Crossing the Andes: Chile and Argentina Camping Trail

5.0 (3)
9 days 8 nights
Chile
Photo Mathias B.
5.0
Mathias B.
Tour Provider
View Mathias’s tours
Difficulty
Challenging
Comfort
Basic
Weight limit

Embarking on this extraordinary journey, we will traverse from the snow-capped volcanoes of the Chilean Andes, through the Icalma pass, and into the expansive valleys of the Argentinean pampas. As we ride, we'll witness a stunning transformation in the landscape, encountering smoking volcanoes, glistening mountain lakes, and lush, towering rainforests.

What makes this trip particularly special is that our overnights will be spent in tents, allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in nature and connect with the breathtaking surroundings. On the Chilean side, we’ll navigate steep mountains and unspoiled rainforests on our sturdy Chilean Criollo horses. Upon crossing into Argentina, we’ll experience the vibrant gaucho culture, explore vast plains, and marvel at the dramatic cliffs that are home to the majestic Patagonian condor. This unique camping experience enhances our adventure, offering a deeper appreciation of the stunning landscapes and rich wildlife we encounter along the way.

from
$4,000
per tourist for 9 days
Departing from
Pucón, Pucon, Chile
Available dates
Date of travel
Number of individuals
Only in the Horse Tours Club
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  • Reviews from travelers
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Photo Mathias B.
Mathias B. is the provider and guide of this trip
The provider speaks: English, German, Spanish
Organizing and guiding adventures on horseback through the andes since 1998

Tour highlights

Two Countries, One Ride
Get the best of two worlds
Cross the Andes
This is gonna be the greatest adventure on horseback
Sleep Under Patagonian Skies
We'll overnight in tents, making this experience more adventurous

Route details

Day 1
Our First Ride

Pick up in Pucon 09.00 am, we have breakfast and afterwards we take an initial ride through the Quelhue mountains and along Liucura River to evaluate your riding experience, get familiar with the saddle and tack, and determine which horses to take on our great adventure. Lunch at our ranch, time to pack the saddlebags. 

In the evening we ride to our first camp at Renahue

Overnight: camping.

Day 2
To Rio Blanco
Day 3
To Flor de Valle
Day 4
To Nevados de Sollipulli
Day 5
To Lake Icalma
Day 6
To Argentina
Day 7
Argentinian Ride
Day 8
Another Day in Argentina
Day 9
Departure
Difficulty
Challenging
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health
Tour provider's comments

Experience on horseback is necessary but you do not have to be a highly experienced rider. We ride up to 8 hours a day with breaks.

horse

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic
Tent
6 nights
Camp Site
2 nights
6 nights
Camping

Basic tent camps. In the tent camps 2 riders share one tent. We always try to give solo travelers a single tent. Because of weight issues this may not always be possible.

1 night
Cabin Near Lake Icalma
1 night
Hernan's Ranch

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place
Pucón, Pucon, Chile
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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

  • all transports to and from Pucón at set times; 
  • all fees;
  • accommodations;
  • all meals including wine with dinner;
  • all equipment from spoon to tent and sleeping mats.

Extras

  • flights;
  • tips.

Group size

up to 8 tourists

Duration

9 days
8 nights

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

Some suggestions for your packing list for horse treks.

  • Sun block
  • Torch (flashlight), water bottle (we can provide if you let us know).
  • Hat or cap, best with wide rim.
  • Sun glasses, compulsory.
  • Scarf or neckerchief to cover your nose/mouth on dusty parts.
  • Plastic bag (e.g. zip lock) to protect your passport.
  • Swimming suit, towel.
  • Hip bag for things you want fast access to.
  • Rain gear: we suggest you bring waterproof trousers and jacket, we provide additional rain ponchos which are great on horseback, but may not be suitable for the time you're not riding.
  • Riding trousers: jeans or trekking trousers are perfect for the kind of riding we do.
  • Shoes: Light trekking boots, best if they are high enough to protect your ankles.
  • Fleece clothes to keep you warm during the cool nights in the Andes. Bringing several layers is the best option so that you can easily adjust to the temperature.
  • We provide half chaps, though if you prefer your own gear, you are welcome to bring it.
  • We do not provide riding helmets. If you are used to wearing one please bring your own, as they are not common in Chile and it will be hard to find one in a shop.

 

Weight and volume limit for personal items:

2 times 5 kilo/11 lbs (not including tent, mat and sleeping bag), one package for the Chilean leg, one for the Argentinean leg of the ride. On rides accompanied by 4x4:
a bag, 50x30x30 cm/ 20x12x12 inches, not including tent, mat and sleeping bag.

If you prefer to bring your own sleeping bag, tent or mattress, the size/weight should not exceed:

Bag: 40 x 20cm( 16x8 inches) and 2kg ( 4.4 lbs )
Mattress 30 x 15 (12x6 inches) / 1kg ( 2.2 lbs )
Tent 60x15 (24x6 inches) / 3.3kg (7.3 lbs

What kind of food is included?
Any additional expenses?
Tell me about your horses
Cancellation of booking

Tour reviews

5.0
Based on 3 reviews
  • M
    Madi
    31 Mar, 2024
    about provider
    We enjoyed a fantastic trip! We were paired with our horse and went on a splendid horseback ride through the mountains. Along the way, we briefly stopped to stroll to a picturesque waterfall before continuing our journey on horseback. The vistas of the volcanoes were breathtaking, and our guide Mara provided insightful information about the local wildlife. Riding alongside the river and through the countryside was a memorable experience. This adventure in Pucón was definitely the highlight of our trip!
    31 Mar, 2024
  • E
    Edward
    15 Feb, 2024
    about provider
    Excellent. We rode to such distant places where human presence was none. The choice of horses made it an enjoyable experience. The guides, possessing extensive knowledge, ensure each participant enjoys an outstanding adventure.
    15 Feb, 2024
  • C
    Christina
    20 Nov, 2023
    about provider
    I can highly recommend this beautiful place with genuinely warm and welcoming hosts and cozy cabañas that instantly made me feel at home. My experience was fantastic, filled with Spanish learning, horseback riding adventures, exploring the surrounding area and simply relaxing in this picturesque setting. Thank you so much!
    20 Nov, 2023

Dates and Prices

  • from
    $4,055
    5 – 13 Jan, 2025 9 days 8 nights
    Request to book
  • from
    $4,055
    19 – 27 Jan, 2025 9 days 8 nights
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  • from
    $4,055
    2 – 10 Feb, 2025 9 days 8 nights
    Request to book
  • from
    $4,055
    16 – 24 Feb, 2025 9 days 8 nights
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  • from
    $4,000
    2 – 10 Mar, 2025 9 days 8 nights
    Request to book

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