MENDOZA TO CHILE OR CHILE TO MENDOZA: PRIVATE ANDES CROSSING

Santiago or Valparaíso ⇄ Mendoza | One-Way Private Transfer & Tour

SHORT SUMMARY

A private, full-day crossing of the Andes in either direction: from Mendoza to Santiago or Valparaíso, or from Chile to Mendoza. You travel one of the most dramatic mountain roads on Earth, past the foot of Aconcagua and through the legendary Caracoles switchbacks, with your own driver-guide and stops along the way. This is a private service, never shared with other travelers.

OVERVIEW

Few journeys link two wine countries the way this one does. Leaving Mendoza, the road climbs along the Mendoza River and passes the turquoise Potrerillos reservoir. It crosses the high desert valley of Uspallata and rises into the heart of the Andes. Along the way you'll see Puente del Inca, a natural stone bridge stained gold by mineral springs, and Aconcagua, the highest peak outside the Himalayas, at 6,961 m. Then comes the international border at Paso Los Libertadores, at nearly 3,200 m.

On the Chilean side, the road drops past the ski village of Portillo and Laguna del Inca. Then come Los Caracoles, 29 hairpin bends carved into the mountainside. From there the landscape softens into the vineyards of the Aconcagua Valley before Santiago, or the Pacific coast and the colorful hills of Valparaíso.

Coming from Chile, the same journey runs in reverse. You climb from the Pacific side up the Caracoles and descend into Mendoza's vineyards, arriving in time for a glass of Malbec at sunset.

This is a private transfer, not a shared shuttle. Your bilingual driver-guide travels only with your party, stops for photos when you want, and handles the border crossing with you. It's the most scenic way to connect a Mendoza wine experience with Chile's Maipo, Casablanca or Colchagua valleys.

WHY YOU GO

- The silence of the high Andes, with Aconcagua's glaciers filling the windshield

- Thin, cold mountain air at the border, then the warmth of the vineyards a few hours later

- Two wine countries, one road, and a story you'll tell for years

ROUTE (Mendoza → Chile shown; Chile → Mendoza follows the same road in the opposite order)

- Pickup at your Mendoza hotel, Airbnb or El Plumerillo Airport (MDZ)

- Potrerillos Reservoir: photo stop over the lake and Cordón del Plata

- Uspallata: coffee and rest stop in the high valley

- Puente del Inca and Aconcagua viewpoint

- Paso Internacional Los Libertadores: border formalities, Argentina and Chile

- Portillo and Laguna del Inca (suggested lunch stop)

- Los Caracoles descent and Aconcagua Valley

- Drop-off at your hotel in Santiago, Santiago Airport (SCL), or Valparaíso / Viña del Mar

DURATION

Approximately 10 hours, depending on waiting times at the border.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

- Private, non-shared transfer in an air-conditioned sedan

- Bilingual driver-guide (English, Spanish, Portuguese)

- Hotel, Airbnb, or airport pickup and drop-off

- Bottled water

- Assistance with border procedures

NOT INCLUDED

- Return trip (price is for one way only)

- Lunch and snacks

- Alcoholic beverages

- Gratuities

PRICE:

- Price is for 2 travelers, one way: Mendoza to Chile or Chile to Mendoza. It does not include a round trip.

- Kids can fit in the sedan car; please ask for this.

- Larger groups are welcome. We can arrange a private minivan, with the price confirmed on request.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

- A valid passport is required for every traveler. Check whether your nationality needs a visa for Chile or Argentina.

- Both countries have agricultural controls at the border, and Chile's (SAG) are especially strict. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, honey and plant products can't be brought in. Declare any food you carry.

- The pass sits at high altitude. Bring warm layers in any season.

- In winter (roughly June– October), the pass can close at short notice because of snow. If that happens, we'll reschedule at no cost.