The 8 best road trips to take in Argentina

The term “road trip” conveys the essence of the trip: visiting must-see places behind the wheel and being free to get lost in magical corners. Reddish, alpine, jungle and coastal landscapes are some of the alternatives for drive tourism in Argentina. But, what are the best circuits to visit the country while driving? The mystery is solved in this article.

Nothing compares to getting into the car, playing our current favorite band and hitting the road meandering around routes and landscapes with prime travelling companions. No matter how many hours or kilometers we are behind the wheel, the plan is just that. With a thermos and a mate at hand, road trips have a unique charm that invite us to take routes where the chances of unplugging become more and more real as we go ahead. Luckily, Argentina is rich in landscapes and enjoyment. So, how can there not be dream routes to tour the country? 

It is impossible to talk about road trips in Argentina without mentioning the mystical Route 40 (Ruta 40), a 5,200-kilometer stretch running the country from north to south, and the greatest witness to the landscape diversity that this southern country offers. Adventurers from all over the world have it in their to-do lists for plenty of reasons.

North, south, water mirrors, falls, deserts, vineyards, national parks and the sea are some of the destinations. Choosing a single one is impossible but, to ease the task, this is a selection of the best road trips to do in Argentina. Needless to say that the routes can be combined and - why not - the country can be toured end-to-end.

Road of the Seven Lakes, Neuquén

This road has 110 kilometers of forests, Patagonian lakes and snow-capped mountains, and crosses the typical towns in the south of the country. Route 40 is tinged in different shades of green, light blue and white to give rise to a unique experience that goes through two national parks: Nahuel Huapi and Lanín. 

This iconic road is the mecca for backpackers, families, groups of friends, couples and any person who wants to connect with the heart of Patagonia. The tour is designed so that travelers can explore magical corners from San Martín de los Andes to Villa la Angostura. Its greatest must-see places capture the best postcards and offer visitors an unparalleled approach to nature.

The seven famous lakes that give name to the circuit include lakes Lácar, Machónico, Villarino, Falkner, Escondido, Espejo and Correntoso. The views flood the camera lens with beauty and at some places visitors are allowed to camp and spend the night by the lakes. To complete the adventure in the area, you can’t miss Villa La Angostura, Bariloche, San Martín de los Andes and the amazing Villa Traful.

• When’s the best time to go? Ideally from December to March, the perfect months to enjoy the summer heat.
• What’s the ideal length of stay? Patagonia deserves a minimum of 15 days to be able to admire its wonders without rushing.

North of Argentina: Tucumán, Salta and Jujuy

This is another stretch that runs along the epic Route 40. This time the wheels tread exciting colorful national treasures. The provinces that make up the circuit are Tucumán, Salta - fondly nicknamed “La Linda” [The Pretty One] - and Jujuy. Vineyards, mountains, salt fields, valleys, gastronomy and a road trip that has it all. 

Two main routes cross the major must-see places: Number 40 and Number 9. The journey upwards goes from San Miguel de Tucumán, a city that witnessed the Declaration of Independence, to the capital of Salta, and reveals the beauty of the region all the way through. In “La Linda”, the circuit rewards tourists with the delicious local empanadas as they walk around a city full of history. Three hours later, we arrive in Jujuy, where the dirt-colored road starts, with mandatory stops along Route 9. 

Firstly, the town of Purmamarca - barely making a detour along route 52, which later connects with Route 40 - is home to the Cerro de los Siete Colores [Hill of the Seven Colors] and its main streets are filled with typical local crafts; 66 kilometers away, Salinas Grandes offers postcards in white and blue flashes in a tour that heightens all the senses. Going back to Route 9, the small town of Maimará also joins the list of colors with its Paleta del Pintor [Painter’s Palette], and Tilcara offers a tour of its picturesque town as well as a visit to Pucará, a fortress that looks over the hills. 

Still further north you get to Humahuaca, home to one of the most popular festivals in the country: Carnival. This town is the starting point to get to know another jewel in Jujuy: the Serranía del Hornocal - known as Cerro de los Catorce Colores [Fourteen-colored Mountain]. To complete this area of small towns, visiting Iruya is a must, in order to experience the northern culture and get more pictures to remember it.

As if all this were not enough, the road trip also includes the wine route. Because it is unforgivable to be in Argentina and not taste its grapes. And Salta dazzles visitors with its star strain: Torrontés. The locations for wine tourism are Cafayate, San Carlos, Cachi, Molinos and La Viña. 

• When’s the best time to go? The best moments to visit are fall and spring (May, June, October and November) because it is not as hot as in the summer. 
• What’s the ideal length of stay? 10 days to visit the must-see places, do the wine route and take time to enjoy the landscapes.

