Google Maps Location Approx
Border Countries
🇦🇷 Argentina 🇺🇾 Uruguay
Nearest Cities
🇦🇷 Concordia, 🇺🇾 Salto
Coordinates
31.38°S, 57.95°W
Border Type
Land crossing via bridge
Operating Hours
Open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wait Times
30-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~4000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Currency Exchange
Available near Concordia (ARS, UYU)
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi at checkpoints, 4G
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Generally safe, beware pickpocketing
Emergency Contacts
🇦🇷 101 🇺🇾 911
Google Maps Location Approx
Country Information
About 🇦🇷 Concordia, 🇺🇾 Salto
A Crossing on a Massive Dam
The border crossing connecting the Argentine city of Concordia with Salto in Uruguay is a journey over a monumental feat of engineering: the Salto Grande Hydroelectric Dam. This is not just a border; it is a road and railway line that runs directly over the crest of the massive dam that spans the Uruguay River. To cross here is to travel a route that is a powerful symbol of binational cooperation, a passage that is as much about energy and technology as it is about connecting two nations. It is a crossing defined by the immense scale of the dam and the beautiful artificial lake it has created.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects the Entre RÃos Province of Argentina with the Salto Department of Uruguay. It is a major international crossing, open 24/7 to all passenger cars, buses, and commercial freight, as well as railway traffic. The facility is located on the dam itself. The crossing is a vital link for trade and tourism, connecting two of the most prosperous and important cities on the Uruguay River. The traffic can be heavy, particularly with commercial vehicles and buses.
A History of a Binational Project
The history of this crossing is the history of the Salto Grande Dam. The project was the result of a binational agreement between Argentina and Uruguay, signed in the 1940s, but construction did not begin until the 1970s. The dam was a massive undertaking, the first major joint hydroelectric project in Latin America. It transformed the region, creating a large reservoir, providing electricity to both countries, and creating a new, permanent road and rail link between the two cities. The dam is managed by a joint commission, the Comisión Técnica Mixta de Salto Grande, a successful and enduring example of international cooperation.
Border Crossing Procedure
The border crossing procedure is a standard two-part process. You will first complete exit formalities at one country’s checkpoint and then proceed across the dam to the other country’s checkpoint for entry inspection. You will need a valid passport or, for citizens of Mercosur countries, a national ID card. Vehicle registration and international insurance (Carta Verde) are also necessary. The process is generally straightforward, and the checkpoint is equipped to handle a steady flow of traffic. Queues can form, but they are generally manageable.
The Surrounding Region: Argentina Side
On the Argentine side, the city of Concordia is a major commercial and industrial center. It is known for its beautiful riverside park, its thermal hot springs, and its fishing, particularly for the golden dorado. The city has a rich history and beautiful architecture, including the magnificent Palacio Arruabarrena. The region is a major center for citrus fruit production and forestry. The crossing is a gateway to the Entre RÃos province, a land of rivers and beautiful natural landscapes.
The Surrounding Region: Uruguay Side
On the Uruguayan side, the city of Salto is the second-largest city in Uruguay, a vibrant cultural and economic hub. It is the center of Uruguay’s citrus industry. The city is famous for its thermal hot springs, with the large Arapey and Daymán thermal resorts located nearby, which are major tourist destinations. Salto has a beautiful historic center, a charming riverside promenade, and is the birthplace of the famous writer Horacio Quiroga and the footballer Edinson Cavani. The city is a major gateway to the “Thermal Corridor” of Uruguay.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route is straightforward. The main road is well-maintained. The official currencies are the Argentine Peso (ARS) in Argentina and the Uruguayan Peso (UYU) in Uruguay. Services are widely available in the cities on both sides of the border. Ensure your vehicle’s Carta Verde insurance is valid for both countries. It is possible to take a guided tour of the Salto Grande Dam itself, which is a fascinating experience.
Final Considerations
The Concordia–Salto border crossing is a journey over a monument of technology and cooperation. It is a busy, functional checkpoint that serves as a vital link between two prosperous and beautiful cities. It offers a unique passage over a massive hydroelectric dam. For the traveler, it is a gateway to the thermal spas and rich culture of both the Argentine and Uruguayan littorals. It is a border that is a testament to the power of two nations to work together to harness the power of a great river for their mutual benefit.