Crossing the Andes Mountains by Horse
The crossing of the mythical Andes Mountain range by horse is a dream for horseback riding fanatics. With its snow-capped peaks, rivers and valleys, it is a real challenge to the most experienced riders. Horseback riding in these mountains is an adventure you will never forget and hard to compare.
A little history
“What does not let me sleep is not the opposition that my enemies can give me, but rather crossing these immense mountains”- Jose de San Martin wrote to his friend Tomas Guido in June 1.816.
This is a very special ride for many reasons. Mainly because of its historical relevance. In 1.917 General Jose de San Martin with his 5.000 soldier army managed to cross the Andes Mountains. Their aim was to get to Chile and fight against the Spanish army. As a consequence, he would free South America from the Spanish conquerors.
The real deal
There are several offers to cross the Andes by horse. What makes this program special is that it’s the only one that truly crosses the Andes Mountains and arrives in Santiago de Chile. Indeed, the ride goes through the same path that the Argentinean army used back in 1.817. To be able to cross the border to Chile, the first part of the ride is done with Argentinian horses and the second part with Chilean horses.
Another detail about the ride
This is also a special ride because riders will live the experience on the back of Peruvian horses. This breed is original from Peru and have a very particular way of moving. It is distinguished by a natural, four-beat, lateral gait called “paso llano”. This characteristic gait (something in between walking and trotting) helps them to cover long distances over a short period of time without cantering.
Peruvian Horses are the most comfortable horses for long rides. They are famous because it is said that the rider can take a glass of wine while riding without spilling a drop of it.
Nestor Imberti and his son Pablo breed and train Peruvian horses. They are very passionate about their work and love sharing their knowledge about them.
- Destination
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Departure
Mendoza
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Included
AccomodationAdvancedAlcoholic DrinksBreakfastDinnerFull Board AccomodationIntermediateLunchprivate GuidesRiding HorsesTransport
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Not Included
BeginnerCaballos de equitaciónEconomicEndurance HorsesEquipmentGimnasioHalf Board AccomodationJumping HorsesLocal ToursLuxuryPolo HorsesSpaTickets to National Parks
From our gallery
Itinerary
- Day 1: Mendoza City: Pick up & drop off at the Plumerillo Airport in the city of Mendoza. This city is the starting point of your trip across the Andes. Check in at Huentala Hotel (the hotel is located in the center of the town, a few blocks away from the main street). Free afternoon to get to know the city. In the evening, enjoy a Folklore and Tango Show in one of the best Dinner Theaters of Mendoza.
- Day 2: Mendoza - San Juan. Early departure from the city of Mendoza by car to the town of Barreal, located in the south of the province of San Juan (this was the original starting point of the original ride). On your way, you will see Potrerillos, Uspallata Valley, Pampa del Leoncito, and the town of Barreal, where you will stop for lunch. Then, arrive in Las Hornillas, located at the foot of the Andes, in Alvarez Condarco, province of San Juan. Once in Barreal the muleteers will be waiting for you with the horses and pack mules, to take you to the camp. During the afternoon, you will do a short ride to get to know the horses and choose the correct horse for the 10 day ride. In this way also the guides will be able to evaluate your riding level. Dinner will take place in the camp.
- Day 3: Las Hornillas (2,100 meters) - Manantiales (3,000 meters): Today begins the big adventure! Riders will cross the Aldeco River and head into the black pampa until they reach the plains of Manantiales. At night, camp will take place near a stream. Dinner and overnight in the tent. Cover distance of third day: 17 km ( 5 hour ride)
- Day 4: Manantiales (3000 meters) - Paso Espinacito (4500 meters) - Vega Larga (3000 meters): The second day ride is the most intense of the whole ride, riders will cover 31 km and they will be riding around 9 hours. After a nutritious breakfast, riders will descend towards Las Leñas River, passing by Peñón de San Martin. The trail will be along the Las Leñas river gorge (road becomes increasingly rocky and riders will cross the same river several times). After they will climb spectacular Paso Espinacito ( a mountain pass, located at 4500 meters of altitude) where they will be able to obtain a panoramic view and contemplate the immensity of Mount Aconcagua and the entire mountain range bordering Chile. After that they will head into a valley, they will ride across “Vegas de Yeso” and arrive at the camp in Vega Larga.
- Day 5: This day the ride will be 8 hours ( 22 km). After having breakfast with outstanding views of the Andes mountains, riders will start preparing to move again. They will start descending and they will go across the Yeso Hill till they will reach the stunning Valle de los Patos passing by the Argentine Gendarmerie’s “Ingeniero Sardinas” shelter. They will keep on riding till a beautiful valley called Valle Hermoso where they will spend the night. In this camp riders and horses will stay for two nights, its very important to rest and relax during these two days.
