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Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip; Driving along Patagonia, Argentina

Ruta 40 listed as RN40 is the longest highway of Argentina and one of the longest highways in the world. National Route 40 stretches in over 3000 miles (5,070+ km). Starting from La Quiaca which is close to the Bolivian border, this Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip will take you to point B which is in Rio Gallegos, Santa Cruz, Argentina.

Along with being the longest highway, Ruta 40 goes through 20 National Parks, 18 Major Rivers, and 27 passes in the Andes. This Road Trip is a pure adventure and one of the most adventurous road trips around the globe. Route 40 is going to take a lot of time in doing the trip of over 5,070 km from one side. Viewing the UNESCO ancient caves, the World’s most famous glaciers, hiking the Argentinian capital of trekking, and much more. Get ready for the true adventure with this breathtaking Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip.

We’ve arranged all you need to know about the National Route 40 road trip. You’ll find the duration of the road trip, the best time to do this road trip, what will be the cost of the trip, what are the places you can visit during the road trip, what are the best hotels for stay, and what are the best food places on the route.

What is the Best time for Ruta 40 Road Trip?

Ruta 40 | Picture: Geodyssey

As the winter stikes in June and stays till August, it becomes hard to drive on Ruta 40 due to bad weather conditions. You’ll see snow on roads and that’s why driving a vehicle becomes hard for anyone. The best season for doing Ruta 40 Argentina road trip will be November to March, these are the months when the weather stays sunny and warm suitable for travel. Hotels and food places are also very less open in winter months so it’ll be hard to do the road trip. Also, you’ll not be getting other facilities like mechanics on your way if you in case need it.

Note: All the calculation are done in “Kilometers” unit on Dilroaming.com

How Much does the Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip Cost?

You may be starting the trip from different cities like Salta, Buenos Aries, Santiago, etc., But for a common understanding, we are taking the starting point as La Quiaca, Jujuy, Argentina for calculating the cost. So, when you start the trip, please also include the cost of fuel for reaching La Quiaca. The cost which we have mentioned here will be very close to the actual cost. Exact cost obviously cannot be mentioned because everyone has a different consumption and spending pattern and preference. Although, we’ve included all the essential things which you’ll be spending money on during the road trip. Let’s have a look at how much it is going to cost you. One more thing, whether you are doing it by bike or car, we’ve got you covered.

Note: Price is mentioned in $ (USD).

Note 2: Most of the restaurants, petrol pumps, and other places doesn’t accept card or any other digital payment method. So, please make sure to bring cash with you.

Cost of the Trip by Bike (Cost for 2)

  • Fuel – On the average of 25 kilometers per liter, bike will be consuming 450 Liters of fuel (La Quiaca >> Santa Cruz >> La Quiaca) which will cost you $405.
  • Food – Food will cost you about $40 per day for two people. So, the approximate cost of food will be $600 approximately as this is a long road trip and will take a lot of days.
  • Accomodation – You’ll easily get decent hotel stay at $80-$150 per night, So the cost of stays will be approximately $500 to $900. Also, we’ll be mentioning hotels below in this article so you can calculate cost accordingly because different types of accomodations charges a different price.
  • Miscellenous – For other expenses like tickets, toll taxes, repairs, etc., you can count $500 extra.
  • Total – Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip by bike will cost you approximately about $2000 to $2500 for two people.

Cost of Trip by Car (Cost for 4)

  • Fuel (Petrol) – On the average of 14 kilometers per liter, car will be consuming 730 Liters of fuel (La Quiaca >> Santa Cruz >> La Quiaca) which will cost you $660.
  • Food – Food will cost you about $80 per day for four people. So, the approximate cost of food will be $1200 approximately as this is a long road trip and will take a lot of days.
  • Accomodation – You’ll easily get decent hotel stay at $100-$108 per night, So the cost of stays will be approximately $600 to $1200
  • Miscellenous – For other expenses like tickets, toll taxes, repairs, etc., you can count $800 extra.
  • Total – Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip by Car will cost you approximately about $3400 to $4200 for four people.