Argentine “Litoral” region: Entre Ríos, Corrientes and Misiones

A trip that crosses forests, national parks, wetlands and plenty of regional flora and fauna. The main attraction? The Iguazú Falls, in Misiones: these majestic waterfalls have been declared one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

There are three stops you can make, in three provinces: Entre Ríos, Corrientes and Misiones - driving along Route 14, close to the border with Uruguay and Brazil. The first stop welcomes thousands of tourists willing to dive into its famous hot springs, the best ones are located in Colón, Federación and Villa Elisa. Entre Ríos also rose to world fame for its Gualeguaychú Carnival, a colorful celebration of dance and music that goes around the world. Finally, El Palmar National Park is home to unique species of yatay palm trees and native fauna (capybaras and viscachas). 

Corrientes hosts the Esteros del Iberá, an ecological reserve displaying nature, fresh air and wildlife. It is also one of the most important freshwater wetlands in the world. Here, activities such as boat rides, horseback riding and safaris can be enjoyed, to capture the essence of each local species with our camera lens. 

Finally, Misiones not only showcases the majestic Iguazú Falls with its iconic Garganta del Diablo [Devil’s Throat], but also ideal road journeys to soak up the jungle. Still along Route 14, you can visit Oberá and Aristóbulo del Valle, two excellent spots for local tourism, and tour other must-see places in the area such as the Saltos de Moconá [Mocona Falls], the Jesuit Missions - declared a World Heritage Site- and the Salto Encantado Provincial Park. 

By switching to Route 12 in Posadas, the capital city, you reach the other end of the province and one of the country’s iconic wonders: Iguazú National Park which hosts the Iguazú Falls.

• When’s the best time to go? March to June, although spring is also a good time!
• What’s the ideal length of stay? 10 days. 

Atlantic Coast: Pinamar, Mar del Plata and Necochea

Argentina features a wide variety of landscapes. So the sea couldn’t be left out and even less when the technical stops involve gastronomy, forests, sand dunes, cliffs and super wide beaches. 

This road trip is Argentinians’ favorite in summer. There are thousands of travelers that venture to take Route 2 from different points in the country and come to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean waves.

What are the locations that make up this road trip? From Buenos Aires, the first stop to enjoy the sea and the forest is Pinamar, a town in the Partido de la Costa [Coastline District] that gathers family and friends in spectacular paradores [beach stands]. A few minutes away is the best hidden forest of the Province of Buenos Aires – Cariló, where unspoiled tree groves, the smell of eucalyptus and dirt roads seem to have been taken out of a tale. 

Driving along Route 11, two hours later, you reach the iconic city of Mar del Plata. Packed with people in summer, quiet in winter, the charm persists no matter the season. The car ride into the city is another must-see, with the coast on one side and the contrast of modern buildings on the other. Here, you can’t miss trying seafood and, if you plan on taking a road trip with friends, Mar del Plata’s nightlife is one of the best on Argentine territory.

The last stop is Necochea. Before getting there, you will find amazing beaches on the way, including the wide sandy beaches of Chapadmalal. 

• When’s the best time to go? High season for Argentinians is January and February and they are the best summer months! If you are planning to travel with fewer people, you can also do it in December and March. 
• What’s the ideal length of stay? 7-10 days. 

Wine route in Mendoza

Wine lovers, watch out! Here’s the answer to everything you’ve ever desired. Why? Because if there is anything that identifies Argentina, that is the quality of its wines. Route 40 once again is under the spotlight in a province with a clear objective: to create amazing strains that attract palates from all over the world.

The wine journey par excellence is in Mendoza, which is one of the 10 major wine capitals in the world according to Great Wine Capitals. With a production of 78% of the country’s total, it is perfect for drive tourism, from its vineyards to its must-sees. The capital city offers nightlife and historical corners, and is a good starting point to get to know the main wineries in the downtown area, which are the oldest ones (in Maipú, Guaymallén, Luján de Cuyo, Godoy Cruz and Las Heras). Route 7 offers two possibilities to the east and west: the former showcasing more winery areas - covering most of the land and, therefore, producing on a large scale in Rivadavia, San Martín, Junín, Santa Rosa and La Paz- and the latter offering dazzling landscapes with the famous Termas de Cacheuta [Cacheuta Hot springs], Potrerillos for adventure tourism and Uspallata. 

Route 40 continues the Wine Route and takes tourists to Valle de Uco [Uco Valley], another wine and food pole in the region. Both Zuccardi Valle de Uco winery, praised by The World’s Best Vineyards as the best winery in the world for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020) and Salentein, ranked 23rd, are located in Uco. 

