Route Overview
Patagonia Route 40 is one of the world's most epic and remote roadtrips, following Argentina's legendary Ruta Nacional 40 through the southern reaches of Patagonia and crossing into Chilean Torres del Paine. This journey takes you through some of Earth's most dramatic and pristine wilderness - jagged granite peaks like Mount Fitz Roy, massive glaciers including the stunning Perito Moreno, endless steppes with wild guanacos, turquoise glacial lakes, windswept landscapes, and finally the iconic towers of Torres del Paine. Patagonia sits at the "end of the world" - vast, remote, and impossibly beautiful. Expect long driving days on gravel roads (ripio), extreme weather that changes by the hour, incredible hiking, limited services, wildlife encounters, and landscapes that will leave you speechless. This is adventure travel at its finest.
Mount Fitz Roy
Dramatic jagged granite peak towering over El Chaltén. World-class hiking with iconic views - one of Patagonia's most famous sights.
Perito Moreno Glacier
Massive advancing glacier with regular calving. Walk on platforms meters from the blue ice wall - absolutely spectacular!
Patagonian Wildlife
Guanacos roaming steppes, condors soaring overhead, pumas in Torres del Paine, and diverse birdlife in remote wilderness.
Torres del Paine
Chile's most famous national park with the iconic three granite towers. World-class hiking and Patagonia's crown jewel.
Ready to Book Your Patagonia Adventure?
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Gateway to Patagonia
Begin in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina's Lake District gateway and chocolate capital (yes, really!). This alpine-style town sits on Lake Nahuel Huapi with snow-capped Andes as backdrop. Spend 2-3 days acclimatizing, exploring town, and enjoying the stunning scenery. Take the Circuito Chico scenic drive around Lake Nahuel Huapi, ride the cable car up Cerro Otto or Campanario for panoramic views, visit the Centro Cívico with its distinctive stone architecture, try local chocolate (Rapa Nui, Mamuschka, Fenoglio), and enjoy craft beer at local breweries. Consider hiking or visiting nearby Cerro Catedral ski resort (summer gondola). Bariloche offers great restaurants and a more comfortable last taste of civilization before heading into remote Patagonia. Pick up your rental car and stock up on supplies.
Key Activities:
- Circuito Chico - Scenic 60km loop, Llao Llao Hotel, lake viewpoints
- Cerro Campanario - Cable car for panoramic Andes views (best in town)
- Chocolate Tour - Visit famous chocolate shops (Bariloche specialty)
- Craft Breweries - Patagonia brewing, local craft beer scene
Into the Patagonian Steppe
Begin the epic Route 40 journey south through the Patagonian steppe. Drive through Esquel (gateway to Los Alerces National Park - worth a detour to see ancient alerce trees and turquoise lakes). Continue south on Route 40 - long stretches of gravel road (ripio) through vast, empty landscapes with the Andes to the west. The scenery is raw and windswept with endless grasslands, occasional guanacos, and big skies. Stop in Perito Moreno town (not the glacier!) for the night, then continue to Los Antiguos on the shore of beautiful Lake Buenos Aires/General Carrera. This small town is known as the "National Cherry Capital" and has a surprisingly mild microclimate. These are long driving days with limited services - fill up gas whenever possible!
Key Stops:
- Los Alerces National Park - Ancient alerce trees, turquoise lakes (optional detour)
- Route 40 Ripio - Iconic gravel road through empty Patagonian steppe
- Lake Buenos Aires - Second-largest lake in South America, Los Antiguos
- Cueva de las Manos - Ancient cave paintings, 9,000 years old (detour)
Argentina's Trekking Capital
Drive south to El Chaltén, Argentina's trekking capital nestled beneath the iconic jagged peaks of Mount Fitz Roy (3,405m) and Cerro Torre. This small mountain village was founded in 1985 to secure Argentina's claim to the region. Spend three days here - the hiking is world-class and relatively easy to access. Hike to Laguna de los Tres for sunrise views of Fitz Roy reflected in the glacial lake (8-10 hours, challenging but worth every step!), or trek to Laguna Torre for views of Cerro Torre's dramatic spire (6-8 hours, moderate). Shorter options include Laguna Capri, Chorillo del Salto waterfall, and the Mirador de los Cóndores. The town has good restaurants, gear shops, and a young outdoorsy vibe. Weather changes constantly - be prepared for wind, rain, and sun all in one day!
Key Activities:
- Laguna de los Tres - Epic Fitz Roy views at sunrise (8-10 hours, hard)
- Laguna Torre - Cerro Torre viewpoint, glacier views (6-8 hours)
- Laguna Capri - Shorter hike, Fitz Roy views (4 hours, moderate)
- El Chaltén Town - Breweries, restaurants, outdoor gear shops
Perito Moreno & Glacier Country
Drive to El Calafate on the shore of Lake Argentino, gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. This tourist town has grown significantly to accommodate visitors coming to see the glaciers. Spend 2-3 days here with the main highlight being the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier - one of few advancing glaciers in the world and Patagonia's most famous sight. Walk the extensive boardwalks just meters from the 60m-high glacier wall - listen for the thunderous cracks as massive chunks of ice calve off into the turquoise water below! Optional: take a boat tour for close-up views or do "Big Ice" trek walking ON the glacier with crampons (book ahead!). Consider a day trip to see Upsala Glacier and Spegazzini Glacier by boat. El Calafate has excellent restaurants and bars.
