The Cristo Redentor Pass, the main border crossing between Argentina and Chile via Uspallata, will open today, Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 9 AM to 9 PM, exclusively for trucks heading to Chile. The announcement was made by Ernesto Arriaga on social media, impacting international freight transport.

The Cristo Redentor Pass, the main road corridor between Argentina and Chile in the province of Mendoza, will be operational again this Wednesday, August 19, 2026, but with restrictions. The announcement came from Ernesto Arriaga via his Twitter account, posted at 1:39 AM: "TODAY FROM 9 AM THE CRISTO REDENTOR PASS FROM USPALLATA TO CHILE WILL BE OPEN ONLY FOR TRUCKS GOING TO CHILE, AND IT WILL CLOSE AT 9 PM".

The reopening is exclusive for trucks heading to Chile – that is, only for cargo transport from Argentina to the trans-Andean country. No private vehicles, passenger buses, or trucks in the opposite direction (Chile to Argentina) will be allowed. The operating hours are from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with a full closure at the end of that window.

Context: A vital link for bilateral trade

The Cristo Redentor Pass, also known as the Uspallata Pass, is one of the busiest border crossings in South America. Located at an altitude of about 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) in the Andes, it connects Argentina's Mendoza province with Chile's Valparaíso region via National Route 7 and Chilean Route CH-60.

This pass is essential for bilateral commerce: roughly 80% of the overland trade between the two countries passes through here, according to Argentine customs data. However, its operation is heavily dependent on weather conditions, especially in winter, when snowfall and whiteout winds can force the crossing to close for hours or even days.

Allowing only trucks heading to Chile suggests that meteorological conditions are not fully favorable, but still permit heavy freight to move in one direction. This measure is often applied to ease congestion at border posts and ensure the flow of trade.

Key Data
  • Date: August 19, 2026
  • Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Direction: Only Argentina → Chile
  • Vehicles: Trucks only
  • Location: Paso Cristo Redentor, Uspallata

Recommendations for truck drivers

Drivers planning to cross should note that the pass will close promptly at 9:00 PM, so it is advisable to start early. Also, have all documentation ready and follow the instructions of control authorities on both sides of the border.

For real-time updates, check the official accounts of the ANSV (National Road Safety Agency) and APTTA (Association of Owners of Tourist Transport and Automobiles), whom Arriaga mentioned in his tweet, as well as reports from the National Gendarmerie.

If weather allows, the pass is expected to reopen in the coming days with broader traffic. Meanwhile, this 12-hour window provides some relief for freight transport waiting to cross the Andes.

Source: imago.com.ar