Crossing the Andes from Argentina to Chile

Early departure from the city of Mendoza by car to the location Barreal, located in the south of the province of San Juan. 

On our way, we will see Potrerillos, Uspallata Valley, Pampa del Leoncito and the town of Barreal, where we will stop for lunch. Then, we arrive in Las Hornillas; located at the foot of the Andes, in Alvarez Condarco, province of San Juan. 

Our muleteers will be waiting for us with the horses and pack mules, and our staff will bring all the necessary gear for the expedition. Here, at the camp, we will take the time to try and choose our Peruvian Paso Horses, the ones that will take us to the border with Chile. 

In the evening, after a delicious criollo-style dinner, we will go to sleep in our tents. 

»Distance: Mendoza – Las Hornillas 348 km approx. northwest of Mendoza.

Early in the morning, our first riding day begins. We will cross the Aldeco River and head into the black pampa until we reach the plains of Manantiales. 

At night, we camp near a stream. Dinner and overnight in tent. 

»Distance: 17 km. »Duration: 5:30 Hours

After a nutritious breakfast, we will descend towards Las Leñas River, passing by Peñón de San Martin. Today, we have the most intense leg of the expedition. 

We will ride along the Las Leñas river gorge. The road becomes increasingly rocky, and we will cross the same river several times. We will climb the spectacular Paso del Espinacito (mountain pass) located at 4,500 meters of altitude, where we will enjoy a panoramic view and contemplate the immensity of Mount Aconcagua and the entire mountain range bordering Chile. 

After that, we will head into a valley, we will ride across Vegas de Yeso and arrive at our camp in Vega Larga. 

»Distance: 31 km. »Duration: 9:00 hours.

After breakfast, we mount our horses and ride across the Yeso hills until we reach the stunning Valle de Los Patos (Valley of the Ducks), passing by the Argentine Gendarmerie’s “Ingeniero Sardinas” shelter. 

We will continue riding across the plains towards Valle Hermoso, where we will set up the camp and spend 2 nights. During our ride, the highest mountain in America, the Aconcagua (6,962 meters above sea level), is visible all the time. 

We can also see the peak of Cerro La Mesa, with its vast glacier at the top. 

»Distance: 22 km. »Duration: 8:00 hours

On this day, you will have the possibility to enjoy a pleasant sunrise, as we don’t need to rush to have breakfast early. 

Today is your day of rest: everything will slow down. We can go fishing in the afternoon and after a nap, the gauchos will teach us how to throw the boleadoras (bolas) and we can go for a walk and take good photos of the amazing surroundings. 

Unlike the other days, this time we will have a hearty lunch instead of a light meal, since we will not ride in the afternoon. 

And in the evening, we’ll enjoy a typical Argentine asado (barbeque).

We will head west and reach the border with Chile. 

There we will visit a memorial that commemorates San Martin’s heroic deed and we can see the boundary marker between the two countries. 

At this point, we must change horses. Due to phytosanitary restrictions, it is not allowed to go into Chile with horses from other countries. 

In this place, we will meet the Chilean huasos and muleteers who will be our guides during the next 3 days. After a welcome snack and drink, we will continue our ride along the Rocín River until we reach the Carabineros’ outpost in Las Vegas del Ciénago. 

There, we must arrange custom formalities with the Chilean border control. We will ride for about 1 more hour until we reach the camp in Lagunitas, where our staff will be waiting for us with a delicious dinner. 

»Distance: 27 km. »Duration: 6:30 hours

Breakfast at 7:30 am. We will continue the expedition following the course of the Rocín River. Once we leave Lagunitas behind, we will cross this river twice to go up a 1,000 metre slope and reach the La Colorada pass, located at 3,500 m above sea level. 

From there, we will have a magnificent view of the Andes Mountains, the Coastal Range and the central valleys of Chile. After a good rest for us and the horses, we will follow the Chalaco River downstream, where we can discover the vegetation, including small bushes which are characteristic of the high Andean region: goat horn, thorny bushes, and the colourful “yareta”. 

Lunch Box during the ride. At about 5 pm, we will arrive in Maitén Bonito. Camp and dinner by a cosy campfire. 

»Distance: 28 Km. »Duration: 7: 00 hours

At about 9 am after breakfast, we will ride our horses knowing that it is the last day of our trek. We will continue descending along the Chalaco River to Los Patos. 

During the ride, after several days, we will see taller trees and the vegetation will become increasingly lush. In Los Patos, the Chilean international police will check our documents and baggage. 

Lunch Box during the ride. 

Then, we will be driven to Santiago, Capital of Chile. After almost 2 hours, we will arrive at the Hotel. 

»Distance: 18 Km on horseback. 

»Transfer to Santiago 200 km 

»Duration: 8: 00 hours

Breakfast at the hotel.

We say goodbye with a warm loving embrace. We thank you for traveling with Ampascachi and reiterate that you are welcome to join us again whenever you like. 

See you soon. We will be waiting for you!