Ruta Nacional 40 Los Antiguos to El Calafate Patagonia Traverse
Patagonian steppe crossing with relentless winds
This 215-kilometer stretch of Ruta Nacional 40 between Los Antiguos and El Calafate cuts straight across the heart of Patagonian steppe, where guanacos outnumber vehicles and the wind never stops. The route parallels Lago Argentino’s northern shore before swinging south toward the glacier town, crossing endless pampa punctuated by isolated estancias and the occasional roadhouse. Cerro Fitz Roy dominates the western horizon on clear days, while the Andes wall creates a constant backdrop to relentless westerlies that can push vehicles sideways.
Easy to moderate difficulty on maintained gravel with challenging weather conditions — any vehicle handles the surface, but high winds demand attention and crosswind experience. Fill up in Los Antiguos; next reliable fuel is El Calafate. October through March offers warmest temperatures, but wind season never truly ends. The reward is pure Patagonian immersion: endless sky, archaeological sites near Lago Posadas, and the transition from agricultural valleys to glacier-fed wilderness that defines southern Argentina.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel|Dirt |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic, Wildlife |
| Length (miles) | 134 mi / 215.6 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2800 ft |
| Best season | October-March |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 2WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Los Antiguos, Santa Cruz |
| Land manager | Vialidad Nacional |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 2WD truck or SUV handle this stretch of Ruta 40?
Yes, a stock 2WD high-clearance vehicle is the minimum and will manage fine in dry conditions. The gravel and dirt surface is generally well-graded, but deep washboard sections and wind-blown sand can get rough — low-profile cars and sedans are not suitable.
When is this section of Ruta 40 passable, and what happens in winter?
October through March is the reliable window — Patagonian summer keeps the route accessible and daylight long. Outside those months, snow, ice, and brutal cold can make the crossing genuinely dangerous, and services along the route drop to near zero.
Are there any permits or fees required to drive this route?
No permits or fees are required to drive this stretch of Ruta 40 — it's a national road managed by Vialidad Nacional and open to all vehicles. If you're crossing from Chile at Los Antiguos, standard Argentine vehicle import paperwork applies.
What's the hardest part of this crossing and what should I actually be ready for?
The wind is the real adversary — sustained gusts of 60–80 km/h are normal and can push a high-profile vehicle across a lane. The worst stretches hit in open steppe with no windbreaks, and crosswinds can make driving physically exhausting over 134 miles of exposure.
How far is it between fuel stops on this route, and can I count on finding gas?
Fuel is extremely scarce between Los Antiguos and El Calafate — carry at minimum a 20-liter jerry can on top of a full tank. Perito Moreno (roughly 60 miles south of Los Antiguos) has fuel, but don't assume stations are open or stocked; Patagonia runs on its own schedule.
Trail track
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