The Cristo Redentor pass, the main overland crossing between Chile and Argentina, is once again operating 24 hours a day and for all types of vehicles, after several days of closures and partial openings due to the October snowfall in the Andes. According to the latest report on Thursday, October 15, published by the Mendoza newspaper MDZ, the border complex was working without delays.
The status of the pass can change from one day to the next with the weather. Before setting out, check the official channels: the pass's account on the Argentine side, Chile's Highway Department (Vialidad) and the immigration service's report.
How the Cristo Redentor Pass reopened
| Date | Status of the pass | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, October 9 | Reopens for freight trucks only, from 5 p.m. | MDZ |
| Friday, October 10 | Freight in both directions from 7 a.m.; cars and buses still can't cross | MDZ |
| Sunday, October 11 | Reopens for all vehicles | MDZ |
| Thursday, October 15 | Open 24 hours, no delays | MDZ |
A staggered reopening is common: first the trucks stranded on both sides of the mountains go through, then private cars and buses. That is why, after a long closure, there are often lines at the border complexes for the first few days even when the pass is already open, as MDZ reported on October 9.
Temperatures on Route 7
Even with the pass open, it is very cold in the high Andes in October. On October 15, these were the minimum temperatures in the towns on the Argentine side of Route 7, according to MDZ.
| Town (Mendoza) | Reported temperature |
|---|---|
| Las Cuevas | −13 °C |
| Puente del Inca | −12 °C |
| Punta de Vacas | −9 °C |
| Uspallata | 1 °C |
Route 7 was cleared at kilometer 1112, where rocks had fallen from the slopes. The Pehuenche pass, further south, was still closed on that date.
Does your transport company, hotel or service on the road to Mendoza want to reach travelers crossing the Andes?
See advertising formatsWhat to check before crossing the Cristo Redentor Pass
- The status of the pass on the same day: it can close due to snow or wind forecasts, sometimes with only a few hours' notice.
- Snow chains: in winter and early spring, checkpoints may require them for private cars.
- Documents: a valid ID card or passport, and if the car isn't yours, a notarized authorization from the owner. For rental cars, the company's permission to leave the country.
- Fuel and warm clothing: there are few services between Los Andes and Uspallata, and a delay at the border complex can mean hours stopped in sub-zero temperatures.
- Bus schedules: companies reschedule departures after each closure; confirm the time with the company before going to the terminal.
A key crossing for tourism
A large share of the Argentine tourists who reach Chile overland cross at Cristo Redentor, a market that fell sharply in 2026, as we explain in our story on foreign tourists in Chile. Every long closure affects travelers, international buses and freight transport, as well as the ski resorts in the area, such as Portillo, which sits on the same road.
For people traveling by car, it is one of the most spectacular roads in the Andes, with the Caracoles switchbacks on the Chilean side and views of Aconcagua on the Argentine side. If you are planning a long overland trip, also check our guide to transportation in Chile.
Alternatives if the Cristo Redentor Pass closes again
When Cristo Redentor closes for several days, travelers have few options. The most direct is flying: there are flights between Santiago and Mendoza that cross the Andes in about an hour. Overland, the passes further south, such as Pino Hachado in Araucanía or Cardenal Samoré in the Los Lagos region, are hundreds of kilometers away and can also close due to snow in winter and spring.
If a closure catches you on the road, authorities on both sides advise not to go beyond the checkpoints: on the Argentine side, during long closures, traffic is only allowed as far as Puente del Inca.
Where to get updates
- Argentine side: the official account of the Cristo Redentor International Pass and Argentina's National Highway Department post the status several times a day.
- Chilean side: the Border Crossings Unit and the Highway Department post updates on social media.
- International buses: companies notify passengers by email or message when a departure is rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cristo Redentor pass open?
According to the latest report on October 15, 2026, it was open 24 hours for all vehicles and without delays. The status can change with the weather, so check it on the day of travel.
When did the pass reopen for cars?
On Sunday, October 11. Before that, from October 9, only freight trucks could cross.
Is the Pehuenche pass open?
As of October 15 it was still closed, according to MDZ.
