Route 40 is a route in western Argentine Patagonia and runs parallel to the Andes Mountains. Along the route are some popular stops at charming towns, as well as mountain views, beautiful lakes and breathtaking hikes (literally). What we came to realise after we drove the many many miles of open flat roads is that the journey is more about the places on the way and not as much about the road itself. A great deal of the driving was tedious along open flat lands heavily dented with pot holes. But once you make it to your destination it’s all worth it. Take a look at some of our best experiences along Route 40.
Route of the seven lakes
Starting in the quaint town of San Martin de los Andes nestled in the Andes mountains and resting on the shore of Lake Lacar. From there the drive takes roughly two hours allowing time to stop at the viewpoints. Each lake is different, hidden away behind the trees, turquoise or glacial blue, both large and small but all equally beautiful. The road itself is a stunning drive as it snakes through the Andes and the forests of Nahuel Huapi National Park.
Parque Patagonia Argentina
The park spans an impressive 528.11 km² and protects the Patagonian Steppe. We stayed two nights at La Señalada campsite within the park and had a lovely home cooked meal from the cafe following our hike. There are countless hikes within the area of varying levels. We hiked the Tierra de Colores which only took about an hour and was low difficulty. This particular hike is just off route 40 with easy access for a quick stop on your journey.
Cueva de las Manos
Also within Parque Patagonia Argentina is the spectacular Cueva de las Manos ‘hands of the caves’. The hand prints and cave art in and surrounding the cave dating back 9000 Years. Not only are there stencilled hand prints but ancient wall art too from a civilisation mostly unknown to us. There are two ways to reach the cave, a 50km dirt track from route 40 but also through the national park itself. After having visited Tierra de Colores we ventured deeper into the park and hiked across the valley to the cave opposite. We would highly recommend this hike to the cave.
Perito Moreno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier spans a whopping 250 km² within Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Entering through El Calafate, a bustling tourist town we wish we could have explored more given its plentiful supply of cafes, restaurants and breweries on tree lined streets. Heading to the Glacier later in the day meant it was much quieter and we could enjoy the glacier without the crowds. The special thing about seeing Perito Moreno Glacier is getting so close to it.
El Chalten
El Chalten is a hotspot for hiking. The small town is also within the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares but with the park being so large its still almost 4 hours away. El Chalten is a gateway into the Los Glaciares National Park and the many trails surrounding the town. With many hikes available and another $45pp entrance fee we chose the most popular hike Laguna de los Tres. The 8 hour hike that took us 9 hours to complete was marked as medium difficulty. Medium it was not! Though it was a tough hike up to the the Fitz Roy peaks it was totally worth all the aches and pains the next day… and the next day… and the next!
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