Los Andes

Los Andes, Chile’s main overland port of entry (though the actual border post is far to the east), is a crossroads where international Ruta 60 from Viña del Mar [1] meets Ruta 57 from Santiago. Founded in late colonial times (1791) by Ambrosio O’Higgins, the Chilean liberator’s father, its central core retains something of that earlier atmosphere. Like San Felipe [2], it’s the center of a fruit- and wine-growing area [3].

Getting There

At the north end of Avenida Santa Teresa, the Rodoviario Internacional Los Andes is alongside the former train station. Pullman Bus (tel. 034/421262) has the most frequent schedules. Mendoza-bound international buses from Santiago [4] or Viña [1] may stop here, but reservations are advisable—these are often full.

Buses Ahumada (Yerbas Buenas 650, tel. 034/424896) has its own, more central terminal.