CEILING OF AMERICA TRAIL - ARGENTINA
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For the truly adventurous come and ride the Aconcagua region amongst the most massive and immense mountains in America, including its tallest peak, the Aconcagua (23,200 ft.). On this horse riding holiday, you will be riding at heights over 11,000 ft., through small trails, past fairy tale valleys and colourful creeks… It is in these uninhabited places, which you can only reach on horseback, where huge herds of guanacos roam freely and the Andean condor nests. Only in unique places like this you can enjoy the privilege of watching them in plentitude. Suitable for adventurous outdoor and nature enthusiasts who enjoy travel on horseback, this point to point trail offers good riding on criollo horses.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - CEILING OF AMERICA TRAIL
Day 1
Pick-up at Mendoza city airport. Meet your guide and transfer to hotel in Uspallata, located right in the middle of the Andes Mountains and very close to Mount Aconcagua. This mountain lodge is like a throw back to the 30's and 40's. Enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 2
Horseback riding: After breakfast we will have the first chance to ride these massive mountains. During our rides we will have the priceless support of an elite cavalry unit based in the area that focuses on border exploration on horseback. We will drive on an off road truck which is the only possible way to get to Chacay, well into the Tiger Range. There, our horses will be waiting for us for the ride to La Gloria (The Glory). Moving upwards with our horses to 3000 meters high we reach the viewpoints from where there is a great view of Uspallata Valley. Back to the hotel for dinner.
Day 3
Horseback riding: After breakfast we start a 9hs. day outdoors. Our off road truck will carry us to the Tiger Range. On horseback we will ride upstream the Ranchillos Creek to Cueva de la Bruja (Witch Cave). We will
have lunch there. The massive rock wall in front of it houses condor nests. If we are lucky, we will have the chance to watch them close by. After lunch we head towards the Durazno stream downwards to Uspallata. We will come along dry river beds. Its sand makes it a perfect place to try cantering. It is an unforgettable experience to run your horse into town. Are you willing to give it a try? Dinner.
Day 4
Horseback riding: Today we will ride the Bonilla Range through the Quebrada de Santa Helena and towards Agua de la Cueva (7hs ride including lunch outdoors). The same unspoilt trail used in 1817 by the army sent to free Chile from the Spaniards. On this virgin land, we will have a feeling of the titanic efforts of the task. When we reach Agua de la Cueva, we will have majestic views of the Aconcagua. Its 6962 mts. make it the highest
peak in America. This was their camping ground two centuries ago. Back to Uspallata on off road truck. Our horses will wait for us there for next day. Dinner.
Day 5
Horseback riding: Our truck will take us back to Agua de la Cueva. Our last riding day will take us through pampa de Canota (7hs ride including lunch outdoors). This area is known because of its herds of guanacos and the Andean condor. On our way, we will stop at the abandoned mine Rivadavia and explore its tunnels. At sunset we reach Uspallata. Feel free to gallop back into town. Say farewell to your horse and get ready for dinner.
Day 6
Mendoza wines and airport: This day will be very gourmet: wine making and tasting and a superb lunch. From Uspallata we leave early to Luján de Cuyo. This area is now known worldwide for producing several of Argentina’s best wines. Each night during your ride you have been enjoying a different wine from this terroir. Your visit to Mendoza would not be complete without a visit to the famous Club Tapiz boutique winery. During
this private visit, we will have the chance to taste their premium wines directly from the oak casks. Lunch at the winery. Transfer to Mendoza city airport. End of program. NOTE: depending on your flight time back home, you
might need to spend the night in Buenos Aires. We will be happy to assist you with hotel reservations.
Day 7
Your riding holiday could end here as you transfer to Mendoza airport and onward, or you might choose to take the optional rafting trip detailed below!
Rafting on the River Mendoza, the region’s best. 5-7 miles on the rapids surrounded by awesome scenery. The level of difficulty of this river is OK for everyone, thus combining adventure with safety. Transfer to Mendoza city airport.
NOTES - CEILING OF AMERICA TRAIL
EXTRA DAYS:
Buenos Aires
Day 1
Buenos Aires: Arrive Buenos Aires. Pick up at International Airport and transfer to hotel. Lunch (not included). We will take some time to visit the city and learn about its icons in a very special way: tango, Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada’s balcony, Eva Peron, etc. Dinner at Novecento Restaurante. It is located in the fashionable
neighborhood of Las Cañitas. Night at hotel of your choice (not included).
Day 2
Buenos Aires: In the morning we will visit Evita’s grave and then the Museum. With a special invitation from the Argentine Polo Association, we will visit the Palermo polo fields, known as the “Cathedral of Polo”. Then we will stop at Talabartería Aynié, the renowned saddle maker. We will have the chance to learn how saddles are made in Argentina. Lunch (not included). The evening is reserved for tango. We will attend a tango show with dinner and a tango lesson at Complejo Tango. Night at hotel of your choice (not included).
Day 3
Buenos Aires: Time off to have a closer look at any specifics you might be interested in. Buenos Aires is a metropolis where almost anything can be found. We will be ready to help point you in the right direction.
Mendoza:
Adventure activities including
- Rafting: Rafting on the River Mendoza, the region’s best. 5-7 miles on the rapids surrounded by awesome scenery. The level of difficulty of this river is OK for everyone (level 2.5-3), thus combining adventure with safety. Night in hotel.
- Climbing and rappel: Rappel a natural wall located in a deep gorge in the Andes. Before we start, the instructors will teach the basics that will help enjoy the experience of climbing this wall using ropes. This activity does not need any previous training and there is no age limit. 4hs and 30 min. Night in hotel.
- Trekking: Towards the Cerro de la Cruz (6900 ft.) we reach the base of the mountain. This a a trek of medium difficulty that can be done by everyone. Highly recommended for young people who are fond of nature and like awesome mountain landscapes. Night in hotel.
- 4X4 Wheel drive with mining tour: We stop by the 7 colors hill. There, the guide will tell us about the geography, geology, flora and fauna of the area. We do a mini trek (15-20 min.) and then we start a ride
along the Santa Helena creek. We reach the viewpoint called “ El Balcón” from where we can see the Uspallata valley from an altitude of 6900 ft. Here are the talcum and fluorite mines we will explore using safety helmets and lights. This activity takes 4 hs. Night in hotel.
GETTING TO Mendoza Airport
As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book your flights for you. Should you wish to book your own flights please see our flights page for some options.
The weight limit for this ride is 15 st/209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All transfers, meals, beverages (excluding spirits), accommodation - 5 nights in hotel in Uspallata, riding, luggage transfer and English speaking guide.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International and domestic flights, travel insurance, gratuities and all others.
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