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.
Where is Christ the Redeemer of the Andes?
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. This route marks the highest point on the old road connecting the Argentinian city of Mendoza and the Chilean city of Santiago.
Is The Unpaved Road to Christ the Redeemer of the Andes open?
The statue is situated near the scenic Paso Internacional de los Libertadores. The road to the summit, accessible only in summer due to heavy snow in winter and extreme temperatures reaching -30°C, is unpaved on both sides. However, it can be closed at any time due to snow blocking both ends and the risk of rockfall.
How challenging is the road to Christ the Redeemer of the Andes?
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, is 17.1km (10.62 miles) long. The road is not easy, with 65 hairpin turns, and steep parts, hitting a 15% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps.
How long does it take to drive the road to Christ the Redeemer of the Andes?
Plan about 50 minutes to complete the drive without any stop. Despite being challenging, with curves, steep parts, hairpin turns, dangerous drop-offs, and a lack of guardrails, the road is now pretty busy, being used as a tourist route leading to the statue.
When was Christ the Redeemer of the Andes built?
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’s a testament to the harmony between the two nations.