Argentina is built for road trips. It’s a long, dramatic country that stretches from subtropical jungle to Patagonian ice fields, with deserts, wine valleys, mountains, and empty steppe in between. Renting a car gives you the freedom to stop at roadside parrillas, pull over for guanacos crossing the road, or detour to a hidden waterfall you’d miss on a bus tour.
Here are some of the best road trips in Argentina, each with its own personality and pace.
1. Ruta 40: The Legendary Spine of Argentina
If Argentina had a mother road, it would be Ruta 40. Running parallel to the Andes from the Bolivian border down to Patagonia, it stretches for more than 5,000 kilometers. You probably won’t drive all of it, but even a section feels epic.
One of the most popular stretches runs through Mendoza and northern Patagonia. Around Mendoza, you’ll pass vineyards framed by snowcapped peaks. Farther south, near Bariloche and El Chaltén, the scenery shifts to turquoise lakes and jagged mountain spires.
This trip is about big skies and long horizons. You might drive for an hour without seeing another car. Make time to stop in small towns for empanadas and local Malbec. The distances are real here, so plan fuel stops carefully and download offline maps.
Best for: Travelers who want a classic, bucket-list road trip with wild landscapes.
2. The Seven Lakes Route (Ruta de los Siete Lagos)
Shorter and easier than Ruta 40, the Seven Lakes Route is one of the most beautiful drives in Patagonia. It connects San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura in Neuquén province.
Over about 110 kilometers, you’ll pass seven major lakes, each with its own shade of blue or green. Think calm water reflecting snow-dusted peaks and dense forests of lenga and coihue trees.
This is not a drive to rush. Pull over at viewpoints, walk down to the lakeshore, and bring a picnic. In summer, locals swim and kayak. In autumn, the forests turn golden and red.
You can base yourself in either town and do it as a day trip, but spending a night in both gives you more time to explore nearby trails.
Best for: Couples, photographers, and anyone who wants stunning scenery without extreme distances.
3. Salta and Jujuy: Desert Colors and High Altitudes
Northern Argentina feels completely different from Patagonia. Around Salta and Jujuy, the landscapes are dry, colorful, and shaped by centuries of wind and sun.
Start in Salta city and head north toward Purmamarca and the Hill of Seven Colors. The mountains look painted in layers of red, pink, green, and gold. From there, continue to the Salinas Grandes, a vast white salt flat that looks like another planet.
The road climbs high into the Andes, so expect winding mountain passes and dramatic drop-offs. Take it slow, especially if you’re not used to altitude. You’ll also pass small Andean villages where adobe houses and llamas are part of daily life.
This region is rich in culture as well as scenery. Try local dishes like humitas and tamales, and listen for traditional folk music in the evenings.
Best for: Travelers who love desert landscapes, colorful geology, and cultural experiences.
4. Mendoza Wine Route
If your idea of a road trip includes long lunches and wine tastings, Mendoza is your place.
The roads around Mendoza city lead through Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, where some of Argentina’s best Malbec is produced. Vineyards stretch toward the Andes, creating a backdrop that feels almost unreal at sunset.
Driving here is relaxed and easy. You can visit small, family-run bodegas or large, modern wineries with mountain views. Many offer tours and tastings, often paired with multi-course lunches.
A good plan is to base yourself in Mendoza and explore different wine regions each day. Just remember Argentina has strict drink-driving laws. Either choose a designated driver, book tastings with small pours, or hire a driver for the day.
Best for: Food and wine lovers who want a slower, indulgent road trip.
5. Patagonia’s Atlantic Coast: Wildlife and Empty Beaches
Most people associate Patagonia with mountains, but the Atlantic coast offers a different kind of beauty. Starting from Puerto Madryn, you can drive along the coast to Punta Tombo and Península Valdés.
Depending on the season, you might see southern right whales, elephant seals, sea lions, and large colonies of Magellanic penguins. The roads are often gravel, and the landscape is flat and windswept.
What makes this trip special is the feeling of space. The beaches can stretch for kilometers with barely anyone around. Bring layers because the wind is strong year-round.
Time your trip carefully if wildlife is your main goal. Whale season, for example, usually runs from June to December.
Best for: Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
6. El Calafate to El Chaltén: Glaciers and Peaks
In southern Patagonia, the drive between El Calafate and El Chaltén is short but unforgettable. It takes about three hours, mostly along Ruta 40.
El Calafate is the gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier. After seeing towering walls of blue ice, drive north to El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital. Along the way, you’ll see Lago Argentino and Lago Viedma, both enormous and brilliantly colored.
As you approach El Chaltén, the outline of Mount Fitz Roy appears on the horizon. On a clear day, it feels like you’re driving straight toward a postcard.
This is a great trip to combine with hiking. Spend a couple of days walking to Laguna de los Tres or Laguna Capri before heading back.
Best for: Outdoor lovers who want a mix of driving and hiking.
7. The Lake District Around Bariloche
San Carlos de Bariloche and its surroundings offer one of the most accessible road trips in Argentina. The Circuito Chico is a half-day loop with constant views of lakes, mountains, and forests.
Stop at viewpoints like Cerro Campanario for panoramic views. In winter, the region attracts skiers. In summer, it’s perfect for hiking, cycling, and swimming.
You can extend your trip by driving toward Villa Traful or continuing along Ruta 40. The roads are generally well maintained, making this a good option if you’re not used to long-distance driving.
Best for: First-time visitors who want dramatic scenery with good infrastructure.
Practical Tips for Road Tripping in Argentina
Distances are bigger than they look on the map. Plan your driving days carefully and avoid pushing too far, especially in Patagonia where gas stations can be far apart.
Weather changes quickly. In the south, wind is constant and strong. In the north, summer heat can be intense. Always check conditions before heading into mountain areas.
Renting a car is straightforward in major cities like Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Salta, and Bariloche. For remote areas, consider a vehicle with higher clearance, especially if you’ll be on gravel roads.
Finally, embrace flexibility. Some of the best moments on an Argentine road trip happen when you pull over for a photo, follow a sign to a small village festival, or share mate with locals at a scenic lookout.
Argentina rewards those who take their time. On the road, you’ll see why.
