Route 40 is the most famous highway in Patagonia, and when they say all roads lead to beautiful things, they clearly meant this one.

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he southern tip of the Americas evokes images of a mountainous, windswept wilderness. Skiers, fly fishing enthusiasts, and hikers worldwide choose this region, called Patagonia, as a top destination. Curving roads through old-growth forests transform into straight paths over the southern steppe. Driving Patagonia's most famous highway, Ruta 40, will take travelers past mountain vistas, crystal clear lakes, and wide views of cloudless skies. Both Esquel and Bariloche offer prime skiing from July through September.

Additionally, each of these Patagonian cities is near impressive national parks: Nahuel Huapi and Los Alerces. They also are near commercial airports, making it easy to get there--this is not the always case with southern destinations in Argentina and Chile. Driving the 300 km stretch between the two can take as little as four hours, but travelers should plan on taking longer (possibly two days) to explore the sites along the way.

Esquel And Trevelin

This journey begins in Esquel. La Trochita, Patagonia's historic narrow-gauge steam engine, might be the city's most famous attraction, but this destination along with neighboring Trevilin has far more to offer. Nature lovers and hikers will want to visit Los Alerces National Park. Wine enthusiasts can try vintages from some of the world's southernmost vineyards. Winter travelers can ski on the slopes of Mount La Hoya. Visitors in springtime will be awestruck by the tulip fields in the Welsh settlement of Trevelin.

Los Alerces

Driving 40 minutes to the west of Esquel, visitors will discover UNESCO Site, Los Alerces National Park. This forest is home to trees that sprouted over a thousand years ago. El Alerce Abuelo, or grandfather fitzroya, is the oldest specimen here. It is around 2600 years old, measures nearly 190 feet in height, and has a circumference of around nine feet. Visitors can see this imposing individual by taking a 40-minute boat ride across Lake Menendez. People must buy tickets for this excursion ahead of time in Esquel's center.

The park is a glorious destination for fishing, hiking, kayaking, camping, or taking a scenic drive. People who don't make it to see the Alerce Abuelo can still take hikes through patches of orange Arayan trees and exotic-looking monkey puzzle trees.

El Bolson

Back on Ruta 40, drivers should head north to El Bolson. This Patagonian town has earned fame for its handmade crafts and fanaticism for elves. Try to make it here on a Saturday afternoon when the crafts fair in the Plaza Pagano is at its busiest. Artists display their works from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, on Thursdays through Sundays.

Driving through this town, visitors will notice unique, modern adobe constructions. This type of architecture has become a trend here because it's environmentally friendly, artistic, and warm throughout the snowy winter.

Bariloche

As drivers travel north along Ruta 40, they'll see the enticing Lake Gutierrez to the west. There are scenic lookouts aplenty and beaches where travelers can eat a picnic lunch. The highway passes through the heart of Nahuel Huapi National Park and visitors will see hiking trails and campgrounds where they can stop and explore the wooded area.

On the northwestern shore of Lake Gutierrez, tourists can take a short hike to the Cascada de los Duendes, Elves' Waterfall in English. It is an enchanting spot and the hike is accessible for all ages.

The city of Bariloche is just minutes away. This is one of Argentina's most famous tourist destinations and it's easy to see why. Lake Nahuel Huapi sits against a backdrop of snowcapped peaks. The mountain slopes are carpeted with indigenous trees like orange arayans, but also planted with pines. Circuito Chico, or the short loop, is a scenic drive along the shores of Nahuel Huapi that takes tourists past some breathtaking views.

German settlers here developed the skiing infrastructure. Today, visitors can ski Mount Catedral's slope from July to September. Mount Otto, another nearby peak, offers rides from cable car rides from the base to a rotating cafe on the summit. The views are incredible. When travelers finish a day of sightseeing or skiing, they've got to re-energize with some of Bariloche's famous chocolate.

 

Source: https://www.thetravel.com/patagonia-road-trip-itinerary/