Is Paso de los Libertadores paved?

Straddling the border between Chile and Argentina, high in the Andes, is Paso Internacional Los Libertadores – a truly unforgettable drive. This fully paved route, known as Ruta 60 (Chile) and Ruta Nacional 7 (Argentina), winds its way to the Cristo Redentor tunnel, a 3km passage drilled right through the mountains at over 3,100 meters.

The border crossing sits below the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, perched even higher at nearly 4,000 meters! This pass is the main artery connecting Santiago, Chile, with Argentina's Mendoza region.

Be warned: winter snows often shut the pass down due to heavy snowfall and potential rockfalls. Even when open, patience and skill are essential.

The Argentinian side offers a relatively gentle climb through stunning mountain landscapes, but the Chilean side? Buckle up! Ruta 60 is a wild ride of hairpin turns, clinging to the mountainside. The section known as "Los Caracoles" (the snails) is a series of steep, tight switchbacks, so perfectly formed they resemble a refrigerator coil from above.

Heavy truck traffic can create bottlenecks, adding to the challenge. But persevere, and you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the snaking road below and, if the weather is clear, Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America.

Despite the challenging conditions, the pass has a decent safety record, but caution is always necessary. Snow and ice are common, and guardrails are absent in many places. Yet, year-round, you'll find cargo trucks and even double-decker buses braving the route.