Epic Treks: The 5 Best Overland Trekking in Patagonia

1. Ruta 40, Argentina

Start/End: Gogoy-Ushuaia
distance: 5,200 km (3,230 mi)
period: 31 days (minimum)
More information: Ruta 40

Few road trips embody the spirit of adventure like driving the Ruta 40, Argentina’s legendary highway that runs through the heart of Patagonia. Stretching more than 5,000 kilometers from north to south, the section that runs through Patagonia offers endless vistas, snow-capped peaks and surreal steppe landscapes.

The road hugs the eastern edge of the Andes, passing through remote farms, turquoise glacial lakes and windswept plains dotted with guanacos. It is as much a journey through Argentina’s raw wilderness as it is a test of endurance, with long, lonely periods requiring patience and curiosity.

Highlights along the Ruta 40 include Los Glaciares National Park, home to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, and the jagged spiers of Mount Fitz Roy near El Chalten, a hikers’ paradise.

To the south, the road leads into the mysterious emptiness of Santa Cruz County, where the sky seems impossibly large and the setting sun ignites the horizon.

While the official starting and ending points are Cabo Vergenes (Santa Cruz Province) and La Cuyaca (Jujuy) respectively, most travelers will add the final leg along Ruta 3, to Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, the southern tip of Argentina and the famous “end of the world,” humanity’s last gathering before the wilderness of Antarctica.

2. Carretera Austral, Chile

Start/End: Puerto Montt-Villa O’Higgins
distance: 1,240 km (770 mi)
period: 20 days
More information: Carretera Austral

Chile’s famous “Southern Highway” runs along the continent’s western coast, connecting remote towns with emerald fjords, hanging glaciers and dense temperate rainforests.

Unlike Argentina’s wide Ruta 40, the Carretera Austral feels intimate and rugged, often narrowing into cobblestone paths that wind past waterfalls and glaciers. The isolation of the road makes every stop feel like a discovery, whether it’s a small fishing village or a hidden trail leading into untouched wilderness.

Highlights include the marble caves of General Carrera Lake, the turquoise waters of Quillat National Park, and the wild beauty of Patagonia National Park. A road trip is as much about slowing down as it is about covering the distance: ferry crossings, bumpy roads and weather delays are all part of the adventure.

The Carretera Austral officially runs from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins in Chile, but many travelers choose to start in Bariloche, Argentina before crossing into Chile.

3. Atlantic Patagonia, Argentina

Start/End: Puerto Madryn – Bahia Bustamante
distance: 400 km (250 mi)
period: 10 days
More information: Atlantic Patagonia

This laid-back dogleg along Patagonia’s Atlantic coast offers a completely different side of Patagonia – one defined by windswept coastlines, teeming wildlife, and endless vistas where land meets sea.

Starting on the Valdes Peninsula, in Puerto Madryn, famous for its whale watching and penguin colonies, the road hugs the Atlantic coastline and encourages drivers to slow down and enjoy its wild isolation. Over the course of ten days, you’ll pass through arid steppes, rugged cliffs, and salt flats, with frequent stops to observe sea lions, elephant seals, and countless seabirds. In contrast to the dramatic peaks of the Andes, this trek feels wide open and raw, with a unique sense of Patagonian timelessness.

One of its most notable landmarks is Bahia Bustamante, often called the “Argentine Galapagos” due to its exceptional biodiversity. This remote coastal village is a destination in itself, offering boat trips to spot cormorants and sea lions, hiking through petrified forests and stargazing under skies free of light pollution.

4. Mendoza to Bariloche, Argentina and Chile

Start/End: Mendoza – Bariloche
distance: 1,200-2,400 km (750-1,500 mi)
period: ~ 18 days
More information: Mendoza to Bariloche

The road trip from Mendoza to Bariloche is a stunning journey that blends wine country, volcanic landscapes and the alpine beauty of Argentina’s Lake District. Starting in Mendoza, Argentina’s wine capital, you can taste Malbec and catch a glimpse of South America’s highest peak, Aconcagua.

Next, you’ll head south to Malargüe, where the scenery turns to lava fields, caves and the stark beauty of the Payunia Volcanic Reserve. The road then heads into the Lake District, where mirror-like lakes and dense forests create a dramatic contrast to the desert landscape left behind.

Crossing into Chile, the adventure continues in Pucón, a lively town located at the foot of the smoking Villarrica volcano, ideal for hot springs and adventure sports. From there, the road leads to Argentina, ending in Bariloche, famous for its chocolate shops, alpine architecture, and mountain passes. This road trip is ideal for travelers looking for a mix of culture, wine and outdoor adventure, as each leg of the journey reveals a new facet of Patagonia.

5. The carriage and comfort

Start/End: Ushuaia-Chaltin
distance: 1800-2200 km (1200-1370 mi)
period: 14 days
More information: The cart and comfort

This relaxing campervan-based road trip is the most popular route in Southern Patagonia and provides the ultimate Patagonian lifestyle adventure. The journey begins by exploring the wild beauty of Tierra del Fuego, where windswept steppes meet dramatic coastlines, before heading north towards the remote Cabo Vergennes Lighthouse, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Strait of Magellan meet.

Traveling by campervan allows you to stop at secluded viewpoints and spend nights under the mighty Patagonian skies, while staying in family lodges adds a welcome touch of warmth and comfort after long days on the road.

Crossing into Chile, the journey continues to the legendary Torres del Paine National Park, where you can hike among granite spiers, turquoise lakes and wandering guanacoas. After two nights in Chile, return to Argentina to reach El Chalten, the hiking capital of Patagonia, with its wonderful trails leading to Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

The trip ends in El Calafate, home of the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier. This route offers the perfect balance between freedom and comfort – a way to fully immerse yourself in the vast Patagonian wilderness, while always ending the day with a good meal and a warm bed when you want it. The trip can also be completed in a regular car or four-wheel drive.

Drive your way

Start/End: Whenever and wherever
distance: As long or short as you want
period: As mentioned above
More information: Beyond Pa Latam

Every road trip we’ve discovered in Patagonia – from Ruta 40 and Carretera Austral to the Atlantic coast, from Mendoza to Bariloche, or Ushuaia to El Chalten – can be completely customized.

The Beyond BA Latam team combines local experience, insider knowledge and a passion for adventure to design itineraries that suit your pace, interests and comfort level. The team can also help you get organized Wildlife and Trips Tours in Patagonia.

please communication Santiago and his team to transform these iconic routes into a tailor-made trip.