
Patagonia road trip
Bariloche to El Chaltén in 7 Days of Scenic Travel, exploring Patagonia Park and Perito Moreno National Park along Route 40
Duration - 6 nights / 7 days
Region - North, central & south Patagonia
Group size - 2 to 4 people
Difficult level - moderate. No experience required
Transportation - private 4x4
Trip distance - 1500 km
Activity - trekking and road exploration
Overnights - hotels and camping
Seasson - october to april
Trip Description
A 7-day journey to explore the wilderness of Route 40 and two pristine, remote parks nestled in central Patagonia.
Perito Moreno National Park and Patagonia Park offer a stunning mix of steppe, glacial lakes, native forests, glaciers, and the Andes mountain range, crowned by the majestic Mount San Lorenzo. We travel from Bariloche or El Chaltén to these protected areas along the legendary Route 40. There, we’ll immerse ourselves in a pristine landscape with very few tourists and a truly magical atmosphere. We’ll spend five days exploring the parks’ hidden corners — hiking through valleys, tracing ancient trails, and admiring remote glaciers — and two days driving through the vast and scenic Patagonian landscapes.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Driving Day on Route 40.
We begin our journey early in the morning, heading south along the legendary Route 40, crossing vast Patagonian landscapes of steppe, rivers, and distant peaks. Our destination is Patagonia Park, nestled near the town of Los Antiguos. Arrival in the afternoon, with time to settle in and enjoy the silence of the valley. Overnight at Patagonia Park – lodge or campsite
Day 2 - Patagonia Park: Valleys, Wildlife & Conservation.
We explore the heart of Patagonia Park, walking through restored steppe ecosystems and river valleys. This area is a model of rewilding, home to guanacos, condors, and native flora. Optional visit to the Interpretation Center and short hikes in the Pinturas Valley. Overnight at Patagonia Park– lodge or campsite
Day 3 - Cueva de las Manos & Scenic Drive to Perito Moreno NP
Morning visit to the Cueva de las Manos, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient rock art. In the afternoon, we continue driving south through remote landscapes toward Perito Moreno National Park, entering one of Argentina’s most untouched protected areas. Overnight at lodge or campsite
Day 4 - Perito Moreno NP: Mountains, Lakes & Glaciers
We spend the day exploring the park along pristine trails, reaching viewpoints over glacial lakes and the dramatic backdrop of the Andes. The park offers solitude, raw beauty, and a sense of timelessness. Later in the afternoon, we return to the lodge to organize our gear for the days ahead. Overnight at lodge or campsite
Day 5 - Mount San Lorenzo & the Lacteo valley
We set out on one of the most iconic treks in Perito Moreno National Park, following the Río Lácteo valley toward the base of Mount San Lorenzo. After 4 to 5 hours of hiking and approximately 500 m of elevation gain, we reach the Doug & Kris Tompkins Refuge, a remote shelter with stunning views of the mountain’s vertical face.From the refuge, we continue 5.2 km toward Laguna de los Témpanos, a glacial lake often dotted with floating icebergs. The trail takes 2 to 3 hours, includes a river crossing, and climbs an additional 250–300 m through recently glaciated terrain. It’s a day of pure wilderness, dramatic scenery, and deep connection with Patagonia’s raw beauty. Overnight at Doug Tompkins Refuge or nearby campsite
Day 6 - Morning at the refuge & hike back
We enjoy a quiet morning at the refuge, either relaxing or exploring the surrounding valleys and viewpoints. After lunch, we begin our return hike along the Río Lácteo valley, retracing our steps toward the lodge. Overnight at lodge or campsite
Day 7 - Final Drive to El Chaltén or Bariloche
Depending on the chosen route, we complete the journey either heading north to Bariloche or south to El Chaltén. It’s a full day of travel along Route 40 and its scenic variants, crossing vast Patagonian landscapes shaped by wind, silence, and time. End of services. Optional extensions available.
Important Note: The itinerary provided serves as a general guide and may be subject to change. External factors such as snow conditions, weather, or logistical considerations could require adjustments to the original plan. In such cases, the Guide will have the authority to modify the program, always prioritizing safety and the quality of the experience. These changes do not entitle passengers to any form of compensation. Additionally, depending on whether the journey begins in Bariloche or El Chaltén, the order of the itinerary may vary slightly. This allows for a more natural flow of logistics and terrain, without affecting the overall experience
What´s include:
Private 4x4 for the 7 days
Certified mountain guide
Group tents and cooking equipment
All meals for 2 days camping (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
First aid kit
VHF radio or satellite communication
What´s not include:
National park entrance fees
Accomodation at hotel or campsites
All meals, except the two days of trekking with camping
Personal gear (sleeping bag, backpack, sleeping pad, and other items detailed in another list)
Personal travel and rescue insurance (recommended)
What to bring
Patagonia’s climate is famously unpredictable, with strong winds and rapid shifts in temperature. In spring, daytime highs may reach 15°C (mid-60s°F), but rain, hail, and even snow are possible at any time. Nights often drop to 0–5°C (30s–40s°F), and wind chill can make it feel much colder. Be ready for a wide range of conditions, and make sure your outerwear is both windproof and waterproof
Gear & personal items
Collapsible trekking poles
Sleeping bag rated to -5 to -10°C (15–20°F), with compression sack
Insulating mattress (compact, lightweight; Therm-a-Rest ideal)
Water containers: 2 × 1L bottles or 2L hydration bladder
Headlamp with spare batteries
Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
Sun hat, warm hat, neck gaiter or buff
Gloves (warm and windproof)
Sunglasses with UV protection
Recommended Luggage
Soft-sided duffel or rolling bag (medium to large)Trekking
backpack (40 to 50 liters ) & daypack ( 20 to 30 liters )
Waterproof cover for your backpacks
Dry bags or plastic liners to organize and protect contents
Optional Extras
Water purification tablets or filter
Clothing Essentials
Comfortable clothes and shoes for travel days or time in town
Lightweight waterproof jacket and pants
Wind-resistant fleece or softshell layer
Insulated jacket (down or synthetic)
Quick-dry T-shirts and long sleeves (synthetic or merino wool)
Trekking pants (avoid jeans)
Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
Quick-drying underwear and sports bras
Footwear
Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
Trekking socks (synthetic or wool)
Lightweight shoes for camp or water crossings (sneakers or sandals)
Hygiene & Health
Toothbrush, toothpaste, quick-dry travel towel
Toilet kit: toilet paper, ziplock bags (one for clean, one for used), wet wipes, hand sanitizer
If you're interested in this itinerary, feel free to contact us to turn it into reality