San Francisco Pass
The border crossing between Fiambalá and Copiapó, Chile, on National Route 60. Opening hours, the documents you'll need and what to keep in mind before crossing the Andes.
Pass status: ClosedInclemencias climáticas
While it's closed you can't cross into Chile. The hours below are the usual ones.
- Usual hours
- Every day, 9 am to 6 pm
- Gates close
- 4:30 pm (3:30 pm in Chile)
- Pass altitude
- 4,748 m
- Connects
- Fiambalá (Argentina) and Copiapó (Chile)
Snow or strong wind can close the pass. Check its status before you set out.
Opening hours and pass status
The San Francisco border post is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm. The gates close at 4:30 pm, so arrive with enough time for the paperwork.
The post sits high in the Andes on Route 60. From Fiambalá it's several hours of mountain driving: leave early.
In winter, and during storms at other times of year, the pass can close because of snow or wind. Check the road status before you go.
The road from Fiambalá
It's about 199 km on paved National Route 60, climbing from 1,500 to 4,748 meters. The Argentine post is at Las Grutas, about 178 km from Fiambalá, and the Chilean border is 21 km further on.
Along the way you pass the Las Angosturas gorge, Cortaderas and Laguna de Acuarios.
Where it is
The Argentine post is on National Route 60, before the Chilean border. That's where you clear exit and entry formalities for Argentina.
On the Chilean side the road continues to Copiapó. Chilean controls take place at Chile's own border complex, inside Chile.
Tap to open in Google Maps
Documents to bring
Argentine immigration requirements to leave and enter the country:
- Adults: a valid passport or Argentine ID (DNI) in good condition. Expired documents and renewal receipts are not accepted.
- Minors traveling with both parents: the child's DNI showing both parents on the back, a birth certificate (original or certified copy) or the family record book.
- Minors traveling with one parent, alone or with another adult: a travel authorization signed before a notary, a court or the immigration office. If a parent has died, the death certificate is accepted.
- All documents must be originals or certified copies.
- Foreign visitors: requirements depend on your nationality. Check with Argentine immigration before you travel.
- If you're driving, bring the vehicle papers and SOAPEX, Chile's mandatory insurance for foreign-plated vehicles. It's separate from Mercosur insurance and must be bought before crossing, from a Chilean insurer or a foreign one with an agreement. Also check that your own policy covers Chile.
Customs, food and pets
Immigration, customs, the agricultural service (SENASA), the border police (Gendarmería) and border health officers all work at the post.
- To enter Chile, everyone over 18 fills in the SAG sworn declaration. It's free, online at ingresoachile.cl up to a day before, or at the checkpoint.
- Any plant or animal product must be declared, whatever the amount or packaging. Not declaring it means a fine.
- Fresh fruit and vegetables, seeds, dried legumes and raw meat are not allowed. Factory-sealed, labeled products are checked by the inspector. Anything opened or unpackaged, like a started pack of cookies, is better left behind.
- To bring food back into Argentina, check what SENASA allows first.
- Dogs and cats need veterinary paperwork to cross. Start the process well ahead.
Before crossing the Andes
Route 60 to the pass runs for about 199 km through high mountains, with very few services and no cell signal.
- Fill up in Fiambalá: there are no gas stations after that.
- Bring plenty of water, food and warm clothes, even in summer.
- Spend at least one night in Fiambalá to acclimatize: the pass is at 4,748 meters.
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to arrive.
Gas stations in Fiambalá
Data from the San Francisco border post (argentina.gob.ar), checked November 2026.