Where is Pehuenche Pass?
Chile, south-america
167 km
2,557 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Let's talk about Paso Pehuenche, an epic high-altitude pass straddling the border between Argentina and Chile. We're talking 2,557 meters (8,389 feet) above sea level, people!
This beauty connects Mendoza Province in Argentina with Chile's Maule Region. The best part? It's paved! Smooth sailing (relatively speaking!) all the way to the top since they finished paving it in 2018. You'll find it marked as Ruta Internacional CH 115 on the Chilean side and Ruta Nacional 145 once you cross into Argentina.
The whole shebang stretches for about 167 kilometers (104 miles) from Las Loicas, Argentina, to San Clemente, Chile. Plan for a solid 2.5 to 3.5 hours of driving time if you don't stop, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially as you climb higher. And speaking of climbing, get ready for some seriously steep sections – some ramps hit an 11% gradient!
Keep in mind, this pass is a seasonal star. Usually, it's open from December to March, but Mother Nature calls the shots, so check conditions before you go. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. You're deep in the Andes, surrounded by dramatic peaks and landscapes. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 167 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,557 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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