This Friday, August 21, 2026, started with excellent news for those needing to cross the Andes Mountains. Through his Twitter account, Ernesto Arriaga, Border Coordinator, confirmed that from 9:00 AM the Cardenal Samoré and Pino Hachado passes are now open for all types of vehicles, with no weight or category restrictions.
The measure, published in the early hours of today, brings relief to truck drivers, tourists, and residents of the Patagonian region who depend on these international corridors for their daily activities.
Where are these passes?
The Cardenal Samoré Pass (also known as Puyehue Pass) connects the province of Neuquén in Argentina with the Los Lagos region in Chile. It is one of the busiest crossings in Patagonia, especially for cargo transport and tourism to the cities of Osorno and Puerto Montt.
The Pino Hachado Pass also connects Neuquén with Chile's Araucanía region, serving as a key route to reach Temuco and southern Chile.
Why is this important?
During the winter months, these passes often face temporary closures due to snow accumulation, blizzards, or maintenance work. The reopening for all vehicles means there are no longer limitations for large trucks, speeding up bilateral trade and cargo transport.
For travelers, it means they can plan their trips normally, though it is always recommended to check road conditions before departing.
The news was shared by Arriaga on Twitter at 1:17 AM and quickly went viral among truckers and local residents. It is expected that vehicle flow will fully normalize during the day.
For more information on border crossing status, you can visit the official Border Coordination website or follow Gendarmería Nacional on social media.