--- title: "Cycling Patagonia in Argentina - how to ride Ruta 40 and survive the wind" description: "Cycling Patagonia in Argentina - riding Ruta 40, dealing with the wind, the best season, long stretches without supplies, sleeping and crossing into Chile." canonical_url: "https://cycleplanet.org/blog/cycling-patagonia-argentina" --- > Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://cycleplanet.org/llms.txt) Cycling Patagonia in Argentina means huge open steppe, glaciers and granite peaks on the horizon, and a wind that can stop you in your tracks. The famous Ruta 40 runs along the Andes through the whole region, and for many cyclists it is the start or the finish of a ride through South America. It is not technically hard, but the wind, the distances and the lack of supplies make careful planning essential. ## What is it like cycling in Patagonia? Argentine Patagonia is mostly dry, flat to rolling steppe east of the Andes, with the mountains, lakes and glaciers along the western edge. Towns can be very far apart, and between them there is often nothing but fences, sheep, guanacos and the occasional estancia (ranch). The riding is a mix of long, straight asphalt and gravel (ripio). Many sections of Ruta 40 have been paved over the years, but stretches of loose gravel and corrugation still exist, especially on side roads. On ripio, wide tyres and patience help a lot. What makes Patagonia special is the scale and the emptiness. What makes it hard is that same emptiness, combined with the wind. ## How strong is the wind on Ruta 40? The wind is the defining feature of cycling in Patagonia. Strong westerly winds blow across the region, often for days, and gusts can be powerful enough to push a loaded bike off the road or blow you over. With a tailwind you can fly; with a headwind or strong crosswind, progress can drop to a crawl. Because the prevailing wind comes from the west, the direction you ride in matters: - **North to south** on Ruta 40 often means a crosswind from the right, which can be tiring and sometimes dangerous with gusts. - **East-west sections**, for example towards El Chaltén or El Calafate, can be the hardest when you ride into the wind. - **Early mornings** are often calmer than afternoons, so many cyclists start very early. Plan short daily distances, build in extra days and don't be too proud to wait out a storm or take a lift for a stretch if the conditions are dangerous. ## When is the best time to cycle Patagonia? The cycling season is the southern summer, roughly November to March. Days are long and temperatures are more manageable, though the weather can still be cold, wet and windy at any time, and the far south can get snow even in summer. December to February is the busiest period in the tourist towns. Outside this season many services close and conditions become harsh. Cyclists often time a trip through South America so they arrive in Patagonia in summer, either heading south towards Ushuaia or starting there and riding north. ## Food, water and supplies on long stretches Supplies are the main planning challenge. Distances between towns can be several days by bike, and water sources can be scarce on the steppe. - **Carry enough food** for the longest gap on your route, plus a reserve for wind delays. - **Carry more water than you think you need.** Estancias, police posts and road maintenance camps sometimes help cyclists with water, but don't count on it. - **Fuel for your stove** is available in towns; petrol from the pump is commonly used in multi-fuel stoves. - **Bike parts** are mainly found in larger towns, so carry spare tyres, tubes, brake pads and a chain. Supermarkets in bigger towns are well stocked; small towns may only have a basic shop. ## Where to sleep when cycling in Patagonia Wild camping is how many cyclists spend most nights in Patagonia, but on the open steppe the challenge is finding shelter from the wind. Cyclists look for culverts under the road, small hollows, abandoned buildings or windbreaks near trees. Much of the land is private and fenced, so ask permission at estancias where you can. Rules in national parks differ: camping is often only allowed at designated sites, so check before you go. Towns have campsites, hostels and guesthouses, and some places along the route have become known for welcoming cyclists. Other travellers' tips on shelters, water and camp spots are collected on the [Cycle Planet map](https://cycleplanet.org/map); add your own finds there to help the next cyclist through the wind. You can also find cyclists who host each other on Cycle Planet; [create an account](https://cycleplanet.org/register) to get in touch. ## Crossing between Argentina and Chile Many Patagonia routes zigzag between Argentina and [Chile](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/chile), for example to combine Ruta 40 with the Carretera Austral on the Chilean side. Some crossings are remote, involve ferries or gravel roads, or are only practical in summer. Border formalities, opening times and rules on carrying food (such as fresh fruit, meat and dairy) can be strict. Check the current situation before you plan a crossing. ## Frequently asked questions ### Do you need a visa to cycle in Argentina? Many nationalities can enter Argentina without a visa for tourism, but rules depend on your passport and can change. Check with the Argentine embassy or your government's travel advice, and see the [Argentina country page](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/argentina) for tips from other cyclists. ### How long does it take to cycle Ruta 40 through Patagonia? It depends on your start and end point, the wind and how many side trips you take. A section through southern Patagonia can take a few weeks; riding the whole region from the lakes district to the south takes considerably longer. Always plan extra days for wind. ### Should you ride Patagonia north to south or south to north? There is no single right answer. Many cyclists ride north to south as the end of a longer trip, while the wind on Ruta 40 often comes from the side either way. Look at your whole route, including east-west sections, before you decide. ## Plan your Patagonia ride Cycling Patagonia in Argentina is a test of patience as much as fitness, but the landscapes make the wind worth it. Plan for long stretches without supplies, time your trip for the southern summer and stay flexible. For visa basics, border notes and tips from other cyclists, visit the [Argentina country page](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/argentina). ## Sitemap See the full [sitemap](https://cycleplanet.org/sitemap.md) for all pages.