From Los Andes in Chile to Mendoza in Argentina
My current motorcycle trip is from Los Andes in Chile to Mendoza in Argentina.
This distance is approximately 280 km.
I’m crossing the same border as when I went from Santiago to Uspallata six months ago.
I am leaving Los Andes.
I remembered that this road gets congested because it’s a single-lane mountain road in each direction.
I’m refueling at Copec in Rio Blanco.
I won’t be coming back to Chile anytime soon, so I’m using up all my cash here.
The 97 costs $1.700, approximately USD 1.89.
Six months ago it was $1.311, approximately USD 1.46.
I arrived at Peaje Cristo Redentor immediately from Copec.
Here I paid $600, approximately USD 0.67, just like last time.
I continued on, climbing the hill to the tourist attractions.
I entered Chilean customs because I had set my navigation system to the wrong location.
I don’t need to be here, so I’m going back.
And then I entered the border tunnel between Chile and Argentina.
This area changes to Argentina midway through.
Immediately after exiting the tunnel, I receive a form to hand over at immigration.
I arrived at the border crossing, about 15km from where I received the paperwork.
I won’t explain the procedure here, as it’s described in a previous column of mine.
Please refer to this article for details on my departure and entry procedures.
This time I was able to get through the border procedures without any problems.
I proceed while enjoying the scenery.
I’ve arrived in Uspallata, so I’ll refuel here.
The Infinia is $2.278, about USD 1.63.
The price six months ago was $1.637, about USD 1.17.
After I left Uspallata, a pleasant mountain road continued.
After I get out of the mountain path, I just keep going straight.
This is the intersection of RN7 and RN40.
Last time I went south from here, but this time I’ll go north.
I’m heading straight north.
The traffic is getting heavier around here.
This is just before Mendoza.
I will cross RN1 and enter Capital.
I will continue on towards Independence Square.
I arrived
The main purpose of my trip this time was crossing the border.
Last time, the immigration procedures took me nearly an hour, but this time there was no one there, and I was able to pass through in 5 minutes.
As I felt six months ago, this was a beautiful and enjoyable journey.
Date of travel: May 19, 2026