- Day 6: RESTING DAY. The idea of this “resting day” is to relax and connect with nature. Unlike other days today riders won't have to rush for breakfast, they will be able to enjoy a pleasant sunrise and also do other activities such as fishing, trekking, and get to watch gauchos do a “boleadoras' 'demonstration. During the night they will enjoy a delicious asado underneath the stars.
- Chile: The 7th day riders will cross the border to Chile, in order to be able to do this they will change horses from Argentinean to Chilean horses. Due to phytosanitary restrictions, it is not allowed to go into Chile with horses from other countries. Here at the border there is a Memorial that commemorates San Martin´s heroic deed and boundary markers between the two countries can be seen from here. This is the perfect occasion to also get to know Chilean “huasos” (gauchos). At Las Vegas del Cienago, Carabinero´s (Chilean police) outpost is located; here riders will need to present documents to customs. Then, the ride will continue till they arrive at the camp in Lagunitas, where staff will be waiting for them for dinner.
- Day 8: Vegas del Cienago (2600 meters) - La Colorada (3500 meters) - Maiten Bonito (2200 meters): this day will be hard! Riders will be covering 28 km ( 8 hours more or less). They will continue riding following the course of the Rocin River; they will cross the river twice to go up a 1,000-meter slope and reach the La Colorada pass, located at 3,500 meters above sea level. From there, they will have a magnificent view of the Andes Mountains, the Coastal Range, and the central valleys of Chile. After a good rest they will follow the Chalaco River downstream till they get to the camp Maiten Bonito. Dinner will be by the campfire, guests will be able to enjoy a good glass of wine and admire the stars and sky.
- Final day: After one week riding around 7 or 8 hours per day along desolated trails surrounded by mountains finally on the last day and after covering a 17km distance finally riders will end the adventure. They will ride to Los Patos (small town) where they will need to do customs again. At this point riders will say goodbye to their horses and to the guides, a car will take them to Santiago de Chile (capital city).
- Santiago de Chile: once at the city guests will be taken to the Best Western Hotel Marina de las Condes. At this hotel guests will be able to enjoy massages, a heated swimming pool and relax after so many days riding. The hotel is located in the neighborhood of Las Condes, one of the most exclusive areas of the city. From this point riders will be able to choose to stay and continue their holidays in Chile or go back to Argentina.
What's included
- 8 horse riding days
- All the Peruvian horses for the scheduled routes and Chilean
- horses for the Chilean leg of the trip
- 9 nights accommodation
- Technical assistance in the mountain
- Certified guides
- Gauchos baquianos (local knowledgeable guides) traveling with the group
- Complete camping gear (cookware, Thermos flasks, lamps), kitchen, and dining tent
- Logistics team will transport all the luggage that you’ll use during the ride
- Transfer from Plumerillo Airport in Mendoza to Mendoza
- Transfer from Mendoza to Barreal and Hornillas
- Transfer from Los Patos to Santiago Capital
- Satellite phone only for emergency calls
- Radio transmitters for internal coordination
- First aid kit
- Muleteers
- Pack mules (Personal luggage carried on mules: up to 15 kilograms per person)
- Riding gear, camping equipment, and personal hygiene kit
Location
Mendoza city is located in Cuyo region, west of Argentina.
Other activities for riders and non riders companions
Mendoza is one of the most known destinations of Argentina and the main reason is because it is one of the international wine capitals. The city in itself is a very interesting place to visit due to its European architecture (as in most cities of Argentina) and it's quaint streets. Also it offers high quality hotel accommodation and gastronomy.
The best regions to try the Mendoza´s excellent wines are Lujan de Cuyo and Valle de Uco (Uco Valley); Lujan de Cuyo is located just a few minutes away from the city. EQUUS ARGENTINA offers a great variety of hotels and vineyards to visit. Mendoza experience is all about joy: amazing wines, top level accommodation and food always surrounded by the majestic Andes mountains.
The main touristic activity is related to vineyards, visitors can get to know them by car, or bikes or even by horse (check our wine & horse tour).
Valle de Uco is located further away from Mendoza Capital city. The mythic 40 road joins Mendoza City to Valle de Uco, it is really worth it to travel by this road and appreciate the amazing landscape of the surroundings. Equus Argentina recommends a stop at Bodega Altamira, located in the town of San Carlos. In this vineyard wines are produced at a very high altitude with thaw water that comes from the Andes mountains, as a result this wine has very good quality.
