Chile Travel and News | By Raul Silva M.
.webp "Image: Cambio21") |
| Many of the crossings go through the Andes Mountains Image: Cambio21 |
At each of Chile's major border crossings, travelers will find essential government services to ensure a safe and smooth passage. These include the PDI (Investigative Police of Chile), responsible for immigration control; the Chilean Customs Service, overseeing the import and export of goods; the SAG (Agricultural and Livestock Service), which regulates the entry of plants, animals, and related products; and the Carabineros de Chile, who provide security and support at the borders. These authorities work together to maintain the safety and integrity of Chile's borders.
- Important: The following list first includes the most relevant border crossings—those with the highest traffic or importance—that remain open nearly year-round, except in cases of extremely adverse weather. A second list details crossings that are open seasonally, generally in summer, as well as others that, due to their remote location or specific conditions, are less accessible and less frequently used. In either case, it’s recommended to check the operating conditions of the crossing you plan to use beforehand.
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Border Crossings Chile - Peru:
- Additional comments: The Concordia Line refers to the border between Chile and Peru, established by the 1929 Treaty of Lima, which defined the boundaries between the two countries after the War of the Pacific. The Concordia border crossing is monitored by the Chacalluta Border Complex on the Chilean side and the Santa Rosa Border Complex in Peruvian territory.
The international pass is located near the cities of Arica in Chile and Tacna in Peru. It is the second-busiest border crossing in Chile and a key route for trade and transportation between the two countries, especially for goods transported between northern Chile and southern Peru.
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Main Border Crossings Chile - Bolivia:
- Additional comments: The Chungará border crossing is known on the Bolivian side as Tambo Quemado. This is an important crossing point between both countries, located in the high-altitude region.
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- Additional comments: The nearest Chilean town is Colchane (Tarapacá Region), while on the Bolivian side, the closest town is Pisiga, with access via National Route 12.
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- Additional comments: This pass, one of the least traveled in northern Chile, offers a unique experience, crossing vast high-altitude landscapes where impressive geological formations and rich biodiversity can be observed, including species adapted to high altitudes. Although it is primarily used for commercial transport, adventurous travelers heading to the more remote regions of Bolivia can take advantage of this pass to discover little-explored areas.
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- Additional comments: This pass connects Chile and Bolivia through the salt flat that bears its name. On the Bolivian side, the pass is located in the Potosà Department, while on the Chilean side, it is situated in the Antofagasta Region. The climate is classified as cold arid, with two main seasons: the Chilean winter and the "Altiplanic winter," characterized by convective summer rains.
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- Additional comments: Hito Cajón is a vital crossing point for regional connectivity, border security, and economic development between Chile's Antofagasta Region and Bolivia. In addition to contributing to local economic growth by facilitating trade and tourism, it is a strategic point for controlling illicit activities such as drug trafficking and the smuggling of stolen vehicles.
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Main Border Crossings Chile - Argentina:
- Additional comments: Due to its infrastructure, the imposing landscape of the Andes Mountains, its location 153 km from Santiago, the Chilean capital, and its proximity to important Argentine cities, Los Libertadores is one of the most frequented international border crossings in Chile.
The place, also known as Paso Cristo Redentor, is named after the statue of Christ the Redeemer of the Andes, located on the border between Chile and Argentina. The Chilean road to the pass includes a section famous for its numerous curves, known as Los Caracoles, which offer breathtaking views but require cautious driving. The international pass features the Cristo Redentor Tunnel, a 3,080-meter-long tunnel that crosses the Andes Mountains, facilitating the crossing between Chile and Argentina, especially during winter. Additionally, the pass rises to an altitude of 3,200 m a.s.l., making it a fascinating challenge for travelers who wish to experience the majesty of the Andes.
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- Additional comments: To reach Jama Pass from Argentina, the main route is National Route 52. There are no significant alternatives, as Ruta Nacional 52 is the established paved road connecting Jujuy Province to the Jama Pass. The place is located at an altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest border crossings between Argentina and Chile.
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- Additional comments: Sico Border Crossing is located between the Antofagasta Region in Chile and Salta Province, Argentina. This crossing is primarily accessible via National Route 51 in Argentina and Route CH-23 in Chile. It is open only to passenger vehicles and cargo transport.
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- Additional comments: The San Francisco Border Pass is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, including vast deserts, turquoise lagoons, and snow-capped mountains. It is a key route for adventurers seeking to explore one of the most remote and spectacular areas of South America, offering an unforgettable experience for those who dare to travel it. Paso San Francisco has also been used by events such as the Dakar Rally, underscoring its significance not only as a border crossing but also as a destination for those seeking adventure in a stunning natural environment.
