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The weather in Mendoza City

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    EN MENDOZA

    Cristo Redentor Pass

    Is the crossing to Chile open? The status, the weather on the way and everything useful on Route 7.

    Pass status right now

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    Source: International Border Crossings (argentina.gob.ar)

    Pass: +54 2624 420094

    National Route 7

    The road to the High Andes

    It's about 190 km from Mendoza City to the tunnel, some 3 hours without stops. The road climbs from 750 to over 3,100 meters: take the curves slowly, with your lights on and no rush.

    1. 1 Mendoza

      Starting point · 750 m above sea level

      Leave by Acceso Sur or Route 40 toward Luján and take National Route 7 west.

    2. 2 Potrerillos

      Km 65 from Mendoza · 1.400 m above sea level

      The dam and the Mendoza River: a good first stop to get gas and grab a bite.

    3. 3 Uspallata

      Km 120 from Mendoza · 1.900 m above sea level

      The last big town: gas stations, shops, snow chain rentals and lodging.

    4. 4 Penitentes

      Km 165 from Mendoza · 2.580 m above sea level

      Ski area and roadside stops. In winter, chains are a must if the road authority asks for them.

    5. 5 Puente del Inca

      Km 175 from Mendoza · 2.720 m above sea level

      The natural bridge and the old hot springs; right after, the Aconcagua viewpoint at Horcones.

    6. 6 Las Cuevas

      Km 190 from Mendoza · 3.150 m above sea level

      The last hamlet before the tunnel. From here, the Cristo Redentor tunnel and the customs complex in Chile.

    Where to eat on the way

    Potrerillos and Uspallata have restaurants and roadside stops; higher up there is little and some close in winter. Bring water and snacks.

    Where to get gas

    Fill up in Uspallata: it is the last reliable gas station before the border (about 100 km to Chilean customs).

    Where to rent snow chains

    In winter, road authorities and the Border Police may require snow chains to continue. You can rent them in Mendoza, Potrerillos and Uspallata: try them on before heading up.

    Where to stay

    If the pass closes, Uspallata and Potrerillos are the places to wait. In snow season, book ahead.

    Lodging in Potrerillos Lodging in Uspallata

    High Andes tours

    Even if you don't cross, the road is worth the trip: Aconcagua from Horcones, Puente del Inca and the snow at Penitentes.

    Tours & adventure in Potrerillos Tours & adventure in Uspallata

    Documents to cross into Chile

    • Valid DNI (Argentines) or passport; foreigners, with the document they used to enter the country.
    • Minors: with their ID and, if not traveling with both parents, the travel authorization.
    • Car: vehicle registration card (or a notarized authorization if it isn't yours), insurance valid in Chile and a driver's license.
    • No fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy or seeds: Chile's SAG inspects and fines.

    Official requirements to cross

    Useful phone numbers

    There are stretches without cell signal between Uspallata and Las Cuevas.

    Snow season in Mendoza