A landslide completely blocked the Siete Lagos stretch of Ruta Nacional 40 near San Martín de los Andes on Thursday [1].

The closure disrupts a critical transport artery in Patagonia, cutting off all traffic on one of the region's most scenic and traveled routes. The total blockage prevents transit between Catritre and San Martín de los Andes, impacting both local logistics and tourism.

The slide occurred at kilometre 2,208.7, which is approximately three kilometres from San Martín de los Andes [1]. Authorities said the blockage occurred July 30, 2026 [2]. The event has rendered the roadway impassable for all vehicles.

Officials said the collapse was due to the instability of the rock formation combined with water expansion [1]. This combination created the conditions necessary for the slide to occur. Authorities said there is a continued risk of further rockfalls in the area.

Emergency crews and road maintenance teams are on site, but the route remains closed to all traffic. Officials are awaiting assessments from geologists to determine if the area is stable enough for clearing operations to begin. The timeline for reopening the road depends on these safety evaluations [1].

Local residents and travelers are advised to seek alternative routes or avoid the area until the geological risk is mitigated. The blockage at kilometre 2,208.7 remains the primary point of obstruction [1].

“A landslide has completely blocked the Siete Lagos stretch of Ruta Nacional 40”

The complete closure of the Siete Lagos route highlights the vulnerability of Patagonia's infrastructure to geological instability and water-driven erosion. Because this stretch of Ruta 40 is a primary link for the region, the reliance on geological surveys before reopening indicates that the instability is significant, potentially leading to prolonged transit delays for the local economy.