The high mountain pass "Portillo Argentino" (located in the Argentinean range) is the gate to an old trail used by 'arrieros' (muleteers) and travelers, such as Charles Darwin and General San Martín, to cross the Andes. From this steep col at 4.380 meters of altitude, the path descends into a world where an ancestral culture of horsemen and mountain people is still alive, in harmony with the wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
The traditional "reales" (campsites) offer the opportunity to sleep by the fireside under the mountain sky, and to experience -and share- the skills of the arrieros, from handling the horses to prepare "asado" (barbecue) no matter what the weather throws in.
We like to travel the old way, but with a twist: we take pack horses to carry the loads and cross the rivers, a good cook and set dining tents in the camps, along with mountain tents for the travellers. We also carry a satellite phone, just in case, and offer assistance for custom paperwork in Chile and Argentina.
We will undertake a landscape of unique beauty, crossing the "Portillo Argentino" over 4380 meters, crossing the Andes Mountain Range for the pass between Argentina / Chile: "Piuquenes Pass", and reach Chile.
We will follow the history path, of those who bravely transited these mountains two centuries ago, integrating the columns of the Army of the Andes led by Liberator General San Martin.
Surrounded by mountains and nature, away from the bustle of the cities, enjoy a unique week. The horse becomes our faithful friend beside him discover the exciting gaucho life. The crossing can also be done on foot, with the support of animals in cargo.
Mendoza is the starting point of this adventure. Owner of America's highest peak, "Aconcagua", and City world-renowned for its wines, ditches and tree lined streets, the people welcome you with warmth that characterizes it.
The second day we will travel by private vehicle from the city to the south/west, to the gendarmerie station, in the foothills of the Andes, where the horses are waiting for us ready to undertake the expedition.
Leaving behind all civilization forward, we expect the "Portillo Argentino", mountain pass over 4380 meters above sea level, this narrow passage is our first big challenge. A panoramic view of the valley and the Central Andes is the gift that we get to realize the ascent.
After crossing the pass, the ride continues destination Tunuyán River Valley. Located in the heart of the mountain, the valley is majestic.
We rest and enjoy the nature during 2 days in the Valley, in the middle of the mountains. Our second challenge will be climb the Piuquenes International Pass. At 4030 meters, this step marks the border between Argentina and Chile.
The feat is coming to an end. From there we descend to the river Lead (Chile), where vehicles are waiting to transfer to the "Cajon del Maipo" for resting in a comfortable cabin, and the next day, then to Santiago de Chile.
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Accommodation
1 night are in hotel the others are spent camping in dome tents (2 or 3 people per tent-sorry no single tents). All meals and drinks included during the riding expedition, but not at the hotel.
The accommodation will be in igloo shape tents. You will need a sleeping bag of minus 15°C. You don't need any insulating mattress as we will use the traditional saddle of the "gaucho" -the "recado" - made up of several layers of material, leather and skin of sheep which we use as a comfortable mattress. Some people prefer sleeping outside the tent, which is a wonderful idea to enjoy the stars and serenity of the night.
During the trip, will find mountain shelters and if these mountain shelters during the expedition by horse are available, we will sleep in the shelters, with ours sleeping bags. If not, we will use ours tents.
Everyone pitches in to help make camp enjoyable, with tasks such as collecting wood for the camp fire.
At nightfall we start the fire. We sit around the campfire to warm us up, and we start telling stories and urban legends typical from the region. We pass the mate (Argentinean tea) around and soon the dinner will be served. We recommend you to carry warm clothes as temperatures at night can be very low.
For breakfast we offer "mate", homemade bread and toasts, "dulce de leche"(caramel spread) and fruit jam, tea, coffee, milk, cookies and crackers.
Lunches are light, because we must continue riding after eating. We prepare cold cuts and cheese sandwiches; salami, ham and other cold meat nibbles. Tuna fish or mackerel, olives, homemade bread, mayonnaise, fruits, and juice. Suppers are abundant and comforting, charcoal-grilled "asado" (steak-like meat) or chicken, pasta, rice, salads of lettuce and tomato, homemade bread, vegetable soups, fruits from the season, wine from Mendoza and juice.
During our trip we prepare meals which are varied. If you are vegetarian, just let us know and we will prepare meals without meat. If you have any other special diets, you will have to advise us in advance.
