All Seasonal Guides

Summer in Ruta 40

Summer is the only season to drive the full Patagonian stretch of Ruta 40. Argentina's legendary highway offers the best road conditions, longest daylight, and all services open from December to February — the ultimate self-drive adventure.

Ruta 40 is Argentina's most legendary highway — stretching over 5,000 kilometers from the Bolivian border to the southern tip of Patagonia, it parallels the Andes through some of South America's most dramatic landscapes. The Patagonian section, from Bariloche in the north to Río Gallegos in the south, is the route's most iconic stretch — a 2,000+ kilometer journey through steppe, mountains, glaciers, and the vast emptiness that defines southern Argentina.

Summer from December through February is unequivocally the best — and for much of the route, the only practical — time to drive this road. Gravel sections that are impassable in winter become manageable. Services that close from April to November reopen. Fuel stations in remote towns are reliably stocked. And the long daylight hours — up to 17 hours — are essential for covering the vast distances between stops.

The Patagonian Ruta 40 passes through or near an extraordinary roster of destinations: the Lake District (Bariloche, San Martín de los Andes, Villa La Angostura), El Bolsón, Esquel, the remote steppe towns (Gobernador Gregores, Bajo Caracoles), Cueva de las Manos, Los Antiguos, El Chaltén (via spur road), El Calafate, and ultimately Río Gallegos. Each section has its own character, from lush forests to arid steppe to glacial landscapes.

Renting a car in Bariloche or El Calafate and driving Ruta 40 is one of the great road trips on Earth. The Patagonian section can be driven in as little as 5-6 days (rushing), but 10-14 days allows proper exploration of the highlights and side trips. Summer guarantees the widest window of good conditions and open services.

Weather Overview

Avg High

20°C

Avg Low

7°C

Precipitation

Varies dramatically along the route. The Lake District section receives summer rain; the central steppe is semi-arid; the southern section is dry. Overall, summer is the driest season throughout.

Wind

Persistent and often strong westerlies, particularly on the exposed steppe sections between Esquel and El Calafate. Can affect driving, especially for high-profile vehicles. Strongest in the afternoon.

Daylight

16-17 hours in the north (Lake District) to 17+ hours in the south, providing ample driving and exploration time.

Weather along Ruta 40 spans multiple climate zones. The northern Lake District section is warmest (24-28°C highs). The central steppe is warm but windy (18-22°C). The southern section near El Calafate is cooler (15-18°C). Be prepared for everything — you'll experience sunny, windy, rainy, and calm conditions all in a single day's drive.

Activities

Available Activities

Epic Road Trip

The core experience — driving one of the world's great highways through constantly changing Patagonian landscapes. The route connects lakes, forests, steppe, glaciers, and frontier towns in a single continuous adventure.

Lake District Driving

The northern section passes through Bariloche, the Seven Lakes Route, and the Andean forest zone. Summer offers the best conditions for enjoying the lake-and-volcano scenery.

Steppe Crossing

The remote central section between Esquel and El Calafate is Ruta 40 at its most raw — vast empty steppe, guanaco herds, occasional homesteads, and an overwhelming sense of space.

Side Trip to Cueva de las Manos

Detour from the main route to visit this UNESCO World Heritage rock art site in the Río Pinturas canyon. Summer access is best.

El Chaltén Approach

The spur road from Ruta 40 to El Chaltén reveals the stunning Fitz Roy massif gradually as you approach — one of the most dramatic arrivals in Patagonia.

Wildlife Spotting

The steppe sections offer continuous wildlife viewing — guanacos, rheas, foxes, armadillos, condors, and eagles are regular companions along the route.

Not Available This Season

Some remote gravel sections may be temporarily affected by summer stormsA few services and fuel stations operate reduced hours even in summer

Accommodation

Ranges from excellent (Bariloche, El Calafate, San Martín) to extremely basic (Bajo Caracoles, Gobernador Gregores). In remote sections, options are limited to one or two basic hotels per town. Camping is possible at many points. Book ahead for January in popular towns. In remote sections, accommodation is first-come-first-served — arrive by early afternoon.

