Pichachen Pass is a vital border road from Argentina to Chile in the Andes

Paso Internacional Pichachén is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.063m (6,768ft) above sea level, located on the border of Argentina and Chile.

Paso internacional Pichachén

Where is Pichachén Pass?

Set high in the Andes mountains, the pass links the Biobío Region of Chile and the Neuquén Province of southwestern Argentina.

Is the road to Pichachén Pass unpaved?

The road to the summit, also known as Cajon del Pichachen or Boquete de Antuco, is totally unpaved. It’s called Ruta CH-5 (in Chile) and Ruta Provincial 6 (in Argentina). The road is very curvy and challenging.

How long is Pichachén Pass?

The pass is 180 km (111 miles) long running west-east from Canteras (in Chile) to El Cholar (in Argentina).

Is the road to Pichachén Pass open?

The road usually closes in winter due to lack of maintenance. The area has dry air and large temperature swings between day and night. Daytime is warm due to direct sunlight, but nights are very cold.

 

 

Drive Us to Your Road!

We have cataloged over 13,000 roads, but we're always looking for more. Have you traveled a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to submit your road story, and we'll feature it on dangerousroads.org!