Questions: From where to rent a Car for the road trip?

Best Route for Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip

This is not the Road Trip Route

If you just go and search for La Quiaca to Santa Cruz, Argentina then Google Maps will route you via different highways for a shorter route which goes through many highways including NR9, NH68, NR157, NR36, and more. The purpose of this trip is to explore Ruta 40, not to reach the destination quickly which is Santa Cruz. So, don’t do the mistake of following the route suggested by Google Maps. We are mentioning the road map which you need to follow to reach Santa Cruz along with exploring all the things which come in your way during Ruta 40 Argentina road trip.

We’ve marked all the locations on Google Map for your help. You can save it and access during the road trip. This map which we’ve created has all the major places to visit and the route of the road trip marked on it.

See Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip Map on Google Maps

Here is how the National Route 40 goes: La Quiaca >> Timon Cruz >> Coranzuli >> Huancar >> Munano >> La Poma >> Cachi >> San Carlos >> Loro Huasi >> Hualfin >> Salicas >> Nonogasta >> Miranda >> Los Tambillos >> Santa Clara >> Niquivil >> Matagusanos >> Carpinteria >> Jocoli >> Agrelo >> El Sosneado >> Malargue >> Bardas Blancas >> Ranquil del Nte. >> Barrancas >> Chos Malal >> Las Lajas >> Estancia La Negra >> Estancia San Ignacio >> Junin de Los Andes >> San Martin de Los Andes >> Villa La Angostura >> Villa Lago Gutierrez >> Rio Villegas >> El Bolson >> El Hoyo >> Costa del Lepa >> Tecka >> Gobernador Costa >> Las Tamariscos >> Rio Mayo >> Perito Moreno >> Estancia La Criolla >> Tamel Aike >> Gobernador Gregores >> Estancia La Lucia >> Tres Lagos >> La Leona >> Charles Fuhr >> Cancha Carrera >> El Turbio >> Bella Vista >> Rio Gallegos >> Punta Loyola, Santa Cruz, Argentina.

Places to Visit on Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip

Ruta 40 Argtentina Road Trip | Picture: Sesinando (Pexels)

On a 5000+ of Km long stretch like Ruta 40, you’ll find numerous interesting places to visit. As we told previously, Ruta 40 passes through 20 National Parks, 18 Major River, and 27 passes. There are a lot of places to visit on this road trip. We’ve written down all the places here. Have a look at the places you can visit and then we’ll move on to the day-by-day itinerary of Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip.

Note: This is the list of places that you can visit on National Route 40. We’ll be covering them in the Itinerary where the entire day plans will be mentioned. So, if you need a plan for the trip you’ll get that else you can use the list of these places and other things which we have mentioned on this page to create a plan by yourself.

