Mendoza: Logistics Hub in the Southern Cone
Thanks to its strategic location along the Central Bioceanic Corridor, Mendoza is emerging as a key logistics node connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Logistics is no longer a support function, it is a driver of competitiveness and investment attraction.
By Elizabeth López, Director at Mendoza Mining Legal Solutions
May 20, 2025
International Connectivity: A Province at the Heart of the Bi-Oceanic Corridor
Mendoza stands out for its strategic location and international connectivity. The natural border between Argentina and Chile includes 26 international mountain passes spanning 5,308 kilometers. Within this extensive network, Mendoza holds a central position, traversed by National Route 7—the backbone of the Central Bi-Oceanic Corridor. This route links Argentina’s Atlantic ports with Chile’s Pacific ports, Valparaíso and San Antonio, which serve as key gateways to Asia-Pacific markets.
National Route 7 crosses five provinces (Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, Córdoba, San Luis, and Mendoza), stretching 1,224 km. The Cristo Redentor – Los Horcones Pass, located at 3,500 meters above sea level, is one of the few passes authorized for heavy cargo transport. Though inaugurated in the 1980s, its customs infrastructure was already showing limitations by the following decade, prompting various modernization and expansion projects.
This corridor is vital for international trade: approximately 300,000 vehicles cross it each year, and it is estimated that 75% of MERCOSUR’s land cargo traffic passes through this route to reach Chilean ports. While Mendoza represents only 3.85% of Argentina’s GDP, it accounts for 11% of the country’s freight transport fleet—reaffirming its logistical leadership.
The pass was originally designed to accommodate 700 to 800 trucks per day. Today, traffic has grown to between 1,300 and 1,400 vehicles daily—and continues to rise.
Mendoza: The Fulcrum of Southern Cone Bi-Oceanic Transport Links
A Framework for Commercial Integration and Infrastructure Development
Since 1996, Economic Complementation Agreement No. 35 between Chile and MERCOSUR, under ALADI, has regulated economic relations between the two blocs. Its objectives include establishing a free trade area, promoting the free movement of goods, services, and productive factors, enhancing infrastructure and bi-oceanic connectivity, and encouraging reciprocal investments and technological cooperation.
According to the Argentine Investment and International Trade Agency (AAICI), Chile was Argentina’s third-largest export destination in 2024, with total trade valued at USD 6.323 billion—surpassed only by Brazil and the United States. This growth was primarily driven by oil and natural gas exports from the Vaca Muerta formation.
Cristo Redentor System: A Binational Agreement to Modernize Border Infrastructure
In May 2018, Argentina and Chile signed an agreement to modernize the Cristo Redentor System. This binational megaproject, with a USD 750 million investment funded by the Inter-American Development Bank, aims to fully upgrade the National Route 7 International Corridor, improving road safety and reducing closures due to adverse weather.
The project includes widening the Caracoles Tunnel (from 4.5 to 13 meters) and linking it to the Cristo Redentor Tunnel; renovating the latter with modern ventilation and intelligent signaling; straightening critical curves; and constructing additional lanes and avalanche galleries. These improvements will enable two-way traffic with dual lanes, significantly enhancing the safety and efficiency of the most important Andean crossing on the continent.
Cutting Through the Andes: The Fastest Route from the Atlantic to the Pacific in the Southern Cone
Multimodal Connectivity and Expanding Logistics Zones
Mendoza’s transport infrastructure includes key national and provincial roads, rail connections to Buenos Aires, and an international airport with regular flights. Within this framework, the province has advanced in customs digitalization by implementing the X-Road system, allowing interoperability between Argentine and Chilean authorities at the Los Libertadores Pass.
Palmira Bypass: A Strategic Highway
With 92% of the construction completed and inauguration scheduled for 2025, the Palmira Bypass will be the first major development of the revamped Cristo Redentor Corridor. This 38-km dual carriageway connects Palmira (San Martín) with National Route 40 in Agrelo (Luján de Cuyo), easing congestion on Route 7 and separating freight transport from private vehicles.
The bypass will drive the growth of two key logistics hubs: the PASIP industrial and service park (Palmira), and the Luján de Cuyo intermodal logistics node, which will include truck and rail terminals, a bonded customs area (dry port), warehouses, and services for freight operators.
The creation of a dry port with integrated logistics and customs services will attract companies supplying mining equipment, technology, and services—currently based in Córdoba or Buenos Aires—thus strengthening regional value chains.
International Airport and Aviation
The “Gobernador Francisco Gabrielli” International Airport, also known as “El Plumerillo,” connects Mendoza with national and international destinations. Plans are underway to enhance ground connectivity, including the integration of railway services.
Human Capital: Professional Talent Driving Regional Logistics
Mendoza boasts a highly skilled workforce in key sectors such as logistics, mining, engineering, law, and international trade. The development of logistics infrastructure will generate employment across operational, technical, and administrative roles—creating inclusive job opportunities for women, young professionals, and local talent.
Strategic Impact on Mining: A Natural Gateway to the Pacific
Mendoza’s emergence as a logistics hub is particularly significant for large-scale mining. A standout example is the PSJ Cobre Mendocino project, which aims to export 40,000 tons of fine copper annually through Chilean ports.
The logistics infrastructure offers several benefits to the mining industry:
Lower transportation costs and shorter export times
Increased traceability across the value chain
Growth of local suppliers and specialized services
Promotion of interprovincial partnerships
A Tangible Development Axis
Mendoza is leaving behind its identity as a wine tourism destination to become a strategic player in international trade. A key milestone in this transformation was the recent decision by the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) to hold their first Latin American roadshow in the province—bringing together national and international investors and reaffirming Mendoza’s role as a financial center for mining development.
Mendoza’s role as a logistics node in the Bi-Oceanic Corridor directly influences investment decisions, extractive projects, the energy transition in transport, and the creation of qualified employment.
Customs digitalization, market diversification, and strengthened infrastructure are key factors for improving export competitiveness. However, broader macroeconomic variables—such as exchange rate stability, access to foreign currency, and the revision of bilateral agreements—must also be addressed.
In this context, logistics is not a secondary player—it is a driving force for regional development.
