Over the past few months, Chile has become Argentines' favorite escape, thanks to its incredible diversity of landscapes, from the Atacama Desert to the Patagonian glaciers, along with its shopping prices and how easy it is to reach by land.
According to the latest International Tourism Survey (ETI) from INDEC, in February 2024, 20.2% of Argentines' international trips were to Chile. That makes the neighboring country the second most popular destination after Brazil.
But beyond its tourist appeal, the border crossings between Argentina and Chile offer a unique experience: scenic routes, incredible landscapes, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
That said, for the trip to be safe, affordable and free of surprises, it's essential to have all your paperwork in order, know the recommended routes, and be ready for the neighboring country's regulations. Even more important is knowing which route to choose based on your city of origin or travel itinerary.
In this definitive guide, you'll learn about the most convenient border crossings (and which ones to avoid in winter), the documentation required for people and vehicles, and which destinations are within reach depending on the route you choose.
What's the Best Route to Chile from Argentina
Argentina and Chile share more than 50 border crossings, although not all of them are open to tourists. So, to figure out which border crossing to Chile is best, you first need to know which Argentine provinces you can cross the Andes from. Here are the main crossings by region.
Crossings in Northern Argentina: Jujuy, Salta and Catamarca
- Jama Pass (Jujuy – Antofagasta): One of the highest crossings (4,200 m above sea level), ideal for reaching San Pedro de Atacama.
- Sico Pass (Salta – Antofagasta): Less traveled, requires a 4x4 vehicle in winter.
- San Francisco Pass (Catamarca – Atacama): Connects to Copiapó, open year-round but with snow in winter.
Crossings in Central Argentina: Mendoza, San Juan and Neuquén
- Cristo Redentor Pass (Los Libertadores) (Mendoza – Los Andes): The most popular route for driving from Mendoza to Chile. It connects to the Los Andes region, near Valparaíso. It often closes due to snow in winter, so you should always check whether it's open during that season.
- Agua Negra Pass (San Juan – Coquimbo): A scenic route, only passable in summer.
- Pehuenche Pass (Malargüe – Talca): A less congested alternative, with incredible scenery.
Crossings to Chile from Argentine Patagonia: Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut, Santa Cruz, Tierra del Fuego
- Pino Hachado Pass (Neuquén – Araucanía): In good condition, ideal for reaching Temuco.
- Cardenal Samoré Pass (Puyehue) (Bariloche – Osorno): One of the most used crossings, connecting to the Seven Lakes Route.
- Huemul Pass (Santa Cruz – Magallanes): For reaching Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine.
- Southern Integration Pass (Río Turbio – Puerto Natales): Useful for visiting Torres del Paine National Park.
- San Sebastián Pass (National Route 3): A land crossing between Río Grande and Punta Arenas.
Important: Some crossings close in winter due to snow, and you can check the status of each one before traveling in the Border Crossings section of the Ministry of Security's official website.
Requirements for Crossing into Chile by Car
If you've been wondering what you need to drive into Chile from Argentina, you can check the information from the National Directorate of Technical Border Affairs and the Argentine Embassy in Chile. This regulatory body determines which forms of personal ID are valid in each case, which vehicle documents you should have on hand, and how to prepare everything for customs procedures.
Here's the essential checklist to prepare before you travel.
Documentation Needed to Travel to Chile by Car or Overland
- DNI card or light-blue DNI booklet (the most recent version issued by RENAPER). Handwritten DNIs (green cover, maroon cover, and the light-blue booklet for newborns) are not valid, nor are DNI-in-process receipts or damaged documents.
If a minor under 18 is traveling: in addition to a valid travel document, authorization is mandatory, based on the following scenarios.
- If the minor is traveling with both parents, they must prove the relationship by presenting: the Family Civil Registry booklet, or Birth Certificate, or Certificate of Birth (regardless of issue date), or the minor's DNI showing the parents' filiation details.
- If the minor is traveling with only one parent, that parent must, in addition to proving the relationship with one of the documents listed above, provide authorization from the absent parent.
- If the minor is the child of parents who are themselves under 18, authorization is needed from the parents as well as permission from one of the grandparents.
Note: all of this documentation must be presented in original form or as duly legalized or certified copies.
Vehicle Documents Needed to Cross into Chile
The mandatory documentation for driving into Chile is:
- A valid driver's license matching the type of vehicle.
- Green card (vehicle ownership document) or blue card (if you're not the owner).
- RTO/VTV inspection sticker
- Proof of mandatory insurance (an active policy with the legally required minimum coverage).
Besides the paperwork, you also need to carry the required safety equipment: a fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit, and portable triangular warning signs.
