Route 40

Ruta Nacional 40

Argentina's legendary north-south route that traverses the entire length of the Andes, offering dramatic desert, mountain, and lake scenery through Neuquén. Driving portions of Ruta 40 provides authentic off-the-beaten-path Patagonian experiences.

Things to do

• Laguna Blanca National Park — Explore this high-altitude park featuring pristine glacial lakes and Andean wildlife including flamingos and guanacos along a scenic unpaved section of Ruta 40.
• Copahue Volcano Hike — Trek to this active volcano's crater and hot springs, accessible via a rough road branching from Ruta 40 in the Caviahue area.
• Lake District Scenic Drives — Drive through the stunning Neuquén lake region with views of Nahuel Huapi, Traful, and Lacar lakes as Ruta 40 winds through mountain passes.
• Piedra del Águila Viewpoint — Stop at this famous eagle-shaped rock formation overlooking the Limay River valley for panoramic Patagonian mountain scenery.
• San Martín de los Andes — Visit this alpine town nestled on Lake Lacar where Ruta 40 connects to world-class hiking, fishing, and mountain biking opportunities.
• Pehuenia Region Araucaria Forests — Drive through ancient monkey puzzle tree forests in the Caviahue-Pehuenia area, a unique ecosystem accessible via Ruta 40's eastern branch.

Food to try

• Cordero a la Patagonia — Slow-roasted lamb seasoned with local herbs and cooked over wood fires, a regional specialty found in rural estancias and small restaurants along the route.
• Truchas a la Mantequilla — Fresh trout from Neuquén's lakes prepared simply with butter and lemon, best enjoyed at lakeside lodges near San Martín de los Andes.
• Empanadas de Queso y Champiñones — Local pastries filled with cheese and wild mushrooms foraged from the region's forests, sold at roadside stops and small bakeries.
• Asado Patagónico — Traditional Patagonian barbecue featuring beef, sausages, and organ meats cooked over an open fire, a cultural dining experience at estancias near the route.
• Facturas and Medialunas — Argentine sweet pastries and croissants best enjoyed with coffee at small cafés in towns along Ruta 40 like Junín de los Andes.
• Mermelada de Frutos del Bosque — Homemade jams made from wild berries native to the region, available at farm stands and markets in Pehuenia and surrounding areas.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Remote Infrastructure — Ruta 40 through Neuquén includes long unpaved stretches with minimal services; carry extra fuel, water, spare tires, and supplies between towns.
• Local Estancia Etiquette — If stopping at traditional working ranches, dress warmly, arrive before dusk, and ask permission before photographing livestock or family activities.
• Spanish Language Basics — While tourism areas speak some English, rural Ruta 40 sections have limited English speakers; basic Spanish phrases and a translation app are essential.
• Weather-Dependent Travel — Neuquén's Patagonian climate brings sudden storms and wind; check road conditions before traveling, as unpaved sections become impassable after heavy rain.