Routes & Road Trips
Itineraries and routes to explore Chile by car or bus.
Pichachén pass: Biobío's new border complex reaches 88% and the summer opening is still under review
Work on the new Pichachén border complex, in Antuco, is 88% complete and should finish in the first quarter of 2027, according to the Biobío Public Works office. The opening of the pass to Argentina for the 2026-2027 summer is still under review. Investment, timelines and what to know before crossing to Neuquén.
Jama Pass, Sico and Hito Cajón closed by snow in El Loa: what to know if you are traveling to San Pedro de Atacama
El Loa's provincial authority closed routes CH-23 and CH-27 and the Jama, Sico and Hito Cajón border crossings over a snow forecast, and Senapred issued a preventive alert with 5 to 15 cm of snow on October 29 and 30, 2026. Status of each crossing and tips for travelers.
Cristo Redentor pass reopens on a special schedule: only into Chile on Tuesday and both ways from Wednesday
The Cristo Redentor (Los Libertadores) pass between Chile and Argentina reopens on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 from 12:00, only in the Argentina-to-Chile direction. On Wednesday the 28th, traffic toward Argentina runs from 4:00 to 16:00, and from 16:00 in both directions. Schedule, queues and tips.
Puerto Montt-Bariloche direct flight: the efforts to bring it back this summer
Puerto Montt and Bariloche are working to restore the 45-minute direct flight between the two cities this summer. A customs scanner is still needed at El Tepual airport, funded with CLP 146 million by the Los Lagos Regional Government. What is known, what is missing and how to travel in the meantime.
Cristo Redentor pass closes again due to bad weather: the next update is on Tuesday 27 October
The Cristo Redentor (Los Libertadores) pass between Chile and Argentina closed again on Sunday 25 October 2026 because of the bad weather forecast in the Andes, just two days after reopening. The Pehuenche pass is also closed. Closing times, when the next update is due and alternatives.
Cristo Redentor pass: gradual reopening, with private cars allowed from Friday October 23
The Cristo Redentor (Los Libertadores) border pass between Chile and Argentina reopens in stages after the snow closure of Sunday October 18: trucks on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22, and all vehicles from Friday October 23, 2026. Hours, what to check before leaving and alternatives.
Weather front: mountain roads closed on October 21, from El Yeso to Termas del Flaco
Because of the weather front, access to the El Yeso reservoir, San Gabriel, the Farellones road and the road to Termas del Flaco remain closed as a precaution, as do the ports of the Valparaíso region. Which roads to avoid, how much rain fell and what is coming on Thursday 22.
Farellones road closure due to red alert: hours for October 20 and 21
Santiago's transport authority is restricting the Farellones road (G-21) and route G-251 on Tuesday October 20 and early Wednesday October 21, 2026, due to avalanche and mudslide risk. Hours, exemptions and what to do if you had plans in the mountains.
Carretera Austral: Sernatur's platform showing roadworks and travel times for the 2026-2027 season
Sernatur launched version 2.0 of "Plan your Trip on the Carretera Austral": roadworks map by date, a planner with 22 points and 462 combinations, offline use and three languages. What it includes and how to use it before driving through Aysén.
Road trip music for Chile's coast: a playlist for the drive and the sunset
Road trip music for Chile's coast: how many songs you need for each route, what to play on each stretch, Chilean songs for the road and sunset times in Arica, Iquique, La Serena, Valparaíso and Pichilemu.
Agua Negra Pass has no opening date: officials now point to January 2027
Snow clearing on the Agua Negra Pass is about 33% done, with up to 7.82 meters of snow. Officials have ruled out December and point to January 2027, the latest opening in two decades. Alternatives for crossing.
Road trip games with friends: ideas for the drive and the night at the cabin
Road trip games with friends in Chile: for long stretches of highway, for areas with no signal and for the night at the cabin or campsite.
Cristo Redentor pass: open 24 hours after the October snowfall
The Cristo Redentor border crossing between Chile and Argentina is open 24 hours again for all vehicles after the snowfall. Status, temperatures and what to check before crossing.
The Carretera Austral: a guide for a multi-week road trip
What the Carretera Austral is, how long it takes to drive, and how to plan a road trip through Chilean Patagonia from Puerto Montt southward.
Route 5 North: driving from Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama
How to plan a road trip along Route 5 heading north, with the main stops between Santiago and San Pedro de Atacama.
The Seven Lakes Route in Araucanía
A one-day driving route through seven lakes in Araucanía, between Villarrica, Pucón and Panguipulli, with volcanoes in the background.
How to plan a road trip through Chile's Central Valley wine country
A 3-4 day itinerary combining Santiago, wine valleys and the central coast, no organized tour required.