Top 5 Road Trips to Experience in Argentina

Argentina’s unique allure captivates imaginations far beyond its borders. There’s an abundance to explore, with vast distances to cover.

While flights zoom past stunning landscapes and bus rides often limit your view to highways, the ultimate way to experience the country is by driving—allowing you the freedom to stop and explore at your leisure.

These journeys showcase a diverse range of scenery and cultural landmarks: vibrant cities, enchanting deserts, Andean mountains, expansive pampas, sites linked to Che Guevara, and the delights of wine country.

Travel prepared—ensure your vehicle is stocked with plenty of drinks, snacks, and fuel—since the spaces between towns can be significant. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure. Here’s our guide to the top road trips in Argentina.

1. The Pan-American Highway

Ultimate long-distance road trip Christ the Redeemer Tunnel–Ushuaia; 4353km (2704 miles); plan for 2–4 weeks

Beginning the final Argentine leg of its cross-continental route in a spectacular fashion at the Christ the Redeemer tunnel—bridging Chile and Argentina through a towering Andean pass—the Pan-American Highway is truly the world's most legendary road trip.

This extensive network of roads begins in Northern Alaska, winding down approximately 30,000km (18,640 miles) through the Americas to Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego.

The southernmost stretch of the highway in Argentina first passes through Mendoza province, the heart of the renowned wine region, before heading east on Ruta 7 towards the capital, Buenos Aires.

The route then veers southwest on Ruta 3, skirting the Pampas and Atlantic coast, and cutting through the remote expanses of Patagonia, with a stop at Puerto Madryn (a great spot for whale-watching) before reaching the southernmost point.

From here, venture into Chile and take a ferry across the Strait of Magellan into Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost tip of the South American mainland. It's then a straightforward drive to Ushuaia, famously dubbed 'El Fin del Mundo' (The End of the World). Don’t slow down just yet: Ushuaia is the ideal departure point for journeys to Antarctica.

Travel tip: Due to the harsh winters in the far south, visiting in spring or summer (September to February) is recommended. Also, check your car rental agreement and insurance to ensure you're covered for entry into Chile (an additional fee may apply).

Ready to start your journey to Argentina? Here’s what you need to know

2. Camino del Che

Ideal route for history enthusiasts and revolutionaries Buenos Aires–Bariloche; 2438km (1514 miles); plan for 1–2 weeks

Ernesto 'Che' Guevara is widely recognized for his role in the Cuban Revolution, but he spent a significant 25 of his 39 years in his birthplace, Argentina.

The Camino del Che (Che Trail), which explores key locations from his early life, actually begins in the far northeast at Caraguatay in Misiones Province, the Guevara family farm, but it’s more practical to start the route in Buenos Aires.

Guevara began his journey with friend Alberto Granado, later chronicled in the Motorcycle Diaries, from the affluent Palermo neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Your adventure begins here too. Travel northwest from Buenos Aires, following the tropical delta of the Río Paraná to Rosario.

This revitalized river port features an impressive waterfront promenade, the Costanera, and just a few blocks away at Entre Ríos 480, you'll find Guevara’s first home, Casa Natal de Che Guevara (now a private apartment).

Continue northwest to Argentina’s second-largest city, Córdoba, known for its stunning Jesuit Block, a UNESCO World Heritage site with 17th-century colonial architecture. A short drive from the city brings you to the Museo de Che Guevara in Alta Gracia, a welcoming site that commemorates the former Guevara family residence.

Next, head southwest through the expansive, fertile pampas grasslands to reach Patagonia at Neuquén and the Andean foothills in San Martín de los Andes.

This charming lakeside city is where Guevara and Granado found themselves delayed during their journey, staying in a hay shed that is now preserved as La Pastera Museo del Che, a small museum featuring the hay bale where Che reportedly slept.

The journey culminates with its most breathtaking segment: the Ruta de Siete Lagos (Route of the Seven Lakes). This route winds from San Martín to Villa La Angostura, passing through a series of stunning lakes amidst National Parks Lanin and Nahuel Huapi. Enjoy kayaking, swimming, or simply marveling at the shimmering blue-green-grey lakes, dense forests, and rugged peaks.

From Villa La Angostura, the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi curve towards the picturesque lakeside town of Bariloche, surrounded by more striking mountain ranges.

