Our 82nd border crossing found us going up and over the Cardenal Antonio Samoré border between Argentina and Chile. This was a new border for us and we crossed it just one day after it re-opened after being closed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. This border, which was originally called Puyehue Pass, was re-named after Cardinal Antonio Samoré who helped resolve the so-called Beagle Conflict between Chile and Argentina.

Winter was definitely coming when we crossed the Cardenal Antonio Samoré pass which marks the border between Argentina and Chile.
To: Cardenal Antonio Samoré border in Chile
Date: May 2, 2022
Lay of the land: The Cardenal Antonio Samoré border is not an integrated border. Coming from Villa La Angostura, Argentina, you will reach Argentinean border facilities in 17 miles (27 km) then drive another 10 miles (16 km), crossing the actual physical border at the pass, then down another 14 miles (22 km) to the Chilean border facilities. On a clear day (which we had), this drive is spectacular along a good paved road (which deteriorates on the Chile side) that travels under rocky peaks and through forests. On the Argentina side of this border, you drive through Nahuel Huapi National Park which abuts Puyehue National Park on the Chile side. There’s a bathroom at the Argentina facilities and at the Chilean facilities where there is also a small cafeteria. The actual pass over the border between the two countries crosses the Andes at 4,301 feet (1,311 meters). There was a van at that point with a few Carabineros de Chile (Chile National Police) who quickly inspected paperwork before waving drivers on down the road to the full Chilean border facilities below.

On the Chile side of this border we drove through Puyehue National Park (left). On the Argentina side of this border we drove through Nahuel Huapi National Park (right).

Looking back to Argentina from the Cardenal Antonio Samoré pass and border crossing.
Fees: None
Vehicle insurance needed: You must have third-party insurance for your vehicle to drive legally in Chile and Argentina. We bought a long-term policy that covers us in the MERCOSUR countries of Argentina, Chile, Perú, Brasil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Additionally, Chile requires that drivers carry supplemental insurance called Soapex which you can also purchase in advance online.
Where to fill up: When we crossed, fuel was cheaper in Argentina but that fluctuates with exchange rates so do your own fuel price homework before your crossing. The last fuel on the Argentina side is in Villa la Angostura about 27 miles (43 km) from the Argentina side of this border. Fuel is available on the Chile side once you reach the town of Entre Lagos, about 45 miles (72 km) from the border, where there is also an ATM.

After crossing the border, the road took us to lower elevations where the snow disappeared and the sun came out as we entered Chile.
Overall border rating: smooth, quiet, scenic
Here’s a map of our road trip driving route up and over this border.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm3pGeDwMbg
Here’s more about travel in Argentina
Here’s more about travel in Chile
Leave A Comment