RoadAtlas
Trans-Andean Highway — Chile — Scenic
South America

Trans-Andean Highway

Chile

In short: Trans-Andean Highway is a 1,250 km scenic road trip in Chile, typically driven over 6-8 days, best in December to March. Highlights: Santiago, Los Andes, Portillo.

Distance
1,250 km
Duration
6-8 days
Best Season
December to March
IconicModerateScenicBorder crossing

This classic Andean crossing links Santiago with Mendoza through one of South America’s most dramatic mountain corridors. Expect sweeping switchbacks, high desert valleys, vineyard foothills, and the iconic Cristo Redentor pass area, with changing conditions from coastal Chile to the dry Argentine side.

~2 refuels
~4 charges
Practical notes
This is a border-crossing mountain drive, so check current Chile-Argentina pass hours and weather before departure. Winter snow can close high passes with little notice, and fuel stops are spaced far apart in the Andes.
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Stops along the route

Santiago — Departure — Trans-Andean Highway — Chile
Departure
Santiago
Leave Chile's capital and climb quickly from city traffic into the Andean foothills.
Hotels
Los Andes — City — Trans-Andean Highway — Chile
City
Los Andes
A gateway town with vineyards, roadside services, and mountain views before the high pass.
Hotels
Uspallata — City — Trans-Andean Highway — Chile
City
Uspallata
A dry valley town where fuel, snacks, and desert scenery reset the drive on the Argentine side.
Hotels
Mendoza — Arrival — Trans-Andean Highway — Chile
Arrival
Mendoza
Finish in Argentina's wine capital, where tree-lined streets and Malbec bars await.
Hotels

Things to Do

Portillo — Nature — Trans-Andean Highway — Chile
Nature
Portillo
Golden cliffs and a turquoise lake frame this classic high-Andes ski stop.
Cristo Redentor Pass — Landmark — Trans-Andean Highway — Chile
Landmark
Cristo Redentor Pass
At the border monument, switchbacks and thin air make the crossing feel truly epic.
Potrerillos — Nature — Trans-Andean Highway — Chile
Nature
Potrerillos
Blue reservoir water contrasts with rust-colored peaks and wide open mountain slopes.
Plaza de Armas Santiago — historic city center — Trans-Andean Highway — Chile
historic city center
Plaza de Armas Santiago
Walk the central square to get a feel for Santiago before the road trip begins. It is an easy way to stock up on snacks and supplies nearby.
Laguna del Inca — lake viewpoint — Trans-Andean Highway — Chile
lake viewpoint
Laguna del Inca
Take in one of the Andes' most photogenic alpine lakes near Portillo. The water shifts from deep blue to green depending on the light.
Cristo Redentor de los Andes — border monument — Trans-Andean Highway — Chile
border monument
Cristo Redentor de los Andes
Visit the iconic monument marking peace between Chile and Argentina. The surrounding switchbacks and snow walls make the setting dramatic.
Parque Provincial Aconcagua — national park — Trans-Andean Highway — Chile
national park
Parque Provincial Aconcagua
Stop for giant peaks, desert colors, and views toward South America's highest mountain. Short walks and lookouts make it an easy scenic break.
Avenida Sarmiento — city stroll — Trans-Andean Highway — Chile
city stroll
Avenida Sarmiento
End with a tree-lined walk through Mendoza's center, full of cafes and wine bars. It is a relaxed place to celebrate finishing the crossing.

Where to Eat

Café de la Plaza — Chilean cafe — Trans-Andean Highway — Chile
Chilean cafe
Café de la Plaza
A relaxed Santiago stop for coffee, pastries, and a quick pre-road breakfast. Good for an easy start before heading into the mountains.
Restaurant Portillo — Chilean mountain lodge — Trans-Andean Highway — Chile
Chilean mountain lodge
Restaurant Portillo
Classic alpine-style meals with views over Laguna del Inca. A strong lunch stop if you are pausing near the ski resort.
Restaurante Uspallata — Argentine roadside grill — Trans-Andean Highway — Chile
Argentine roadside grill
Restaurante Uspallata
Simple Argentine plates, empanadas, and grilled meats in the valley town. It is a practical refuel stop after the border descent.
La Casa de las Empanadas — Argentine empanadas — Trans-Andean Highway — Chile
Argentine empanadas
La Casa de las Empanadas
A handy Mendoza stop for regional empanadas and quick bites. Popular with travelers looking for an easy first meal in town.

Explore related routes

Chile road trips Iconic Scenic Coastal DrivesMountain PassesDesert RoadsWine and Food Routes South America routes

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Trans-Andean Highway drive?

The Trans-Andean Highway covers 1,250 km from start to finish.

How long does the Trans-Andean Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 6-8 days on the Trans-Andean Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Trans-Andean Highway?

The recommended season for the Trans-Andean Highway is December to March.

Where does the Trans-Andean Highway start and end?

The Trans-Andean Highway runs from Santiago to Mendoza.

What are the main stops on the Trans-Andean Highway?

The Trans-Andean Highway passes through Santiago, Los Andes, Portillo.

Can I drive the Trans-Andean Highway in a regular car?

Yes — the Trans-Andean Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Trans-Andean Highway?

Yes — the Trans-Andean Highway requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: This is a border-crossing mountain drive, so check current Chile-Argentina pass hours and weather before departure. Winter snow can close high passes with little notice, and fuel stops are spaced far apart in the Andes.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Trans-Andean Highway?

Plan around 2 refuels (or about 4 EV charges) along the Trans-Andean Highway, based on its 1,250 km length.

Is the Trans-Andean Highway safe to drive?

This is a border-crossing mountain drive, so check current Chile-Argentina pass hours and weather before departure. Winter snow can close high passes with little notice, and fuel stops are spaced far apart in the Andes.

What scenic tier is the Trans-Andean Highway?

The Trans-Andean Highway is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.