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Crossing the Andes From Santiago de Chile to Mendoza

There are three ways to get from Santiago to Mendoza by bus, car or plane. Of course, the fastest is by plane, flying over the Andes mountain range, which will offer us an incomparable view from the plane’s window, but the route by land is amazing, for the landscapes, the route, and the unique environment of the crossing. from the mountain range, either by car or by bus.

From Santiago to Mendoza by Bus

The travel time by bus between Santiago and Mendoza is around 8:00 hs and covers an approximate distance of 380 km. The fastest bus, normally takes 6 hours and are operated by El Rapido Internacional, Andesmar, O’higgins Internacional and other bus companies. Usually 8 buses run weekly, although the schedules on weekends and holidays may vary, so it´s very important to book in advance.

From Santiago to Mendoza by Car

Of course, if you take the bus option, you will lose many stops along the magnificent route going from Santiago to Mendoza. And it´s why the option of the car is one of the best. The route offers many attractions, it´s an attraction itself. So, the 354 km from Santiago to Mendoza are an amazing excursion you can enjoy crossing the Andes

From Santiago to Mendoza by Air

The fastest way, and amazing too, because you will enjoy the view of the Andes chain from the plane. The flight takes around 1 hour and there are several frequences every day from both important cities.

The Route From Santiago to Mendoza

Now, let’s focalize on the route from Santiago to Mendoza, by land. Why? Because it’s definitely amazing. Only 380 kilometers separate the cities of Santiago de Chile and Mendoza. The crossing by car to Mendoza is a very frequent route for those who want to get to know the neighboring country, just a 5-6 hour drive from Santiago. The Cristo Redentor International Tunnel is, without a doubt, the mainland communication route between Chile and Argentina and through which the largest amount of merchandise travels from one country to another.

If you rent a car, please note you need international liability insurance, also known as RCI or Mercosur insurance. International civil liability insurance is mandatory for any private vehicle and will provide coverage for expenses generated by an accident onboard your car that causes damage to third parties, including personal injury, as well as the property of people who are not riding in your car.

El Paso Internacional is located 3,200 meters above sea level and 156 km from the city of Santiago. From Santiago, they should take the Los Libertadores, 57 highway towards Los Andes, and then take the picturesque Los Caracoles cornice road until they reach the border. The landscape is the best part of the trip, highlighting the view of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in America. Arriving at the junction, the road is narrow and two-way, so you must be careful if you want to pass a truck. From the junction, passing the Las Cuevas area, which is 2 km away, take route 7 until reaching the city of Mendoza, which is just over 200 km away.

Crossing the Border

During the summer, the border crossing is open 24 hours a day, but it is always recommended to cross during the day since the route is very dangerous at night. From April to September (approximately, depending on the start and end date of the winter season), the border hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Los Libertadores International Pass and Los Caracoles Route

The Paso Internacional Los Libertadores, also called Cristo Redentor, is a mountain pass located in the Andes, between Argentina and Chile. It is the main route that connects the capital Santiago de Chile with the city of Mendoza in Argentina as we told you. With 29 tough switchbacks on a steep incline, it is also one of the most difficult roads in the world to travel.

The next 9 zigzags lead to an altitude of 2,800 meters for a distance of 2.5 kilometers. From this point, there are another 5 kilometers to the Chilean immigration post, to later continue an additional 2 kilometers to the summit. Just beyond the Chilean immigration post, at an elevation of 3,175 meters, is a tunnel that leads across the border with Argentina.

At the summit, at 3,840 meters, is the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer which was unveiled in 1904 as part of the celebration of the peaceful resolution of the border dispute between the two countries. The part of the Argentine pass is of a softer degree than the Chilean part and is much better preserved. It also has more traffic, as many tourists go up and down to enjoy the views.

How Far Is the Border From Santiago and Mendoza (And the Main Destinations in the Area)?

From Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) border crossing, we have 156 km to Santiago, 215 km to Valparaiso, and 210 km to Viña del Mar. Los Andes is located 70 km and the city of Mendoza is 207 km from there. finally, Puente del Inca in Argentina is located 15 km from the border.

The road begins on the Chilean side, with a steep climb, approximately 50 kilometers from Los Andes and 70 kilometers from Santiago. The curves start shortly after. The first 20 curves extend beyond 4 kilometers, with an elevation change from 2,275 meters to 2,550 meters. Then the road gently climbs for 2 kilometers to an altitude of 2,650 meters. The next 9 zigzags lead to an altitude of 2,800 meters for a distance of 2.5 kilometers. From this point, there are another 5 kilometers to the Chilean immigration post, to later continue an additional 2 kilometers to the summit. Just beyond the Chilean immigration post, at an elevation of 3,175 meters, is a tunnel that leads across the border with Argentina.

Inaugurated in 1980, the Cristo Redentor tunnel, which is its name, is 3,080 meters long and serves as an important overland passage between Chile and Argentina. The route is closed during winter due to heavy snow that blocks both ends and due to the threat of rock falls. At the summit, at 3,840 meters, is the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer that was unveiled in 1904 as part of the celebration of the peaceful resolution of the border dispute between the two countries.

The part of the Argentine pass is of a softer degree than the Chilean part and is much better preserved. It also has more traffic, as many tourists go up and down to enjoy the views.

Important Information to Cross the Andes From Santiago to Mendoza

It is very important to bear in mind that during the winter snow storms usually close the road and the border crossing, which remains closed with cars and trucks that wait hours and days on the route, for the crossing to reopen. Regarding the road itself, it should be noted that it is a winding route with many curves. It is essential to drive with extreme caution and respect traffic signs.
You should bring wheel chains for snowy roads, tensioners in sufficient quantity, shovel, rope or tow lance, flashlight and spare wheel. Before heading out, don’t forget to check your car’s brakes, engine water, and the corresponding air in the tires.

Using antifreeze fluid in your car’s engine is very important since low temperatures are registered at altitude. Remember to check the windshield wiper blades as well.
The wind and the altitude can make the car use more fuel, so it is advisable to leave with a full tank from Santiago, and load whenever you see a service station.
Take a first aid kit, warm clothing, and enough spare to avoid the danger of freezing the human body exposed to the wind without the appropriate clothing, in case of accident or inconvenience on the route during your trip.

An excellent idea is to bring high-calorie foods, sunglasses, and items that can be useful in the face of any difficulty.

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