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The Scenic Mendoza to Santiago Bus Ride

By: Author Dave Lee

Posted on Last updated:

31 Comments

I may have entered Argentina by plane, but my departure via the scenic bus ride from Mendoza to Santiago (Chile) was worth the extra transit time.

In Mendoza, I bought my bus ticket from Andesmar a few days in advance for just $36.

By comparison, flights cost several hundred dollars, and you miss some of the most beautiful landscapes outside of Patagonia.

Breathtaking scenery on the bus from Mendoza to Santiago
Breathtaking scenery on the ride from Mendoza to the Argentina-Chile border

The bus ride from Mendoza to Santiago lasted about seven hours, including the time it took to pass through Argentina and Chilean Immigration.

The highway passes by Puenta del Inca, but this natural geologic bridge can't be viewed from the bus. My photo in this article was taken a few days earlier on a separate tour.

Another point of interest you can see from the bus, if only for a few seconds, is Aconcagua, South America's tallest mountain at 22,837 feet (6,960 meters).

I lucked out in that it was a beautiful, clear day. Thanks to the GPS on my iPhone, I snapped a photo of the cloud-shrouded peak as we passed it by.

A small complex of blue-roofed buildings offers space for corporate retreats far from the nearest city.
A small complex of blue-roofed buildings offers space for corporate retreats far from the nearest city.
The landscape looks more like Mars than Earth on the bus ride from Mendoza, Argentina, to Santiago, Chile.
At times, the landscape looks more like Mars than Earth. An old railway line can be seen running alongside the road.
A ski resort nestled in a valley awaits the winter snow.
A ski resort nestled in a valley awaits the winter snow.
The Puente del Inca is a natural geologic bridge once used by the Incas to cross the river.
The Puente del Inca is a natural geologic bridge once used by the Incas to cross the river. In modern times, a spa was built under it to take advantage of the natural hot springs.
At 22,837 feet (6,960 meters), Aconcagua is South America's tallest mountain and the tallest peak in both the Western and Southern hemispheres.
At 22,837 feet (6,960 meters), Aconcagua is South America's tallest mountain and the tallest peak in both the Western and Southern hemispheres.
An avalanche warning sign on the road through the Argentina-Chile border.
An avalanche warning sign on the road through the Argentina-Chile border.
Looking backward at the mountain road, some sections are covered by a cement roof to protect against avalanches.
Looking backward at the mountain road, some sections are covered by a cement roof to protect against avalanches.
Our bus outside the Chilean immigration office, which has the distinct appearance of a ski chalet.
Our bus parked outside the Chilean immigration office, which has the distinct appearance of a ski chalet.
A hairpin turn on the bus ride from Mendoza to Santiago.
One of many hairpin turns on the steep descent from the border crossing.
A long series of hairpin turns lead down the mountain in Chile.
A long series of hairpin turns lead down the mountain.
A closer look at those turns!
A closer look at those turns!
The remainder of the bus ride to Santiago isn't nearly as exciting. As the highway leads you to lower altitudes, the landscapes are mostly dry and scrubby. In this photo, you can see a red train crossing the mountain's lower section.
The remainder of the bus ride to Santiago isn't nearly as exciting. As the highway leads you to lower altitudes, the landscapes are mostly dry and scrubby. In this photo, you can see a red train crossing the mountain's lower section.

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

STEPHEN CHEUNG

Thursday 24th of November 2016

Hi, I shall be in Medellin between Dec. 16, and leaving at 19. Any tips for Medellin. After Medellin, I shall travel south to Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and last to Chile before flying back to Toronto. Your advice will be greatly appreciated. Stephen

Sheila Pye

Sunday 26th of June 2016

Hi,

I'm planning to catch the bus from Santiago to Mendoza in November and on the return journey, need to be back in Santiago by Friday, 25th November to catch the flight home. I have been told that the bus schedule isn't published until 4-6 weeks before departure. Do you know if generally there are buses on this route every day and are there any overnight buses?

Many thanks

Dave

Monday 27th of June 2016

I don't know.

ann

Friday 10th of June 2016

Hi Dave! Would you know how the road is during winter? I've read somewhere that the roads partially close or something during winter. We will be doing a South America trip (Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina) next month (July) and was also thinking about doing your Mendoza - Cordoba - Buenos Aires route. :)

Dave

Friday 10th of June 2016

I think the pass may be closed in Winter due to the amount of snow they get. It'd be quite dangerous. You'd probably have to fly.

Linda

Friday 16th of October 2015

We are thinking of doing the same route but the opposite direction, Santiago to Mendoza. Just curious, if there are no breaks other than the border crossing, is there a change of driver somewhere along the route? This trip is currently showing as 11.5 hours online, so rather a long haul for one driver.

Sona

Monday 3rd of August 2015

Hi Dave, Thank you for a great post! Slightly strange but practical question -- Can you let me know if there are any toilet break stops along the way! Also, do the windows open on the coach? :) Thanks

Dave

Wednesday 5th of August 2015

The only break I recall was when we were crossing the border. I believe snacks were served on the bus, and it was equipped with a bathroom, but I can't recall 100% for sure.

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