Santiago to Mendoza Private Transfer
Santiago to Mendoza Private Transfer
Santiago & Mendoza, Chile - Argentina
Price, timing and itinerary details change according to the selected option.
From Santiago
Transfer Overview
Our Santiago to Mendoza private transfer takes you across the Andes from Chile to Argentina without flights, bus terminals or changes of vehicle. We pick you up at your hotel, Santiago Airport or another agreed address and take you directly to your accommodation in Mendoza. The same service is available from Mendoza to Santiago.
From Santiago, we travel north toward Los Andes and climb into the mountains through Río Blanco and Guardia Vieja, up the Los Caracoles switchbacks past Portillo to the Los Libertadores - Cristo Redentor border crossing. On the Argentine side, the road descends through Las Cuevas, Puente del Inca, Punta de Vacas and Uspallata, past Potrerillos to Mendoza. The route is about 360 km; allow approximately 7-9 hours, including the border.
It is a full-day journey, but not necessarily a full day in the vehicle. Depending on your interests, we can add one main stop, such as Portillo and Laguna del Inca, a walk in Aconcagua Provincial Park with Puente del Inca, or a winery visit, together with short comfort breaks. Traveling from the Chilean coast instead? See our Valparaíso to Mendoza private transfer.
Price Details:
From
US$ 950per vehicle
The exact rate depends on the vehicle type, the pickup and drop-off locations, your schedule and the travel date.
Transfer Includes
- ● Private transportation
- ● Bottled water
Transfer Excludes
Choose Your Transfer Option
All options are private, door-to-door transfers. This is a long international route, so we plan one main stop at most, plus short comfort breaks. Any option with a stop should be planned as a long travel day, with timing always subject to road, weather and border conditions.
Option 1Direct International TransferThe most straightforward option
A private door-to-door transfer from Santiago to Mendoza by the most direct route over the Los Libertadores pass. This is the best choice if you want a more predictable day or arrive in Mendoza with minimum detours.
The route includes only brief practical stops when needed, such as restroom, coffee or fuel stops.
The route includes only brief practical stops when needed, such as restroom, coffee or fuel stops.
Option 2Portillo and Laguna del IncaA high-mountain stop on the Chilean side
One planned stop at Portillo, beside Laguna del Inca, just before the border. It is the easiest way to add a high-mountain view without a major detour. Allow around 45 minutes, including the access road, parking and time outside the vehicle.
If you would like lunch at Portillo or a longer visit, tell us in advance so we can plan the day.
If you would like lunch at Portillo or a longer visit, tell us in advance so we can plan the day.
Option 3Aconcagua and Puente del IncaA short walk on the Argentine side
After the border, a walk in the Horcones sector of Aconcagua Provincial Park, with views toward the highest mountain in the Americas when the weather is clear. The loop around Laguna de Horcones is about 2 km and takes around an hour; allow about 2.5 hours for the whole stop. Park admission is paid separately.
On the way down, we stop briefly at Puente del Inca, a natural bridge colored yellow and ochre by mineral deposits.
On the way down, we stop briefly at Puente del Inca, a natural bridge colored yellow and ochre by mineral deposits.
Option 4Winery Visit and TastingOne pre-booked tasting
One winery visit on either side of the Andes. On the Chilean side, In Situ / Viña San Esteban near Los Andes is close to the route. On the Argentine side, Bodega Séptima in Agrelo sits beside Ruta Nacional 7 as we approach Mendoza.
The tasting must be booked in advance. Because border delays cannot be predicted, a tasting before the pass is easier to keep on schedule than one right after it.
The tasting must be booked in advance. Because border delays cannot be predicted, a tasting before the pass is easier to keep on schedule than one right after it.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Santiago - Mendoza Private Transfer
How long does the Santiago to Mendoza transfer take, and what time should we leave?
Allow approximately 7-9 hours for a direct transfer and keep the whole day free for the journey. The route is about 360 km, but the time depends on traffic leaving Santiago, road and weather conditions in the mountains, the season and, above all, the time needed for immigration and customs at the border, which can change considerably from one day to the next.
We recommend leaving early in the morning. A planned stop adds to the travel time, and we cannot guarantee arrival at an exact time, so avoid booking a dinner with strict cancellation conditions on the same evening.
We recommend leaving early in the morning. A planned stop adds to the travel time, and we cannot guarantee arrival at an exact time, so avoid booking a dinner with strict cancellation conditions on the same evening.
Can you pick us up at the airport, and can we travel on the day of our flight?
Yes. We can meet you at Santiago Airport or Mendoza Airport and start the journey from there. Please send your complete flight details. If your flight lands in the afternoon or evening, or is delayed, a same-day border crossing may not be practical, and we will usually recommend an overnight stay and an early start the next morning.
We strongly recommend not connecting this transfer with a scheduled flight on the same day. Whenever possible, arrive in Santiago or Mendoza the day before your flight. For a late flight or a charter, we review the timing individually and keep the journey direct.
We strongly recommend not connecting this transfer with a scheduled flight on the same day. Whenever possible, arrive in Santiago or Mendoza the day before your flight. For a late flight or a charter, we review the timing individually and keep the journey direct.
Do you also offer a transfer from Mendoza to Santiago?
