Paso Aluminé-Icalma
Today: openOpening hours: Departures 8:00 to 19:00; arrivals 8:00 to 20:00.1.300 m above sea levelOfficial status
Leaving Aluminé along Routes Nº 23 and Nº 13, you arrive to Paso Internacional de Icalma, in the area of the Comisión de Fomento of Villa Pehuenia. In that sector you will observe numerous Araucaria trees that will undoubtedly call your attention for their height and their old barks that have witnessed the history of local communities. After a short drive from Aluminé you may stop at the cave of Ceferino Namuncurá, whose sanctuary was built in a natural cavern where there are images and offerings. From Aluminé to the frontier there are some 50 km , and only some kilometres from Aluminé you will find the cave, and then arrive at Villa Pehuenia on the coast of Lake Aluminé. The small summer village of Villa Pehuenia has been recently formed, and tends to turn into a relaxation and recreational resort. Almost next to Villa Pehuenia is Customs and the frontier guard post that joins it to the cities of Melipueco, Cunco and Lonquimay, as well as to the main commercial centre of Temuco, distant some 135 km. from the border. The building of Carabineros, the Chilean frontier guards, is at the beginning of the Araucaria forests that proliferate in Chile, and only some metres far you will be surprised by the beautiful Laguna de Icalma and big valleys covered by Valdivian Rainforest. The height of the pass is 1269 metres above sea level, and it is due all year round, except on special occassions due to severe climatic conditions. Timetable: From 8:00 hs. to 20:00 hs. in summer.
