Car rental offers one of the best ways to explore Argentina’s natural wonders, from snow-capped peaks in Patagonia to artisan markets and lakes in its Lake District.
Explore Puna by 4×4 with an experienced guide, visiting high altitude lakes where flocks of flamingos gather. Enjoy a traditional Argentinian lunch at an estancia in the mountains before horseback riding through breathtaking lakes and mountain peaks.
Ruta de los Siete Lagos
The Ruta de los Siete Lagos consists of Route 40 which travels through breathtaking landscapes and breathtaking points of views such as Lago Espejo, Correntoso Villarino Falkner y el Lago Traful. Furthermore you’ll encounter rivers, trekking routes and an assortment of attractions in the area, such as National Park Lanin and Nahuel Huapi.
Horse tourism focuses on outdoor adventure, while traversing its terrain requires an automobile equipped with speed-change, gear shift and reserve capacity. Hiring an excursion guide along the route could be an ideal solution; they often travel throughout its length to bring their services directly into your car and show all of its main landmarks within and without its borders.
This path offers the opportunity to visit Lago Machonico, with its beautiful crystal clear waters that stretch to every edge of its magnificent viewing platform. Furthermore, during summer you are likely to spot people kayaking or playing other forms of aquatic recreation here.
How much time would you like to devote to visiting this destination? If you already enjoy exploring the Seven Lakes Route, another incredible experience worth considering would be taking a tour through Perito Moreno Glacier.
Quebrada de las Conchas
The Quebrada de las Conchas is one of Salta Province’s most captivating natural attractions and must-see stops for anyone traveling through. Translating literally as “Shell Gorge,” its unique rock formations include several series of spires and crags. Once part of an ocean floor, fossilized marine organisms dating back millions of years have been discovered here.
While it is certainly possible to visit Quebrada de las Conchas independently, for an enjoyable and convenient experience it is best to book a tour that picks you up at your hotel in Salta and takes you directly to all the best spots. With visits and tastings at local wineries included in your tour package, this tour provides travelers with an ideal way to enjoy this region without the stress or uncertainty associated with driving themselves there or getting lost along the way.
Numerous companies provide tours to Quebrada, however if you prefer more flexibility with schedules and to avoid large bus groups we advise booking a private tour as these tend to be more flexible with scheduling and will ensure you experience all the key highlights like Los Estratos which offers hiking through a rock amphitheatre with thin layers of soil in many colors.
Quebrada de las Conchas can leave you breathless with its otherworldly scenery and hiking opportunities along Route 68 between Cafayate and Salta, offering endless hiking possibilities through odd rock formations and dramatic canyons. For stunning panoramic views head uphill towards Mirador Ventisquero at its highest point – perfect for an idyllic picnic location!
Ruta 40
Ruta 40, one of the longest, twistiest highways in the world, connects Argentina’s high mountain peaks to Patagonia’s plain lands over 5,008 kilometers from Bolivia to Argentina’s tip. Along its length are national historic monuments and UNESCO World Heritage sites as well as ancient Native Settlement relics; Ruins from Ancient Native Settlements and legendary battle sites between Spanish conquistadors and indigenous warriors.
Your journey through Tierra del Fuego passes a breathtaking landscape of mountains, rivers, valleys and deserts can be experienced all in a day with an experienced driver-guide. Your fourx4 will traverse challenging mud roads while passing Lake Escondido and Fagnano’s coast en route to an authentic Argentinian lunch including a bottle of Bold Malbec wine!
If you wish to travel the Ruta 40 alone, renting a 4WD from companies around Buenos Aires and El Calafate would be wise – particularly if your plans include traversing gravel (ripio) sections that can be challenging and easy to flip over on.
Ruta 40 should be visited between September and November when temperatures are at their hottest and driest, however, traveling this route at other times of year may present greater challenges; particularly during February and March when it can become riskier as roads flood and become impassable. Keep in mind that many establishments along Ruta 40 don’t accept foreign credit cards so you should bring cash from either Buenos Aires or El Calafate before starting.
Ruta de los Andes
Ruta de los Andes is an essential offroad adventure for those who enjoy pushing their car to its limits. On this full-day tour, you will drive across challenging mud roads through forests and along lakesides with an experienced driver-guide. Additionally, enjoy an authentic Argentinian lunch in Fuegian forest as you sip Malbec wine.
On this journey, you’ll take on moderate obstacles and exciting switchbacks while exploring historic Waldorf Mine and Santiago Mine, before summiting Gray’s and Torrey’s Peaks for breathtaking views – it will keep your adrenaline humming while creating lasting memories!
If you’re seeking a day trip that allows you to see all seven lakes of Bariloche in one go, this highly-reviewed option could be perfect. Instead of driving yourself, a knowledgeable guide will ensure plenty of stops to appreciate each lake as well as the spectacular surroundings.
As you travel, you’ll see an array of flora and fauna such as coihues, riones, cipreses and raulies that inhabit this region. No matter the season; winter brings snowy mountain vistas while spring and summer blossom with vibrant trees blooming with vibrant hues – one of the best ways to experience Argentina’s natural beauty without compromising comfort or convenience.
Ruta de los Lagos
The Ruta de los Lagos is an exquisite roadway connecting historic towns and state parks with breathtaking vistas, providing the ideal way to experience Patagonia by car and take in all of its beauty from various viewpoints. When planning a visit to Argentina, include this road in your itinerary!
This route starts in Villa La Angostura and heads toward San Martin de Los Andes, passing alongside three lakeside recreation areas: Lago Traful, Villarino and Falkner before passing by Arrayanes before rolling through forest terrain before circling Lago Machonico’s east side before finally climbing to Pil Pil pass which marks the continental divide at an elevation of 4,200 ft.
Ruta de los Siete Lagos is one of Patagonia’s most picturesque roadways, passing over mountain ranges and winding through dense forests. At its most spectacular during winter when mountains are blanketed in snow.
Although renting a car and driving the route on your own could save time and effort, hiring a tour service would make life much simpler and provide insight into its history and culture. Plus, guides can share more details of local history.
Visit Argentina’s national parks for an unforgettable journey into its incredible landscapes and natural treasures – Mount Fitz Roy in El Chalten or Perito Moreno glaciers are waiting to awe you with breathtaking majesty! Get ready to witness breathtaking landscapes and natural marvels like no other continent on this magical continent.
