Argentina's Ruta 40 vs Chile's Route 7
 

Has anyone here travelled Argentina's Ruta 40 and Chile's Route 7?

I am trying to work out the pro's and con's for doing either. From intial research Route 7 looks more scenic and worthwhile, whereas Ruta 40 (although it seems its on a lot of peoples must do routes) seems barren.

I'd like to hear from people who have been there and done that (or have done more research than me)

Ruta 40
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...ina-Ruta40.png

Route 7
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...ra_Austral.png

We did both. I have to say the southern part of ruta 40 becomes quite boring after one or two days. I suggest you do carretera austral (ruta 7) in the south and ruta 40 in the north. So leave the part of ruta 40 that runs parallel with ruta 7 for what it is.

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Exactly. If you're coming from northern Argentina or Chile, take Ruta 40 (with side trips as appropriate) until you cut across to the northern terminus of Ruta 7. There'll be a bit more 40 in the far south to show you what you missed.

Mark

I will be heading from the north (Prudhoe bay to be precise) so technically could only ride one of the roads south- is that correct?

Sent from SYDland...

I've done large sections of both.
I agree with what Petrus said.

Ruta 40 is interesting in Jujuy and Salta Provinces. The further south you go, the more blunt it will be, even though in some few stretches it will give you a great sense of vastness. But then again, that is a feeling that you will get in various other lanscapes in south America.

Ruta 7, for me was one of the best riding routes in Patagonia. Be prepared for rain though.

Sounds to me like you need to look at a map. One map, with both roads on it. We're all suggesting you ride Ruta 40 for a while, then Ruta 7, then returning to Ruta 40. That'll keep you busy for a week or two or three (or longer, depending).

Mark

I'm on a phone at the moment - once home I shall be making use of Google maps until the paper ones arrive.

Sent from SYDland...

I did these route in the 1990s so not sure if any of Route 40 is paved now??

But I totally agree with the above comments. Route 40 in Northern Argentina. Route 7 in the south and you must go over to Chiloe Island.

7 vs 40
 

Hello, I agree with the others. Rt40 is a bucket list item, however the best part is the northern section, the southern is very barren and dare I say boring.


rt 7 is built through the mountains, and there has been significant efforts to pave it so there is less and less dirt every year.


There are some ferries to take south of Port o Mont. I would suggest zig-zag between the two routes as there are interesting things to see on both. The border crossing between Chile and Arg are free, fast, and friendly (just DO NOT try to take fruit or meat into Chile). We crossed 8 times when we did it (Nov '14-Mar '15) and no issues at all just make sure they enter your data correctly every time.


The best free source for Garmin maps is Free worldwide Garmin maps from OpenStreetMap


Enjoy.

I did zig-zag between 40 and 7 several times and scenery in Chile is magnificent.


safe ride

I've done both and, as others have mentioned, Ruta 7 is much more interesting. Ride Ruta 40 where you can but don't bypass any portions of Ruta 7 to do it.

I agree with he told, the part of ruta 40 paralel to ruta 7 is boring. The cool is down the ruta 40 until Bariloche and follow to Chile and start de ruta 7.