Ruta 40 Patagonia

Ruta 40 is one of Argentina’s most legendary roads, stretching for thousands of kilometres along the eastern side of the Andes. This Ride Beyond section captures one of its most memorable Patagonian stretches, connecting El Calafate with El Chaltén through an immense landscape of open steppe, distant mountains and virtually endless horizons. It is a very different type of motorcycle route from the tight Alpine passes found elsewhere in the Legendary Roads collection.

The riding is defined by space rather than technical complexity. Long, flowing sections of road cross the Patagonian steppe, with the landscape constantly changing around the rider while the Andes remain visible in the distance. The road can feel almost empty, allowing a steady rhythm to develop, but strong winds and exposed terrain can make the ride considerably more demanding than the relatively simple road geometry suggests.

What makes this route memorable is the sense of scale. There are few trees, buildings or obstacles to interrupt the horizon, and the enormous distances create a genuine feeling of travelling through remote country. As the route approaches El Chaltén, the character changes dramatically and the mountains become increasingly dominant, providing a spectacular contrast to the open plains of the earlier sections.

Ruta 40 is not about chasing corners. It is about experiencing distance, landscape and freedom on two wheels — the kind of road where the horizon becomes part of the ride.

Patagonia is famous for strong and unpredictable winds, particularly on the exposed sections of Ruta 40. Weather can change quickly, and temperatures can vary considerably between El Calafate and the higher terrain around El Chaltén. Fuel stations are limited over long stretches, so refuelling before leaving the main towns is important. Traffic is generally light, but the combination of wind, open terrain and long distances requires good preparation and concentration. Check road and weather conditions before departure, particularly outside the main summer season.

The route begins in El Calafate and initially follows the roads around Lago Argentino before heading towards the open Patagonian landscape. As the built-up area disappears, the road quickly becomes more remote, with wide views across the steppe and the surrounding mountains.

The route then joins the wider Ruta 40 corridor, where the riding becomes defined by long, flowing sections and enormous open spaces. The road crosses a landscape of low vegetation, distant mountain ranges and broad valleys, with relatively little traffic interrupting the ride. The lack of tight corners is part of the character here rather than a weakness.

As the route approaches El Chaltén, the landscape gradually changes. The distant Andes become more prominent and the road begins to feel increasingly enclosed by mountains. The final approach delivers one of the strongest visual transitions of the entire ride, culminating in the dramatic mountain scenery surrounding El Chaltén and the Fitz Roy massif.

This is a route to ride with patience. Let the kilometres unfold, watch the horizon and allow Patagonia’s immense scale to become part of the experience rather than something to simply ride through.