Further south you reach the last wine-growing region, which in turn coincides with Mendoza landmarks such as Cañón del Atuel [Atuel Canyon] and the city of San Rafael. 

• When’s the best time to go? There are two options: spring (September to December) and the grape harvest time (February to April) to take advantage of one of the most famous national fests: Fiesta de la Vendimia [Grape Harvest National Festival] - rated by National Geographic as the second most important harvest festival in the world.
• What’s the ideal length of stay? 10 to 15 days to complete the entire route.

Los Glaciares National Park: El Chaltén and Calafate, Santa Cruz

El Chaltén is the national trekking capital, with trails of different levels of difficulty that lead to natural wonders crowned with lagoons, snow-capped peaks and waterfalls. The journeys last from minutes to hours and even days, so be prepared to wear out the soles of your shoes. But, in addition to the impressive walks, getting to know this town and its surroundings by car is the perfect supplement to the plan. The routes of southern Argentina are captivating and reach corners where no foot has been set before. The great landmark in El Chaltén? The impressive Fitz Roy, 3,359 meters high. You can see it wherever you are and is in every visitors’ wishlist. The trekking routes you can’t miss are Laguna de los Tres, where you can take the iconic postcard, Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, Laguna Torre and Laguna Capri. 

Three and a half hours from El Chaltén, driving along Route 40 for a while and bordering Lake Viedma and Lake Argentino, you reach El Calafate, land of glaciers. The ice giants can be visited on excursions by water as you get closer to the celestial masses. The distance from the city center to the star landmark, the Perito Moreno Glacier, is 80 km. The road includes steppe landscapes up to the Park entrance, which showcases local flora in the shape of forests. The most famous walkway in the country allows visitors to enjoy the best panoramic views of the 250 square kilometers that are part of the glacier.

• When’s the best time to go? The best season goes from October to April.
• What’s the ideal length of stay? 10 days.

End of the World: Tierra del Fuego National Park

The adrenaline of exploring the southernmost routes in the world is all you need to ignite the engine and see what Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego has in store for you. The city, with its iconic bay decorated by snow-capped peaks, is the most classic postcard in the area and the one that gets tourists to sigh in delight. 

In addition to the city center which hosts the iconic Maritime Museum and the old Prison – the keys to understanding the history of the city-, the End of the World rewards travelers with lakes, food proposals and an amazing national park. Route 3 crosses the province and, 40 minutes away from Ushuaia, allows visitors to drive amidst mountains and shows them privileged views of two iconic lakes: Escondido and Fagnano: stopping in Paso Garibaldi is a must! The journey gets slow because you can’t help taking photos of those landscapes! 

Another must-see stretch is the one that enters Tierra del Fuego National Park, 12 kilometers from Ushuaia (also along Route 3). There are 63,000 protected hectares full of forests, waterfalls and trails that lead to lagoons and natural treasures. You can also get on board the End of the World Train to enjoy Fuegian panoramic views while going along the border of the famous Beagle Channel that, incidentally, also deserves a tour to navigate it from the inside, visit the Lighthouse at the End of the World and the local wildlife (Magellan penguins and sea lions). 

The must-have of Tierra del Fuego’s cuisine? Spider crab, Fuegian lamb and trout, delicacies which can be found everywhere.

• When’s the best time to go? The road trip is at its best between October and April. 
• What’s the ideal length of stay? 7 days.

La Rioja and San Juan

Touring the Ischigualasto and Talampaya National Parks is the closest you can get to the moon. Why? Due to the geological peculiarity of their land, formations and colors, which is why they are considered World Heritage Sites. In addition, traces of the Triassic Period of the Mesozoic Era - that is, the time of dinosaurs – have been found in this place.

The parks are next to each other and share many of the typical landscapes. A good half-way spot to visit is Villa Unión, a city in San Juan that welcomes many tourists interested in visiting the Cuyo circuit. Route 150 passes through these two Sites.

Ischigualasto (known as the Valley of the Moon) can only be toured by car with a guide, in a caravan excursion with other cars to take a close look at the typical red-colored palette of the area. If a full moon occurs during your trip, a night excursion under the moonlight can also be booked.

The 100-meter high Talampaya canyon and its iconic formations are not the only thing that this national park has in store for tourists. In addition to a bike tour, the experience is taken to the next level as visitors can go camping between reddish walls and under one of the clearest skies in the world. 

• When’s the best time to go? Spring and fall, because in the summer it rains heavily and in winter the temperature drops. 
• What’s the ideal length of stay? 7 days.