The statue was transported to the mountain pass by train and then by mule teams for the final ascent.
The bronze for the statue was sourced from discarded cannons used in the Argentine War of Independence.
The statue was originally intended to be placed in the city of Buenos Aires but was moved to the border at the request of Bishop Marcolino del Carmelo Benavente.
It stands as a physical manifestation of the 1902 Pacts of May, which ended an intense naval arms race between Argentina and Chile.
The statue faces toward Chile, while the base inscription commemorates the lasting peace between the two countries.
The site experiences extreme winter conditions, often resulting in the statue being surrounded by significant snow accumulation.
Christ the Redeemer of the Andes is a bronze statue located at 3,832 meters above sea level on the border between Argentina and Chile. Unveiled in 1904, it commemorates the peaceful resolution of a territorial dispute between the two nations. The monument features Christ holding a cross in one hand while the other is extended in a gesture of blessing. It was constructed by sculptor Mateo Alonso using bronze cast from melted-down cannons. The statue sits atop a stone pedestal at the Uspallata Pass, marking a historic geopolitical boundary. Access to the site is dependent on weather conditions due to its high-altitude mountain location. It serves as a symbol of regional diplomacy and brotherhood.
From the front base of the pedestal looking toward the Andean mountain range.
Acclimatize to high altitude in Mendoza city before traveling to the pass to avoid altitude sickness.
Carry polarized sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen, as UV radiation is intense at this elevation.
Wear multi-layered clothing, as temperatures at the pass can drop drastically regardless of the season.
Attempting to visit during winter or heavy storm warnings, as the mountain roads are frequently closed for safety.
Accessible only during the summer season; usually closed to non-emergency traffic during winter months due to heavy snow and ice.
Maintain a respectful tone as the site is considered a historic monument to peace.
