Trans-Andean Highway
Chile
In short: Trans-Andean Highway is a about 365 km scenic road trip in Chile, typically driven over 4 days, best in December to March. Highlights: Santiago, Los Andes, Portillo.
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.
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Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Santiago
Plaza de Armas Santiago · Fuente Alemana
Day 2Santiago to Los Andes and Portillo
Laguna del Inca · Restaurant Portillo
Day 3Pass crossing, Las Cuevas, Puente del Inca, Aconcagua and Uspallata
Puente del Inca stop · Parque Provincial Aconcagua · Explicit packed border-day meal
Day 4Uspallata via Potrerillos to Mendoza
Potrerillos Dam viewpoint · Avenida Sarmiento · Azafrán Mendoza
Stops along the route
Things to Do
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Where to Eat
Nearby and similar drives
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Trans-Andean Highway drive?
The Trans-Andean Highway covers about 365 km from start to finish.
How long does the Trans-Andean Highway take to drive?
Most travellers spend 4 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.
How difficult is the Trans-Andean Highway to drive?
The Trans-Andean Highway is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.
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: Check the official pass page immediately before leaving and again at Guardia Vieja; obey the live cutoff and carry chains when ordered. Carry passports, rental cross-border authorization, insurance, registration and OM-2261 documents and complete both countries’ agriculture/customs declarations. Hold a closure-night fallback. Cristo Redentor is only an optional summer old-road detour after the provincial road is officially open; Aconcagua requires advance online reservation.
How many fuel stops are needed on the Trans-Andean Highway?
Plan around 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Trans-Andean Highway, based on its about 365 km length.
Is the Trans-Andean Highway safe to drive?
Check the official pass page immediately before leaving and again at Guardia Vieja; obey the live cutoff and carry chains when ordered. Carry passports, rental cross-border authorization, insurance, registration and OM-2261 documents and complete both countries’ agriculture/customs declarations. Hold a closure-night fallback. Cristo Redentor is only an optional summer old-road detour after the provincial road is officially open; Aconcagua requires advance online reservation.
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.