Ruta CH-11 – Paso Los Libertadores High Route
Andean spine crossing at 10,500 feet
The CH-11 cuts through the spine of the Andes at Paso Los Libertadores, where the air thins and your radiator works overtime at 10,500 feet. This is the main artery connecting Santiago to Mendoza, but the high route branches off into mining roads and forgotten valleys above Portillo ski resort. The Cristo Redentor monument marks the border, but it’s the unnamed switchbacks carved into scree slopes that’ll test your vehicle’s cooling system and your nerve on ice-slick mornings.
Moderate difficulty requires reliable 4WD with good brakes and cooling system – altitude and steep grades are unforgiving. Snow chains mandatory June through September, and weather can turn deadly fast above treeline. Best tackled March through May when snowmelt opens the high passes but temperatures stay reasonable. What you get is raw Andean wilderness, condor sightings, and the satisfaction of crossing South America’s continental divide on roads that feel like they shouldn’t exist.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 89 mi / 143.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 10500 ft |
| Best season | March-May |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Los Andes, Valparaíso |
| Land manager | Chilean Ministry of Public Works |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle CH-11 without a lift?
Yes, a factory 4WD high-clearance truck or SUV is sufficient for this route. The gravel surface and mixed road conditions don't require extreme articulation, but you need genuine 4WD — AWD crossovers won't cut it on the steeper, loose sections near the high point.
When is CH-11 actually driveable, and what does snow do to the route?
March through May is the sweet spot after summer crowds thin and before winter snowfall locks the high passes. The route tops out at 10,500 feet, and winter snow can close sections entirely — don't attempt it June through August without confirming road status with the Chilean Ministry of Public Works beforehand.
Do you need any permits or pay fees to drive this route?
No trail permit is required to drive CH-11 itself, but this route crosses into international border territory near Paso Los Libertadores — you'll go through Chilean and Argentine customs and immigration if crossing into Argentina, so bring your passport and any required vehicle documentation for border crossing.
What's the hardest section and what makes it sketchy?
The climb toward the 10,500-foot high point throws the toughest combination at you: loose gravel switchbacks, exposure on narrow shelf roads with significant drop-offs, and altitude that can affect both your engine and your decision-making. Fog can roll in fast and kill visibility — if it socks in, stop and wait it out rather than pushing blind on a cliff-edge road.
Is there any gas or water along the 89 miles, or do you need to self-support completely?
Fuel up fully in Los Andes before you leave — there are no gas stations along the route. Water sources in the high Andes are limited and should be treated before drinking; carry at least 5 liters per person. Dispersed camping is available, but this is remote high-altitude terrain with zero services and zero cell service for the entire route.
Trail track
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