Where is Christ the Redeemer of the Andes?
Chile, south-america
17.1 km
3,832 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: high in the Andes, right on the border between Argentina and Chile, sits the Cristo Redentor de los Andes – a massive, 4-ton statue at a staggering 12,572 feet!
This spot, near the Paso Internacional de los Libertadores, used to be *the* way to get between the two countries, until a tunnel came along in 1980. We're talking about the highest point on the old road connecting Mendoza, Argentina, and Santiago, Chile.
Now, getting there isn't a walk in the park. This 10.6-mile stretch, known as E-773 on the Chilean side and RN A006 on the Argentinian, is unpaved on both sides and only open in the summer because winter brings heavy snow and temps that can plummet to -30°C. Even in summer, snow and rockfalls can close it down at any time!
The drive? Think 65 hairpin turns and some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting 15%. It connects Las Cuevas in Argentina with Parada Caracoles in Chile. Expect about 50 minutes to drive it straight through. It's challenging, for sure, with those curves, steep climbs, and dangerous drop-offs. There aren't many guardrails, but it's become a popular tourist route.
And the history? The Cristo Redentor was erected way back in 1904 to celebrate peace between Argentina and Chile after a border dispute. It's one of the highest monuments on Earth and a symbol of harmony between the two nations. The views are unreal!
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 17.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,832 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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