Ruta Nacional 40 Mendoza Wine Valley to Bariloche Alpine Traverse

The RN40 Mendoza-to-Bariloche section cuts through some of Argentina’s most unforgiving high desert, where 180-kilometer stretches pass without services and crosswinds can flip a truck. This 1,200-kilometer marathon crosses the Neuquén oil fields, climbs through volcanic moonscapes near Zapala, and battles the notorious Patagonian winds across endless steppes before dropping into the lake district around San Carlos de Bariloche. The crossing at Paso Pino Hachado marks the technical midpoint, where altitude sickness and weather can trap unprepared drivers for days.

This is extreme overlanding—stock vehicles will struggle with the washboard, river crossings, and 400-meter elevation swings. Carry 200+ liters of fuel, extra water, and recovery gear. Winter (June-August) brings snow closures; summer offers 20-hour daylight but fierce winds. The reward is crossing Argentina’s true wilderness, from Mendoza’s vineyards to Patagonia’s granite spires, on one of the world’s most challenging overland routes. Have a dirty day.