Friday, May 27, 2016

Dangerous Road- Between Chile and Argentina


Chile and Argentina share more than 5,000 kilometers of border , most of them drawn on the imposing peaks of the Andes. With more than 40 border crossings between the two countries spread over the mountains , the Paso Los Libertadores, also known as the Paso del Cristo Redentor, in particular  the section that the locals call it, rightly, as Los Caracoles.

From the Argentine side the route to the pass is a slow, gentle incline until entering a tunnel at approximately 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) elevation. On the Chilean side the slope has a far higher grade, and the road descends down a long series of switchbacks to make the descent.
Opened in 1980, the Tunnel of the redeeming Christ (Spanish: TĂșnel Cristo Redentor) is 3,080 m (10,105 ft) long, and serves as an important land crossing between Chile and Argentina. At the middle of the tunnel is the national border, which is the termini of Chile Route 60 and Argentina Route 7. The path can be closed during winter because of heavy snows blocking both ends and the threat of rockfall. Read more