# Argentina & Chile Andes Passes – Reopening & Weather Risks > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/argentina-chile-mountain-crossing-operations > Updated: 2026-09-08T15:21:23.000Z. Sources: 98. Developments: 22. The Cristo Redentor International Pass, a vital link between Argentina and Chile, continues to face instability due to extreme weather. Following a period of closure, the Cristo Redentor and Los Libertadores passes officially reopened for cargo transport at 11:00 local time on Monday, August 31, after technical teams confirmed the route was passable. However, private vehicles, buses, and tourists remained prohibited, and the previous closure had left more than 250 trucks stranded at various control points. This period of stability was short-lived. On Tuesday, September 2, authorities implemented a two-stage closure of the Cristo Redentor International Tunnel due to severe weather and heavy snowfall. Barriers at the Uspallata control point in Argentina and the Guardia Vieja point in Chile were scheduled to close at 17:00, with a full tunnel closure following at 19:00. This preventive measure was taken to mitigate risks from snow accumulation, ice, and low visibility. As of the latest reports, there is no confirmed date for reopening, as meteorological forecasts suggest adverse conditions may persist. Officials intend to re-evaluate the situation on Wednesday morning. These recurring disruptions have intensified calls from regional leaders, such as Los Andes Mayor Manuel Rivera, for improved protocols and technology to manage connectivity amid climate change, as well as long-term infrastructure solutions like a permanent tunnel. ## Claims - The Cristo Redentor International Pass is reopening progressively after a 34-day closure caused by heavy snow. (disputed by 13 sources) - The Cristo Redentor Pass has been closed for more than 20 days due to historic snowfall. (disputed by 3 sources) - Approximately 700 trucks have been stranded on the Argentine side of the pass. (disputed) - Over 250 trucks were stranded at control points awaiting the reopening. (disputed) - The initial reopening phase is restricted exclusively to land cargo transport. (corroborated by 12 sources) - From August 18 to August 20, cargo trucks can travel from Argentina to Chile between 09:00 and 21:00. (corroborated by 12 sources) - From August 21 to August 22, cargo trucks can travel from Chile to Argentina between 09:00 and 21:00. (corroborated by 11 sources) - Tourism, including private vehicles and buses, remains suspended to prioritize cargo movement. (corroborated by 11 sources) - Priority will be given to trucks already documented in the Uspallata parking lot. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The Cristo Redentor/Los Libertadores international pass reopened on Monday, August 31, following weather-related delays. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Fruit and vegetable prices in Mendoza have risen between 30% and 40% because of the closure. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Cristo Redentor International Tunnel closed due to snow The Cristo Redentor International Tunnel between Argentina and Chile is closed due to heavy snow and adverse weather, with no immediate reopening date confirmed. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cristo-redentor-international-tunnel-closed-due-to-snow ### 2026-08-29: Cristo Redentor international pass reopens for cargo transport The Cristo Redentor and Los Libertadores border passes between Argentina and Chile reopened on Monday for cargo transport only, following weather-related delays and the stranding of over 250 trucks. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cristo-redentor-international-pass-reopens-for-cargo-transport ### 2026-08-28: South American infrastructure demands grow for Route 5 and Cristo Redentor Pass Infrastructure demands rise in South America as advocates call for the expansion of Argentina's Route 5 and a permanent solution for the Cristo Redentor Pass to secure regional logistics. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-american-infrastructure-demands-grow-for-route-5-and-cristo-redentor-pass ### 2026-08-20: Cristo Redentor International Pass reopens after month-long snow closure The Cristo Redentor International Pass between Argentina and Chile has reopened to all vehicles after a nearly 40-day closure due to heavy snow, though new storms are forecasted for next week. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/andes-snowstorm-blocks-paso-de-los-libertadores-impacting-regional-trade ### 2026-08-17: Cristo Redentor Pass reopens after 34-day closure The Cristo Redentor International Pass is reopening progressively after a 34-day snow-induced closure. Initial access is restricted to cargo trucks on a staggered, one-way schedule to manage vehicle backlogs. 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cristo-redentor-border-crossing-to-reopen-for-cargo-transport ### 2026-08-15: Neuquén begins operation to clear stranded trucks near Chile border Authorities in Neuquén are working to clear over 1,200 stranded trucks blocked by border closures with Chile due to heavy snow, using the Centenario Autodrome as a temporary staging area. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/neuqun-begins-operation-to-clear-stranded-trucks-near-chile-border ### 2026-08-04: Chile-Argentina Cristo Redentor Pass Closed for Over 20 Days Amid Historic Snow Historic snow has shut the Cristo Redentor Pass for over 20 days, stranding ~700 trucks, spiking Mendoza food prices 30‑40 % and prompting Chile‑Argentina plans to upgrade Pehuenche, seek Chinese funding for an 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-argentina-cristo-rededor-pass-closure-spurs-binational-infrastructure-plan ### 2026-08-02: Cristo Redentor border crossing stays shut, stranding trucks between Chile and Argentina The Cristo Redentor (Los Libertadores) border crossing remains closed for 18 days due to heavy snow, halting truck traffic between Chile and Argentina and forcing costly reroutes. