Paso de Uspallata / Cristo Redentor de los Andes from Uspallata

A famous Andean pass that, with its more than 3,800 meters above sea level, nearly 80 kilometers of climbing and the great statue of Christ at the summit, certainly captures the imagination. The summit marks the border between Argentina and Chile. The Argentine side may be the slightly less steep and well-known side of the climb, but don't underestimate it, as the wind usually blows from Chile and thus against it for those going up from this side. And often this is not a light breeze, but serious gusts.

I myself have been run off the road by the wind several times and, despite pounding against the wind, progress could only be made at a snail's pace. Also watch out for the many trucks that want to cross the border via the Paso Internacional Los Libertadores. However, this tunnel is prohibited for cyclists; so you will really have to spend the last few kilometers on the gravel to even higher altitudes than car traffic.

By the way, the whole climb is one of great beauty, with even views of the highest peak of the Andes (and highest mountain in the world outside the Asian continent): the Aconcagua. But the highlight of the climb is surely the many hairpin turns in the last eight unpaved kilometers. Don't expect to reach the top all alone in pristine nature, however; at the summit it's a small circus of tourists all wanting to have their picture taken with the statue of Christ.