the breathtaking Seven Lakes Route can be tough for any Patagonian adventurer. While Ruta 40 promises an immense, rugged journey through the continent's spine, the Seven Lakes Route offers concentrated, pristine beauty in a more accessible package. This guide cuts through the noise, helping you choose the perfect Patagonian road trip for your style.
Patagonia, a land of extremes and unparalleled beauty, offers some of the world's most incredible road trip experiences. At the heart of these adventures are two legendary routes: the colossal Ruta Nacional 40 (Ruta 40) and the enchanting Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route). While both offer stunning vistas and a deep connection with nature, they cater to vastly different travel styles and expectations. Ruta 40 is Argentina's answer to Route 66, a legendary, sprawling artery stretching over 5,000 kilometers from the Bolivian border to the southern tip of Patagonia. In contrast, the Seven Lakes Route, a picturesque 110-kilometer stretch of RN40 and RP234, winds through a verdant landscape of sparkling lakes and ancient forests between Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes. This comprehensive guide will dissect the nuances of each, helping you navigate your choice for an unforgettable self-drive Patagonian adventure.
Pros & Cons
Ruta 40
Best For: Hardcore road trippers, adventure seekers, those craving solitude and vast, untamed landscapes, and travelers with ample time for a multi-week exploration of Argentina's backbone.
Pros
- Unparalleled sense of adventure and freedom
- Access to incredibly diverse ecosystems, from high desert to forests
- Fewer crowds, offering solitude and wild beauty
- Connects major Patagonian attractions like Los Glaciares National Park
- Opportunity to explore remote towns and local cultures
Cons
- Many sections are unpaved, requiring robust vehicles and careful driving
- Long distances between services (fuel, food, accommodation)
- Can be monotonous in the steppe sections for some travelers
- Requires significant time commitment (weeks for a substantial portion)
- Weather can be extremely unpredictable and harsh
Seven Lakes Route
Best For: Scenic drivers, families, those seeking comfort and picturesque beauty, short trips, and travelers who want to experience the best of the Argentine Lake District without extensive planning or roughing it.
Pros
- Breathtaking, concentrated natural beauty with stunning lake views
- Well-maintained paved road, accessible with any vehicle
- Charming towns (Villa La Angostura, San Martín de los Andes) with excellent services
- Numerous viewpoints, short hikes, and water activities easily accessible
- Perfect for shorter trips and families
Cons
- Can get very crowded, especially during peak summer season
- Less of a 'wild' or 'remote' feel compared to other Patagonian routes
- Shorter route, offering less of an epic road trip experience
- Higher accommodation and food costs in popular towns
- Limited off-road exploration directly from the main route
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Ruta 40 | Seven Lakes Route | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scenery | Incredibly diverse, from arid steppe and high desert to snow-capped peaks and glaciers. | Concentrated beauty of pristine glacial lakes, dense forests, and mountain vistas. | Tie |
| Adventure Level | High - remote sections, challenging unpaved roads, sparse services, true expedition feel. | Moderate - easy driving, well-marked, charming towns, focus on outdoor recreation. | Ruta 40 |
| Time Required | Weeks to months for a significant portion; 1-2 weeks for a regional section. | 1-3 days for the full experience, including stops and activities. | Ruta 40 |
| Road Conditions | Highly variable, significant unpaved and gravel sections, washboard roads, strong winds. | Mostly paved, well-maintained, easy driving conditions. | Seven Lakes Route |
| Crowd Level | Generally low, especially in central and southern sections; offers solitude. | High, particularly in summer (Dec-Feb) and holidays; popular tourist route. | Ruta 40 |
| Accessibility | Requires a sturdy vehicle, careful planning for fuel and supplies. | Accessible with any standard vehicle; services readily available. | Seven Lakes Route |
| Cost | Can be lower for basic travel, but fuel costs add up over vast distances; vehicle wear/tear. | Higher accommodation and food costs in popular towns; generally predictable expenses. | Tie |
| Vehicle Choice | 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle recommended for comfort and reliability on unpaved sections. | Any standard rental car is suitable. | Seven Lakes Route |
Scenery
Ruta 40 is a tapestry of Argentina's diverse landscapes. From the high-altitude desert plateaus and volcanic fields in the north to the vast, windswept Patagonian steppe, and finally the majestic Andes mountains and glacial lakes of the south, it offers an ever-changing panorama. You'll encounter ancient cave paintings, petrified forests, and colossal glaciers like Perito Moreno. The sheer scale and variety are unmatched. The Seven Lakes Route, while shorter, provides an intensely beautiful experience concentrated within the Nahuel Huapi and Lanín National Parks. Expect emerald green and sapphire blue lakes (Espejo, Correntoso, Hermoso, Villarino, Falkner, Machónico, Lácar, and often others nearby), surrounded by lush coihue and arrayán forests, with dramatic Andean peaks forming a stunning backdrop. It's postcard-perfect at every turn.