What Customs Asks For When Crossing from Argentina to Chile
If you're crossing by car, you need to fill out and submit form OM-2261 (temporary vehicle exit and admission - Argentina-Chile agreement) at Argentine Customs. You must also declare the items you're carrying using form OM-121/A or online. You can fill out these forms before you travel through the Travelers Section of ARCA (formerly AFIP).
When you re-enter the country, fill out Customs declaration form OM-2087/G4 to report any food and goods you purchased abroad. You can get the form at Customs offices or on the AFIP website. We recommend requesting it on your way out of the country or printing it out before your trip.
How to Bring In Items Purchased in Chile
When entering Argentina through a border crossing, travelers can bring in certain items tax-free, within set limits.
Each person over 16 has a duty-free allowance of USD 300, while those under 16 have USD 150. These amounts can be combined for family groups (married couples, civil partners, and unemancipated minor children).
Personal clothing and footwear, toiletries, cosmetics, books and educational materials are allowed without counting against your allowance. You're also allowed to bring in one smartphone and one laptop or tablet tax-free, whether new or used.
Other items, such as additional electronics, jewelry, watches or sports equipment, do count against your available allowance. When the total declared value of your items exceeds your allowance, you must pay a 50% duty on the excess. For example, if an adult brings in USD 500 worth of goods, they'll pay USD 100 (50% of the USD 200 that exceeds the USD 300 allowed).
It is forbidden to bring in archaeological or cultural artifacts, goods intended for commercial or industrial use (including new major household appliances), narcotics, and weapons without ANMAC authorization.
It's essential to have all required documentation on hand: the exit form completed when leaving Argentina, and purchase receipts proving the declared value of the items.
What You Can't Bring into Argentina from Chile
When entering the country, the National Agri-Food Health and Quality Service (Senasa) bans the entry of certain products that could pose a health, plant-health or environmental risk. Some products can be brought in with prior authorization. Otherwise, they may be confiscated or you could face fines.
Animal-Origin Foods:
- Fresh or processed meat of any kind (beef, pork, poultry, etc.)
- Sausages, cold cuts, hams and other meat products.
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, butter).
- Honey and bee products (wax, propolis).
- Homemade or unlabeled food (without a label or health registration).
Plants and Plant Material:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables (apples, citrus, tomatoes, etc.).
- Plants and flowers (ornamental, fruit-bearing, forestry).
- Seeds, bulbs, roots and buds without phytosanitary certification.
Live Animals:
- Pets (dogs, cats) require a health certificate and up-to-date vaccinations (check specific requirements).
- Other animals (birds, reptiles, insects) need special authorization from SENASA.
Other Restricted Products:
- Animal feed (pet food, bones for pets).
- Veterinary products (vaccines, serums, unauthorized medications).
- Biological material (bacteria, fungi, microorganisms for research).
What to Do in Chile If You're Traveling by Car
If you're all set to drive to Chile, it might be time to start planning what to do once you arrive. Tangol's tours and excursions in Chile include specialized guides and admission to attractions. Many of them include transportation along routes that require special vehicles.
Here are a few can't-miss destinations in Chile near each border crossing.
Jama Pass (San Pedro de Atacama)
Astronomical Tour in San Pedro de Atacama: Stargazing with professional telescopes under one of the clearest skies in the world. Includes an astronomy talk and hot chocolate tasting to wrap up the experience on a sweet, comforting note. This is a nighttime activity.
Full Day Tatio Geyser + Machuca Village: A visit to the geothermal field at sunrise (4,200 m above sea level), hot springs, and a highland village. Fresh air and surreal scenery! The activity lasts 12 hours (departure is before sunrise). Includes breakfast and a bilingual guide.
Cristo Redentor Pass (Valparaíso/Viña del Mar)
Heritage Walking Tour through Valparaíso: A walking tour through colorful hills (Alegre and Concepción), street murals and viewpoints. A UNESCO World Heritage site! The activity lasts 3 hours.
Southern Integration Pass (Puerto Natales/Torres del Paine)
Puerto Natales to Puerto Yungay Navigation (round trip): Take a cruise through Patagonian fjords with glacier sightings. You can add a trek in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. The activity lasts 10 hours and includes lunch.
Ice Trekking on Grey Glacier (Torres del Paine): A walk over blue ice with crampons, perfect for adventurers. Includes a boat trip on Lake Grey.
San Sebastián Pass (Punta Arenas)
Trekking in Magallanes National Reserve: Hiking through lenga forests and viewpoints over the strait. You might spot foxes and native birds. The activity lasts up to 4 hours.