Andes Crossing

10 Days  |  From £pp

Argentina ( Best airport: Mendoza)

Dreaming of a great expedition on horseback?

This adventurous expedition on horseback crosses the famous Andes from Argentina to Chile. Follow the route taken by the Army of the Andes during the expedition to liberate Argentina, Chile and Peru from the control of the Spanish crown. This horse trek is a real expedition on horseback, with bivouacs in one of the most remote regions of the world, accessible only on horseback. You will cross the snow-capped peaks of the continent’s highest mountains, clear rivers and valleys of unspoilt nature. This is a completely self-supporting trek, with a new camp site almost every evening, surrounded by exceptional panoramas. A challenge for all riders, this expedition begins in Argentina and ends in Chile, following the traditional route across the Andes.

 

 

The Riding

During your expedition you will ride through the mountains of Patagonia.

Vegetation is sparse, but in the marshes and wetlands you can see a wide variety of birds. The lush green pastures brighten up the landscape, and in the distance you can spot herds of guanacos and curious condors.

Level of Riding and Fitness

This adventurous ride requires an advanced level of horsemanship. Although the pace is mainly at a walk, the terrain is steep and some of the paths are narrow. You must be able to ride for long hours, between 5 and 7 hours a day, and be able to get on and off your horse unaided. A certain level of fitness, stamina and tenacity is also required for the 7 nights camping in the middle of Patagonia. All your belongings for the 7 days in the mountains will be transported by mule, and facilities are basic.

Maximum rider weight: 90 kg.

Guides and Group Size

You’ll be accompanied by certified Argentinian guides, bilingual in English and Spanish, whose knowledge of the mountains knows no bounds, having crossed the Andes many times. You will also be joined by Argentine gauchos, known as gauchos baquianos, local guides and regional cowboys, for part of the ride.
Maximum 12 riders per group.

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The Horses

You’ll be riding two different horses during your trek, as it’s not possible to cross the border into Chile with Argentinian horses. On the Argentinian side, you’ll be riding Peruvian horses known as Paso Peruvian, which are known for their gentle movements and have a fast, comfortable, lateral, four-stroke fourth gait. Once you have crossed the border into Chile, you will ride traditional horses from the Chilean countryside, known as Chilean Criollos.

Tack and Riding Equipment

You will ride in a very comfortable traditional mountain saddle, with a goatskin seat placed over the saddle for extra comfort.

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Accommodation and Dining

La première et la dernière nuit seront passées dans un hôtel, en chambre avec salle de bain privative. L’hôtel de votre première nuit à Mendoza en Argentine dispose d’une piscine et d’un sauna.

Durant la randonnée, vous passerez vos 7 nuits en tente (2 personnes par tente, tente privée possible avec supplément). Tout le matériel de camping, tel que sacs de couchages, matelas etc… est fourni. Le campement comprend une grande tente pour le dîner, avec tables, chaises pliantes, lampes, cuisinière à gaz, le nécessaire pour cuisiner un bon dîner.

Dans le camping, il n’y a pas de douche, cependant, il y aura de l’eau à disposition pour se laver. Les guides gauchos ont pour politique de ne laisser aucune trace afin de préserver la pureté de l’environnement. Le campement est complètement monté et démonté chaque soir et matin.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival at Plumerillo airport, followed by a transfer to Mendoza. If you arrive early enough, you can enjoy a stroll through the city centre. In the evening, you will meet your host and fellow travellers for dinner and a tango show in one of Mendoza's theatres.
Day 2 Early morning departure for Las Hornillas, located at the foot of the mountains. The journey, by car, will take around 7 hours (348km). Arriving at Las Hornillas, you will meet your guides, horses and mules. First night of camping, after a traditional dinner.
Day 3 Depart early in the morning for your first day's hiking. You will cross the Aldeco river and the valleys of the ‘pampas’ to the Manantiales valley. Total length: 11 miles / 5:30 Hours
Day 4 After a hearty breakfast, begin your descent to the Las Lenas river, via the Penon de San Martin. The most intense day of the expedition, we'll cross the Las Lenas river several times over rocky mountain terrain, as we approach the climb to the Col d'Espinacito at 4,500 altitude. Enjoy the magnificent view from the top with panoramic views of Mount Aconcagua and the entire mountain range on the edge of Chile. After that, head for the valley to set up camp for your 3rd night of camping. Total length: 20 miles / 9:00 hours
Day 5 You'll set off on horseback for the Yeso hills, which you'll ride until you reach the Paso de los Patos (Duck Pass), the border pass in the Andes separating Argentina and Chile. You'll also come across the ‘Refugio Ingeniero Sardinas’, a refuge for Argentinian gendarmes, along the way. You will continue your journey towards the Hermoso Valley, where you will spend two nights. During the day, you will see Mount Aconcagua - 6,962 metres above sea level - as well as the Cerro La Mesa mountain and its vast glacier. Total length: 14 miles / 8:00 hours
Day 6 A day of rest for the riders and their mounts. Today you can enjoy a variety of activities, including fishing in the morning, then after a siesta you can learn how to throw the ball lasso, the ‘bolas’, or go for a short hike in the surrounding area. Unlike the days when you ride, today you'll enjoy a hearty lunch. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Argentinian barbecue ‘asado argentino’.
Day 7 Today, you will head west, arriving at the border at 1pm. At the border, you can visit a monument commemorating the heroic deeds of José Saint Martin and his army during the expedition to liberate Argentina, and see the boundary marker that separates the two countries. Now it's time to say goodbye to your incredible Argentine horses, and go and meet your ‘huasos’ guides, the equivalent of the Argentine gaucho and the American cowboy. After a welcome drink and snack, you'll be allocated a Chilean horse for the rest of your stay and set off towards the Chilean mountains, following the Rocín river until you arrive at the Las Vegas del Ciénago border post. A short stop to fill in a travel document for the Chilean authorities. Ride back to your camp in Lagunitas, where the staff will be waiting for you with a delicious dinner. Total length: 17miles / 6:30 hours
Day 8 Breakfast at dawn before continuing your expedition along and across the Rocín river to begin the 1,000-metre climb to the Col de las Coloradas at 3,500 m altitude. From here, you'll have a magnificent view of the Andes, the coastal mountain range and Chile's central valley. After a well-earned break for the riders and their mounts, you'll begin your descent along the Chalaco river. Arrive around 5 p.m. at your camp in Maitén Bonito, where you'll have dinner around the campfire. Total length: 18 miles / 7:00 hours
Day 9 On the last day of your expedition, you will continue your descent towards Las Patos, following the river Chalaco. Admire the change in scenery as the surrounding vegetation becomes increasingly lush. Once you arrive at Las Patos, it's here that you'll say goodbye to your Chilean horses, who have been an accomplice on your adventure. Departure by car for Santiago de Chile - around 2 hours - where you will stay in a hotel. Farewell dinner in the city.
Day 10 After breakfast, departure for the airport.

Andes Crossing

10 days / 9 nights / 6 riding
£pp

Single occupancy £270

Departure with 2-3 riders may be possible at an additional cost.

2 riders – £760  per person

3 riders – £345 per person

Airport arrivals/departures and transport.

The nearest airport for arrival is Mendoza airport in Argentina. The nearest airport for departure is Santiago airport in Chile.

Please plan your flight to arrive before 7pm on the first day of your holiday. Please try to book return flights after 11am on the last day.

Price Includes
  • Airport transfers from Plumerillo de Mendoza airport to Mendoza
  • 2 nuits in a hotel
  • 7 nights camping
  • 5 to 8 hours of riding over 6 days
Price Excludes
  • Flights
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Tips