Activities
On Ruta 40, activities range from serious trekking in national parks like Los Glaciares (El Chaltén), exploring Cueva de las Manos, or visiting Welsh settlements in Chubut. It's about the journey itself, with many stops for photography, short walks, and absorbing the vastness. It's less about organized tours and more about self-discovery. The Seven Lakes Route offers a plethora of easily accessible activities: kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, swimming in the lakes, mountain biking, short scenic hikes to waterfalls or viewpoints, and exploring charming towns. In winter, skiing and snowboarding are popular in nearby resorts like Cerro Bayo or Chapelco. It's ideal for those who want to actively engage with the environment with well-defined options.
Accommodation
Along Ruta 40, accommodation options can be sparse and basic in remote areas, ranging from simple guesthouses (hospedajes) and estancias to campsites. In larger towns like El Calafate or Bariloche, you'll find a full range of hotels and hostels. Planning ahead is crucial for more isolated sections. The Seven Lakes Route has excellent accommodation choices, primarily concentrated in Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes. Here, you'll find everything from luxurious resorts and boutique hotels to cozy cabins and well-equipped campsites. Quality is generally higher, but so are the prices, especially during the high season.
Food & Dining
Ruta 40's culinary offerings vary greatly. In the steppe, expect hearty Patagonian lamb (cordero patagónico), local cheeses, and simple, filling meals at roadside diners (parrilladas). In areas influenced by European settlers, like in the Lake District, you'll find more diverse options. Planning for self-catering is advisable for many stretches. The Seven Lakes Route, being more tourist-oriented, boasts a fantastic culinary scene. San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura are renowned for their gourmet restaurants, craft breweries, artisanal chocolates, venison, trout, and berries. It's a destination where you can truly indulge in Patagonian flavors with refined dining experiences.
Cost Comparison
The overall cost for Ruta 40 can be unpredictable. While basic lodging and food might be cheaper in smaller towns, the sheer distance means substantial fuel expenses. Vehicle maintenance (tires, suspension) can also be a factor due to rough roads. For budget travelers willing to camp and cook, it can be more economical. The Seven Lakes Route, with its popular towns and high-demand tourism, generally has higher costs for accommodation, dining, and activities. However, the shorter distance means lower fuel consumption. It's a route where you typically pay more for convenience, quality, and concentrated beauty.
Accessibility
Ruta 40 demands a spirit of adventure and preparation. While parts are paved, significant sections, especially south of Bariloche and in the central steppe, are gravel, rip-rap, or dirt, which can be challenging, particularly after rain or strong winds. A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended for comfort and reliability. Fuel stations can be hundreds of kilometers apart, requiring careful planning. The Seven Lakes Route, officially RN40 and the former RP234, is almost entirely paved and well-maintained. It's easily accessible by any standard car or even a motorhome. Signage is clear, and services are frequent, making it a stress-free drive for all skill levels. It runs between Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes, roughly 110 km.
Weather
Given its immense length, Ruta 40 experiences vastly different climates. The north can be hot and dry, while the central steppe is notoriously windy and dry. Southern Patagonia on Ruta 40 is characterized by strong winds, variable temperatures, and unpredictable rain or snow, even in summer. The best time to visit is typically spring (Oct-Nov) or autumn (Mar-Apr) to avoid the peak winds and crowds, though summer (Dec-Feb) offers the longest days. The Seven Lakes Route is part of the humid Andean Patagonian region. Summers (Dec-Feb) are pleasantly warm with long daylight hours, ideal for outdoor activities, but also peak tourist season. Autumn (Mar-May) offers stunning fall foliage and fewer crowds. Winters (Jun-Aug) bring snow and cold, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland, popular for skiing.
The Verdict
Your choice hinges on your travel philosophy. If you yearn for a grand, challenging expedition that tests your limits and rewards you with immense solitude and an unparalleled sense of accomplishment, embark on a segment of Ruta 40. It's for the true adventurer who values the journey as much as the destination. However, if your ideal Patagonian escape involves postcard-perfect scenery, comfortable amenities, a variety of readily available activities, and a more relaxed pace, then the Seven Lakes Route is your undisputed winner. It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone seeking concentrated beauty without the extensive planning or ruggedness.
