Los Andes City was founded in 1791 by Ambrosio O'Higgins, under the name Santa Rosa Los Andes. It is located 135 kilometers from Santiago and currently owns 55.000 inhabitants.
It is possible to accede from Valparaiso, for the Route 60, enter then for San's Rafael sector. The trip has duration of two hours and a half and the distance between Valparaiso and The Andes is 145 Kms. From Santiago 57 are deposited across the Route by the Slope Chacabuco, trip that has an approximate duration of an hour(o'clock) and fifteen minutes and which distance is of 177 kms. From Mendoza, one accedes for the International Tunnel Christ Redeemer, to continue then for the International Way up to The Andes, for the Route 60, having duration about of two hours of trip. Its Communes are: Los Andes, Calle Larga, Rinconada and San Esteban.
The Andes, considered the Provincial Capital. It is the obliged step of the international traffic from Argentina that across the step Christ Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) who joins Chile with the city of Mendoza in Argentina. There pass the tourists who come from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay
Among the most prominent buildings in Los Andes downtown we can find: the Plaza de Armas (Main Square); the Governorate Building of Los Andes, which was declared National Monument; Santa Rosa Church, the former Trasandino Train Station; the Ex-Monastery of the Holy Spirit and the Historical Museum.
It is also known for its hand-painted crafts, Artistic Ceramics Factory Cala, which produces articles of refined designs. During the whole year tourist can enjoy beautiful landscapes such us “El Corazon” Hotel & Spa; and also Sanctuary of Santa Teresa de Los Andes, where is located the Monastery of the Discalced Carmelite Mothers, are places that can be visited as well.
This particular area of Aconcagua Valley has a microclimate that allows having a good land for farming, so it takes an important agricultural activity overthere. This valley is mainly characterized by its scenery and abundance of fruitcrops, which gives a great economic boost to the area.
Undoubtedly, the most important activities in the locality, with the renowned Rodeo de Los Andes, held every year in the Media Luna, Society Corral of Los Andes and the Folk Festival of Guatón Loyola, held each year during the Fiestas Patrias.
Another important feature of this beautiful place is the Mining activities that are developed. An extensive fine Copper production is exported through the from Valparaiso and San Antonio Harbors.
Los Andes shares beautiful natural sceneries too, as “La Laguna del Inca”, this is the name given to a green water lagoon located in Los Andes Mountains, nearby Portillo (an international Sky Center) and also the name used to refer to a legend concerning this gap. Los Andes City is a nice town with quiet streets, historical buildings and large avenues that, even now, remember us its Colonial past and it also has friendly people that welcome you during the whole year.