Key Activities:
- Perito Moreno Glacier - Massive glacier, boardwalk viewpoints, ice calving
- Big Ice Trek - Walk on glacier with crampons (full day, book ahead)
- Glacier Boat Tours - Upsala & Spegazzini glaciers (full day optional)
- Glaciarium Museum - Ice museum, glacier science, glacier bar
Chile's Crown Jewel
Cross into Chile and drive to Torres del Paine National Park - Patagonia's most famous park and one of the world's most spectacular places. The park features the iconic three granite towers (torres), bright blue lakes, massive Grey Glacier, diverse wildlife including guanacos and possibly pumas, and world-class hiking. Spend 4-5 days here hiking and exploring. The classic day hikes include: Base Las Torres (8-9 hours, challenging but the iconic view!), French Valley (8 hours, spectacular amphitheater), Grey Glacier viewpoint (6 hours), and Salto Grande waterfall (easy). Many visitors do the famous W Trek (4-5 days backpacking) or O Circuit (7-9 days). Drive the park circuit for stunning scenery and wildlife spotting. Stay at one of the park's campsites, refugios, or the nearby town of Puerto Natales. This is the grand finale of your Patagonia adventure!
Key Activities:
- Base Las Torres Hike - See iconic three towers (8-9 hours, hard)
- French Valley - Amphitheater of granite peaks (8 hours, moderate-hard)
- Grey Glacier - Massive glacier, lake views (6 hours, moderate)
- Wildlife Spotting - Guanacos, condors, possibly pumas
Journey's End
Drive to Punta Arenas on the Strait of Magellan - Chile's southernmost major city and your endpoint. This historic port city was once a major stop for ships rounding Cape Horn before the Panama Canal. Explore the colorful houses, visit the Nao Victoria Museum (replica of Magellan's ship), walk along the waterfront, see the penguin colonies at Isla Magdalena (seasonal, boat tour), and enjoy fresh king crab at local restaurants. Punta Arenas has an interesting cemetery with elaborate mausoleums of early settlers and indigenous history. Return your rental car and fly back to Santiago or Buenos Aires. Congratulations - you've completed one of the world's most epic roadtrips through some of Earth's most spectacular and remote landscapes!
Key Activities:
- Isla Magdalena Penguins - Magellanic penguin colony (boat tour, seasonal)
- Strait of Magellan - Historic waterway, oceanfront promenade
- Municipal Cemetery - Beautiful historic cemetery, early settlers
- King Crab - Try Patagonian centolla (king crab) at restaurants
Must-See Locations
Mount Fitz Roy
One of Patagonia's most iconic peaks. Hike to Laguna de los Tres for sunrise - the jagged granite towers glowing pink are unforgettable.
Perito Moreno Glacier
Massive 60m-high glacier wall that you can walk right up to. Watch and listen as huge chunks of ice crash into the lake below.
Torres del Paine
The three granite towers are Patagonia's most famous sight. The hike to base is challenging but the reward is beyond spectacular.
Essential Travel Tips
🚗 Driving Patagonia
Route 40 is partly paved, partly gravel (ripio). Drive slowly on ripio - 60km/h max. Rent a sturdy car with good clearance. Gas stations sparse - fill up whenever possible! Spare tire essential. Wind is EXTREME - open doors carefully!
💰 Budget Planning
$80-150/day including accommodation, meals, gas, park fees. Argentina generally cheaper than Chile. Torres del Paine park entry $30. Camping much cheaper than hotels. Gas expensive in remote areas. Book refugios/hotels WAY ahead for peak season.
🌤️ Best Season & Weather
November-March (Southern Hemisphere summer) only! Peak: December-February. Weather is EXTREMELY unpredictable - four seasons in one day is normal. Bring layers! Wind is constant and fierce. Some roads close in winter (April-October).
🎒 What to Pack
Layering system essential: base layers, fleece, waterproof shell, windproof jacket. Warm hat, gloves, buff. Good hiking boots. Sunglasses & sunscreen (sun is strong). Water bottle. Camping gear if doing W Trek. Download offline maps!
🏕️ Accommodation
Book MONTHS ahead for El Chaltén, El Calafate, and Torres del Paine (December-February). Mix hotels, hostels, campsites. Refugios in Torres del Paine book out a year ahead! Wild camping not allowed in national parks. Puerto Natales is cheaper base.
⚠️ Important Notes
This is REMOTE wilderness travel. Limited cell service and wifi. Bring cash (ATMs scarce). Spanish essential outside main towns. Border crossings straightforward but allow time. Hiking requires good fitness. Weather can shut down activities. Be flexible!