Ruta Provincial 78 – Meseta del Lago Buenos Aires
Endless Patagonian plateau where wind rules everything
RP78 cuts across the windswept Meseta del Lago Buenos Aires where guanacos outnumber vehicles 100 to 1 and the horizon stretches unbroken to the Chilean border. This route from Bajo Caracoles to the lake shores near Perito Moreno crosses fossil-rich badlands where marine reptiles once swam in Jurassic seas. The road surface varies from decent gravel to washboard that’ll rattle your teeth loose, with the constant Patagonian wind making vehicle control a genuine skill.
Stock 4WD handles this route fine, but you’ll earn every kilometer fighting crosswinds and navigating washouts after storm events. Fuel range matters more than technical ability — the nearest station might be 200km away, and breakdowns out here mean serious exposure. Best avoided during winter storms (June-August) when snow and ice make the plateau treacherous. What you get is pure Patagonian solitude, endless skies, and the humbling experience of crossing one of South America’s last truly empty quarters.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 124 mi / 199.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3280 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD recommended |
| Nearest town | Perito Moreno, Santa Cruz |
| Land manager | Vialidad Provincial Santa Cruz |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| 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 4WD handle Ruta Provincial 78, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock 4WD is the minimum you want here — the dirt and gravel surface is manageable, but the corrugations, loose sections, and water crossings will punish a 2WD or low-clearance vehicle. Skid plates are a good idea given the remoteness.
When is the trail passable and what happens if I try it in winter?
October through April is the window. Winter months bring snow, ice, and near-impassable mud on the meseta, and with no cell service and minimal traffic, a stuck or broken vehicle becomes a serious problem fast.
Do I need any permits or fees to drive Ruta Provincial 78?
No formal permit is required to drive the route — it's a provincial road managed by Vialidad Provincial Santa Cruz. If you camp on adjacent private estancia land, you'll need landowner permission; dispersed camping on public land is generally accepted.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what makes it sketchy?
The plateau crossings are where things get honest — sustained wind across open steppe can hit 100+ km/h and push high-profile vehicles dangerously. The water crossings also require scouting; levels vary by season and there's no one around to pull you out.
How far is the nearest fuel stop and should I carry extra?
Perito Moreno at the start is your last reliable fuel. At 124 miles of dirt and gravel with no services on route, carry a minimum 20-liter jerry can — fuel consumption spikes hard against Patagonian headwinds.
Trail track
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