Chile News and Travel | By Raul Silva M.
.webp "Image: Cambio21") |
| Many crossings pass through the Andes Mountains Image: Cambio21 |
Chile, a country renowned for its stunning geographical diversity—from the arid Atacama Desert in the north to the icy glaciers of Patagonia in the south—offers travelers a rich blend of landscapes and cultures. Spanning over 6,400 kilometers of land borders, Chile shares frontiers with Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. These border crossings serve as vital links for international trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
With a total land boundary length of approximately 7,801 kilometers, Chile maintains numerous official crossings that connect it with neighboring nations. At each major checkpoint, travelers will find essential government services that ensure a safe and efficient crossing experience. These include:
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PDI (Investigative Police of Chile): Handles immigration control and document verification.
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Chilean Customs Service: Manages the entry and exit of goods.
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SAG (Agricultural and Livestock Service): Regulates the movement of plants, animals, and agricultural products.
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Carabineros de Chile: Provides law enforcement, security, and assistance to travelers.
Together, these institutions safeguard the integrity of Chile's borders while facilitating movement and cooperation across South America.
- Important: The following list first includes the most relevant border crossings—those with the highest traffic or significance—that remain open nearly year-round, except during periods of extremely adverse weather. A second list covers seasonal crossings, generally open in summer, as well as others that, due to their remote location or particular conditions, are less accessible and less frequently used. In either case, it’s recommended to check the operating conditions of your intended crossing in advance.
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Border Crossings Chile - Peru:
Name of Border Pass: Concordia
Coordinates: 18°18′S, 70°19′W
Decimal Coordinates: -18.3°, -70.316667°
Elevation: 85 m a.s.l.
Highway in Chile: Ruta 5 Norte (Pan-American Highway)
Highway in Peru: PE-1S
Nearest City in Chile: Arica, Arica y Parinacota Region (XV Region)
Nearest City in Peru: Tacna
Additional Information:
The Concordia Pass marks the border between Chile and Peru, established by the 1929 Treaty of Lima, which defined the boundary between the two countries following the War of the Pacific. The crossing is monitored by the Chacalluta Border Complex on the Chilean side and the Santa Rosa Border Complex in Peru.
Located near the cities of Arica (Chile) and Tacna (Peru), it is one of the busiest border crossings in Chile and serves as a key corridor for trade and transportation between northern Chile and southern Peru.
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Main Border Crossings Chile - Bolivia:
Name of Border Pass: Chungará / Tambo Quemado
Coordinates: 18°17′S, 69°04′W
Decimal Coordinates: -18.283333°, -69.066667°
Elevation: 4,680 m a.s.l.
Highway in Chile: Route CH-11
Nearest Chilean Town: Putre, Arica y Parinacota Region
Nearest Bolivian Town: Tambo Quemado
Additional Information:
Known as Tambo Quemado on the Bolivian side, the Chungará border crossing is a key point of connection between Chile and Bolivia. Situated in a high-altitude area, it plays a vital role in the movement of people and goods across the Andes.
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Name of Border Pass: Colchane / Pisiga
Coordinates: 19°16′00″S, 68°37′00″W
Decimal Coordinates: -19.266667, -68.616667
Elevation: 3,695 m a.s.l.
Chilean Route: Ruta CH-15
Nearest Chilean Town: Colchane, Tarapacá Region
Nearest Bolivian Town: Pisiga, Oruro Department
Additional Information:
This international crossing connects northern Chile with the Oruro Department of Bolivia. On the Chilean side, the closest settlement is Colchane, located in the highlands of the Tarapacá Region. On the Bolivian side, the nearest locality is Pisiga, accessible via Bolivia’s National Route 12.
Description:
The Colchane / Pisiga border crossing is one of the main gateways between Chile and Bolivia, located in the Andean highlands at an elevation of 3,695 m a.s.l. It connects the Chilean village of Colchane with the Bolivian settlement of Pisiga. The surrounding area is marked by arid landscapes, high-altitude plains, and a strong Aymara cultural heritage. From Pisiga, travelers can continue toward the nearby town of Sabaya, or farther east to the city of Oruro, about 215 km away. On the Chilean side, the route leads westward to the coastal city of Iquique. This crossing is frequently used by tourists and commercial transport alike, serving as a key point for binational trade and cultural exchange.
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Name of Border Pass: Cancosa / Apacheta de Irpa
Coordinates: 19º50´S, 68º35'W
In decimal: -19.816667°, -68.583333°
Meters above sea level: 4010 m a.s.l.
Highway or Road Name in Chile: A-95
Nearest town or city in Chile: Cancosa, Tarapacá Region
Nearest town or city in Bolivia: Bella Vista
Additional Information: 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 the high-altitude environment. Although it is primarily used for commercial transport, adventurous travelers heading to Bolivia's more remote regions can take advantage of this pass to explore 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 Potosí 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 Araucanía 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 Araucanía 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 Araucanía Region. It is surrounded by the spectacular landscapes of the Andes, offering breathtaking views of the Lanín 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 Lanín 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 Frías 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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