Paso Internacional Cristo Redentor
Trans-Andean pass at 3,200m with mining spurs
At 3,200 meters, this international border crossing between Chile and Argentina follows the route of San Martín’s liberation army through the Cordillera de los Andes. The Chilean side climbs through 29 switchbacks past the abandoned Portillo ski resort before reaching the tunnel entrance, but the real adventure lies in the side tracks that branch off toward abandoned sulfur mines and high-altitude lakes. The route passes through some of the most dramatic Andean scenery in Chile, with the Aconcagua massif dominating the eastern horizon.
This is a moderate route requiring high-clearance vehicles for the mining spur roads, though the main highway is paved. Best tackled April through November when snow doesn’t block the pass, but even then expect sudden weather changes above treeline. Carry chains, extra fuel, and cold-weather gear — this isn’t a place to get stranded. The payoff is standing at one of South America’s most historic crossings with views that stretch from the Pacific drainage to the Argentine pampas.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 45 mi / 72.4 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 10500 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Los Andes, Valparaíso |
| Land manager | Ministerio de Obras Públicas |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| 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 this trail, or do I need a built rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD is the minimum and will get you through under normal conditions. The mining spurs off the main route can be rougher, so a locking diff and all-terrain tires are worth having if you plan to explore beyond the primary pass road.
When does the pass close for winter, and is snow a real risk?
The pass typically closes between December and March due to heavy snowfall — that's summer in the Southern Hemisphere, so the timing catches a lot of North American travelers off guard. April through November is the reliable window; even then, early April and late November can see surprise snowfall at 3,200m.
Do I need a permit to drive through, and is there a border crossing fee?
You'll pass through an international border between Chile and Argentina, so valid passports and vehicle documentation (title or notarized permission letter if the vehicle isn't yours) are required. There's no trail-specific permit, but standard Aduana border crossing procedures apply and can add time — budget for it.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually be ready for?
The mining spurs branching off the main route are the technical crux — loose scree, off-camber shelf road, and no guardrails at altitude. The main pass road is paved in sections but deteriorates; the real challenge is altitude-induced vehicle performance loss and rapidly changing weather near the 10,500 ft summit.
How far is the nearest gas station, and can I count on cell service if something goes wrong?
Fill up in Los Andes before you leave — it's the last reliable fuel stop before the pass, and there's nothing on the route itself. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent above the lower elevations, so carry a satellite communicator if you're heading onto the mining spurs away from the main road.
Trail track
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