Route 40 is one of the most beautiful and iconic roads in Argentina: it crosses the country from Ushuaia to La Quiaca, traversing memorable landscapes, and in the Calchaquí Valleys, it offers one of its most unique sections.
In this region, Route 40 does not just pass by but is deeply integrated into the daily life of the local towns. It crosses central squares that serve as the true social and cultural heart of the communities.
In San Carlos, for example, Route 40 passes right through the main square, preserving the classic layout of the colonial settlements of the Calchaquí Valleys. The road becomes just another street in the town, where both vehicles and locals with tourists circulate.
In Cachi, the July 9th Square, located in front of the Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral and surrounded by bars, fairs, and green spaces, is a clear example of this integration. It is a quiet and picturesque center that serves as the starting point for exploring the city. Here, Route 40 ceases to be a tourist corridor and transforms into an urban street that organizes local circulation.
Cafayate, one of the most visited destinations in the Calchaquí Valleys, also demonstrates this particularity. The route borders the main square, connecting directly to the city's tourist and commercial center and integrating into the daily circuit of pedestrians and cars.
According to Noticias Argentinas agency, in the Calchaquí Valleys, Route 40 doesn't just pass by; it invites you to stop, get out of the car, and walk through spaces that concentrate history, an unmissable landscape, and a local life full of customs and gastronomy worth discovering.
