Horse Riding in the Andean Peaks

per person

Horse riding in the Andean peaks is an adventure that takes place in the region of Malargüe, in Mendoza. This city lies at the feet of the great Andes Mountain range. During the ride, you will get to explore their majestic snowed peaks and beautiful valleys. The horses will take you on a ride you will never forget. Most importantly, you will learn about the gaucho culture in this incredible region, Cuyo.

While riding in the Andes you will get to know about the life and work of the gauchos. During summer, they work riding through long mountain trails. They move their cattle and animals from the low fields to the higher valleys in the mountains. These have abundant green grass thanks to the melting of the snow. This is the season of the “veranadas”, or summer pastures. The ride will give you a glimpse of how tough this culture can be.

On the horses you will learn about the gauchos and their history. You will experience their traditions and folklore. With them you will learn about their evolution through the years and their great contribution to the history of Argentina. They will share their music and poems. But what will impress you most will be their values, the camaraderie and the boldness of these mountain men.

The main places you will visit during the ride are:

The lost city.
The Andean cascade.
International border with Chile.

6 Nights / 7 Days

12+ Age

Trail Rides

Destination
Mendoza
Departure
Malargüe
Included

Accomodation

Breakfast

Dinner

Equipment

Lunch

private Guides

Riding Horses

Transport
Not Included

Advanced

Alcoholic Drinks

Beginner

Caballos de equitación

Economic

Endurance Horses

Full Board Accomodation

Half Board Accomodation

Intermediate

Jumping Horses

Local Tours

Luxury

Polo Horses

Spa

Tickets to National Parks

From our gallery

1

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Malargüe (you can get there on a bus from Mendoza City). Night at the Hotel Malargüe.
Day 2: After breakfast, at 6:30, a car will be ready to take the riders to Las Loicas locality (about 100 km). Here is where the riding begins. Once there, riders will get to know each other, their guides and gauchos that will join them. Before getting on the horses, there will be a talk about the details of the ride and about all the precautions needed. Riders will select the equipment they will take and leave the rest in the hotel. It’s important to take only the necessary luggage. After this, riders will choose their horse. This is an important moment, the horse will be their partner in this 5 day adventure. They need to feel comfortable with each other. At 10, riders will get on their horses and ride from Las Loicas to Falda Cerro Negro. They will stop for a picnic lunch and then continue riding until Cajon Piche, where the camp will be. The first night is really special, it will be the first night sleeping under the immense Andes Mountain range sky. There will be a fire while having dinner and they will share stories and legends about the place.
Day 3: Riders will reach Cajon Trolon Rial del Bajo. At about 9:30, after having breakfast admiring the mountains, riders will get ready to get back on the horses. At midday, they will rest and have lunch at Los Menucos. Once in Cajon Trolon Rial they will set up the camp, enjoy some mates and snacks, and later at night have dinner and relax around a nice fire.
Day 4: The fourth day is special because they will reach the International Border of Argentina with Chile. Around 9, they will raise the camp and prepare the saddlebags and horses. The first stop will be at Cascada Martinez. This is a great place to enjoy and take pictures. Later, ar midday, they will reach Limite Hito Martinez (Argentina-Chile), where there will be leisure time. Lunch will be at Lagunitas. In the afternoon, they will go back to Cascada Trolon where they will set up camp. They will have a typical goat asado for dinner. They will sleep under the stars, listening to the sound of the cascade.
Day 5: This day is easier than the previous ones. There will be time to rest and enjoy the cascade. After lunch, with the saddlebags and horses ready, they will start the last stretch of the ride. They will reach Cajon Piche where they will have the last night under the Andean skies.
Day 6: Last day on the horses. After breakfast, they will ride to Las Loicas, where the ride began. From Cajon Piche they will go to Cerro Vega de los Patos; and then they will visit the Lost City. Lunch will be here. In the afternoon, they will get to Las Loicas where the adventure ends. Riders will say goodbye to their partners, the horses. A car will take them back to Malargüe where they will spend the night in the Hotel Malargüe. This will be the group’s last night together.

2

Specifications

Minimum age 12 years (except if the child has riding experience).
Maximum age 60 years.
Adults older than 60 must present a psychophysical fitness certificate and medical authorization.
Maximum weight 95 Kg.
Groups of 18 riders + 2/3 gauchos + 2 guides.

Location

Malargüe is located at 300 km from the capital city of Mendoza. It is 303 km away from Talca, Chile. It’s connected to this city by the International Pass Pehuenche.

Other activities for riders and non riders companions

The city of Malargüe is well known on a touristic level. It offers many activities to do, especially for adventure travelers.

In the winter season, there is Las Leñas ski center to the northeast. This is a great place for snow lovers. As it is in the middle of the Andes mountains, it usually has the best snow quality. It is known for having great off-piste options. It also has other activities to do in summer times:

- Visit the “Pozo de las Animas”: On this excursion you will explore this incredible natural hazard that Mendoza has. In this “pool of the souls” you can admire its colorful waters and the relaxing sounds the wind makes.

- Visit to the Cave of the Tunduques: Here you will explore a natural cavity that can be found in Las Leñas valley. It has calcareous formations made by stalactites and stalagmites.

Malargüe also offers great trekking trails and mountain biking. It is a good place for fishing fans, where one can get lost in these great landscapes and its rivers. Of course, there are horse rides too.