Mendoza bus to Santiago in August?

[talber6]

Hey Everyone,

We're thinking of heading out of BA for a short vacation, and we thought we'd fly to Mendoza, then take a bus over to Santiago, Chile and back. Has anyone done this in late August? I know bad weather can happen any time, but I'm wondering if anyone has done this successfully this time of year, or if I shouldn't even try...

Also, apologies if I posted this in the incorrect forum...I'm a bit new to the site.

Thanks!
Travis

 

[fuccolini]

the pass might get closed one or two days in august here n there for bad weather, but they plow it and open it right away.

 

[mendozanow]

Yes, plan to do the bus trip first. and then do Mendoza for the rest of the vacation, for flexibility.

 

[AndrewWoodward]

As long as your flexible, you can do it. Last time I did it, we showed up at the bus station and were told it was closed and come back tomorrow. A friend of mine on the earlier bus actually left Mendoza, made it to the pass, sat there awhile, and then got sent back to Mendoza. Next day we all got through fine.

So it can be frustrating, and plan for delays. Or you may get lucky and have no problems.

 

[intercultural]

In August, all you can do is just keep checking on the forecast. Today's forecast, for example calls for very high winds through Tuesday.That can mean vehicles lined up at the pass for a long time or buses not taking the trip. If you go to weather dot com and search Punta de Vacas you can get current info. on the area closed to the Libertadores pass, which is the frontier. You can also research historical weather data. But past performance is no guarantee of future, as they say....In any case if you do the trip be sure you have plenty of warm clothing for the minimum of an hour, possibly much more, you will spend in lines for the tramites you need to cross the border.

 

[Rich One]

Talber 6 Crossing From Mendoza to Santiago by bus in August you have 50/50 chances of making it on the first attempt. Have taken the trip at least ten times in Winter.

CATA and Andes Mar bus are 2 good choices for bus companies, you can see the schedules and prices online for CATA
http://www.catainternacional.com/buscar2.php

Choose the earliest departures, to travel during daylight , even if delayed in the high mountain, by white winds or other problems...!! Never is enough, thermal rainproof clothing, Gloves, thermal headcovers, woolen socks and waterproof FLAT shoes, no flip-flops..!! You may have to walk on snow. Also needed water bottles and Oreo Cookies or chocolate bars or other snacks.
Choose third row on the right side of the bus, not behind the driver.

For a most comprehensive description check the Blog; Crossing by Bus Mendoza-Santiago. Check the 36 hints for a pleasant trip. Don't get discouraged ...!!


http://hikebiketravel.com/8010/crossing-andes-mendoza-santiago/

 

[John.St]

Do it every year in July or August, ida y vuelta - absolutely possible, but expect surprises from sudden snowstorms.

Why Santiago? To me a dead bore, I prefer Valparaiso or Viña del Mar.
Well, to each his own

Plataforma 10, pasajes de ómnibus, pasajes de micro, pasajes de bus, bus tickets, passagens de ómnibus:
http://www.plataforma10.com/ (often closed for maintenance late at night, page shows, you don't find out until you start a search)

Argentina-Chile traffic status Tunel Internacional:
http://www.mendozasun.com/mendoza/general/896-tunel-cristo-redentor-mendoza-argentina-status
http://www.vialidad.mendoza.gov.ar/index.php?id_menu=75

Weather app. 60 km from the tunnel:
http://weather.yahoo.com/argentina/mendoza/punta-de-vacas-467383/

Vallecitos 6 Day Snow Forecast (higher up in las Cordilleras; the pass is at 4 000 meter):
http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Vallecitos/6day/top

 

[intercultural]

We've also been pretty bored by Santiago in the past. However, on last trip we hung out in the Lastarria neighborhood, lots of street life, restaurants, galleries, etc. and liked it a lot. It's adjacent to the Gabriela Mistral cultural center. If you are into fashion, celebs, rock and pop culture, go to the Museo de la Moda.

 

[intercultural]

We've also been pretty bored by Santiago in the past. However, on last trip we hung out in the Lastarria neighborhood, lots of street life, restaurants, galleries, etc. and liked it a lot. It's adjacent to the Gabriela Mistral cultural center. If you are into fashion, celebs, rock and pop culture, go to the Museo de la Moda in the Vitacura neighborhood.