Andes Crossing - Duck-pass

5.0 (8)
8 days 7 nights
Argentina
Photo Federico Z.
5.0
Federico Z.
Tour Provider
View Federico’s tours
Difficulty
Challenging
Comfort
Basic
Weight limit

The Andes Crossing Expedition on horseback is a profoundly emotional experience, owed not only to the grandeur of the landscapes and the challenging weather conditions, but also to the tireless efforts of the mules, guides, and local experts known as baqueanos. 

Additionally, the journey carries a historical significance that leaves its imprint at every turn and campsite. It's as if we're transported back in time, reliving the remarkable saga of the great patriot Don José de San Martín and his liberating forces. They once traversed these very gorges, mountain ranges, valleys, and passes, shaping the foundation of our nation's and continent's freedom.

Stunning vistas unfold before you, accompanied by the breathtaking sights of the highest peaks on the continent: Mount Aconcagua and Mount Mercedario. This route, often referred to as the "6 thousand meters peaks route," takes you through an array of astonishing landscapes. 

$1,650
per tourist for 8 days
Departing from
Mendoza
Available dates
Date of travel
Number of individuals
Only in the Horse Tours Club
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Photo Federico Z.
Federico Z. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
Federico is an outdoor lover with plenty of adventures in The Andes. Specialized in the tour logistics and organization of Expeditions and Treks in the Central Andes, Patagonia, Peru, Bolivia, and French Alps.

The tour guides you'll probably meet as well

Photo Thimothée
Thimothée
Born in 1982 in the south of France and son of a Canadian mother, married with an Argentinian from Mendoza and father of two kids, he came to Argentina with his family 5 years ago after being a firefighter emergency medical technician in Paris, France during 11 years (BSPP). Passionated by nature and horses, he found a new vocation guiding people in the Andes Mountains. Now he has become one of the best and expert local guides in Mendoza with much knowledge of our culture, traditions, and lover of good wine.

Tour highlights

Experience the 6 thousand meters peaks route
Stunning landscapes await, views of the highest peaks: Mount Aconcagua and Mount Mercedario, known as the "6,000-meter Peaks Route."
Feel the Historical Significance
The route retraces the historic path of Don José de San Martín and his forces, immersing travelers in the legacy of the fight for continental freedom
Become a part of an Emotional Journey
The Andes Crossing Expedition offers a deeply emotional experience, shaped by breathtaking landscapes, challenging weather, and the hard work of mules, guides, and local experts

Route details

Day 1
SAN JUAN OR MENDOZA – BARREAL

Reception in the city of San Juan or Mendoza and transfer to Barreal.

Acclimatization, team review, logistics talk. Introduction to the history of the crossing. Free time. Night in Barreal in shared cabins 3 to 5 people (1,700 m).

Day 2
BARREAL – PEÑÓN COLORADO / LOS HORNITOS
Day 3
PEÑÓN COLORADO – VEGAS DE GALLARDO
Day 4
VEGAS DE GALLARDO – VALLE HERMOSO
Day 5
VALLE HERMOSO – CHILEAN BORDER – VALLE HERMOSO
Day 6
VALLE HERMOSO – RANCHO DE LATA / VEGA DEL CURA
Day 7
RANCHO DE LATA / VEGA DEL CURA – BARREAL
Day 8
BARREAL – SAN JUAN OR MENDOZA
Difficulty
Challenging
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health
Tour provider's comments

The terrain to be traveled presents permanent irregularities such as stream crossings or ravines, ascents and descents through narrow and abrupt paths. This is not a difficulty for the animals, since the mountain horses tread firmly and safely.

horse

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic
Tent
5 nights
Hotel
2 nights
5 nights
Tent

Accommodation in a wild camp in the middle of the mountain range

2 nights
Hotel

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place
Mendoza
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Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips
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Tour conditions

Included

  • transfer in / out San Juan – Barreal
  • transfer from Barreal to the beginning of the ride 
  • transfer from the end of the ride to Barreal
  • full board in the mountains (breakfast, lunch, snacks, snacks, dinners)
  • 2 nights accommodation in Barreal
  • rooms for 3 or 4 people to share.
  • double Rooms or Singles Request a Quote
  • 5 nights accommodation in a wild camp in the middle of the mountain range
  • guides, coordinators and baqueanos
  • horses equipped and properly prepared for this type of mountain expeditions
  • tents
  • mountain safety equipment
  • satellite pone
  • general camping logistics (pots, heaters, security elements, orientation, etc.,
  • personal accident coverage
  • satellite monitoring during the entire expedition. (Saved by Spot)
  • prior advice with photos, maps and necessary material
  • permanent assistance

Extras

  • ticktes or Transfers- from city of origin to the city of San Juan, Drinks at the inn
  • lunch-dinner on the day of arrival
  • expenses caused by abandonment of  expedition
  • aerial extraction in case of evacuation

Group size

up to 10 tourists

Duration

8 days
7 nights

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

Upper body
• 2 Upper body base layers, polypropylene or capeline
• 1 Long sleeve shirt
• 1 Fleece jacket
• 1 Windproof Gore-tex jacket (must have a hood)
• 1 Down jacket (hood recommended)

Lower body
• 1 Lower body base layer (thermal underwear or similar)
• 1 Pair of trekking pants

Hands
• 1 Pair of liner gloves
• 1 Pair of fleece or wool gloves

Head
• 1 hat or cap with a wide brim for sun protection
• 1 Fleece hat or balaclava

Footwear
• 1 Pair of trekking shoes or boots (we recommend Gore-Tex models)

Feet
• 2 Pairs of lightweight socks
• 2 Pairs of heavyweight socks

Eyes
• 1 Pair of glacier glasses with side protection (100% UV)

Others
• 1 Headlamp
• 1 Sleeping bag (suitable down to -20ºC / -4ºF)
• Mattress
• Sunscreen and lip protection (SPF 40)
• 2 liter Water bottle or camelback
• 1 small thermos flask

Backpack
• Backpack (20 / 25 L)

Personal
• Camera, video camera, extra batteries
• Personal first-aid kit
• Personal hygiene kit
• 6 Batteries for the headlamp or other

Cancellation of booking

Reviews

5.0
Based on 8 reviews
  • A
    Adriana
    20 Mar, 2023
    about provider
    It was the best ever Aconcagua adventure we experienced. The team was well organized, extremely supportive, fun and trustworthy. Pablo was an amazing guide and Federico made everything to help us with all the arrangements from abroad. Thank you so much for the trip of a lifetime!
    20 Mar, 2023
  • AS
    Alexi Shaw
    15 Mar, 2023
    about provider
    We had the two days horse riding trip in Mendoza. Wonderful trip - our guide was excellent, multilingual leader, the gauchos were wonderful guys, the planning itself was extremely great! Breathtaking views and a superb experience. I will never forget our dinner in the clouds and this little adventure. Well worth the price.
    15 Mar, 2023
  • R
    Ryan
    5 Mar, 2023
    about provider
    We had an amazing horseback riding experience with Pablo. It was probably the best excursion we had during our trip. Views were spectacular and the gaucho lunch in the mountains was so unique. Highly recommend!
    5 Mar, 2023

Dates and Prices

  • $1,650
    18 – 25 Jan, 2025 8 days 7 nights
    Request to book
  • $1,650
    1 – 8 Feb, 2025 8 days 7 nights
    Request to book
  • $1,650
    22 Feb – 1 Mar, 2025 8 days 7 nights
    Request to book

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