Patagonia is the ultimate road trip destination for those who love wide-open spaces, dramatic landscapes, and the feeling of driving to the end of the world. Ruta 40, one of the longest roads in the world, runs the entire length of western Argentina.
IDP Requirements
Argentina requires all foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national license. Police checkpoints (controles) are common on Patagonian highways. Your IDP, license, passport, and rental documents will be checked.
Ruta 40: The Legendary Highway
Ruta 40 stretches 5,194 km from Cabo Virgenes in the south to the Bolivian border. The Patagonian section from El Calafate to Bariloche is the most popular segment. Sections remain unpaved (ripio) and require careful driving, especially in a standard rental car.
Patagonia is famous for extreme winds that can literally push cars off the road. Wind speeds regularly exceed 100 km/h. Keep both hands on the wheel, reduce speed, and avoid high-profile vehicles. Pull over if conditions become dangerous.
Fuel and Distances
Fuel stations in Patagonia can be 200–300 km apart. Always fill up when you can. Carry extra fuel cans if driving unpaved sections. Cell coverage is nonexistent in most of Patagonia — download offline maps and carry a paper backup.
Key Stops
El Calafate and the Perito Moreno Glacier. El Chalten for Fitz Roy hiking. The Carretera Austral (across the border in Chile). Bariloche and the Lake District. Each deserves at least 2–3 days.
1. Get your IDP before traveling. 2. Book a 4WD for unpaved sections. 3. Fill up at every fuel station. 4. Download offline maps. 5. Pack for extreme wind and cold.