Route 40 explained section by section: section center.

We continue with the legendary Route 40 One of the most compelling circuits National Route 40, which runs more than 5,000 miles from Argentina, is passing through the region of Cuyo.

The provinces of Mendoza, San Juan and La Rioja, surprise the traveler with the best Malbec in the country, Talampaya National Park and the Valley of the Moon.

On the route have been few paving until it received a boost in 2004 in his capacity as national outstanding tourism product, which allowed to assign funds for reform and conditioning. In 2006 the route was paved by 48%, especially thanks to work carried out in Santa Cruz and changes to the route, which took paved routes and close to the Andes.

Neuquén and Rio Black are the only provinces whose sections are fully paved, while the tour of Salta and Jujuy has few paved stretches.

Center section.

Mendoza.

• The portal of entry is the circuit Mendoza Malargüe, an area of ​​great geological and archaeological wealth, recognized as one of the largest centers of volcanism on the planet. As Capital Adventure Tourism offers activities climbing, rafting, horseback riding, climbing and winter sports. From there, visit the Cave of the Witches, the winter resort Las Lenas, Reserves and La Laguna Llancanelo Payunia and astrophysicist Pierre Auger complex.
• The next major town, in the vicinity of Route 40, San Rafael is ideal for mountain bike stage, windsurfing, kayaking, diving, fishing, paragliding and abseiling. Among the recommended options for excursions are Valle Grande; Atuel Canyon; The Nihuil; and in the middle range, Laguna Sosneado, Indian Cave and the ruins of an old thermal hotel.
• Taking up again the Route 40, the road passes through Chilecito and San Carlos to reach Tunuyán, in the Valle de Uco, Mendoza main producer of pears and apples.
• The next destination is important Luján de Cuyo, located just 18 kilometers from the provincial capital, one of the areas of vineyards and olive groves leading Mendoza. Traditional rides are Americanista Museum, the pedestrian San Martin, the Coastal Park, Dock Cipoletti and Our Lady of Luján de Cuyo Church.
• The last city, almost at the northern boundary of the province, is Mendoza Capital, one of the capitals leading the Wine Route in Argentina, with more than 50 wineries. Destiny has more than half a century of history and offers travelers activities for all tastes, from religious tours to mountain sports, skiing and rafting. Nearby are Villavicencio, winter resort Penitentes, Puente del Inca, thermal Cacheuta, Potrerillos, Aconcagua, Cristo Redentor border pass and Vallecitos.

San Juan.

• The first locations are sanjuaninas Sarmiento and Villa Media Agua, on both sides of Route 40, ideal for relaxing and tasting regional cuisine.
• Villa continue north Santa Rosa; Caucete, known for its wine plantations and Bath Indian archaeological site; St. Lucia, the nearest provincial capital; Rivadavia, recommended for nature lovers for hosting the Quebrada del Zonda; Zonda and surrounded by mountains, rivers and valleys that invite cruises rafting, climbing and fishing.
• Way back to San Juan Capital appears, with a major service infrastructure, historic walks and outstanding wineries.
• In Ullum no archaeological tours, ancient thermal baths, natural reserves, areas for water sports and various options for adventure tourism.
• The road continues north on Talacasto, Mogna, Tucunuco and Water Gate, to the junction of Route 150 National leading the traveler to San Jose Jáchal.
• From there, one of the recommended sections is Rodeo, home of the Cuesta del Viento Dam, one of the Argentine windsurfing meccas of the intensity of the winds and the microclimate; and the other is Huaco, an ancient people engaged in the production of garlic and onions, which is a historic water mill that operates as a tourist attraction.
• Towards this provincial, it missed a visit to the Valley of the Moon, for its geological and paleontological wealth. There he is captured the Triassic period of the Mesozoic Era, which began about 280 million years ago. It is one of the fields most important dinosaur fossils in the world with a circuit of 41 kilometers which is done with guides and lasts about three hours.

La Rioja.

• The first Rioja walking path destinations are Villa Union, Pagancillo and Villa Castelli, from which you access the Talampaya National Park, 215,000 acres inhabited millions of years ago by the earliest dinosaurs of the earth. Established in 1975, preserves important paleontological and archaeological sites.
• From Villa Union one of the unmissable adventure is the way to Laguna Brava, a water mirror located at 4,200 meters, at the foot of the Pissis (6.8889 meters) and Bonnet Large volcanoes, among the highest in the world.
• The next major natural attraction of La Rioja is the Cuesta de Miranda, a journey of 12 kilometers cornice displaying incredible views of the region.
• The slope leads to Chilecito, ideal for rural tourism, adventure, mining and geological, at the foot of the Massif de Famatina destination. Among the must see places to visit are the old gold mines and Tamberías La Mexicana del Inca. From there, you can access Sanagasta Villa and La Rioja Capital.
• Route 40 then continues by Famatina, one of the most important towns of the region diaguitas with trekking, horseback riding, fishing, hang gliding, paragliding, photographic safaris and cruises on 4 × 4.
• Finally, San Blas de los Sauces gives close to the center circuit with natural springs and streams to yield a few miles to the province of Catamarca, where the Northwest section of National Route 40 begins.

Useful information.

• National Route 40 and above provincial roads are generally in good condition. However, it is advisable to check the conditions before departure.
• For the circuit Cuyo, favorite winter months are by high temperatures.
• For areas of gravel is recommended to increase the inflation pressure in tires (28 to about 32 pounds), and the speed should not exceed 70 kilometers per hour.
• The classic circuit in Valle de la Luna S costs $ 17, the biking circuit 10 and the dawn 15 April to September is open from 8 to 16, and from October to March 8-17.
• In the National Park Talampaya general admission worth U $ S 10 and there are discounts for families. The tours range from U $ S 20 and 32.

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