The Andes stretch for thousands of kilometers across the South American continent and are one of the most spectacular mountain ranges. They form the longest mountain range in the world and are also home to the highest peaks outside the Himalayas (Aconcagua 6962m). Many areas of the mountains can only be reached on foot or on horseback.
This riding adventure, starting near Santiago de Chile, takes you to the highest heights of the Andes, in the area around the Aconcagua. The route is based on the historic route of the freedom fighter San Martín from 1817, who liberated Chile from Spanish rule and led it to independence.
This trail is a real adventure ride on reliable criollos and mules through remote mountain valleys, past snow-covered peaks and over high valleys. At night in camp, you can admire the spectacular, starry skies of the southern hemisphere. If you are prepared to forgo the comfort of a comfortable hotel bed for a few days, you will be rewarded with spectacular landscapes and panoramas, away from civilization in almost untouched nature.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago de Chile. Collective transfer around midday to town Los Andes. The afternoon is at leisure. You can explore the town or relax by the hotel pool. Welcome dinner with the guides and the riding group. Discussion of the tour and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: The ride begins today. Transfer from Los Andes to Los Patos. On this route, San Martín rode with his army through the Aconcagua valley on his way to Santiago. You will see the spot where the Chacabuco battle against the Spanish took place on February 12, 1817. Two days later, San Martín occupied Santiago, where he declared Chile's independence.
At Los Patos, the huasos (Chilean gauchos) are waiting for you with their horses and mules. Once you have cleared your departure from Chile with the local authorities (you will cross the border into Argentina away from border controls), your riding adventure begins. The pack mules are loaded and each rider is familiarized with their horse. Off you go! You to ride ride in the shadow of the massive mountain peaks along the Rocin River and past a dam. You will see cacti, small green river valleys and certainly a herd or two of goats roaming around. You may also see a chestnut or a rabbit or a condor circling above you. After a while, you will reach Las Tejas, where you will camp for the first night.

Day 3: After a fortifying camp breakfast continue your ride towards the continental divide, which is the border of the rivers that flow either towards the Pacific on one side or towards the Atlantic on the other. The landscapes on this Riding tour are fascinating. There is no forest growth in this climate zone and altitude. The mountains and valleys are very barren and resemble a lunar landscape and yet the landscape is different and varied every day. From the peaks and passes, you have spectacular views of the Andean panorama with its impressive, snow-capped mountains. You continue along the canyon of the Rocin River and reach El Ciénego in the evening, where your camp is located.

Day 4: They set off early on horseback and soon reach the international border at an altitude of 3,500 meters. Unfortunately, the horses are not allowed to cross the border. So it's time to say goodbye to your Chilean four-legged friends. On the other side of the border, the Argentinian team is already waiting for you and will look after you from now on. From here you also have a beautiful view of the Aconcagua, which at 6,962 meters is not only the highest mountain in America, but also the highest mountain outside of Asia. You will spend the night today in Valle Hermoso, which bears its name (beautiful valley) for good reason.

Day 5: Today you ride through the valley to get a closer look at the Aconcagua. If you wish, you can also go fishing today or simply relax in the camp. Return and dinner at the camp in Valle Hermoso.

Day 6: The route continues today to valley Los Patos. It is hard to imagine that this valley was once the seabed millions of years ago and was located at water . Marine fossils can still be discovered today. At an altitude of 3,500 meters, you camp in Rancho de Lata and recover for the next day of riding.

Day 7: Today you reach the Espinacito slope at an altitude of 4,500 meters. This is the highest point you will reach on this Riding tour . The view of the dramatic mountain landscape makes you realize how hard San Martín and his army must have fought their way to Santiago. Overnight stay at the camp in Peñón Colorado.


Day 8: After breakfast, you set off on your last day of riding. Enjoy the last few hours on the back of the sure-footed Criollos before you reach Hornillas, where you say goodbye to the horses and leave a true riding adventure behind you. You will be taken by minibus to Uspallata, where you will spend the night in a hotel. You can review the extraordinary trail over a farewell dinner together. 

Day 9: You spend the day in the mountain villa and have a wide range of activities to choose from: Rafting, mountain biking, trekking, relaxing by the pool. Overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 10: Before your departure, you can enjoy another gourmet day in the Mendoza region today. You set off early in the morning from Uspallata to Luján de Cuyo. This region is known worldwide for its excellent wines. You will visit the famous Club Tapiz boutique winery, where you can taste the wine directly from the oak barrels during your private tour. Lunch at the winery and transfer to Mendoza airport.Optional extra days, upon request bookable:
- Buenos Aires: Visit the vibrant metropolis of Argentina and get to know it with all its advantages: Tango, Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosadas balcony (Eva Peron) etc. Lunch not included. Evening visit to a tango show with dinner and tango lessons. Exercise at the hotel.
- Rafting: On the river Mendoza. 5-7 miles through the rapids with beautiful scenery. The difficulty of this river is level 2.5-3 and is suitable for everyone.
- Climbing and abseiling: Adventure at height on a rock face in a gorge in the Andes. After an introduction by your guide, you climb the rock face. No previous experience necessary. Duration approx. 4.5 hours.
- Trekking: In the area around the Cerro de la Cruz (2,100 meters). This trek is of medium difficulty and is particularly recommended for younger people with a love of nature and great mountain landscapes.

Accomodation
On this tour, the first and last nights are spent in a hotel. Only there will you have access to electricity and WLAN. The rooms also have their own bathroom and air conditioning. You will spend the night in different camps along the way. Tents are provided, sleeping bags can be rented for a fee. The camps do not have sanitary facilities, but you can use lakes and rivers for a refreshing dip.

Saddle & Tack: South American (similar to Western).

Experience: The riding pace is rather calm, but the terrain is quite demanding. Riding time is approx. 6-9 hours per day. This Riding tour is also suitable for less experienced trail riders, but all rider should be in very good physical condition (difficult terrain and altitudes of up to 4,500 meters etc.)

Horses: Criollos und Criollo crosses

Sorry, there is no feedback yet.