Mendoza to Santiago transfer: Cross the mountain by road

Five hours through snow, rock and river between two countries

A private transfer between Mendoza, Argentina and Santiago, Chile that trades the 45-minute flight for a 5-hour overland route through the Andes. The journey crosses a 3-kilometer tunnel linking the two countries and stops at Aconcagua's viewpoint (the highest peak in the Americas at 6,961 meters) plus Puente del Inca and Uspallata. You pick your vehicle size: sedan for two, MPV for three to four, or minibus for five to ten passengers.

The experience

You arrive in Mendoza or Santiago and need to reach the other city. Instead of flying, you travel by road through the Andes, a route that takes you alongside a river for most of the journey, past abandoned railway tracks from the 1990s, and through terrain where snow, rock, sand and water shape the landscape. The drive is 380 kilometers each way, plus time for customs at the border. Air-conditioned transportation and bottled water are included. The vehicle you choose depends on your group size.

The standout stop is the Mirador del Cerro Aconcagua, where you get a view of the highest mountain in all of America. You also pass through Puente del Inca and Uspallata, both tourist areas along the route. The border crossing itself happens through a 3-kilometer tunnel that links the Atlantic and Pacific sides of the continent. On the Chilean side, there's a marked stop along the route of the snails: a named landmark worth the pause. Winter travel (roughly June through August) runs only during daylight hours and is subject to weather changes. The road can close in heavy snow.

This is a transfer, not a guided tour: your driver handles the route and the vehicle, and you're free to take photos, rest or simply watch the landscape change. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available if you need one. Service animals are allowed on board.

What’s included

• Private transportation in your choice of vehicle.
• bottled water.
• air-conditioned vehicle.

Options for this experience

4 options

Maximum sedan for 2 peopleUp to 2 per booking · 48 departure times: the first at 00:00, the last at 23:30Sedan for 2 people: sedan car, pickup is included

MPV for 3 to 4 peopleUp to 4 per booking · 24 departure times: the first at 00:00, the last at 23:00Multi Purpose Vehicle for 4 people: up to 4 bags and 4 personal bags, pickup is included

Minibus 5-7 peopleUp to 7 per booking · 24 departure times: the first at 00:00, the last at 23:00Minibus for up to 7 people: 7 bags and 7 personal items, includes pickup

Minibus for 8 to 10 peopleUp to 10 per booking · 24 departure times: the first at 00:00, the last at 23:00Minibus for 10 people: 10 bags and 10 personal items, pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

Book up to2d before

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Mendoza is yours

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to cross the Andes and witness the border landscape itself. Choose the flight if you need to arrive within the hour.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

How long does the drive between Mendoza and Santiago take?

The journey is 380 kilometers and takes approximately 5 hours of driving time, plus additional time for customs clearance at the border.

What is Aconcagua and why is it a stop on this route?

Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the Americas at 6,961 meters above sea level. The Mirador del Cerro Aconcagua viewpoint sits along the route between the two cities, giving you a view of the peak without requiring a separate climb.

Does the route cross into Chile, and how?

Yes, the transfer crosses from Argentina into Chile through a 3-kilometer tunnel that forms the international border and links the Atlantic and Pacific sides of the continent.

What happens if I travel in winter?

Winter travel (June through August) is restricted to daytime hours only and is subject to changes based on weather conditions. Heavy snow can close the road.

Can I bring an infant or small child?

Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available on request.