Chile passes can be unreliable - check first
Hi Susan,
Well firstly good luck with your trip, all the Chile - Argentina passes are awesome but only the main tarmacced routes dont close for the winter. I went over Paso Aguas Negras just up from where you are in La Serena about 5 weeks ago. They told at the Chilean border (Cruze del Toro, near Vicuna) me that they would be closing "in a week or two". It was 'kin freezing up there even then so be very prepared. I came accross a Uruguayan chap right at the top on a knackered old and bodged chinese 200cc chopper.
San Francisco is further North so MAY have less snow and so may close later. I would strongly suggest you speak with the Carabineros (who control the borders) at Copiapo before you set off. If there is any snow at all forget it you wont make it.
You will need fuel for about 400km
I am in the UK right now but returnng to Santiago on Saturday, if you are coming through you are welcome to secure bike parking, a spare bed and a  .
Enjoy the ride, hope you can make it over
Martyn
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