  1. Complejo Volcanico De Santa Ana, Jujuy – Also called as Ilamatepec, the Santa Ana volcano is the main volcano of the complex. You need to walk a few meters to reach this place.
  2. Laguna Seca, Jujuy – If you are a photographer then this place offering a view of 2 rock plateaus will be a good place for clicking some pictures.
  3. Cerro Tucli (Tuzgle), Jujuy – Cerro Tuzgle is a mountain peak visible clearly from the main highway. It is a dormant stratovolcano at the elevation level of 5486 m. This place worth a visit, you need to go in for some Km from the Ruta 40.
  4. Viaduct Polrovilla, Salta – Also known as the train to the clouds, it is one of the highest elevated railways in the world. The journey starts from Salta and ends at Viaduct Polrovilla with enough time to enjoy journey and clouds. The ticket is somewhere around $80.
  5. Nevado Queva, Salta – 50 km Away from the National Route 40, this is a mountain with its peak at 6,000+ meters. The peak of the mountain is always covered with snow.
  6. Abra del Acay, Salta – It is the highest point of the Ruta 40 elevated at the level of 4,972 meters from the sea level. This is a perfect place to feel clouds just over your head.
  7. Puente del Diablo, Salta – It is a cave-like place with a water body flowing through. The place is just 500 meters away from National Route 40.
  8. Graneros Incas, La Poma, Salta – Graneros Incas is a natural cave as well as a historical landmark. You’ll be surprised to see how it has everything arranged for storage of raw material and rodent traps, ventilation, rain protection, and more.
  9. Nevado de Cachi, Salta – It is a large complex of mountains and a popular place for mountaineering. Nevado de Cachi counts several summits and the highest being at 6,380 meters which is called Cumbre Libertador.
  10. Cerro Malcante, Salta – It is a mountain peak that can easily be climbed. Once you get on top, you can see clouds around you. This place is located 5+ km from National Route 40.
  11. Intendencia Parque Nacional Los Cardones, Salta – Located in the center-west of the Salta, it is a national park in Argentina. It has an arid climate with a view of cactus all around you and a view of mountains in front.
  12. Quebrada de las Flechas, RN40, Salta – When you are on RN40, this is one of the must visit places on this route. During your Ruta 40 Argentina road trip, take a break here and enjoy magical views all around you. Perfect for photography.
  13. Mirador El Ventisquero, Salta – This is just a point you’ll be passing through having rocks on both sides. If you decide to stop here, there is a way to go up and see the whole way you’ve covered and the way which lies ahead to this point.
  14. Diqui San Carlos, Salta – A scenic spot with a water pond, clouds in the surrounding, mountains in front. If you got some picnic stuff in your car, this is a nice place for having a small picnic if the weather is in your favor.
  15. Cerro Galan, Catamarca Province – Approximately 75 km away from National Route 40, this is one of the largest exposed calderas in the world. Cerro Galan is the part of Central Volcanic Zones of Andes. To reach the top of 5912 meters, you need to hike the entire way.
  16. Quebrada de las Conchas, Cafayate, Salta – Located on the National Route 68 just a few km away from the Ruta 40, this is place is nature preserve visited frequently by passing travelers. Shells’ Ravine is adored for its beautiful rock formation and colorful views at different times of the day.
  17. Los Colorados, Cafayate, Salta – Located just a few km before the Quebrada de las Conchas, this is more popular for its breathtaking views. You’ll see giant rock formations, a river, greenery, everything at one place.
  18. Cumbres Calchaquies, Tucuman – If you are thinking to take a small break then this  is a nice place for that. If the weather is good, you’ll be able to see the mountain peak covered with clouds on top.
  19. Cerro del Bolson, Tucuman – Just a few km away from the NR40, this is a place where you can witness clouds under you. Just reach to the top and look around you, you’ll see clouds down the place you are standing at.
  20. Pozo Verde, Hualfi, Catamarca – Pozo Verde is a beautiful rock formed wildlife park. If you are lucky to get good weather at the time you visit, you’ll be able to click some cool pictures.
  21. Virgen de Belen, Catamarca – Located on a mountain hill which is easy to climb, Virgen de Belen is a monument where someone can easily spend 10-15 minutes in peace.
  22. Sitio Arqueológico De Hualco, La Rioja Province – It is an archeological site and from the top of this place, you can see mountains and greenery all around. It offers a breathtaking view of the area it is surrounded by.
  23. Cristo del Portezuelo, La Rioja Province – With mountains on two sides in the background, this is a monument of Jesus. This tall statue of Jesus looks amazing at night with proper lighting.
