CHILE TO ARGENTINA - ACROSS THE ANDES - CHILE
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“...what does not allow me to sleep well is, not the strength of our enemy army, but crossing these immense mountains”. Written by Don José de San Martín to José María Guido, 14 June, 1816. On this historic trip we cross the Andes on horseback through the exact same spot San Martín did in 1817 to free the people of Chile. Probably, the trip of a lifetime….. This wilderness is flanked by the highest mountains in America, the Aconcagua (20 900ft.) and the Mercedario (20 700 ft.), uninhabited places, accesible only on horseback, where huge herds of guanacos roam and the Andean condors nest.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - CHILE TO ARGENTINA - ACROSS THE ANDES
Day 1
Arrive Santiago de Chile, Chile: Transfer to Los Andes town at preset time. Rest of day at leisure. Night at hotel. Welcome dinner.
Day 2
Start of horseback ride: Transfer from Los Andes to Los Patos. This is the route taken by San Martin´s army on his way to Santiago, through the Aconcagua Valley and the Putaendo Valley. We will see the site where on 12 February 1817, the Chacabuco battle took place. On 14 February, San Martín and O’Higgins entered Santiago de Chile to declare the independence. At Los Patos, the horses will be waiting for us. Migrations at local authorities to allow us to cross this unattended border. We ride upstream the Rocin river to Las Tejas, our first campsite.
Day 3
Horseback riding (cont.): We are riding the Pacific Ocean watersheds. We move up the Rocín river canyon. Night at El Ciénego camp.
Day 4
Horseback riding (cont.): We leave early in the morning to reach the international border at 3500 mts. Changing horses is mandatory so we say farewell to our Chilean horses and continue our ride with an Argentine team. We will have a very close view of the Aconcagua Mt. (6962 mts.), the highest peak in America and Western Hemisphere. Night at Valle Hermoso.
Day 5
Horseback riding (cont.): We ride along the Los Patos Valley, which gives the name to this pass and is an old sea bottom full of marine fossils, and the Volcán river. We camp at 3500 mts. in Rancho de Lata to get ready for next day challenge.
Day 6
Horseback riding (cont.): Today we cross the Espinacito Slope at 4500 mts. High. This is the highest point of the journey. The landscape is daydreaming and makes us feel the titanic efforts that the Army of the Andes had to overcome. Night at Peñón Colorado.
Day 7
Horseback riding (end): After breakfast we ride to Hornillas. The challenge is almost over and we now fully grasp the real meaning of the crossing. Say farewell to our horses and leave behind the adventure. We go to Uspallata town in vehicle to spend the night at hotel. Farewell dinner. There is an option to also depart tonight and take a bus back to Santiago de Chile airport (4.5 hour journey)
Day 8
Mendoza wines and airport: This day will be very gourmet: wine making and tasting and a superb lunch. From Uspallata we leave 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 bus station and back to Santiago de Chile airport (6 hour journey). End of program.
NOTES - CHILE TO ARGENTINA - ACROSS THE ANDES
If fewer than 6 people have confirmed on this horse riding holiday by 30 days pre departure, the trip will still depart with a supplement of £709 payable per person for 4-5 passengers in 2008.
Extra days in Mendoza can easily be added to this itinerary. The cost of extra days is £95 in 2008 per person sharing. Activities include:
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.
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. This activity takes 4hs 30 min.
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. 4X4 Wheel drive with mining tour: We stop by the Seven Colours 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.
GETTING TO Santiago de Chile 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 flight 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 accommodation (5 nights camping where everyone in the group is asked to help to the extent possible, 1 night hotel at Los Andes, Chile, 1 night hotel at Uspallata – double, triple rooms). Transfer Santiago de Chile – Los Andes, Los Andes - Los Patos, Barreal – Uspallata – Mendoza. Bus ticket back to Santiago at end of ride. All meals and beverages during ride and others indicated in town. Luggage: 10 kilos per person.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International and domestic flights, travel and medical insurance. Meals in towns unless indicated in itinerary, items of a personal nature, gratuities.
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