Paso Palena (Paso Las Pampas) — Argentina-Chile Frontier Border Crossing

Paso Palena — also signed as Paso Las Pampas — sits at roughly 600 metres elevation in the Northern Patagonian Andes, connecting Argentina’s Chubut province to the Chilean Río Palena valley. This is not a main crossing: it’s a seasonal, two-track dirt-road pass used by locals, ranchers, and overlanders threading the backdoor route between the Argentine steppe and the Carretera Austral. The border post is small — expect basic Chilean SAG and PDI checks, no fuel, no food, no ATM. Livestock inspections are real; fresh produce and meats will be confiscated.

The crossing is generally open spring through autumn (October–April) but conditions are road-dependent. Approach from the Argentine side via Carrenleufú (Corcovado) on gravel roads that become impassable mud after sustained rain. Confirm opening hours and status with the nearest Gendarmería post before committing — hours are limited and the crossing has been known to close without advance notice.

Patagonia's quiet backdoor border gate.