San Juan – San Rafael – San Juan

Desafío Ruta 40, one of the most iconic competitions among South American rally raids, will take place from May 24 to 29, 2026. The event will be the third round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) and will be held in San Juan – San Rafael (Mendoza) – San Juan.

The race will feature two bivouacs and a total distance of over 2,700 kilometres, of which 1,699 kilometres will be selective sectors. Thanks to simplified logistics, the route for this 13th edition promises to be a spectacular competition.

The city of San Juan (capital of the province of the same name) will be the venue for both the start and finish, consolidating its position as one of the most traditional venues in the history of this race.

Undoubtedly, one of the great attractions of Desafío Ruta 40 will be the eagerly awaited return to the province of Mendoza, more precisely to San Rafael, ten years after the competition last visited this city. The return to Mendoza reaffirms DR40’s connection with one of the most significant natural landscapes in terms of sporting significance and visual impact.

The variety of terrain will mark the five days of competition, with sand playing a starring role. Crossing the dunes of El Nihuil, which will once again be part of the route after a nine-year absence, will be one of the most demanding and attractive challenges of the 2026 edition.

Registration for Desafío Ruta 40 is now open, offering drivers and teams the chance to take part in one of the most demanding and prestigious events on the international rally raid season. A race that combines a great sporting challenge, unique locations and the experience of competing in iconic landscapes, in an edition that promises to mark a new chapter in the remarkable legacy of DR40.