Paso Pehuenche — Malargüe to Chilean Border via the Andes Volcanic Divide (Argentina Side)
Patagonia's loneliest Andean crossing.
South of Malargüe, Ruta Provincial 224 climbs into the Andes along the Río Barrancas valley and delivers you to Paso Pehuenche at 2,553 metres — one of the most isolated international crossings in Patagonia. The approach on the Argentine side threads through monkey puzzle (pehuén) forest and ancient lava flows from the surrounding Payún Matrú volcanic field, a landscape that genuinely looks like nobody told it to stop erupting. The track surface is graded gravel that turns to polished rock near the pass itself; after rain it goes slick fast. The border post is staffed but hours are limited — plan to cross well before 17:00 or you camp at the pass, which, frankly, isn’t the worst outcome given the views.
A high-clearance 4WD is strongly recommended on the Argentine side; a standard SUV can manage in dry conditions but you’re rolling the dice. The Chilean descent to Talca is paved and a different animal entirely. Fuel up completely in Malargüe — there’s nothing on the Argentina side of the pass. The crossing is typically open November through April depending on snowpack; PROVIAR in Mendoza Province posts seasonal closures. No permit is needed but carry your vehicle’s documentation and a tourist card if applicable. Wind on the exposed plateau can be violent — secure your rooftop gear before the final climb.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 93 mi / 150 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8376 ft |
| Best season | November-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD recommended |
| Nearest town | Malargüe, Mendoza Province, Argentina |
| Land manager | Dirección de Vialidad Mendoza / Argentine National Gendarmerie (border post) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Argentine Border Crossing — Paso Pehuenche |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or 4Runner handle Paso Pehuenche without modifications?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD is the minimum and will get you through under normal conditions. Aired-down all-terrain tires are strongly advisable — the lava field sections chew up street rubber and the loose rock stretches punish low-profile tires hard.
When is the pass actually open, and what closes it?
The pass is generally open November through April. Heavy snowfall can close it without warning outside that window, and even within season a late storm can shut it for days. Check current road status with Dirección de Vialidad Mendoza before you leave Malargüe — there's no way to get real-time info once you're on the route.
Do you need special permits or paperwork to cross into Chile here?
Yes. This is an active international border crossing, so you need your vehicle's title, a Poder Notarial if the vehicle isn't registered in your name, and valid passports for everyone aboard. Argentine Gendarmerie staffs the border post — confirm operating hours in advance, as the post does not run 24 hours and crossing times are restricted.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The stretch through the ancient lava fields approaching the volcanic divide is the roughest — sharp, irregular rock that can shift under the wheels and offers zero recovery margin if you puncture a sidewall. It's not technically extreme, but the remoteness is the real hazard: if something breaks here, you are genuinely alone, with no cell service and sparse traffic.
How far is the last fuel stop, and is there water on route?
Malargüe is your last guaranteed fuel — top off there before starting the 93-mile crossing because there is nothing on the Argentine side. Water crossings exist on route but treat all sources before drinking; carry at least 10 liters per person given the heat and altitude on summer days.
Trail track
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