The mountain pass of Christ the Savior in the Andes

Paso Internacional Los Libertadores, also called the pass of Christ the Savior, a mountain pass in the Andes between Argentina and Chile. This is the main transport route connecting the Chilean capital Santiago with Mendoza in Argentina, with a fairly gridlocked traffic. With twenty-nine hairpin turns on an extremely steep slope, it is also one of the most challenging roads in the world.

The road starts on the Chilean side with a very steep rise, about 50 km from the city of copiapó, and 70 km to the North from Santiago. Travelers here will have to experience something akin to a roller coaster. The first 20 turns lasted more than 4 km, with a change in elevation from 2,275 to 2,550 meters, after which the road rises to the height of 2,650 meters. The following 9 roller coaster will lift You to a height of 2,800 meters. From here you drive another 5 km to the Chilean border and then another two kilometers to the beginning of the old road leading to the top.





A few kilometers from the Chilean customs post, at an elevation of 3,175 meters, is the tunnel leading across the border to Argentina. Opened in 1980, the tunnel, Christ in length, 3,080 meters plays an important role in connecting Chile and Argentina. The road may be closed during winter due to heavy snowfall, blocking both exits, and the threat of rockfall.

On top (3,840 m) is the famous statue of Christ the Saviour, erected in 1904 in honour of the peaceful resolution of the border dispute between the two countries. The Argentine side of the aisle has a higher quality fabric and much better supported. The traffic here is very rich, because many tourists come to enjoy the views and ride on an unusual road. From the top you need to descend approximately to the height of 1,000 meters before reaching the Argentine customs in Las Cuevas.





Source: lifeglobe.net/