Yes. The service operates in both directions. We can collect you at your hotel in Mendoza or at Mendoza Airport and take you to your hotel, Santiago Airport or another address in Santiago.
Traveling from the Chilean coast? See our Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Concón to Mendoza private transfer.
Traveling from the Chilean coast? See our Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Concón to Mendoza private transfer.
Does the transfer operate in winter, and what if the pass is closed?
Yes, when the Los Libertadores / Cristo Redentor crossing is open and road conditions allow safe travel. Snow, strong winds, ice or the risk of landslides can lead to restrictions or a complete closure of the border corridor, and a confirmed booking cannot guarantee that the pass will stay open in severe weather.
We check the situation before the journey. If the crossing is closed, we discuss a new travel date or another solution with you. Alternative crossings involve a very long detour. Any changes, additional costs or cancellation arrangements are agreed separately.
We check the situation before the journey. If the crossing is closed, we discuss a new travel date or another solution with you. Alternative crossings involve a very long detour. Any changes, additional costs or cancellation arrangements are agreed separately.
How high does the route go, and will we see the Cristo Redentor statue?
The road reaches the high Andes near Aconcagua, at more than 3,000 meters above sea level, where it is much colder and windier than in Santiago or Mendoza.
The standard transfer uses the international tunnel. The Cristo Redentor de los Andes statue stands on a separate mountain road above the pass, so a visit requires extra planning and is not included in a standard transfer.
The standard transfer uses the international tunnel. The Cristo Redentor de los Andes statue stands on a separate mountain road above the pass, so a visit requires extra planning and is not included in a standard transfer.
Can we stop in Santiago or Los Andes, or see the old Trans-Andean Railway?
If you have not visited Santiago before, we can stop near La Moneda Palace and walk toward Plaza de Armas for photos. Allow 45-60 minutes; this works best very early in the morning, before rush hour. A full Santiago tour is better the day before.
The route passes the Los Andes area, and a short stop around its Plaza de Armas can be arranged. Along the road, you can also see remnants of the old Trans-Andean Railway, from the historic station in Los Andes to the tracks and structures around Río Blanco. We do not walk along the tracks or enter old tunnels.
The route passes the Los Andes area, and a short stop around its Plaza de Armas can be arranged. Along the road, you can also see remnants of the old Trans-Andean Railway, from the historic station in Los Andes to the tracks and structures around Río Blanco. We do not walk along the tracks or enter old tunnels.
Can we stop at Los Caracoles and Portillo?
The Caracoles switchbacks are part of the main road up to the pass, so you see them from the vehicle as we climb. We do not stop on the bends, inside tunnels or on narrow shoulders for photographs.
For a high-mountain photo stop, Portillo and Laguna del Inca are the safest and easiest option, close to the international route. Access to the hotel's facilities or restaurant is not included in a simple panoramic stop.
For a high-mountain photo stop, Portillo and Laguna del Inca are the safest and easiest option, close to the international route. Access to the hotel's facilities or restaurant is not included in a simple panoramic stop.
What can we see on the Argentine side?
After the border, the road descends through Las Cuevas, Puente del Inca, Punta de Vacas and Uspallata. The Horcones sector of Aconcagua Provincial Park is the best place for a walk with views of Aconcagua, and Puente del Inca, a natural bridge colored by mineral deposits, makes an easy 20-30 minute stop. It was not built by the Incas, despite its name.
Closer to Mendoza, if the day is running smoothly, we may add a short photo stop at the Potrerillos reservoir. This depends on border timing and daylight and cannot be confirmed in advance.
Closer to Mendoza, if the day is running smoothly, we may add a short photo stop at the Potrerillos reservoir. This depends on border timing and daylight and cannot be confirmed in advance.
Can we visit Santiago, a winery, Portillo and Aconcagua all in one day?
We do not recommend it. On an international transfer day, it is better to choose one main stop that matters most to you. The border crossing adds an unpredictable element to the day, and trying to do everything can turn an enjoyable mountain crossing into a rushed schedule.
We agree any planned stop and the extra time it requires before booking.
We agree any planned stop and the extra time it requires before booking.
What documents do we need for the border crossing?
Each passenger must carry a valid passport or ID card, depending on nationality and current border requirements, together with any visa or entry documents that apply. Please check the requirements in advance; they are the responsibility of each traveler.
Keep your travel documents, water and a small snack in your hand luggage rather than packed in a suitcase.
Keep your travel documents, water and a small snack in your hand luggage rather than packed in a suitcase.
What should we wear for the journey across the Andes?
Bring a warm layer and a wind-resistant jacket even when Santiago or Mendoza is hot, as the route climbs above 3,000 meters. Comfortable closed shoes are useful if you plan to walk at Portillo, Aconcagua or Puente del Inca. Sunglasses, a hat and sun protection are also important in the mountains.
Is a guide included? Are entrance tickets, wine tastings and lunch included?
The standard transfer is a transportation service with a professional driver, coordinated by our team, and bottled water is provided. A guide is not included, but we can quote an English-speaking guide for the whole journey or a particular visit.
Entrance tickets, winery visits, wine tastings and meals are paid separately unless your quotation states that they are included.
Entrance tickets, winery visits, wine tastings and meals are paid separately unless your quotation states that they are included.