8-Day Crossing of the Andes on Horseback

Activity Details

Day 1: San Juan - Barreal

Ready to experience 8 unforgettable days in the Andes Mountains? Then we'll meet at Alvear Norte 161, where we'll have an introduction and board an off-roading vehicle to head to Barreal. After a 3-hour drive, we'll check into the hotel and give you a technical briefing about the trip we are about to embark on. We'll also provide you with the necessary equipment to ensure a safe and comfortable ride.

Plus, we'll share some tips on how to acclimatize to the new altitude at 1,700 m (5,577 ft) above sea level and share the story of the Crossing of the Andes: a momentous journey undertaken by the Army of the Andes in 1817 to liberate Chile from Spanish rule.

Afterward, we'll leave to enjoy dinner at your own pace, rest up for the next day.

Day 2: Barreal - Peñón Colorado or Los Hornitos

After breakfast, we'll travel by vehicle on a 3-hour journey to Manantiales, the starting point of the real adventure. There, we'll prepare the horses and mules and begin our journey.

The ride will start in a valley of pastures and hills, stretching for 6 km (4 mi). We'll take a slow but steady pace, and after several hours of riding, we'll take a break to enjoy a picnic lunch, allowing the animals to eat and drink as well.

We'll resume our route and reach a campsite in Peñón Colorado or Los Hornitos, depending on weather conditions and the pace of the group.

As night falls, we'll settle down to enjoy dinner and, if we're lucky, lay down under a clear, starry sky as we tuck into our shared tents and catch some sleep for the night.

Day 3: Peñón Colorado or Los Hornitos - El Espinacito - Vega de Gallardo

Ready for one of the most demanding days of the Andes Crossing? We'll have an early breakfast to fuel up and then set off in a 15 km (9 mi) route toward our real challenge: the ascent of the Espinacito Pass, towering 4,500 m (14,763 ft) above sea level.

We'll take a break for lunch and continue through the snow-capped hills, enjoying the absolute silence of the mountains for another 15 km (9 mi). As we descend, we'll reach the camp at Vega de Gallardo, at an altitude of almost 3,000 m (9,842 ft).

Here, we'll pack it in for the night, and enjoy a hearty meal before getting some much-needed rest. 

Day 4: Vega de Gallardo - Valle de Los Patos - Río del Valle Hermoso

After enjoying breakfast, we'll set off on horseback towards the Valle de Los Patos, a natural corridor that was key for the Army of the Andes' strategy during the rebellion.

We'll travel 10 km (6 mi) through rocky trails and high-altitude meadows. When hunger strikes, we'll make the obligatory stop for lunch. Then, with newfound energy, we'll hop back in the saddle and continue riding. Along the way, well be rewarded with stunning views, as the sprawling landscapes stretch farther and farther away, and the valleys look like they have no end. This will be by far the most picturesque moment, and the point of the route to be remembered!

After another 10 km (6 mi) or so, we reach the campsite next to the river in Valle Hermoso, at an altitude of 2,990 m (9,809 ft). We'll end the day here, with the water and the echo of the mountains providing a perfect setting for dinner and rest until the next day.

Day 5: Río del Valle Hermoso - Border marker - Valle Hermoso

After a filling breakfast, we'll set off on a 10 km (6 mi) route towards the border marker, a symbolic point between Argentina and Chile. As we cross this legendary spot, we'll channel the energy of the Liberation Army as it crossed this rugged landscape decades ago.

The area is surrounded by an arid and majestic environment that seems frozen in time. We'll stop at a strategic point along the route to feed the animals and have lunch and, after regaining our energy, we'll continue on until we reach the camp in the heart of Valle Hermoso after another 10 km (6.2 mi).

There, we'll set up camp, have dinner, and rest for the night.

Day 6: Valle Hermoso - Vega del Cura or Rancho de Lata

We'll start the day with breakfast and then set off on a 15 km (9 mi) route descending between rivers and streams, and crossing fords that require the animals to keep a steady pace.

After stopping for lunch and a rest, we'll resume our journey and arrive at Vega del Cura or Rancho de Lata, depending on the weather and the pace of the group. Regardless, we'll see how the dense vegetation begins to thin out in this area, and the mountain becomes gentler and less steep.

The day will end with plenty of rest and a good dinner at camp. See you tomorrow!

Day 7: Vega del Cura or Rancho de Lata - Paso de La Honda - Barreal

Ready for the last day? After filling up at breakfast, we'll mount our horses and ascend to the Paso de La Honda, at 4,350 m (14,271 ft) above sea level.

It’s a steep climb to a height where every breath feels electric. Over 5 km (3.1 mi), the trail rewards us with sweeping views of the Andean peaks and marks the start of our final descent.

After lunch, we'll arrive at Manantiales after traveling 15 km (9 mi). There, we'll say goodbye to our noble four-legged steeds and board the off-roading vehicle that will take us to Barreal, where we'll arrive around 8 pm. Back in town, we'll head to the hotel so you can settle into your rooms.

We'll celebrate the end of this tour with a farewell dinner (not included), reveling in shared memories of the experience.

Day 8: Barreal - San Juan

After breakfast, we'll prepare the return trip at 10 am to San Juan, Argentina. After a 3-hour drive, we'll arrive at the initial meeting point from the first day at around 1 pm.

There, we'll say goodbye, filled with unforgettable memories of an epic Crossing of the Andes. 

Accommodation

This tour includes 7 nights in the following accommodations:

• 5 nights of full board in shared tents with up to five people.
• 2-night hotel stay with breakfast in a quadruple room with shared bathroom at Complejo Río Los Patos (3*) or similar.

Menu

Throughout the tour, you can expect the following:

• Breakfast: homemade semita bread, black coffee, coffee with milk, mate, and tea with regional sweets.
• Lunch: chicken sandwiches, breaded cutlet or beef cutlet, pies, cold cuts with fruit, and regional sweets for dessert, accompanied by water from the streams and rivers.
• Dinner: grilled meat, pasta with sauce and cheese, lentil stew, rice, traditional Andean locro, and fruit for dessert, washed down with water from the streams and rivers.
• Afternoon snack: mate, black coffee, coffee with milk, homemade bread, and regional sweets.

Vegetarian options will be available.

Itinerary Adjustments

Please note that the order of the itinerary may vary due to weather conditions.

Mandatory Evacuation Insurance

Please note that compulsory evacuation insurance must be taken out for this activity. During the booking process, you will find information on how to take out this insurance on the voucher.