  24. Incio Cuesta de Miranda, La Rioja – This place offers a beautiful view of the river and creek and if the weather is good, you’ll see it at it’s best.
  25. Cuesta la Miranda, La Rioja – If you are a travel photographer then this is going to be one of the most scenic spots for you. Standing on height, you can see the roads, mountains, greenery, rocks, and more in just one frame.
  26. Bordo Atravesado, La Rioja – Another viewpoint that offers a scenic view of green and red mountains ahead of you.
  27. Viejo Puente de Albardon, San Juan – It is a bridge built in the 1940s. Now a modern bridge is built parallel to this bridge so it has been left as vacant now.
  28. Cuesta del Chihuido, Mendoza – Lying on the Ruta 40, this place is a type of a halting-place where you can stop and look at the landscape around you.
  29. La Pasarela, Mendoza – It is a bridge located a few meters away from National Route 40, you can click some amazing pictures with a river between two rocks in the background.
  30. Cerro Payun, Mendoza – Payun is a stratovolcano lies in the back-arc region of the Andean Volcanic Belt. You can go there and have some pictures with this volcano shield.
  31. Punto Panoramico, Neuquen – This is a scenic spot offering amazing panoramic views of the Andes. You can take a break here and click some cool pictures with mountains and pond filled with clean water below.
  32. Observatorio de Condores, Neuquen – If you are coming just after Winters then you’ll see an amazing view of mountains covered with snow in front of you. Just park your car here and see the soothing landscape for a while.
  33. Vía Christi en Junín de los Andes – Parque via Christi is a very popular place on National Route 40. It is a park with a variety of views like religious, anthropological, infrastructure, and architecture. You’ll enjoy your time here.
  34. Mirador Bandurrias, San Martin de Los Andes – Mirador Bandurrias is such a place that cannot be explained in words. Once you get here, your eyes will see the most beautiful scene on this road trip with a river flowing in between mountains. You need to hike for a bit to reach this point.
  35. La Islita, Neuquen – Just some steps ahead of the Mirador Bandurrias. In this place, you’ll be able to see a small piece of land in the middle of the water with trees on it which makes it a perfect Instaworthy place.
  36. Mirador Lago Machonico, Neuquen – Another amazing view on the route ahead of San Martin de Los Andes, this place offers a view of snow-covered mountains with a river flowing down.
  37. Mirador Lago Falkner, Neuquen – Standing on the NR40 you can witness an amazing landscape and click some cool pictures here.
  38. Mirador Lago Villarino, Neuquen – Another viewpoint from where you can see an amazing landscape with a river and snow-covered mountains.
  39. Mirador Lago Escondido, Neuquen – Escondido is basically a pond which can easily be seen from the highway.
  40. Ruca Malen Bridge over the River, Neuquen – If you go down to the river which is quite accessible, you’ll see a small abandoned bridge that can be used as a nice prop for photography. The water of the river is crystal clear and there are some trees lying there so it will be a perfect photo spot.
  41. Mirador Inalco, Neuquen – Offering an extensive view of the Lago which is perfect for a drone shot.
  42. Barlovento, Villa La Angostura – Barlovento is a rest stop on a beach. So sit and watch the waves of the river and see moving boats with your fellow travelers.
  43. Punto Panoremico, Rio Negro – A photography spot but only if you are lucky enough to see water in the river. Without proper water level, this is just a normal place.
  44. Cerro Amigo, El Bolson – It is a scenic spot with a ticket of $1.2. It offers a view of the El Bolson town with snow-covered mountains and rivers in the frame.
  45. El Bosque Tallado, El Bolson – About 9 km away from the Town, it is a scenic spot with wooden made sculptures of people and animals. It has an entry fee, so make sure to bring some cash with you.
  46. Laberinto Patagonia, El Hoyo – It is a recreation tourist spot in El Hoyo. It has a labyrinth which you’ll find interesting to play with your fellow travelers.
  47. Mirador Lago Videma, Santa Cruz – Have a look at this huge Lago with glaciers in the background. Stay cautious about the windblast and enjoy the landscape.
  48. Mirador Cuesta De Miguel, Santa Cruz – Located just on the national route 40, this is an observation deck from where you can have an extensive view of mountains all around you.
  49. Puente Blanco, Santa Cruz – Puente Blanco is a view point of river Rio Gallegos located on the National Route 40.
  50. Guer Aike, Santa Cruz – Entry point of Rio Gallegos, it is a scenic spot built on a height on a flat mountain that offers an amazing view of surroundings.
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Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip Itinerary

Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip Complete Itinerary

Starting this 10,000+ km long road trip from La Quiaca, Jujuy, Argentina, we’ll be going all the way to the bottom of the continent to Punta Loyola, Santa Cruz, Argentina.  Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip will easily take about 17 to 24 days to complete and get back from where you started. In the itinerary, we’ve tried to plan everything at best so that you can enjoy within budget and best time period. If you want to do the trip according to your own plan then you can use the other information mentioned on this page as it’ll help you in planning the trip accurately. Otherwise, we’ve already planned everything for you. Have a look at Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip Itinerary here.

Day 1: La Quiaca to Susques Department (325 Km)

Starting off the Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip, on the day 1, you’ll be driving through dusty roads between rock mountains. We’ll suggest you to start the journey early in the morning so you can cover maximum distance and places of interest in a day. Starting the drive from La Quiaca, your first stop will be Complejo Volcanico De Santa Ana in Jujuy which is 153 Km from La Quiaca. Santa Ana Volcano is the main volcano of the complex. Park your car aside and take a break here. Also, if you like hiking then the hike to the peak of this volcano can be fun for you.

Untill you reach Susques Department, there are no decent or good hotels available for stay so we are making a plan to cover La Quiaca to Susques Department in a day. Once you reach Susques Department, you’ll be checking into a hotel and spending your night there. We’ve mentioned the list of best hotels for stay in Susques Department below.

Santa Ana Volcano | Picture: Tripadvisor
Laguna Seca, Jujuy | Picture: Google Maps

Just 2.9 Km ahead of Santa Ana Volcano, you’ll arrive at Laguna Seca which is a decent place for clicking some pictures with giant plateaus in the background, though we do not recommend stopping here if you are already running late. Get back to the car and drive all the way straight to to reach Susques Department which is the stop for day 1.

Food Places between La Quiaca – Susques Department

  1. Cusi – Cusi Departamento Santa Catalina Jujuy – Located 4.7 Km away from National Route 40, this is a popular restaurant in Santa Catalina. You can enjoy a meal here during the Ruta 40 Argentina road trip.
  2. Comedor Don Hugo, Susques Department – Located in Susques Department, It is a reasonably priced quality food restaurant. You can have your meal here at night.

Best Accomodation for Stay in Susques Department

Complejo Turístico Pastos Chicos, Susques Department

Ratings: 7.4/10
Price: US $58 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities: Free Parking, Bar, TVs, Mountain Views, Wooden Furniture, Small Library, Game Room, Common Lounge, Restaurant, Breakfast Included, Hair Dryer, Heating, Wardrobe, Wake-up Service.

Hotel Complejo Turístico Pastos Chicos

Book Now at Booking.com

Petrol Pumps between La Quiaca – Susques Department

  1. ACA La quiaca – Unidad servicial N° 102
  2. Lubricentro, La Quiaca, Jujuy
  3. YPF, España Sur y Bolívar, Y4650 La Quiaca, Jujuy
  4. Posto de Combustível, Casa Quemada, Jujuy

Day 2: Susques Department to Cachi (272 Km)

On day 2 of the Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip, our 1st stop will be Cerro Tuzgle which is about 82.9 Km far from Susques Department. We’ll suggest you leave early from Susques Department so you can enjoy most of your day on the trip instead of a hotel. It’ll be a 1.5-hour drive to Cerro Tuzgle. Cerro Tuzgle is a dormant stratovolcano at the elevation level of 5486 meters.

Cerro Tuzgle | Picture: Wikipedia

If you’ve decided to climb to the top then make sure to leave early in the morning around 4 AM so that you can witness this amazing view under a starry roof. Cerro Tuzgle peak is covered with snow if you visit it just after the winters. hiking to the peak will take almost half of your day so plan accordingly.

