Optional Extension · Chile → Argentina
The Andes
Crossing
From Santiago to Mendoza across the roof of the world — past the Inca Lake at Portillo, beneath the shadow of Aconcagua, and over the extraordinary Inca Bridge.
Along the Route
Four Unmissable Stops
The Andes crossing is not just a transfer — it is one of the great road journeys of South America.
Portillo (Inca Lake)
Altitude: 3,200 m
The Inca Lake — Laguna del Inca — is one of the most spectacular sights on the entire Andes crossing. Cradled in a glacial cirque at 3,200 metres, its waters shift between turquoise and deep emerald depending on the light. According to Inca legend, the lake holds the body of a princess, preserved forever in its icy depths. The Portillo ski resort sits above the lake, and in summer the surrounding peaks are reflected perfectly in the still water. This is the moment the Andes truly reveal their scale.
Aconcagua Mountain
Altitude: 6,961 m
The highest peak in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres, Aconcagua dominates the skyline as you approach the border. At 6,961 metres, it is a colossus — visible from the road for over an hour before you pass beneath it. The mountain has been a sacred site since pre-Columbian times; Inca mummies were discovered near its summit in 1985. Even from the road, the scale is humbling: glaciers spill down its flanks, and the summit is often wreathed in cloud. The Aconcagua Provincial Park offers short walks with views of the mountain for those who want to get closer.
Puente del Inca (Inca Bridge)
Altitude: 2,720 m
One of the most extraordinary natural formations in South America, the Puente del Inca is a natural stone arch bridge that spans the Río Mendoza, stained vivid yellow and orange by sulphurous thermal springs. The Incas used this crossing as part of their road network through the Andes, and the ruins of an old thermal spa — destroyed by an avalanche in the 1960s — still cling to the arch, encrusted in mineral deposits. It is a surreal, otherworldly sight: ancient stone, vivid colour, and the roar of the glacial river below.
Los Libertadores Border Pass
Altitude: 3,832 m
The official Chile–Argentina border crossing sits at 3,832 metres, marked by the Christ the Redeemer statue — a bronze figure erected in 1904 to commemorate a peace treaty between the two nations. The pass is named in honour of the liberators of South America, and the views from here are extraordinary: the Andes stretch in every direction, and on a clear day you can see for hundreds of kilometres. The crossing itself is efficient and well-organised, with modern facilities on both sides.
Practical Information
Travel Time
Approximately 6–8 hours from Santiago to Mendoza city, including stops and border formalities.
Best Season
Open year-round. Summer (Dec–Mar) offers the clearest views. The pass occasionally closes in winter due to snow — we monitor conditions.
Border Crossing
Los Libertadores / Cristo Redentor pass. We handle all documentation and guide you through the process.
Vehicle
Private comfortable vehicle with an experienced bilingual driver-guide who knows every stop along the route.
What to Bring
Passport, warm layers (temperatures drop significantly at altitude), sunscreen, and a camera.
Combine With
This crossing pairs perfectly with 2–3 nights in Mendoza exploring Luján de Cuyo, Valle de Uco, and Maipú.
Add This to Your Tour
Ready to Cross the Andes?
Tell us which Chile valleys you'd like to visit and we'll build an itinerary that includes the Andes crossing and Mendoza extension.