Argentina’s Crossing the Andes Itinerary
2008
Day 1 Arrive in Santiago de Chile, Chile at the pre-set time for your transfer to Los Andes town. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel in town. Welcome dinner.
Day 2 Transfer from Los Andes to Los Patos by car. This is the route taken by San Martin´s army on his way to Santiago, through the Aconcagua Valley and the Putaendo Valley. You will see the site where on February 12, 1817, the Chacabuco Battle took place. On February 14, San Martín and O’Higgins entered Santiago de Chile to declare independence. At Los Patos, the horses will be waiting for the group. The local authorities are shown documentation to allow riders to cross this unattended border. You will ride upstream via Rocin River to Las Tejas, the first campsite.
Day 3 Today you will ride the Pacific Ocean watersheds. You ride up the Rocín River canyon to spend the night at El Ciénego camp.
Day 4 Riders leave early in the morning to reach the international border at 11,500 feet. Changing horses is mandatory so say farewell to the Chilean horses to continue the ride with an Argentine team. You will have a very clear view of the Aconcagua Mt. (22,000 feet), the highest peak in America and the Western Hemisphere. Spend the night at Valle Hermoso camp.
Day 5 Today you ride along the Los Patos Valley, which gives the name to this pass. It was once at the bottom of the sea so is full of marine fossils. You’ll ride by the Volcán River. Camp is at 11,500 feet in Rancho de Lata, and you’ll want to rest up for the next day’s challenge.
Day 6 Today you ride across the Espinacito Slope at 14,700 feet. This is the highest point of the journey. The landscape is surreal and will make you feel the titanic efforts that the Army of the Andes had to overcome. Night is at the Peñón Colorado camp.
Day 7 After breakfast you ride to Hornillas. The challenge is almost over and you can now fully grasp the real meaning of the crossing. Say farewell to the horses and end this fun adventure. You are driven to Uspallata town to spend the night at the hotel. Farewell dinner.
Day 8 This day will be very gourmet: wine making and tasting and a superb lunch. From Uspallata you will depart early to visit Tapiz boutique winery at Luján de Cuyo. This area is now known worldwide for producing several of Argentina’s best wines. Lunch at the winery. Transfer to Mendoza city airport for your flight to Buenos Aires and home.
Extra nights can be booked in Buenos Aires at additional cost.
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