Chilean authorities seek alternative mountain passes following Los Libertadores closure

The recent 34-day closure of the Los Libertadores mountain pass due to heavy snow has intensified calls for more resilient land connectivity between Chile and Argentina. While the pass has begun a gradual reopening, initially restricted to cargo transport, the delay has highlighted the vulnerability of current trans-Andean logistics.

In the Araucanía region, the CChC Araucanía is advocating for the strengthening of the Pino Hachado pass. They argue that this route offers lower altitudes and greater climate resilience, making it a strategic alternative to support the growing energy and industrial demands of the Vaca Muerta development in Argentina.

Simultaneously, officials in the Coquimbo region are pushing for improvements to the Agua Negra pass. Following a season that saw over 73,000 crossings, regional authorities have proposed a $330 million investment to the Ministry of Public Works to pave approximately 44 kilometers of road to meet international standards and ensure more reliable transit.