Road Conditions: Perito Moreno (Town)
Navigate the rugged beauty of Argentinian Patagonia with confidence. This guide provides essential driving insights for Perito Moreno (Town) and its surrounding iconic routes, including vital road conditions, fuel stops, and safety tips for an unforgettable journey.
Perito Moreno (Town) serves as a key hub in northern Santa Cruz, Argentina, offering access to stunning natural attractions like the Cueva de las Manos and providing a crucial stop along Ruta Nacional 40. Driving here blends well-maintained paved roads with challenging gravel sections, demanding attention to detail and a capable vehicle. Prepare for long distances, variable weather, and breathtaking scenery.
Main Roads
| Road | From | To | Distance | Surface | Condition | Hazards | Seasonal Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruta Nacional 40 (North) | Perito Moreno (Town) | Junction with RP 43 (towards Los Antiguos) | Approximately 10 km | paved | good | strong winds, occasional animal crossings (guanacos, sheep) | Generally accessible year-round with good conditions. Winds can be particularly strong. |
| Ruta Provincial 43 | Perito Moreno (Town) | Los Antiguos | Approximately 60 km | paved | excellent | strong crosswinds near Lago Buenos Aires, minor animal crossings | A well-maintained and popular route, offering scenic views. Accessible year-round, but always be mindful of wind. |
| Ruta Nacional 40 (South) | Perito Moreno (Town) | Bajo Caracoles | Approximately 130 km | mixed | variable | significant gravel sections, corrugation (washboard effect), loose gravel, strong crosswinds, dust, numerous animal crossings (guanacos, sheep, wild horses), potholes | This section features substantial gravel (ripio). Conditions vary greatly depending on recent grading and weather. A higher-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended. Winter can bring snow and ice, making conditions challenging. |
| Ruta Provincial 39 | RN 40 (south of Perito Moreno) | Cueva de las Manos | Approximately 50 km (from RN 40 turnoff) | gravel | fair | steep sections, sharp turns, significant corrugation, loose gravel, dust, remote area with no services, strong winds | This unpaved road requires careful driving, ideally with a 4x4 or high-clearance SUV. Can become impassable after heavy rains or snow. Check local conditions before departing. |
Fuel Stations
| Name | Location | Distance | Hours | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YPF Perito Moreno | Avenida 9 de Julio, Perito Moreno | Within town center | Generally 24/7, but check locally for exact hours | Cash, Debit (Visa, Maestro), Credit (Visa, MasterCard - often with surcharges for foreign cards) |
| Axion Energy Perito Moreno | Avenida 9 de Julio, Perito Moreno | Within town center | Generally 24/7, but check locally for exact hours | Cash, Debit (Visa, Maestro), Credit (Visa, MasterCard - often with surcharges for foreign cards) |
| YPF Los Antiguos | Ruta Provincial 43, Los Antiguos | Approximately 60 km from Perito Moreno (Town) | Typically 07:00 - 23:00, seasonal variations possible | Cash, Debit (Visa, Maestro), Credit (Visa, MasterCard - often with surcharges for foreign cards) |
| Bajo Caracoles Fuel Station | Ruta Nacional 40, Bajo Caracoles | Approximately 130 km south of Perito Moreno (Town) | Irregular hours, often limited to daytime. Stock can run out. | Primarily cash. Debit/credit often not accepted. |
Maximum Fuel Gap: The longest reliable fuel gap is approximately 250-300 km if Bajo Caracoles is out of fuel or closed (between Perito Moreno and Tres Lagos further south on RN 40). Always fill up in Perito Moreno and carry an extra jerry can if venturing far south on RN 40.
Speed Limits
Urban
40-60 km/h (25-37 mph)
Rural
80-110 km/h (50-68 mph) on paved roads
Gravel
40-60 km/h (25-37 mph) recommended for safety and vehicle preservation
Enforcement
Speed limits are enforced by local police with occasional radar checks, especially entering and exiting towns. Police checkpoints (controles) are common on major routes like RN 40, verifying documentation.
Vehicle Requirements
Explanation: While a sedan can manage paved roads like RP 43 to Los Antiguos, an SUV provides higher ground clearance and more robust suspension, which are highly beneficial for the unpaved sections of RN 40 and RP 39. This enhances comfort, safety, and reduces the risk of damage.
Winter Requirements: M+S (Mud and Snow) tires are highly recommended for winter driving. Ensure good tire tread. Consider carrying a shovel and blankets.
Snow Chains: Snow chains may be required or highly recommended for certain mountain passes or unpaved roads during winter (June to September), especially after heavy snowfall. Check local reports before traveling.
Driving Hazards
Wind
Extremely strong and sudden crosswinds are common, especially from spring to autumn. These winds can push vehicles, particularly larger ones, significantly off course. Keep both hands on the wheel.
Animals
Guanacos, sheep, wild horses, and other livestock frequently roam freely, especially on rural and unpaved roads. They can dart onto the road without warning. Drive cautiously, particularly at dawn, dusk, and night.
Flooding
Heavy rains, primarily in autumn and spring, can lead to localized flooding on low-lying roads or turn gravel sections into muddy, impassable tracks. Always assess water depth before attempting to cross.