Crowds & Tourism

The Lake District section is busy in January. The remote central section sees scattered road trippers — you might pass 10-20 vehicles per hour or go an hour without seeing anyone. El Calafate is very busy. The mix of crowded and empty is part of Ruta 40's character.

Pricing

Costs vary enormously along the route. Budget $100-200 USD per day depending on accommodation choices and activities. Car rental for 10-14 days is a significant investment — book well ahead for summer. Fuel is expensive in remote areas. The biggest expenses are car rental, fuel, and accommodation in popular towns. Remote towns are cheap but limited.

Driving Conditions

Important for car rental travelers

Ruta 40 is increasingly paved, but significant gravel sections remain, particularly in the central steppe between Esquel and El Calafate. Summer provides the best gravel conditions — dry and firm. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended; 4x4 is ideal for gravel sections. Essential preparations: spare tire (two if possible), extra fuel container, water, food, and basic tools. Crosswinds are the biggest hazard on exposed sections. Drive defensively on gravel — loose stones, washboard surface, and limited traction. Cell service is absent for long stretches. A rental car from Bariloche or El Calafate is the starting point for any Ruta 40 adventure.

Packing Essentials

Windproof jacket and layers for all conditions
Sunscreen and hat for steppe driving
Extra fuel container
Spare tire and jack
Plenty of water (5+ liters reserve)
Non-perishable food supplies
Offline maps and GPS
Cash — many remote towns don't accept cards
Basic tools and tire repair kit
Warm sleeping bag if camping
First aid kit
Physical road map as backup

Events & Festivals

Ruta 40 Peak Season

Summer is the only time all services, fuel stations, and accommodation along the route are reliably open. January is busiest; December and February offer slightly quieter driving.

Local Festivals Along the Route

Various towns along Ruta 40 hold summer festivals — cherry festivals, gaucho celebrations, fishing tournaments, and cultural events that road trippers can join spontaneously.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • One of the world's great road trips through extraordinary landscapes.
  • Summer is the only season when the full route is reliably drivable.
  • All services and fuel stations open.
  • Long daylight hours essential for covering vast distances.
  • Connects Patagonia's top destinations in a single epic journey.
  • Sense of adventure and accomplishment in completing the route.

Cons

  • Remote sections have very limited services — requires self-sufficiency.
  • Strong crosswinds on exposed steppe are tiring and potentially dangerous.
  • Gravel sections demand careful driving and suitable vehicles.
  • January crowds in popular towns contrast with empty stretches.
  • Multi-day commitment — minimum 5-6 days, ideally 10-14.

Explore by Car This Season

A rental car gives you the freedom to explore Patagonia at your own pace, no matter the season.

Browse Car Rentals

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Frequently Asked Questions

What vehicle do I need for Ruta 40?

A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended. A 4x4 or SUV is ideal for the gravel sections. A standard car can manage the paved sections but will struggle on rougher gravel. Ensure the vehicle is in excellent condition with good tires. Rent from a reputable agency in Bariloche or El Calafate.

How long does the Patagonian section take?

The driving alone from Bariloche to El Calafate takes about 25-30 hours. At a comfortable pace with stops and side trips, plan 10-14 days. Rushing through in 5-6 days is possible but you'll miss much of what makes the route special.

Is Ruta 40 dangerous?

Not inherently, but it demands respect. The main risks are: gravel road driving (reduced traction, loose stones), strong crosswinds, vehicle breakdown in remote areas, and fatigue from long distances. Prepare properly, drive at moderate speeds on gravel, and carry emergency supplies.

Can I do Ruta 40 without a car?

Very difficult. Limited bus services connect major towns on the route, but the remote central section has minimal public transport. Hitchhiking is possible in summer but unreliable given the sparse traffic. A rental car is the practical choice.

What about fuel on remote sections?

Fuel stations exist in all towns along Ruta 40, but distances between them can exceed 300km. Always fill up at every opportunity. Carry an extra fuel container for the most remote sections (Bajo Caracoles to Gobernador Gregores, for example). Summer supply is more reliable than shoulder seasons.

Which direction should I drive?

Both directions work. North to south (Bariloche to El Calafate) is most popular, building from the lush Lake District to the dramatic glacier country. South to north works equally well, often with slightly less traffic. Wind is generally westerly, which is a crosswind in both directions.

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