Moving from Cerro Tuzgle, the next stop will be Viaduct Polvorilla (Viaducto la Polvorilla) which is a railway bridge. The train Tren a las Nubes that passes from here is known as the train to the clouds. Ticket of Tren a las Nubes is US$80 and the train can be boarded from Salta Province ending the journey at Viaduct Polrovilla.

Viaduct Polrovilla | Picture: Photoshelter
Tren a las Nubes | Picture: Wikiwand

Leave from Cerro Tuzgle and drive for around 26.7 Km on National Route 40 to reach Viaducto la Polvorilla. You can stop here for 15 minutes. This will be a nice place for watching the train going over this huge railway bridge. If you decide to experience the train ride, you can additionally go to Salta and board the train from there. We’ve not included the train ride in the itinerary.

From Viaduct Polrovilla, You need to drive 60.3 Km on the Ruta 40 to reach Abra del Acay which is the highest point of Ruta 40 elevated at 4972 meters from the sea level.

Abgra Del Acay | Picture: Flickr

Take a small break here and enjoy the view of mountains and snow covered peaks from the highest point of this Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip. Continue driving for coming 51 km and you’ll arrive at Puente Del Diablo which is cave-like place with water flowing between the rocks. It is one of the best places on this route to click amazing pictures. Leaving early from Susques Department is really important on Day 2 because you are going to see many interesting places on Day 2 before reaching Cachi.

Just 11.65 Km away from Puente Del Diablo, you’ll arrive at Graneros Incas which is a natural cave as well as a historical landmark. A natural cave which has a lot of nature made arrangements like rain protection, rodent traps, ventilation, and more.

Graneros Incas, La Poma | Picture: Tripadvisor

Along with the National Ruta 40 driving towards Cachi, you’ll see the range of mountains which is called Nevado de Cachi located a bit far from the highway. It is a complex of mountains among which Cumbre Libertador being the highest elevated mountain peak at 6380 meters. Nevado de Cachi is a popular place for hiking, so if you are interested in hiking then this is a must-go place.

Intendencia Parque Nacional Los Cardones | Picture: Alchetron
Nevado de Cachi | Picture: Culturademontania

Moving on with the Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip, our next and last places to visit for the day will be Intendencia Parque Nacional Los Cardones which is about 27 Km drive away from Graneros Incas. It is a national park where you can take your vehicle and drive between giant cactuses all around. Once you are done with all the places to visit for the day, it’s time to checck-in to hotel and rest until the next day drive starts. Drive all the way to Cachi which is just 12 km away from Intendencia Parque Nacional.

Food Places between Susques Department – Cachi

  1. Restaurante Los Patitos, San Antonio de los Cobres – A quite popular restaurant in San Antonio de los Cobres. They have good sitting arrangements for everyone. Staff is very welcoming and the owner takes care of how customers are being served and their experience with the food.
  2. Quinoa Real Restaurante, San Antonio de los Cobres – Quinoa Real is an authentic argentanian restaurant offering tasty argentinian food. Staff is very friendly and the sitting arrangements are good.
  3. Restaurante El Aguila, San Antonio de los Cobres – It’s a quick food restaurant where the cook directly serves you.
  4. Club Güemes, San Antonio de los Cobres – This restaurant serves a good variety of snacks and this is quite suitable for those who are driving by it.
  5. Resto Bar El Malevo, San Antonio de los Cobres – It is a traditional restaurant decoreted in a vintage style. The food is really tasty as well as worthy of the price.
  6. Huayra Huasi, San Antonio de los Cobres – Huayra Huasi is the most popular restaurant in San Antonio de los Cobres. Well know for Ilamas meat, it is a nice place for having proper meal.
  7. Comedor y hospedaje El Acay, La Poma – Comedor is an argentanian restaurant with sitting arrangements for upto 6 people on a table. Food is good and the price they charge is reasonable.
  8. El Aujero, RN40, Cachi – El Aujero is a local theme food restaurant in Cachi. It is quite popular for  Cabrito, Empanadas, Cazuela, Ilamas, etc.
  9. Restaurant Nevado de Cachi, Cachi – Viracocha is a pocket-for-money resturant in Cachi. It is most visited for Empanadas, Cabrito, Lemonade, and Cazuela.
  10. El Bistro de Cachi, Cachi – You can visit this place at night and enjoy drinks with your fellow travelers in a bistro.
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Best Accomodation for Stay in Cachi, Salta

