Tips for Driving in Patagonia
Imagine you’re in the middle of Route 40, more than 100 kilometers from the nearest town, with a crosswind, loose gravel, and a snowfall that wasn’t in the forecast. What do you do? Keep going? Wait it out? Turn back? If you’re thinking about driving through Argentine Patagonia, you’d better keep reading. Because here we’ll tell you everything we learned while traveling through these extreme landscapes… behind the wheel.
What are the road conditions like in Patagonia?
Patagonia is a vast and diverse region. Roads can range from paved highways in perfect condition to gravel sections with loose stones, mud, or ice. The best-known ones are the National Route 40, which runs through the mountain range, and the Route 3, which runs along the coast. Both offer spectacular scenery, but also present real challenges for drivers.
Asphalt, gravel, and “pianitos”
On many stretches of Route 40, you’ll come across what they call “pianitos”—those undulations that seem harmless but make your mate fly out of the cup holder. The gravel can be deceiving; it looks firm, but it forces you to drive slowly, especially on curves or when it rains. And if you’re coming from cities like Buenos Aires or Rosario, where the roads are more predictable, this might take you by surprise.
Tips for Driving in Patagonia
There's no room for improvisation here. Every kilometer counts, and every decision can make the difference between an unforgettable adventure and a serious problem.
Driving on Gravel Roads
Rule 1: Never slam on the brakes. Gravel is unforgiving. If you need to slow down, do so using the engine. This is also key maintain a constant speed, without any sudden steering movements. Some locals will tell you, “Drive like the Vizcacha: slowly, steadily, and without rushing.” And they’re not wrong.
Vehicle and Equipment Preparation
We always carry a [item] in our cars in Winterfell extra gas can, a small shovel, snow chains (in winter), a flashlight, water, and a good playlist you've downloaded… because there's no cell service on many stretches of the route. Check your tire pressure and oil level, and make sure you have a spare tire and a hydraulic jack.
Recommended Routes in Argentine Patagonia
One of the favorites is the 7 Lakes Route, between San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura. It’s only 110 km, but every curve looks like something out of a postcard. If you have more time, you can drive the entire stretch from Bariloche to El Chaltén on Route 40: it’s long, but epic.
If you'd prefer something closer to the coast, the Route 3 It offers gems like Puerto Madryn, the Valdés Peninsula, or even a trip all the way to Ushuaia—if you're up for taking the ferry through Chile.
Where can I have lunch or dinner in Bariloche, Chapelco, and Puerto Montt?
After driving all day, the reward is a good meal. At Bariloche, don't miss out on Cease Fire for an amazing barbecue or La Fonda del Tío for hearty, home-cooked meals. In Chapelco (San Martín de los Andes), Morphen It's a modern classic with a great view and signature dishes. And at Puerto Montt, when you cross the border, you have Pa’ Mar Adentro Restaurant, the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood with a view of the Pacific Ocean.
My personal experience as a member of Invernalia
As part of the team at Invernalia Rent a Car | Car Rental in Argentina, I've driven on all these roads—from unexpected storms at the junction to Villa Traful to endless days without seeing another car on the stretch between Perito Moreno and Río Mayo. The most important thing I learned: Preparation is everything. You can have the best vehicle, but if you don't know where you're going, what the conditions are like, and what you're going to encounter, Patagonia will make you pay for it.
Is it worth driving in Patagonia?
Yes. A thousand times yes. Because no tour and no travel agency will ever show you Patagonia the way you’ll discover it on your own—driving at your own pace, stopping wherever you like, with no set schedule. But here’s the thing: respect the road. Patagonia is beautiful, but it’s also wild. Drive with respect and be prepared.
What about you? Are you up for it?
Going back to the question at the beginning… If you’re alone, far from everything, and a storm is coming… What do you do? The correct answer is: You plan ahead so that doesn't happen. And if it happens, don't let it catch you off guard. In Invernalia Rent a Car | Car Rental in Argentina We provide you with the perfect car, as well as the knowledge and advice you need to make your trip through Patagonia as unforgettable as it is safe.
What was the most extreme situation you've ever faced while driving through these landscapes? Tell us—we love reading real-life stories.