
Travelling through Huahum Pass, one of the lowest passes of the Andes
Chile, south-america
N/A
625 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Paso Huahum! This Andean beauty straddles the border between Chile and Argentina, clocking in at a cool 625 meters (2,051 feet). It's one of the lower crossings in the southern Andes, making it a pretty accessible option.
Also known as Paso Pirihueico, this route connects San Martín de los Andes (Argentina) and Panguipulli (Chile). You'll be cruising Ruta CH-203 on the Chilean side and Ruta Provincial 48 on the Argentinian side. Heads up: both are gravel roads! Expect it to be rocky and steep on the Chilean side.
To reach the pass from Chile, you’ll need to hop on a ferry across Lake Pirihueico. The Hua Hum ferry makes daily trips between Puerto Fuy and Puerto Pirihueico, and the ride itself is a scenic 1.5-hour mini-adventure. This pass is the main route from Chile's Los Ríos Region into Argentina's Neuquén Province. And the best part? It stays open year-round, so snow won't stop you!
Where is it?
Travelling through Huahum Pass, one of the lowest passes of the Andes is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -30.9426, -72.7935
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Max Elevation
- 625 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -30.9426, -72.7935
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