El Corjito Hotel Boutique

Ratings: 8.7/10
Price: US $80 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities: Mountain View, Landmark View, Inner Courtyard View, Patio, Ensuite Bathroom, Barbeque, Free WiFi, Extra Long Beds, Free Barking, Breakfast, Bar.

Book Now at Booking.com
El Cortijo Hotel Boutique

Casas en Cachi

Ratings: 9.5/10
Price: US $48 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities: Garden View, Patio, Private Bathroom, Kitchen, Bedset, Sofa, Private Entrance, Seating Area, Wardrobe, Free Parking, Free WiFi.

Book Now at Booking.com
Casas en Cachi

Hosteria Villa Cardon

Ratings: 9.2/10
Price: US $77 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities: Garden View, Inner Courtyard View, Patio, Ensuite Bathroom, Free WiFi, Outdoor Dining Area, Wake-up Service, Mosquito Net, Marble Floor.

Book Now at Booking.com
Hosteria Villa Cardon

Petrol Pumps between Susques Department – Cachi

  1. YPF, San Antonio de los Cobres
  2. Energy Resource- Estación Shell, San Antonio de los Cobres
  3. YPF ACA Cachi, Cachi

Day 3: Cachi to Belen (425 Km)

Today’s ride is going to be a little more tiring as we’ll be covering over 400 km on Day 3. We’ve covered 597 Km so far on this Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip. Cachi to Belen is 425 Km in the distance which goes through a lot of rough and dusty patches. Again I would say leaving early in the morning will work in your favor. Our first stop will be Mirador el Ventisquero which is about 92 km away from Cachi.

Mirador el Ventisquero | Picture: Eric Wijen, Google Maps

Mirador el Ventisquero is a gate like a point on this route where you’ll see spiky gigantic rocks on both sides of the road. Once you cross this section and if you look back to it, you’ll see it appears like a gate on the highway. This is one of the most interesting points on Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip you’ll be passing through. You can take a 5-10 minutes halt at Mirador el Ventisuqero.

The next stop will be Dique San Carlos where you can stop for a while and enjoy it. From Ventisuqero, Dique San Carlos is about 36 km. Dique San Carlos is a beautiful landscape with a water body, mountains in the background, and area for stopping you care just close to the water and enjoy the view. You can even do a small picnic if you are prepared for it.

Dique San Carlos | Picture: Google

Cerro Galan is one of the most exposed Calderas in the world. Though it lies far away from the Ruta 40 so we’ve not included in the Itinerary of Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip. If you want to experience Cerro Galan, you can include 2 extra days to the schedule. After Dique San Carlos, we are going a bit off the Ruta 40 to experience two amazing places pretty close to it. Los Colorado and Shells’ Ravine are these two amazing places located on Ruta 60. We’ll be using RP44 because it is a shorter way to reach Los Colorado which is about 26 Km away and just next to it lies Shells’ Ravine.

Los Colorado | Picture: Google
Shells’ Ravine | Picture: Google

Shells’ Ravine and Los Colorado are giant red rock mountains that offer a breathtaking view of rock formations and National Route 68 as well as Ruta 40. You can easily spend 2 hours at these places. Once you are done with exploring these places, get back to the Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip and head to the next stop. The next stop on this trip is Cumbres Calchaquies which is about 104 Km from Shells’s Ravine. if the weather is hot, we wouldn’t suggest you go here. It is a landscape viewpoint, so if you are willing to hike it, you can but that’ll require 1 extra day which we didn’t count in this Itinerary.

