Motion Sickness: Los Andes to Mendoza Drive
The Los Andes to Mendoza road trip covers approximately 165 miles (265 km) and takes around 4.5 hours in normal traffic. The terrain is high Andes switchback crossing, making it a high motion sickness risk route.
On the Chilean side of the Paso Internacional Los Libertadores, Ruta 60 climbs the Los Caracoles wall, a stack of 29 switchbacks rising toward the Cristo Redentor tunnel at about 3,200 m. The Los Andes to Mendoza crossing is around 266 km, winding for much of the way through the mountains and the Uspallata valley. Trucks crawl up the switchbacks, so expect slow, stop and go cornering.
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Where Motion Sickness Hits Hardest
The sections most likely to trigger motion sickness are: Los Caracoles switchback wall (29 bends), Cristo Redentor tunnel approaches, RN7 curves through the Uspallata valley. Border formalities can add one to four hours, longest on weekends. In winter, chains can be mandatory and the pass closes for days after storms, so check crossing status before setting out. Fuel up in Los Andes or Uspallata; services are sparse at altitude.
Best Seat for Motion Sickness on This Drive
Front passenger seat, eyes up the valley rather than at the wall.
Feeling sick on the Los Andes to Mendoza drive?
Stop Car Sickness Now
Pull over for 90 seconds, plug in any headphones, tap play. Feel better before you keep driving — no pills, no drowsiness.
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Prevention Tips for the Los Andes–Mendoza Drive
- Have Dizzout downloaded before you start - it works instantly when symptoms begin
- Take Bonine or Dramamine 30-60 minutes before departure if you're prone to symptoms
- Eat lightly before the drive - heavy meals worsen motion sickness
- Take breaks every 90 minutes minimum on long stretches
- Keep the car cool and well-ventilated
- Avoid reading or phone use in the back seat
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does motion sickness last on the Los Andes to Mendoza drive?
Motion sickness symptoms typically peak 20–60 minutes after exposure begins and continue until the motion stops. On a 4.5-hour drive, symptoms can persist for the entire journey without intervention. Sound therapy and medication can shorten or prevent the symptoms.
Is the Los Andes to Mendoza drive bad for motion sickness?
This route is rated high for motion sickness risk. On the Chilean side of the Paso Internacional Los Libertadores, Ruta 60 climbs the Los Caracoles wall, a stack of 29 switchbacks rising toward the Cristo Redentor tunnel at about 3,200 m.
What's the fastest way to stop car sickness mid-drive?
Once you're already feeling sick, pills won't work fast enough - they take 30+ minutes to kick in. The fastest options mid-drive are sound therapy via headphones (works in under 90 seconds), pulling over and getting fresh air, and looking at the distant horizon.