The road with 65 hairpin turns to Christ the Redeemer of the Andes
Set high in the Andes, Cristo Redentor de los Andes is a massive 4-ton statue at an elevation of 3,832m (12,572ft) above sea level. Located on the border between Argentina and Chile, this iconic monument offers breathtaking views in a challenging mountainous terrain.
Perilous Beauty: The Unpaved Road to Cristo Redentor de los Andes
The statue is situated near the scenic Paso Internacional de los Libertadores. The road leading to the summit, accessible only in summer due to heavy snow in winter and extreme temperatures reaching -30°C, is unpaved on both sides. This route marks the highest point on the old road connecting the Argentinian city of Mendoza and the Chilean city of Santiago. However, it can be closed at any time due to snow blocking both ends and the risk of rockfall.
Connecting Nations: The Scenic and Challenging Route of E-773/RN A006
Connecting the towns of Las Cuevas in Argentina and Parada Caracoles in Chile, the road, known as E-773 on the Chilean side and RN A006 on the Argentinian side, spans 17.1km (10.62 miles). The journey, characterized by 65 hairpin turns and steep gradients exceeding 15%, takes more than 50 minutes to navigate.
La Cumbre Pass: The Historic Link Between Chile and Argentina
Despite being challenging, with curves, hairpin turns, dangerous drop-offs, and a lack of guardrails on steep sections, the road is now primarily used as a tourist route leading to the statue. Situated in La Cumbre Pass, it served as the original link between Chile and Argentina until a paved tunnel bypassed it in 1980. The pass connects the Mendoza Province of Argentina with the Valparaíso Region of Chile.
Cristo Redentor de los Andes: Bridging Borders, Defying Heights
Erected in 1904, the bronze Cristo Redentor de los Andes commemorates the peaceful resolution of a border dispute between Argentina and Chile. As one of the world's highest monuments, it stands as a testament to the historical harmony achieved between the two nations.