Well, moving forwards, the next stop will be Cerro del Bolson which is again a mountain peak. You need to trek to it in order to experience it. We would suggest you to visit it as it offers an amazing view of cloud even lower than the elevation level of the mountain. Try how far you can take the car, rest you need to do on feets.

Cerro del Bolson | Picture: Google
Cambres Calchaquies | Picture: Google

Moving ahead of Cerro del Bolson, the next stop is Pozo Verde Wildlife Park which is about 62 Km from this place. Pozo Verde is a beautiful wildlife park with an amazing view of red rock formed mountain walls. Along with that, a flowing water body compliments the wildlife park. You can click some cool pictures here.

Virgen de Belen | Picture: Google
Pozo Verde | Picture: Google

Our last stop for the day is in the Belen city which is Virgen de Belen. After a long day, the last stop Virgen de Belen is just 59.2 Km away from Pozo Verde Wildlife park. Once you reach there, you can first check-in to the hotel and then visit Virgen de Belen as it is just close to the city and you’ll be staying in Belen for a night. So, we are done with first 1000 km of the Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip. Rest is going to be awesome as we’ll be changing to a green landscape in coming days pretty soon.

Food Places between Cachi – Belen

  1. Restaurante y Alojamiento La Posada de Adelita, Salta – It is a 100+ years old restaurant in Salta and offers one of the best Empanadas in entire Salta province.
  2. El Rancho de Manolo, Molinos – Offering delicious empanadas with an amazing view of the valley. This is one of the best restaurants in Molinos.
  3. Los 3 Chinos, Molinos – It is the best authentic Argentanian dish restaurant in Molinos with nice seating arrangements for couples and groups.
  4. Bodega El Cese, Angastaco, RN40 – It is a small winery owned by a family in Salta. You’ll love the tour of the winery as the family is very welcoming and they tell the history of the business very well.
  5. Parador Ruta 40, Salta – Located just on the main highway, it is a quick snack restaurant where you can take a 15-20 minutes break and continue your ride.
  6. Restaurant-Comedor El Molino, San Carlos – It is a good place for having a chill time. You can stop here for chilled beers and amazing food.
  7. Restaurant Don Pablo, Santa Maria – Don Pablo is a reasonably priced tasty regional food restaurant which is usually rushed with crowd.
  8. Resto Bar K-ty, Belen – It is one of the most popular restaurants in Belen. This restaurant operates 24 hours so you can visit here at any time.
  9. Pizzeria-Bar Libra, Belen – The best pizza restaurant in the town. If you are looking for pizzas, this is the place you’ll love in Belen.
  10. Mikhuy Restaurante, Belen – It is a perfect place for dinner. Mikhuy is an Argentanean restaurant with good ambiance and outdoor sitting arrangements.
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Best Accomodation for Stay in Belen

Villa San Ignacio

Ratings: 8.6/10
Price: US $24 Per Night, 3 Adults

Facilities: Free WiFi, Swimming Pool, Breakfast Included, Garden Area, Mountain View.

Book Now at Booking.com
Villa San Ignacio

Estacion 40 Hotel

Ratings: 7.8/10
Price: US $21 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities: Air Conditioning, Flat-Screen TV, Free WiFi, Heating, Wardrobe, Clothes Rack.

Book Now at Booking.com
Estancion 40 Hotel

Hotel Belen

Ratings: 8.1/10
Price: US $55 Per Night, 2 Adults

Facilities: Bar, Breakfast Included, Balcony, Garden View, Mountain View, City View, Air Conditioning, Spa Bath, Private Bathroom, Flat TV, Terrace.



This post first appeared on TravelerOnWheels - Travel Blog For Explorers, please read the originial post: here

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Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip; Driving along Patagonia, Argentina

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