Andes Crossing from Argentina to Chile

Difficulty

Moderate

Comfort

Basic

Weight limit

Group size

2-10 tourists,
over 12 y.o.

Embark on an unforgetable journey that brings you through a forgotten land of astonishing beauty, evoking the sensation of stepping back in time.

Our expedition commences from the picturesque Uco Valley in Tunuyan, an exquisite mountainous region. From here, we'll traverse The Andes Mountains, navigating through numerous breathtaking valleys, rivers, and ravines flanked by towering cliffs. Amidst this untouched landscape, you'll be greeted by glaciers and the awe-inspiring vista of 6,000-meter peaks. Within this unspoiled terrain reside condors and guanacos who may show up during the expedition. Immerse yourself in this remarkable adventure, unwind in the depths of the immaculate Andean wilderness, and acquaint yourself with the time-honored lifestyle of the local inhabitants.

Federico Z. is the provider of this trip

5.0 9 reviews

The provider speaks: English, Spanish

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.

View Federico`s tours

The tour guides you'll probably meet as well

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

Ride through Andes

Cross the highest mountains of the continent

Enjoy Breathtaking Views

Valleys, rivers, gorges surrounded by vertical walls, glaciers, and the view of 6.000m peaks

Connect with Nature

Enjoy the sensation of wilderness accompanied by friendly people

Route details

The journey commences with an introductory gathering where you'll have the opportunity to acquaint yourself with your fellow travelers. Then we'll embark on a private vehicle drive lasting approximately 2 hours to reach "Manzano Histórico" situated in the Uco Valley, positioned to the southwest of Mendoza City. This area is renowned as one of the foremost wine regions in both Mendoza and the entirety of Argentina.

While at Manzano Histórico, you'll have the chance to explore the museum dedicated to the memory of the revered figure, Liberator San Martín. Following this, we'll proceed by car to Refugio Portinari, overseen by the National Gendarmerie. At this juncture, you'll meet the additional guides and local muleteers who will be integral to this exceptional expedition. It's at this point that we will carry out necessary customs procedures and formalities, in collaboration with the National Gendarmerie authorities.

Dinner and bonfire at the refuge.

Difficulty

Moderate

Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity

Tour provider's comments

It is not necessary to have previous experience to carry out the expedition of the Crossing of the Andes. You do not need training, instruction or practice. The difficulty of all our itineraries is given in the conditions that the mountain presents and not the horse. The animals can only walk at a pace, since the paths are quite irregular and narrow in some sections.
The Crossing of the Andes horseback riding is considered difficult due to the geographical and meteorological difficulties that arise during the journey, given that there is the possibility of being exposed to extreme temperatures, winds that can be violent, snow, sun, rain (inclement weather). You have to have enough rudeness and strength not to falter, or give rise to discomfort caused by the lack of everyday comforts.

Physical condition
It doesn’t matter how athletic you are, you don’t need prior training either, you just need to be in good general health and in good physical and mental condition. Our goal is to fully enjoy these horseback rides in their “expedition” modality, in direct contact with nature, away from everyday comforts and in permanent exercise (for example, getting on and off the horse whenever necessary, sleeping in shops or tents, etc.).

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Tent

5 nights

Accommodation during the expedition is only in tents.
Igloo type tents are double base. We do not have individual tents.
Only the last night is done in a Cabin Complex (shared rooms), with bathroom and showers with hot water.
The tents are arranged according to the participants. We do not allow participants to be uncomfortable in their stores, therefore we let them choose their distribution among themselves.

Accommodation during the expedition is only in tents.
Igloo type tents are double base. We do not have individual tents.

Sleeping bag
The sleeping bag must be at least -10ºC. The nights can be very cold and the days will depend on luck. There are warm nights of 15ºC and cold nights of 5ºC or less. You must be prepared for the cold, although the heat and pleasant temperatures accompany us throughout the trip.
We have sleeping bags for rent (consult).

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

Mendoza

Calculate tour price with tickets from your city

Partnered with

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

Tour conditions

Included

tame horses with mounts
professional instructor guide; Baquianos and Arrieros permanently
transfer from the city of Mendoza to the starting point of the trip
saddlebags
transportation of personal equipment on mules (up to 10 kilograms per person)
all meals and drinks during the horseback riding program
complete campaign team (tents, kitchen utensils, crockery, etc.)
5 nights’ accommodation
first aid kit
satellite telephony for emergencies (does not include private calls)
personal accident insurance
transfer from the end of the ride to the place of accommodation in Chile (Cajón del Maipo)
transfer from the lodging place in Chile (Cajón del Maipo), to Santiago de Chile

Extras

transfer (return) from Santiago de Chile to Mendoza (Enquire for options)
transfer to Chile the luggage that is not carried on the expedition
sleeping bag (available for rent)
personal equipment (clothing, clothing, etc.)
meals not stipulated in the program (in Santiago or Mendoza city)
dinner and drinks on the last night in the Cabins
personal expenses such as telephone calls, tips, laundry, etc.
any cost derived from the abandonment of the program ahead of time
rescue expenses
medical or air evacuation expenses
travel insurance or medical assistance

Group size

2-10 tourists, over 12 y.o.

Duration

6 days

5 nights

It's important to know

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

Reviews

5.0

Based on 9 reviews

YJ
Yún Jì

18 Oct, 2022

I had a great experience with the Team. Their guides are very experienced, respectful and knowledgeable. I have faced several challenging situations during this trip and the guides have provided enormous support and guidance. Their professional skills guaranted me to overcome these challenges and successfully complete the trip. Thank you!
A
Adriana

about provider

20 Mar, 2023

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!
AS
Alexi Shaw

about provider

15 Mar, 2023

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.