Ruta Nacional 40 Esquel to El Bolsón Andean Lakes Circuit
Patagonia's spine road through pristine Andean valleys
The stretch of Ruta 40 between Esquel and El Bolsón cuts through some of Patagonia’s most pristine wilderness, following glacier-fed valleys beneath snow-capped Andean peaks. This section passes through the heart of the Comarca Andina, where ancient lenga forests meet crystalline mountain lakes. The route crosses the Río Epuyén and skirts Lago Puelo National Park, with side tracks leading to remote estancias and hidden fishing holes that few tourists ever see.
Moderate difficulty requires high-clearance 4WD for gravel sections and river crossings during spring melt. The main route is well-maintained but side tracks can be challenging after rain. Best traveled December through March when weather is stable and mountain passes are clear. Fuel up in Esquel – it’s 160km to El Bolsón with no services. You’ll find world-class trout fishing, pristine camping along mountain streams, and some of Argentina’s most spectacular Andean scenery without the crowds of more famous parks.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 99 mi / 159 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4920 ft |
| Best season | December-March |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Esquel, Chubut |
| Land manager | Vialidad Nacional Argentina |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or Defender handle this stretch of Ruta 40, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD is the minimum — a standard Hilux or Defender handles it fine. Lifted isn't required, but don't attempt this in a sedan or crossover; the washboard gravel and water crossings will wreck your day.
When does this section of Ruta 40 become impassable?
Best window is December through March (Southern Hemisphere summer). Outside that, snowfall and mud between Esquel and El Bolsón can close sections without warning — April through November is a gamble you can lose badly.
Do I need any permits or pay fees to drive this route?
No permit required for the road itself — Vialidad Nacional manages it as a public highway. If you camp inside any national park boundaries along the way, standard Argentine national park entry fees apply, payable at park gates.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The roughest stretches are the unpaved gravel segments with heavy washboard and loose rock, particularly in the middle third of the route. Water crossings are generally manageable in summer but check conditions after recent rain — they can rise fast from glacial melt.
How far apart are fuel stops between Esquel and El Bolsón, and is 159km enough to worry about range?
Fuel up in Esquel before you leave — there are very few reliable stations along the route, and the ones that exist may be closed or dry. Carry a jerry can; 159km in the mountains with gravel drag burns more fuel than you'd expect on pavement.
Trail track
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