Combine Both Destinations
It's entirely possible and highly recommended to combine both experiences for the ultimate Patagonian road trip! A popular approach is to fly into Bariloche, which serves as an excellent base. From Bariloche, you can easily drive the Seven Lakes Route (RN40, formerly including RP234) as a day trip or an overnight trip to San Martín de los Andes. After soaking in the beauty of the Lake District, you can head south from Bariloche, joining Ruta 40 towards destinations like El Chaltén and El Calafate. This allows you to experience the paved, scenic beauty of the lakes before venturing onto the more challenging, vast stretches of Ruta 40 further south. Allocate at least 7-10 days for this combined adventure, with 2-3 days for the Seven Lakes and the rest for heading south on Ruta 40.
Car Rental Advice
For the Seven Lakes Route, any standard rental car will suffice, as the road is fully paved and well-maintained. However, if you plan to explore unpaved side roads to more secluded viewpoints or trekking points, a higher-clearance vehicle is beneficial. For Ruta 40, especially if you venture beyond the Bariloche-El Calafate paved sections, a 4x4 or at least a high-clearance vehicle (like an SUV or pickup truck) is highly recommended. These provide better comfort, traction, and durability for the gravel and dirt stretches, particularly around Perito Moreno and south towards El Chaltén. Always ensure your rental comes with a spare tire (and know how to change it!), check the condition of the tires before departing, and consider getting additional insurance for gravel road damage. Fuel stations can be scarce on Ruta 40; always refuel when you have the opportunity, even if your tank isn't empty, and carry extra water and snacks. The drive from Bariloche (on Ruta 40) to El Calafate is about 1350 km and takes roughly 2-3 days of dedicated driving. Driving between Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes via the Seven Lakes is a manageable 110 km. Always check current road conditions, especially after heavy rain or snow, on official Argentine vialidad websites or at local tourist information centers.
Rent a Car to Visit Both
The best way to explore both destinations is with your own rental car.
Rent a Car to Visit BothExplore More
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Destination Guide
Planning
Adventures
Culture & Nature
Road Trips
Car Rental
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Road Conditions
Road Conditions in Ruta 40 (Patagonia Section) (2026) — Driving Guide & Fuel Stations
Driving Routes
Driving from El Calafate to Perito Moreno (Town) via Ruta 40 2026 — Road Guide, Distance & Tips
Road Trip Itineraries
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 4x4 for these routes?
For the Seven Lakes Route, a standard 2WD vehicle is perfectly fine as it's fully paved. For Ruta 40, a 4x4 or at least a high-clearance SUV is highly recommended, especially if you plan to tackle the unpaved sections in central or southern Patagonia. It offers greater comfort, safety, and capability on gravel and dirt roads.
What's the best time of year to visit?
The prime time for both routes is summer (December to February) when the weather is warmest and days are longest. However, this is also peak season, meaning more crowds and higher prices on the Seven Lakes Route. Shoulder seasons (October-November and March-April) offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and stunning fall foliage for the Lake District, while still being good for many parts of Ruta 40.
How long should I allocate for each route?
You can drive the core Seven Lakes Route in a single day, but we recommend 2-3 days to fully enjoy the viewpoints, short hikes, and charming towns like Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes. For Ruta 40, a significant section (e.g., Bariloche to El Calafate) requires at least 4-5 days of dedicated driving, or 1-2 weeks if you want to explore national parks and attractions along the way.
Which route is better for families with young children?
The Seven Lakes Route is generally better for families. Its paved roads, frequent services, charming towns, and easy access to activities like swimming, short walks, and playgrounds make it a comfortable and enjoyable trip for all ages. Ruta 40 can be more challenging due to long distances, rough roads, and limited services, which might not be ideal for very young children.
Can I combine both Ruta 40 and the Seven Lakes Route into one trip?
Absolutely! Many travelers start in Bariloche, drive the Seven Lakes Route (which is part of RN40), and then continue south on RN40 towards iconic destinations like El Chaltén and El Calafate. This allows you to experience the best of both worlds: the concentrated beauty of the lakes and the vast, epic landscapes of southern Patagonia.
Are there enough fuel stations on Ruta 40?
In some sections of Ruta 40, especially the more remote parts of the Patagonian steppe, fuel stations can be hundreds of kilometers apart. It's crucial to refuel at every opportunity, even if your tank is half full, and to carry extra fuel if you plan to venture into extremely isolated areas. The Seven Lakes Route has plenty of fuel stations in and around the main towns.
What kind of budget should I expect?
The Seven Lakes Route tends to be pricier due to higher demand for accommodation and dining in tourist towns like San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura. Ruta 40's costs are more variable; while remote areas might be cheaper, long distances mean high fuel costs and potential vehicle wear. Overall, expect a moderate to high budget for both, with Ruta 40 potentially being more budget-friendly if you embrace camping and basic services.