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Where to See Guanaco in Ruta 40

Encounter vast herds of wild guanacos along Argentina's legendary Ruta 40 as it traverses the windswept Patagonian steppe, where these elegant camelids roam freely across one of the last great open landscapes on Earth.

Ruta 40, Argentina's longest highway stretching over 5,000 km along the Andes, passes through the heart of guanaco (Lama guanicoe) territory in Patagonia. These graceful wild camelids, relatives of the llama, are the most commonly seen large mammal on the Patagonian steppe and a constant companion on any road trip along this iconic route. Herds numbering from a few individuals to over a hundred can be spotted grazing on the open grasslands, often remarkably close to the roadside. The Patagonian stretch of Ruta 40 between El Calafate and Esquel offers the highest density of guanaco sightings, making a rental car road trip the perfect way to experience these charismatic animals in their vast natural habitat.

Best Time to See

Year-round (herds are always present on the steppe; spring Oct-Nov sees newborn chulengos)

Where to See Them

Ruta 40 between El Calafate and El Chaltén

Very Likely

Best Time: Year-round

Access: Drive the 220 km stretch of RN40 between the two towns. Fully paved and suitable for any rental car.

Guanacos are extremely common along this stretch. Drive carefully as they often cross the road. Watch for newborn chulengos in October-November.

Ruta 40 between Gobernador Gregores and Perito Moreno

Very Likely

Best Time: Year-round

Access: This remote 400 km stretch of RN40 through central Santa Cruz is mostly paved. Carry extra fuel and supplies.

One of the most isolated stretches with enormous guanaco herds. The flat steppe offers unobstructed views for kilometers.

Ruta 40 near Esquel and Los Alerces NP

Likely

Best Time: Year-round

Access: Drive RN40 around Esquel in Chubut province. Paved roads suitable for any rental car.

Guanacos share the landscape with rheas and other steppe wildlife here. The scenery transitions from steppe to forest.

Meseta areas off Ruta 40 (side roads)

Very Likely

Best Time: Year-round

Access: Various gravel provincial routes branching off RN40 into the meseta. A rental car with good clearance is helpful.

Side roads into the high plateau often have even denser guanaco populations with no other traffic. Exercise caution on remote roads.

Animal Behavior

Guanacos are highly social animals living in family groups led by a dominant male, bachelor groups of young males, and solitary older males. They are incredibly well-adapted to the harsh Patagonian environment, with thick woolly coats and the ability to survive on minimal water. When alarmed, the dominant male gives a high-pitched alarm call and the group flees at speeds up to 56 km/h. They are curious animals and will often stop to observe passing vehicles before running. Chulengos (baby guanacos) are born in November-December and can stand and run within minutes of birth. Guanacos communicate through body posture, ear position, and vocalizations.

Photography Tips

  • 1A 70-200mm zoom is often sufficient as guanacos along Ruta 40 are accustomed to vehicles and may approach.
  • 2Shoot from inside your car as a mobile blind — guanacos are less wary of vehicles than of people on foot.
  • 3Capture herds against the vast steppe landscape for scale and context.
  • 4Sunset and sunrise on the steppe create dramatic golden light on guanaco fur.
  • 5Look for behavioral shots: alarm calls, running herds, mothers with chulengos, and sparring males.

Conservation

Guanacos are classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN, though their range has shrunk significantly since European colonization of South America. In Patagonia, they remain abundant, with an estimated population of around 500,000 in Argentina. Threats include habitat fragmentation from fencing, competition with livestock for grazing, and road mortality. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining wildlife corridors and reducing roadkill through signage and speed limits.

Viewing Regulations

  • Slow down when guanacos are near the road. They can dart across unpredictably.
  • Never chase guanacos with your vehicle or honk to make them run.
  • Do not feed guanacos. They are wild animals and should remain so.
  • If a guanaco is on the road, stop and wait patiently for it to move.
  • Dispose of all waste properly — litter on the roadside can be harmful to wildlife.

Self-Drive Wildlife Tour

A rental car road trip along Ruta 40 is THE quintessential way to experience guanacos in Patagonia. The route passes through the heart of guanaco territory, and having your own vehicle lets you stop wherever you spot herds, wait for the perfect photograph, and explore side roads. The main RN40 is mostly paved in Patagonia, though some sections are gravel. Plan fuel stops carefully in the remote central sections between Gobernador Gregores and Perito Moreno, where gas stations can be 200+ km apart.

Self-Drive Wildlife Tour

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Frequently Asked Questions

How common are guanaco sightings on Ruta 40?

Extremely common. On most stretches of Ruta 40 in Patagonia, you will see guanacos multiple times per hour of driving.

Are guanacos dangerous?

No, guanacos are timid and will run from humans. The main danger is them crossing the road unexpectedly, so drive at moderate speeds.

What is a chulengo?

A chulengo is a baby guanaco. They are born in November-December and are incredibly cute, standing on wobbly legs shortly after birth.

What is the difference between guanacos and llamas?

Guanacos are wild camelids native to South America, while llamas are their domesticated relatives. Guanacos are slimmer with a more reddish-brown coat.

Can I get close to guanacos?

Guanacos near Ruta 40 are somewhat habituated to vehicles and may allow relatively close approach by car, but will flee if you exit the vehicle.

What other wildlife can I see along Ruta 40?

Rheas (Patagonian ostriches), armadillos, grey foxes, Patagonian hares, various raptors, and condors can all be spotted along the route.

Ruta 40

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