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cristo-redentor-border-crossing-stays-shut-stranding-trucks-between-chile-and-argentina ### 2026-07-31: Argentina's Ruta 40 reopened partially after landslide in Neuquén A mudslide blocked National Route 40 near San Martín de los Andes, Neuquén; authorities have partially reopened the road with limited hours and police assistance, while monitoring continues. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentinas-ruta-40-reopened-partially-after-landslide-in-neuqun ### 2026-07-31: Chile's MOP launches emergency road repairs after severe rains Chile's MOP is inspecting Ruta R‑400, opened a bypass on N‑42, and used metal mesh to stop a rockfall on Ruta 5, while eight routes stay cut and over 300 families lack water after severe rains. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-and-argentina-restore-key-mountain-roads-after-weather-damage ### 2026-07-27: Argentina reopens mountain highways to ski resorts and Patagonia routes amid snow safety warnings Argentina reopened mountain Route 7 to Los Puquios and Penitentes ski parks and Route 259 between Esquel and Trevelin after heavy snow, urging drivers to carry chains, follow safety advice and avoid nighttravel 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-reopens-mountain-highways-to-ski-resorts-and-patagonia-routes-amid-snow-safety-warnings ### 2026-07-24: Mendoza starts operation to free 1,500 trucks stranded by snow‑blocked Cristo Redentor Snow has closed the Cristo Redentor pass, stranding 1,500+ trucks in Mendoza. A special protocol will stage their release over 5‑6 days, while rescue teams evacuate over 100 villagers and work to reopen the key 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cristo-redentor-border-closure-strands-over-1500-trucks-on-argentinachile-route ### 2026-07-24: Argentina faces multiple road disruptions from weather and accidents Argentina sees a Bolivian truck stranded on Route 141 after flood damage and a snow‑forced closure of the scenic Ruta de los Siete Lagos on Route 40, both causing travel delays. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-grapples-with-truck-stranding-and-snowdriven-road-closures ### 2026-07-21: Heavy Snowstorm Closes Argentina's High‑Altitude Passes, Strands Hundreds of Trucks A severe snowstorm in Argentina’s Andes has closed the Cristo Redentor and Pino Hachado passes, stranded about 1 380 trucks, evacuated 92 people, and rescued five miners amid extreme cold. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-and-chile-mountain-passes-shut-as-snowstorm-hits-andes ### 2026-07-10: Los Libertadores Pass remains closed as weather stalls Chile‑Argentina traffic Heavy precipitation forced the closure of the Los Libertadores border crossing and Cristo Redentor Tunnel between Chile and Argentina, with no set reopening date pending improved weather. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-libertadores-pass-remains-closed-as-weather-stalls-chileargentina-traffic ### 2026-07-10: Patagonian highways face fog, drizzle and unsafe conditions Fog, drizzle and slippery roads force Vialidad Nacional to warn drivers on Route 3, Route 26 and several Patagonian highways, with chains mandatory in Neuquén and Río Negro. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentinas-road-agency-warns-of-hazardous-conditions-on-route-3-and-neuqun-highways ### 2026-06-27: Pino Hachado border crossing closed then reopened with extreme caution due to snow and ice Argentina closed the Pino Hachado border crossing on 27 June because of snow, ice and rock hazards, then reopened it later that day with a warning to travel only with extreme caution. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pino-hachado-border-crossing-closed-then-reopened-with-extreme-caution-due-to-snow-and-ice ### 2026-06-23: Argentina faces snow‑related road cautions and border pass restrictions Snow and ice are forcing caution on many Argentine provincial roads, closing Córdoba’s E‑34, and restricting Chilean border passes, with chains required. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/andean-snow-closes-key-argentine-routes-to-chile ### 2026-06-11: Argentina opens Paso de Sico border crossing and upgrades Bariloche airport road Argentina fully opened the Paso de Sico border crossing and began a CAF‑financed upgrade of Route 80 to improve access to Bariloche airport, aiming to boost regional connectivity and tourism. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-opens-paso-de-sico-border-crossing-and-upgrades-bariloche-airport-road ### 2026-06-09: Argentina and Chile close key Andean border passes due to weather Argentina and Chile have closed the Cristo Redentor, Pehuenche and Agua Negra border passes due to heavy snowfall and safety concerns, halting international traffic until conditions improve. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-and-chile-close-key-andean-border-passes-due-to-weather ### 2026-06-04: Paso Pehuenche crossing stays open; concession study to modernize route Cristo Redentor and Pehuenche border passes between Argentina and Chile remain open, and Chile launches a feasibility study to concession‑modernize the Pehuenche crossing, aiming to boost trade and tourism. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-argentina-border-passes-stay-open-as-modernization-study-is-launched ### 2026-05-30: Cristo Redentor Pass adopts winter schedule, nightly closure from June 1, 2026 From 1 June 2026 the Cristo Redentor Pass between Argentina and Chile will follow a winter timetable, suspending night traffic and closing the tunnel nightly until 31 August, with defined daytime hours for each 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cristo-redentor-pass-adopts-winter-schedule-nightly-closure-from-june-1-2026 --- Cite as: Argentina & Chile Andes Passes – Reopening & Weather Risks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/argentina-chile-mountain-crossing-operations