Trans-Andean Highway

The Trans-Andean Highway refers to a network of roads and mountain passes that cross the Andes Mountains to connect Argentina and Chile. The road system facilitates transportation and trade between the two countries.

The system consists of several passes, each with unique characteristics and challenges. These passes are essential for cross-border trade, tourism, and transportation between Argentina and Chile. They vary in terms of elevation, climate, and terrain, making some of them more challenging than others.

The Trans-Andean Highway system and its passes are integral to the economic and cultural ties between these two South American countries. Travelers and freight carriers must consider weather conditions and road closures when planning journeys through these mountain passes, as adverse weather can lead to temporary closures during the winter months.

Paso Internacional Agua Negra

Located in the northern range of the Chilean and Argentine Andes, Paso Internacional Agua Negra is a significant mountain pass on the Trans-Andean Highway, connecting the Coquimbo Region in Chile with the San Juan Province in Argentina. It plays a vital role in cross-border transportation and trade despite occasional road closures during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.

This pass is known for its remarkable natural beauty as it traverses through some of the most striking landscapes in the Andes. However, it's also one of the higher and more challenging passes due to its high elevation and potential for adverse weather conditions.

Paso Internacional Los Libertadores

Located in the central part of the Chilean and Argentine Andes, Paso Internacional Los Libertadores is a crucial mountain pass on the Trans-Andean Highway, serving as a gateway between Chile and Argentina. This high-elevation pass links the Chilean town of Los Andes with Argentina's city of Mendoza, offering breathtaking vistas.

The iconic "Cristo Redentor" statue graces the summit, symbolizing the strong cultural and historical ties between the two nations. While the pass boasts stunning scenery, its challenging weather, including heavy snowfall during the winter months, can lead to temporary road closures, making it a vital but often demanding route for trade and tourism.

Paso Internacional Cristo Redentor

Also located in the central part of the Chilean and Argentine Andes, Paso Internacional Cristo Redentor, also known as Cristo Redentor Pass, is a significant mountain pass on the Trans-Andean Highway. It connects the Argentine city of Uspallata with the Chilean city of Los Andes.

While this pass doesn't feature the iconic Cristo Redentor statue, it's noteworthy for its stunning Andean landscapes and role as a critical transportation route between the two countries. Travelers can enjoy panoramic views of the mountains, and the pass is crucial in facilitating cross-border trade and tourism in the region.

Paso Internacional Pehuenche

Located in the southern Chilean and Argentine Andes, Paso Internacional Pehuenche is a prominent mountain pass on the Trans-Andean Highway, linking Argentina's Mendoza Province with Chile's Maule Region. This pass is named after the Pehuenche indigenous people and is well-known for its picturesque surroundings, including forests and mountains.

The route is essential for passenger and cargo transportation and connects the two countries. While not as high as some other passes, it still offers stunning scenery and contributes to regional trade and tourism, making it a key route within the Trans-Andean Highway network.

Paso Internacional Samoré

Located in the far south of the Chilean and Argentine Andes, Paso Internacional Samoré, also known as Paso Pino Hachado, is a significant mountain pass on the Trans-Andean Highway, connecting Argentina's Neuquén Province with Chile's Los Lagos Region. It provides a vital link between the Lake Districts of Chile and Argentina, making it a popular route for both tourism and trade.

This pass is renowned for its scenic beauty, characterized by forests, lakes, and mountain landscapes. While it is not as high as some other passes in the Andes, it is essential in facilitating cross-border transportation. It serves as an access point to the natural beauty of the Patagonian region.

Other Passes

There are other passes on the Trans-Andean Highway System. These passes are less popular with tourists than the main five, but they are still important transportation routes for residents and businesses. They are also more challenging to drive, as they are often unpaved and have steep grades.

• Paso Internacional Jachal-Huasco: This pass is located in the northern Andes and connects the provinces of San Juan, Argentina, and Huasco, Chile. It is a gravel road that is open year-round, but it can be challenging to drive in the winter.

• Paso Internacional Comechingones: This pass is located in the central Andes and connects the provinces of Córdoba, Argentina, and Valparaíso, Chile. It is a paved road that is open year-round.

• Paso Internacional Pino Hachado: This pass is located in the southern Andes and connects the provinces of Neuquén, Argentina, and Biobío, Chile. It is a paved road that is open year-round.

• Paso Internacional Futaleufú: This pass is located in the southern Andes and connects the provinces of Chubut, Argentina, and Palena, Chile. It is a gravel road that is open during the summer months.

• Paso Internacional Puyehue: This pass is located in the southern Andes and connects the provinces of Los Lagos, Chile, and Río Negro, Argentina. It is a paved road that is open year-round.

• Paso Internacional Cardenal Antonio Samoré: This pass is located in the southern Andes and connects the provinces of Osorno, Chile, and Bariloche, Argentina. It is a paved road that is open year-round.

• Paso Internacional Carirriñe: This pass is located in the southern Andes and connects the provinces of Valdivia, Chile, and Pucón, Argentina. It is a gravel road that is open during the summer months.

• Paso Internacional Mamuil Malal: This pass is located in the southern Andes and connects the provinces of Cautín, Chile, and Junín de los Andes, Argentina. It is a gravel road that is open during the summer months.

• Paso Internacional Tromen: This pass is located in the southern Andes and connects the provinces of Pehuenches, Chile, and Neuquén, Argentina. It is a gravel road that is open during the summer months.

• Paso Internacional Vergara: This pass is located in the southern Andes and connects the provinces of Aysén, Chile, and Chubut, Argentina. It is a gravel road that is open during the summer months.

• Paso Internacional Peulla: This pass is located in the southern Andes and connects the provinces of Llanquihue, Chile, and Río Negro, Argentina. It is a gravel road that is open during the summer months.