3. Ruta del Vino

Ideal for wine enthusiasts Salta–Mendoza; 2022km (1256 miles); plan for 1–2 weeks

Argentina is a significant force in the South American wine scene, renowned as the largest producer of vibrant red Malbec worldwide. This wine lover's journey is nothing short of exquisite: the wine regions are lush and framed by stunning highland landscapes.

Kicking off in the tranquil and elegant city of Salta, RP33—a mostly-paved provincial road—winds through the rugged Eastern Cordillera mountains, tackling the steep switchbacks of Cuesta del Obispo, descending into the arid, cactus-laden Parque Nacional Los Cardones, and arriving at the charming town of Cachi.

To the south lies Cafayate, famous for its refreshing, aromatic white Torrontés wine. The journey winds through the rugged Calchaquí valley, adorned with high-altitude vineyards that earn numerous accolades for their unique qualities, leading to Catamarca.

Wine enthusiasts can then drive to La Rioja, known for its exceptional red wines. Cross the Salinas Grandes salt flats into Córdoba Province, taking a detour from Deán Fuentes to Colonia Caroya, celebrated for both its salami and wine, before heading to San Juan and continuing southwest to Mendoza, Argentina’s largest wine-producing area.

Mendoza, the global capital of Malbec, boasts an extensive list of wine-related attractions—including wine spas—and you can extend your delightful journey south into Uco Valley, renowned for its flavorful wines.

Travel tip: The autumn months from March to May are ideal for this trip, coinciding with the grape harvest season in Argentina.

4. Ruta 40

Ideal route for epic adventures El Calafate–Bariloche; 1626km (1010 miles); plan for 1–2 weeks

When Ruta 40 (La Cuarenta) is mentioned, adventurous Argentines become nostalgic: this is the ultimate road trip in the country, as iconic as the USA’s Route 66, offering breathtaking views that will leave you in awe.

The route stretches from the Strait of Magellan to the Bolivian border in Northwest Argentina, but this particular section, best driven from south to north, features the most spectacular landscapes and highlights associated with the journey.

El Calafate, your gateway to Argentina’s most accessible and breathtaking glaciers, including Perito Moreno, and featuring a convenient airport, is the ideal starting point for this adventure.

Circle around the vividly blue lakes of Lagos Argentino and Viedma, then take a detour on RP23 to the trekking paradise of El Chaltén, where one of the most captivating hikes leads to a viewpoint overlooking the majestic Mt. Fitz Roy.

The stretch to Esquel is quite isolated, with only the occasional estancia or small service town, yet it provides ample opportunities for side trips, such as visiting the ancient cave paintings in the UNESCO-listed Cueva de los Manos area.

Esquel is a great stop for hiking in Parque Nacional Los Alerces, home to Alerce trees that are up to four thousand years old. The journey concludes in Bariloche, situated on the shimmering Lago Nahuel Huapi, where jagged peaks rise dramatically above the turquoise waters.

Travel tip: This route is best navigated by experienced drivers during spring or summer. While most of Ruta 40 is paved, a 4WD vehicle is advisable, especially if you intend to explore the rugged gravel road detours into more remote regions.

5. Ruta 25

Ideal route for Welsh culture and whale watching Esquel–Puerto Madryn; 757km (470 miles); plan for 5–7 days

Esquel, the terminus of the Old Patagonian Express (La Trochita) train line, serves as a hiking hub in Chubut Province, located near Parque Nacional Los Alerces, home to some of South America’s oldest living beings, the alerce trees.

Established by 19th-century Welsh settlers, Esquel continues to be a center of Welsh culture, alongside other towns on this route. Numerous communities in Chubut are even more distinctly Welsh than Esquel, where you can enjoy Welsh high tea and hear the Welsh language spoken.

One such town is Trevelin, located 25km (16 miles) southwest of Esquel. This round trip takes you through agricultural communities nestled in the lush Andean foothills, and you can even skirt the verdant edge of Parque Nacional Los Alerces via RP71.

Returning to Esquel, prepare for a long, beautifully remote drive across Argentina. Switch from Ruta 40 to Ruta 25 near Tecka to experience more arid landscapes, where the mountains recede but thrilling canyon walls, like those at Estancia Cañadon Carbón, make an appearance.

Just before concluding your journey in Puerto Madryn, you’ll encounter the lush Welsh village of Gaiman, known for hosting British royal Princess Diana during her Welsh high tea. This road trip culminates with a grand finale—Puerto Madryn is arguably South America’s prime spot for whale watching near Peninsula Valdés, where you might see orcas and southern right whales.