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- Additional comments: Pircas Negras is a spectacular route that connects Chile and Argentina, crossing the Andes through dazzling landscapes. The route to Pircas Negras traverses high mountain terrain, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and contrasting colors in the rocks. Additionally, the solitude and vastness of the Andean landscape in this area provide a unique visual experience for travelers seeking to enjoy nature in its purest form.
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- Additional comments: The Agua Negra International Pass connects the Coquimbo Region in Chile with the San Juan Province in Argentina. Its altitude makes it one of the highest passes in South America, and it is closed during winter due to extreme weather conditions and snow accumulation. A tunnel is currently under construction to facilitate year-round crossing. The Agua Negra Tunnel will be approximately 13.9 kilometers long, making it one of the longest tunnels in South America. The construction of the tunnel is expected to enhance the transit of goods and boost the region's economy.
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- Additional comments: The name “Pehuenche” comes from the Pehuenche indigenous people, who inhabited the Andes mountain region in both Chile and Argentina.
The route offers captivating landscapes, featuring hot springs, snow-capped mountains, rivers, and lagoons such as Laguna del Maule, a natural attraction in the area. In addition to being an important commercial crossing, the pass is frequented by tourists seeking access to skiing, mountaineering, fishing, and scenic routes in both Chile and Argentina.
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- Additional comments: Pino Hachado is one of the significant border crossings between Chile and Argentina, particularly important for vehicle traffic, including the transport of goods and tourism. It is one of the passes that remains open for most of the year, although temporary closures may occur in winter due to snow and weather conditions. Pino Hachado connects the AraucanÃa Region in Chile with the province of Neuquén in Argentina. The road that reaches the Pino Hachado International Pass on the Argentine side is Ruta Nacional 242. This route connects with Ruta Nacional 40 in Las Lajas, Neuquén Province, and continues toward the border crossing with Chile.
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- Additional comments: Icalma is a border crossing that connects Chile's AraucanÃa Region with the Argentine province of Neuquén. Like many crossings in the Andes, the Icalma Pass may be temporarily closed during the winter due to heavy snowfall, making it more accessible in the warmer seasons.
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- Additional comments: The Mamuil Malal Border Pass, also known as Paso Tromen, is one of the main routes connecting Chile and Argentina, located in the AraucanÃa Region. It is surrounded by the spectacular landscapes of the Andes, offering breathtaking views of the LanÃn Volcano (3,776 m a.s.l.), one of the region’s most emblematic peaks. Mamuil Malal is frequently used by tourists traveling between Villarrica National Park in Chile and LanÃn National Park in Argentina. The area around Villarrica National Park, renowned for its araucaria forests, lakes, and trails, is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers.
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- Additional comments: Hua Hum International Pass is one of the most scenic border crossings between Chile and Argentina, known for its unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance. Unlike many other border crossings that traverse the high peaks of the Andes, Hua Hum is situated at a relatively low altitude, surrounded by dense forests, crystal-clear rivers, and Lake Pirihueico in Chile.
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- Additional comments: The Cardenal Samoré Pass is one of the busiest border crossings between Chile and Argentina, serving as a key route for trade and tourism. Known for its stunning natural scenery, it is surrounded by native forests, mountains, and lakes.
The complex features modern facilities with efficient immigration and customs controls, facilitating the transit of vehicles and people. However, due to its location in the Andes Mountains, the pass is subject to extreme weather conditions, especially in winter, when heavy snowfall can sometimes force its temporary closure. Originally known as Paso Puyehue, it was renamed in honor of Cardinal Antonio Samoré, an Italian Catholic cardinal and diplomat who played a crucial role in mediating the Beagle conflict between Chile and Argentina in the 1970s.
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- Additional comments: The pass is named after Vicente Pérez Rosales, a prominent Chilean politician and explorer of the 19th century who promoted German colonization in southern Chile and played an important role in the region's development.
The crossing of the Pérez Rosales Pass is one of the most beautiful scenic routes in Chile. It includes a boat ride across several lakes, such as Lake Todos los Santos in Chile and Lake FrÃas in Argentina, surrounded by mountains and lush forests. The pass is mainly accessible during the summer months (December to March), when weather conditions are more favorable. In winter, the weather can be severe, with snowfalls and extreme cold, making the crossing difficult.
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