Ice
During winter months (June-September), ice and black ice are significant hazards, especially in shaded areas, on bridges, and during early morning/late evening. Drive slowly and increase braking distance.
Gravel
Loose gravel (ripio) on unpaved sections can cause loss of traction, punctures, and create dangerous dust clouds that reduce visibility. Corrugation (washboard effect) can lead to loss of control and vehicle damage if speed is not reduced. Drive slower on gravel and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
Seasonal Conditions
Summer
Long daylight hours, generally dry roads, but extremely strong winds are prevalent. Temperatures can be warm during the day, cool at night.
Tips: Be prepared for strong winds. Hydrate frequently. Book accommodations and rental cars in advance as it's peak season.
Autumn
Cooler temperatures, often less wind than summer, stunning fall foliage. Increased chance of rain, which can make gravel roads muddy and slippery.
Tips: Road conditions are generally good. Be aware of potentially wet gravel roads and reduced daylight hours.
Winter
Cold temperatures, snow, and ice are common. Daylight hours are short. Many services may be reduced, and some remote roads can become impassable.
Tips: Ensure your vehicle is properly equipped for winter. Carry emergency supplies. Check road conditions daily before traveling, especially for remote unpaved routes. Avoid driving at night.
Spring
Thawing conditions can lead to muddy roads, especially on gravel. Winds begin to pick up again. Weather can be highly unpredictable with sudden changes.
Tips: Expect variable road conditions. Be cautious of mud on gravel roads. Winds can be particularly strong. Pack layers of clothing.
Emergency Information
Breakdown
For minor issues, local mechanics are available in Perito Moreno (Town). For major breakdowns, contact your rental car company's emergency number immediately. Roadside assistance can be slow and expensive in remote areas.
Police
General emergency number in Argentina is 911. The local police station (Comisaría) in Perito Moreno (Town) can be contacted for non-urgent matters. On RN 40, Gendarmería Nacional (National Gendarmerie) patrols and assists.
Towing
Limited towing services are available in Perito Moreno (Town). In remote areas, towing can be extremely costly and involve long wait times. Your rental car company's policy on towing should be understood prior to travel.
Cell Coverage
Reliable cell phone coverage is generally limited to Perito Moreno (Town) and major towns like Los Antiguos. Large sections of RN 40 and RP 39 have little to no signal. Consider carrying a satellite phone or a SPOT device for emergencies in remote areas.
Parking Guide
In Perito Moreno (Town), parking is generally free and readily available on the streets throughout the town center. Overnight parking is safe on main streets or at your accommodation. When visiting attractions like Cueva de las Manos, designated (and usually free) parking areas are provided.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 4x4 vehicle essential for driving around Perito Moreno (Town)?
While not strictly essential for the town itself or the paved road to Los Antiguos (RP 43), a 4x4 or high-clearance SUV is strongly recommended for comfort and safety on the gravel sections of Ruta 40 south and the challenging Ruta Provincial 39 to Cueva de las Manos. It offers better traction and reduces the risk of damage.
What are the typical road conditions to Cueva de las Manos?
The road to Cueva de las Manos (Ruta Provincial 39) is entirely gravel, often with significant corrugation, loose stones, and steep sections. It can be a slow and challenging drive, best undertaken with a 4x4 or high-clearance SUV, especially in dry conditions. Avoid after heavy rain or snow.
How frequent are fuel stations on Ruta Nacional 40 south of Perito Moreno?
Fuel stations are very infrequent on RN 40 south of Perito Moreno. The next reliable station is Bajo Caracoles (~130 km), but its hours can be irregular and fuel stock limited. After that, the next significant fuel stop is Tres Lagos, which is another 250-300 km further. Always depart Perito Moreno with a full tank and consider carrying an extra jerry can.
What are the primary driving hazards to be aware of in this region?
The main hazards include extremely strong crosswinds, frequent animal crossings (guanacos, sheep, wild horses), rapidly changing gravel road conditions (corrugation, loose stones, dust), and in winter, ice and snow. Always drive defensively and adjust your speed to conditions.
Is it safe to drive in winter (June-August) around Perito Moreno (Town)?
Driving in winter is possible but requires extra caution and preparation. Roads can be icy or snow-covered, especially unpaved routes. Some roads may close, and services can be limited. A 4x4 with M+S tires and potentially chains is advised. Check road conditions daily and carry emergency supplies.
What should I do if I have a breakdown in a remote area with no cell signal?
If you break down in a remote area without cell service, your primary course of action should be to stay with your vehicle. It is advisable to carry a satellite communicator (like a SPOT device or inReach) for emergencies. Failing that, wait for another vehicle to pass (which could take hours on less-traveled routes) or prepare for a long wait for your rental company's roadside assistance to reach you.
Are there any specific payment methods for fuel I should be aware of?
While major stations in Perito Moreno accept cash and national credit/debit cards, smaller stations or those in very remote areas (like Bajo Caracoles) may only accept cash. Foreign credit cards can sometimes incur surcharges or be declined. Always carry sufficient Argentine pesos (cash) for fuel, especially when traveling off the main paved routes.