National route 40 crosses the country longitudinally, connecting small villages and big cities from Cabo Virgenes (Santa Cruz) to La Quiaca (Jujuy).
From South to North…
From the current km 0, located 124 km from Rio Gallegos, the most southern point of the continent, up to Puna in Jujuy, the route is approximately 5,200 km long and goes across a variety of climates, geographies and cultures.
The area of the Patagonia region that Route 40 crosses (Santa Cruz, Chubut, Rio Negro and Neuquen) shows a geography mountains and arid cold climate, a landscape full of lakes, mountains and forest.
Cabo Virgenes, Rio Turbio and Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, Cueva de las Manos in Perito Moreno, El Bolson, Bariloche, San Martin de los Andes.
In Cuyo region (Mendoza, San Juan, La Rioja), the geography varies between plains and montains and the climate is mainly arid, the rivers come down the montains to provide water for the vineyards.
Caverna Las Brujas, Las Leñas, The famous Penitentes, San Rafael, the imposing Aconcagua, Valle de la Luna, Chilecito.
In the Northwest (Catamarca, Tucuman, Salta and Jujuy), the geography presents plateaus and mountains, the climate varies between high altitude arid climate and subtropical. Landscapes are breathtaking, showing mountains in thousands of colors and green valleys, full of vineyards.since Inca and Kolla traditions are kept intact. Some of the interesting points are Santa Maria, The Quilmes Ruins, Cafayate, Molinos, Nevado de Cachi, San Antonio de Cobres.
The conditions of the Road and Recommendations
- In general in the season between December and March it is travelable in all of its totality without major inconveniences by all types of vehicles.
- In the gravel parts the road is sufficiently wide and well-maintained. Passing River Mayo drive carefully due to the potholes.
- It is recommended do not exceed a maximum velocity.
- There is gasoline available in all of the towns but always to fill up, never know if the next station may be closed or not have gas!!!
- It is highly recommended to rest for the night. If you leave from Perito Moreno, for example you can spend your first night in Bariloche.
- The weather often changes suddenly in this region. Remember that this is a desert climate that can be very hot during the day and very cold at night. Bring clothing suitable for both extremes.
Some tips…
• It is convenient to travel around Cuyo and Northwest in the winter season since summer rains tend to flood and badly damage the route. In Patagonia, instead, the best time is from October to April, since winter snow and ice the trip harder.
• It is advisable to have a spare change of light clothes for dry mountain winds or snow storms, warm clothes, sun glasses, lip balm, gloves.
• Although the trip can be by car, it is convenient to increase the standard tire air pressure (28 pounds) to 32 pounds.
• Water is vital in this kind trips.
