Bariloche to El Bolsón (RN40 South)
There’s something about heading south from Bariloche on RN40 that makes you realize why Patagonia rewards those who take their time. The road stretches out through rolling steppe, hugging the edges of river valleys where the wind never really stops blowing. We made this drive on a crisp autumn morning, and honestly, it was the kind of road trip where you keep glancing at the passenger to share what you’re seeing—like the way the light hits the mountains at this latitude, or how the landscape shifts from forest to open plains within minutes.
El Bolsón sits about 115 km south of Bariloche, and it’s the kind of town that rewards curiosity. If you’re coming from the busy tourist streets of Bariloche, the shift in pace here feels intentional. This isn’t a rushed stop—it’s a place where you actually want to linger, grab a coffee, and figure out which trailhead to hit tomorrow. The drive takes anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on how many pull-offs you take, and I recommend taking every single one of them.
Route Overview
Driving time: 1.5–2.5 hours one-way (approximately 115 km / 71 miles)
Best season: October through April (Patagonian summer and shoulder months)
Road conditions: RN40 is mostly paved but with some gravel sections; well-maintained for standard vehicles
Key stops: Lago Gutiérrez area → Río Foyel valley → El Bolsón town center → Feria Regional → Cerro Piltriquitrón viewpoint
We structured the route to hit the scenic highlights without feeling rushed. Start with Lago Gutiérrez, about 20 minutes north of Bariloche center, then push south through the Río Foyel valley before reaching El Bolsón. That order works because the lake is closest and makes a natural first coffee-stop, while the valley offers those dramatic open-wind stretches that demand a proper pull-over. Save the town for last—that way you arrive with daylight to explore the market and maybe hike up Piltriquitrón if you’re still energized.
Driving tip: The exposed sections between checkpoints can get gusty. Keep both hands on the wheel and increase your following distance. The wind isn’t a joke out here—I’ve seen less experienced drivers get pushed across lane markers on the open steppe.
If you’re renting a car for this trip, I’d suggest booking through Bariloche car rental options before you arrive, especially if you want a 4×4 for the gravel pull-offs. Having your own wheels means you can decide when to stop, when to push through to the next town, and when to just sit in a roadside pullout watching the clouds roll over the valley.
What to Know Before You Go
Wind hazards: The Patagonian steppe is fully exposed in many sections. Gusts can exceed 60 km/h on open stretches, affecting high-profile vehicles especially. Give trucks extra space and avoid sudden steering inputs.
Road surface: RN40 is primarily asphalt but segments near construction zones and older sections may be gravel. Check current conditions with local authorities if traveling in winter or early spring.
Fuel stops: There’s a fuel station at Río Foyel roughly halfway—fill up before leaving Bariloche and again here if heading further south.
Cell service: Gaps exist between towns. Download offline maps or carry a physical atlas as backup.
The honest downside of this route? You’re dependent on weather more than you’d like. If the wind kicks up too hard, some of the pull-offs become genuinely unsafe to stop at. We learned this the hard way—our original plan included a longer photo session at a lakeside pullout near Gutiérrez, but the gusts were so strong we decided to drive on rather than risk a door slamming in the wind. It’s not the end of the world, but it reminded us that Patagonian weather doesn’t negotiate.
Practical Tips Before You Hit the Road
Documents: Valid driver’s license, passport, credit card in the driver’s name, rental confirmation (digital copy works).
Clothing: Layers are non-negotiable. We wore a base tee, fleece midlayer, and windbreaker—and that was in summer. Bring gloves and a beanie even if forecast looks mild.
In the car: Phone mount and car charger,离线地图下载 (download offline maps), snacks, water, and a simple emergency kit. A tarp or blanket can double as cushioning for unplanned roadside rests.
Local tip: Stop at the fuel station in Río Foyel and ask the attendant for road condition updates—they’re usually happy to share what’s ahead and often know about construction or weather issues before they’re posted online.
FAQ
Is RN40 safe for first-time Patagonian drivers?
Yes, if you’re comfortable with wind and variable road surfaces. The highway is well-marked and heavily traveled by trucks and tourist vehicles. Avoid driving at night, as wildlife on the road and limited lighting make low-visibility driving risky.
Can I do this trip as a day trip from Bariloche?
Absolutely. Many travelers do Bariloche to El Bolsón and back in a single day. The 1.5–2.5 hour drive one-way means you can arrive by mid-morning, explore the town and market, hike part of Piltriquitrón, and return by dinner. But if your schedule allows, an overnight stay in El Bolsón makes the experience far more relaxed.
What is the Feria Regional and when is it open?
The regional craft fair operates primarily on weekends and holiday mornings, featuring local honey, preserves, wool products, and artisanal goods. Weekday visitors should check ahead or simply wander the town center, which has permanent craft shops worth exploring.
How difficult is the Cerro Piltriquitrón hike?
The trailhead is accessible from town and offers views within 30–45 minutes of hiking for those who want a modest climb. Those seeking a more strenuous climb can continue higher for panoramic ridgeline vistas. The lower sections are family-friendly; upper sections require moderate fitness.
What should I do if strong winds make driving difficult?
Reduce speed gradually, avoid sudden braking or steering corrections, and seek the nearest safe pullout to wait for conditions to improve. The leeward side of hills and valleys typically offers calmer spots. Never attempt to outrun a strong gust—patience is the only real strategy here.
The Bariloche-to-El Bolsón run won’t make headlines for dramatic glaciers or vertigo-inducing passes. What it does offer is something often overlooked in Patagonia: space to breathe, a town that actually feels alive with local craft and produce, and a road that asks you to stay present. Whether you knock it out in a day or take your time with an overnight, the route delivers the kind of drive where you arrive feeling like you’ve actually been somewhere, not just passed through it.
Adjust your stops based on weather, trust the locals at fuel stations for real-time road intel, and don’t skip the wind advisories. Patagonia rewards patience every time.