Adventure in Argentina
Motorcycle Route 40 Adventure Tour
Argentina's legendary Ruta 40 traverses 5,224 km alongside the Andes from Cabo Virgenes to La Quiaca. Guided motorcycle expeditions cover Patagonian steppe, Andean passes, and dramatic landscapes that rank among the world's greatest road journeys.
Ruta Nacional 40 — commonly known as La Cuarenta or Route 40 — is Argentina's most legendary highway, stretching 5,224 km along the eastern flank of the Andes from Cabo Vírgenes on the Strait of Magellan in the south to La Quiaca on the Bolivian border in the north. Traversing 11 Argentine provinces, the route crosses 20 national parks, passes more than 30 major rivers, and climbs 27 Andean passes — several exceeding 4,000 metres elevation — making it one of the world's great motorcycle touring routes.
Guided motorcycle expedition companies operate multi-day tours along the most spectacular sections, typically focusing on the Patagonian stretch from El Calafate north to Bariloche, or from Mendoza into the northwestern Andean circuits. Tour durations range from 5-day section rides to 3-week full-length expeditions. Rental motorcycles available through licensed operators include BMW F750GS, F850GS, and Honda Africa Twin models suited to the route's mix of paved and gravel sections. Self-guided rentals are also available for experienced motorcyclists familiar with Argentine road conditions.
The Patagonian sections demand physical and mental endurance. Sustained crosswinds reaching 100 km/h on the open steppe between El Calafate and El Chaltén are common from October through December. Long distances between fuel stations — up to 300 km between reliable supply points in remote sections — require careful planning. Guided tours handle all logistics including accommodation at estancias and town hotels, luggage transfer by support vehicle, and fuel management.
Participants on guided tours should hold a valid motorcycle licence with at least 2 years' riding experience. Operators recommend medium-weight adventure motorcycle experience for Patagonian gravel sections. All-weather riding gear is provided by some operators or available for rental; a helmet is always mandatory. Safety briefings cover route-specific hazards including livestock on the road, gravel corrugations, and extreme wind management techniques.
The season for Patagonian sections runs from November to March; northern Andean sections of Route 40 are rideable from September to May. Advance booking for guided tours is essential as group places are limited and demand is consistently high.
Highlights
- Ride one of the world's legendary roads — Ruta 40 — alongside the Andes for 5,224 km from Patagonia to the Bolivian border.
- Guided tours with support vehicles handle logistics, accommodation, and fuel planning across remote Patagonian steppe.
- Cross 27 Andean passes and traverse 20 national parks on a single route with extraordinary landscape diversity.
- BMW GS and Honda Africa Twin rental motorcycles available for both guided and self-guided expeditions.
- Multi-day estancia stays immerse riders in authentic Argentine ranch culture en route.
Tips
- Plan fuel stops carefully — some remote Patagonian sections have up to 300 km between reliable petrol stations.
- Patagonian crosswinds regularly exceed 80–100 km/h between El Calafate and El Chaltén; ride in the morning before afternoon winds peak.
- Book guided tours at least 3–4 months in advance; popular November–January departure dates fill early.
- Bring all-weather riding gear regardless of forecast — Patagonian weather can shift rapidly within a single day.
- A valid motorcycle licence with at least 2 years' riding experience is required by licensed operators for Patagonian sections.
FAQ
What motorcycle experience is needed for a Route 40 tour?
Operators require a valid motorcycle licence with at least 2 years of active riding. For Patagonian gravel sections, experience on medium-weight adventure motorcycles is strongly recommended. Operators assess rider experience at booking; some offer alternative routes for less experienced participants.
How long does a guided Route 40 motorcycle tour take?
Tour lengths vary by section and operator. Focused Patagonian section tours run 5 to 10 days; full-length expeditions covering the entire 5,224 km route take 3 to 4 weeks. Custom itineraries between major towns such as El Calafate, Bariloche, and Mendoza are available from most operators.
Can visitors rent a motorcycle and ride Route 40 independently?
Self-guided rentals are available through licensed operators in Buenos Aires, Bariloche, and Mendoza. Riders must hold a valid international or Argentine motorcycle licence. Operators provide route planning, GPS files, and emergency contact protocols. Solo riding on remote sections without a GPS device and satellite communicator is not recommended.
What is the best season to ride Route 40 through Patagonia?
November to March is the primary season for the Patagonian section, offering the longest daylight hours and most accessible road conditions. December through February brings the strongest winds on the open steppe. November and March are often preferred for calmer conditions and fewer tourists at estancias along the route.
Accessibility
Motorcycle touring on Route 40 requires the physical ability to operate a motorcycle and manage extended daily riding distances. The activity is not accessible for wheelchair users or visitors with significant upper or lower-body mobility limitations. Guided tours with support vehicles may accommodate some adaptive needs on a case-by-case basis.
When to visit
November to March is recommended for the Patagonian sections of Route 40. Northern Andean sections from Mendoza to Jujuy are rideable from September to May with milder temperatures and lower wind exposure than southern Patagonia.