Andes Crossing from Argentina to Chile

days 6 days nights 5 nights
Argentina
Difficulty
Moderate
Comfort
Basic
Weight limit
110 kg / 243 lb

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.

US$ 1 650
per tourist for 6 days
Date of Travel
Number of tourists
up to 10 tourists over 12 years old
No need to pay now! After the booking you can clarify any questions with the tour organizers
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Photo Federico Z.
Federico Z. is the organizer of this trip
New
The organizer 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.

Route details

Day 1
MENDOZA – MANZANO HISTÓRICO – SCARAVELLI

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.

Day 2
SCARAVELLI – PORTILLO ARGENTINO – REAL DE LA CRUZ
Day 3
REAL DE LA CRUZ
Day 4
REAL DE LA CRUZ – EL CALETÓN
Day 5
EL CALETÓN – INTERNATIONAL BORDER – TERMAS DEL PLOMO (Chile)
Day 6
TRANSFER CAJÓN DEL MAIPO (Chile) / SANTIAGO DE CHILE
Difficulty
Moderate
Tour organizer'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.).

horse

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.

4 nights
Tents

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).

1 night
Cabin Complex

Travel recommendations

Group meeting place

Mendoza

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

up to 10 tourists

Duration

6 days
5 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

When are the reservation rates and when it should be paid?
Cancellation of booking

Dates and Prices

  • US$ 1 650
    30 Dec, 2023 – 4 Jan, 2024 6 days 5 nights
    Book
  • US$ 1 650
    11 – 16 Jan, 2024 6 days 5 nights
    Book
  • US$ 1 650
    25 – 30 Jan, 2024 6 days 5 nights
    Book
  • US$ 1 650
    8 – 13 Feb, 2024 6 days 5 nights
    Book
  • US$ 1 650
    22 – 27 Feb, 2024 6 days 5 nights
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  • US$ 1 650
    29 Feb – 5 Mar, 2024 6 days 5 nights
    Book
  • US$ 1 650
    7 – 12 Mar, 2024 6 days 5 nights
    Book
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