Visit Chile through the Paso Los Libertadores Border Crossing: Everything you need to know
By: Hernan Claro - 15 October, 2024
Are you visiting Chile through the Paso Los Libertadores Border Crossing? Here we tell you what you must know to cross through the border complex and the requirements you must fulfill.
Located 3,220 meters above sea level, the Paso Los Libertadores Border Crossing connects Mendoza (Argentina) with the Andes (Chile) through a tunnel that crosses the mountain range. When entering our country, you’ll be on Ruta CH 60, which continues to the coast of the Valparaíso Region.
The border crossing is also known as Cristo Redentor (Christ Redeemer), because of the Andes Christ Redeemer statue located just over the border line.
Opening hours Paso Los Libertadores Border Crossing
The Paso Los Libertadores Border Crossing is open 24 hours in summer, but only from 8:00 to 20:00 in winter, with the closure of the Guardia Vieja (Chile) and Uspallata (Argentina) barriers at 18:00 hours.
This place may be closed because of bad weather, the result of snow or risk of collapses. Before your trip, it’s important that you check the Paso Fronterizo social media, as well as the weather forecast.
What are the requirements to cross the Paso Los Libertadores Border Crossing?
The needed documents to enter Chile through the Paso Los Libertadores Border Crossing are:
- Identity card or valid passport.
- Not having pending cases nor being forbidden to leave the country.
- If you travel by vehicle, you must fill in the “Departure and Temporary Admission of Vehicles” form and have international vehicle insurance. If the car you’re driving is not yours, you must carry a notary authorization from the owner.
- If you bring products of animal or vegetable origin, you must declare them to the Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (Agriculture and Livestock Service). Moreover, you must check the products that require special authorization at customs.
We suggest keeping a digital copy of your documents and previously checking their expiry date to avoid any inconvenience. For further information, check the official Pasos Fronterizos of Chile website.
Precautions for entering through the Paso Los Libertadores Border Crossing
As you go through the Andes Mountain Range, you must prepare for the complications of mountain driving, such as ice on the road, strong winds, and snow. For the same reason, you must have your vehicle checked beforehand.
When crossing our country, a Tarjeta Única Migratoria (Single Migratory Card) will be handed out. If you lose it, you must ask for a duplicate at any Immigration unit of the Chilean Investigative Police (PDI).
Check our article with all the necessary information for traveling from Argentina to Chile.
Three near destinations near
Santiago
Photo: Sernatur Audiovisual Bank
Santiago, the capital of Chile, is three hours away from the border crossing. You’ll find accommodation and all the necessary services there, as well as countless cultural, tourism, gastronomic and other types of experiences to enjoy an unforgettable stay.
Guide with things to do in Santiago for three days.
Valparaíso
Photo: Sernatur Audiovisual Bank
Valparaíso is the main port in Chile, which is also nearly three hours away from the Paso Libertadores Pass. It’s a city full of culture, bohemia, patrimonial buildings, and magical tours that led it to be declared a world heritage by UNESCO.
More information about Valparaíso in our article
Aconcagua Valley
Photo: Shutterstock
As soon as you enter Chile, you’ll be in the Aconcagua Valley, a place of pretty landscapes, thermal baths, nature sanctuaries and paths you can do on foot, horse riding, or on a bike.
A must-see are the winegrowing tours: you can go to the El Escorial Vineyard, one of the oldest in the country, or try the exclusive assemblies of the San Esteban Vineyard.