Ruta Nacional 40 Mendoza to Neuquén Wine Country Traverse
Legendary Ruta 40 through wine country to Patagonia
This 400-kilometer stretch of Argentina’s iconic Ruta 40 runs from Mendoza’s world-class wine country into northern Patagonia, crossing the Colorado River boundary that marks the transition from desert to steppe. The route passes through Malargüe with its volcanic landscape and mysterious Payunia lava fields, then climbs through mountain passes with clear views of Aconcagua on good days. River crossings become technical after heavy rains, particularly at Arroyo Grande where the ford can turn nasty without warning.
Mostly gravel and dirt with some paved sections – any 4WD handles it fine, though high clearance helps with washouts. March through November offers the best weather window, avoiding summer flash floods and winter snow in the passes. Stock up on fuel in Malargüe as stations get sparse heading south. This is Argentina at its most authentic – gauchos, wine country, endless skies, and the kind of empty horizons that remind you why people cross continents for this drive.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 248 mi / 399.2 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6890 ft |
| Best season | March-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance vehicle |
| Nearest town | Mendoza, Mendoza |
| 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
Does my vehicle need to be lifted, or will a stock high-clearance SUV handle this?
A stock high-clearance vehicle — think 4Runner, Hilux, Land Cruiser — is the stated minimum and genuinely sufficient for most of the route. The mixed surface sections and water crossings don't require a lift, but good all-terrain tires and solid ground clearance matter more than suspension mods here.
What months should I avoid, and what's the road like in winter?
December through February is the Southern Hemisphere summer and peak season, but the route runs best March through November. Winter months (June–August) can bring snow and ice at altitude, and some unpaved sections near the Andean foothills can become impassable — check Vialidad Nacional Argentina for real-time road closures before you go.
Do I need any permits or pay fees to drive Ruta 40 through this stretch?
No permit is required to drive RN-40 itself — it's a national route and open to the public. If you plan to camp in provincial parks or protected zones along the way, check with local park offices in Mendoza or Neuquén as entry fees and registration may apply.
What's the hardest part of this route and what should I actually expect?
This is rated easy, and that's accurate — the toughest stretches are the unpaved, washboarded sections between small towns where the surface gets loose and corrugated. The water crossings exist but are generally manageable; they're more of a wet-season concern than a technical obstacle at normal flow levels.
How far apart are fuel stops, and can I make it between towns without a jerry can?
Fuel gaps on this stretch of RN-40 can exceed 150 km (93 miles) between reliable stations, particularly between smaller towns heading south toward Neuquén. Carry at least 20–30 liters of extra fuel — do not assume every town marked on a map has an operating YPF or station with supply.
Trail track
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