Riding
You don't need to be a superb athlete, but you do need to be in a good health condition, so that you can enjoy a 6-days expedition in direct contact with nature, far away from daily comfort or commodities (For example: It is necessary to mount and get off a horse many times a day, sleep in tents, or in the floor of the refuges, etc.)
The land we will cross has varied terrain such as crossing of rivers, ascents and descents on narrow and steep paths. This is not difficult for the horses, as theses mountain horses are used to the climbs.
The days vary between 4 and 8 hours on horseback. The maximum altitude above sea level is 4380 meters. We put the Andes crossing in the category "moderate difficulty".
Itinerary:
Day 1:
MENDOZA – MANZANO HISTORICO - SCARAVELLI
In the morning the expedition begins with a meeting during which you will get to know the members of the trip and we will check your equipment before leaving. Then we will drive in a private vehicle towards the “Manzano Histórico” (2hs), located in the “Valle de Uco” (Uco Valley). Uco Valley, is a viticulture region southwest of Mendoza City in Argentina. It is widely considered one of the top wine regions in Mendoza, and all of Argentina.
Here lies a Museum in memory of the liberator "San Martin", which will have a chance to visit. We arrive then at the Refugio Portinari (National Gendarmerie). Reception and presentation of guides and local muleteers that will be part of this spectacular expedition on horseback. Here we perform customs clearance and registration with the authorities of the National Gendarmerie.
Dinner: Argentinean Welcome Barbecue (The famous asado)
Day 2:
SCARAVELLI – PORTILLO ARGENTINO - REAL DE LA CRUZ
Breakfast and enlistment of the horses to follow our route. This day we will climb to the "Portillo Argentino", rising to 4380 m.
The mules help us to carry all the luggage. It is a pair of hour’s uphill riding, with the reward of an astonishing view of the Andes and the border with Chile. Then it is a 5-hours plus riding -mostly in a downhill trail- to the valley of the Tunuyan River, where is the mountain shelter "Refugio Real de la Cruz"
This rock shelter belonging to the Argentine Army, is used by adventurers, porters and mountaineers. We spend the night here and enjoy a dinner that will surely be energizing adorned by the experiences of this day for adventure.
The evening may offer some songs and stories, since the refuge is a meeting point for muleteers and travelers.
This will be the longest day on a horse (8 hours approx.).
Day 3:
REAL DE LA CRUZ
The third day is for rest. They may choose to stay near the shelter or make a trek of recognition accompanied by the guide, identifying flora and fauna.
After lunch we can participate in a demonstration of gauchos' skills (with 'lazo' and 'boleadoras').
Dinner and overnight at “Refugio Real de la Cruz”.
Day 4:
REAL DE LA CRUZ – CAMP EL CALETON
After breakfast in the shelter, we prepare the horses and mules for embarking the Tunuyán river crossing with the strong horses guided by the skillful muleteers. The ride continues through the viewpoint of "Mount Tupungato 6800 meters" and then following upriver the beautiful "Palomares" stream, until the last campsite in Argentinean territory: "The Caletón."
If the weather allows, we can have a relaxing bath and "beauty treatment" in a stream with mineralized waters. It is a good opportunity to sleep by the campfire and under the stars.
Rest, night in tents.
Day 5:
THE CALETON - INTERNATIONAL BORDER – TERMAS DEL PLOMO (Chile)
TRANSFER SAN GABRIEL
Departure towards the Argentinean-Chilean Border. Another big challenge lies ahead on the fifth day. Departure to Step Piuquenes to 4030 m, boundary between Argentina and Chile. At noon we will enjoy a unique lunch at the border marker.
For sanitary and custom regulations, the horses can’t cross from one country to another, so a change of animals at the international boundary. New Chilean horses and Chilean muleteers guides will lead us going down to the river "El Plomo” in Chilean territory, the final leg of the expedition.
After crossing the river, private vehicles are waiting for us. Move by track to the Cajón del Maipo, the “Embalse del Yeso” (reservoir) coasting to San Gabriel, people carrying out customs formalities where we complete custom paperwork at the Police office.
Accommodation in a beautiful inn and farewell dinner at local restaurant.
Day 6:
TRANSFER SAN GABRIEL (CHILE) TO SANTIAGO
Transfer to Santiago and end of the program. Optional accommodation and optional transfer to Mendoza (consult).
Map:
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