← Back to Argentina Experiences
Mendoza · Argentina
6 Day - Andes Crossing From Mendoza To Chile By Horse
Starting From
From $2,176.47 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
Experience inventory, live availability and secure booking provided by
Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Pack your passport and saddle up for an unforgettable cross-country horseback adventure on this 7-day small-group riding tour from Mendoza, Argentina to Santiago, Chile. With transport, meals, and accommodation included, this journey offers a perfect blend of adventure and cultural discovery. Ride in the footsteps of the legendary gauchos (South American cowboys) as you traverse the rugged and awe-inspiring landscapes of the Andes, reaching altitudes of up to 6,000 meters. Along the way, you’ll experience the raw beauty of nature—crossing river valleys, winding mountain passes, and open plains where the horizon seems endless. Each evening, camp beneath a blanket of stars, sharing stories around the fire and savoring hearty meals in the company of fellow travelers. By day, keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife, including soaring condors and grazing guanacos, while your guide shares insights into local traditions and the history of these remote regions. The adventure culminates with a spectacular ride into Chile, where your journey ends in the vibrant capital city of Santiago—leaving you with unforgettable memories of a once-in-a-lifetime trek through the Andes on horseback. This tour is available starting January 15, 2027
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Wonderful opportunity to cross the entire Andes mountain range all the way to Chile
- You will enjoy a totally unique experience, which has been a favorite for all
- Follow in the footsteps of the gauchos (South American cowboys)
- Camp out beneath the stars, spot condors and guanacos from horseback
- Manzano Histórico, visit the museum in memory of the Liberator San Martín
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Mendoza
Welcome to Argentina! You have to arrive in Mendoza a day before the departure date since we will need to check your equipment. We can offer you an additional night of accommodation if you have not arranged anything independently; we will help you to arrange the booking and add the cost to the total rate. The expedition begins with a meeting in which you will get to know the members of the trip. Then we will drive in a private vehicle (2 hrs) to the “Manzano Histórico”, located in the Uco Valley, in the southwest of Mendoza City. It is widely considered one of the top wine regions in Mendoza and all Argentina.
Continued
Mendoza
Local Flavor at Uco Valley. In the Manzano Histórico, you will be able to visit the museum in memory of the Liberator San Martín. We will then go by car to the Refugio Portinari (National Gendarmerie), where you will meet the other guides and local muleteers that will be part of this spectacular expedition. There we will perform customs clearance and registration with the authorities of the National Gendarmerie.
Continued
Mendoza
Dinner and bonfire at the refuge.
Continued
Mendoza
Accommodation included.
Day 2
Mendoza
Horseback Riding at Andes Mountains. On a Horse Preparation of the horses to follow our route. This day we will climb the “Portillo Argentino”, rising up to 4380 m. There will be about two hours of uphill riding, with the reward of an astonishing view of the Andes and the border with Chile, then, after another 5 hours riding (mostly on a downhill trail), we will reach the valley of the Tunuyan River, where is the mountain shelter named “Refugio Real de la Cruz”. This shelter belongs to the Argentine Army and it is used by adventurers, porters, and mountaineers.
Continued
Mendoza
We will spend the night there and enjoy an energizing dinner. During the night, you may get to enjoy some songs and stories with the muleteers and travelers you meet in the refuge. This will be the longest day on a horse (8 hours approx.).
Continued
Mendoza
Accommodation included in the refuge.
Day 3
Mendoza
Relaxation & Fun. Resting day The third day will be an active rest day. You can decide whether to stay near the shelter or go on a short hike, accompanied by your guide, who will show you the local flora and fauna. After lunch there will be a demonstration of the gauchos’ cowboy skills (with ‘lazo’ and ‘boleadoras’).
Continued
Mendoza
Overnight at “Refugio Real de la Cruz”.
Day 4
Santiago
Horseback Riding at Tunuyán River. Crossing the Tunuyan we will prepare the horses and mules for embarking the Tunuyán river crossing. The ride continues via an excellent viewpoint of Mount Tupungato (6800 meters) and then follows upriver the beautiful Palomares stream to the last of our campsites in Argentinean territory: The Caletón. If the weather allows, we can have a relaxing bath and “beauty treatment” in a stream with mineralized waters.
Continued
Santiago
Tonight is a good opportunity to sleep by the campfire and under the stars. Rest, night in tents.
Day 5
Santiago
Horseback Riding. Crossing border Departure towards the Argentinean – Chilean Border, this day presents another exciting challenge for our expedition. We will ride up to the Piuquenes step, at 4030 m, the boundary between Argentina and Chile. Due to customs regulations, the horses can’t cross from one country to the other, and so we will change horses at the international boundary. New Chilean horses and Chilean muleteers guides will lead us down to the El Plomo river in Chilean territory.
Continued
San Gabriel
After crossing the river, private vehicles will be waiting for us. We will drive to the Cajón del Maipo, the Embalse del Yeso (Yeso Reservoir) in San Gabriel where we will complete the customs paperwork at the Police office.
Continued
San Gabriel
Accommodation in a beautiful complex of cabins
Day 6
Santiago
Thank you for visiting! Transfer to Santiago and end of the program. Optional transfer to Mendoza (please contact us to discuss). We are happy you came and hope to see you again soon!
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Transfers by car from the city of Mendoza and to Santiago Note: Please contact us if you want to include a return to Mendoza Dining tent with tables, chairs and tableware High mountain tents for camping Specialized guides, experts in the baqueanos area, cooking services Horses in excellent condition and easy to ride 12 kg of equipment per pax. loading by horses Satellite phone (only for use in case of contingencies) Detailed information of flora, fauna and history of each place we pass through
Not Included
Personal equipment (clothes, sleeping bag, mattress) Extra expenses, drinks, farewell dinner Any costs resulting from the cancellation of the program before and during the trip
What to Bring
2 Upper body base layers, polypropylene or capeline 1 Long sleeve shirt 1 Fleece jacket 1 Windproof Gore-tex jacket (must have a hood) 1 Down jacket (hood recommended) Lower body 1 Lower body base layer (thermal underwear or similar) 1 Pair of trekking pants 1 Pair of liner gloves 1 Pair of fleece or wool gloves 1 hat or cap with a wide brim for sun protection 1 Fleece hat or balaclava 1 Pair of trekking shoes or boots (we recommend Gore-Tex models) 2 Pairs of lightweight socks 2 Pairs of heavyweight socks 1 Pair of glacier glasses with side protection (100% UV) 1 Headlamp 1 Sleeping bag (suitable down to -20ºC / -4ºF) Sunscreen and lip protection (SPF 40) 2 liter Water bottle or camelback 1 small thermos flask Backpack (20 / 25 L) Camera, video camera, extra batteries Personal first-aid kit Personal hygiene kit 6 Batteries for the headlamp or other
Meeting & Pickup
You have to arrive in Mendoza a day before the departure date since we will need to check your equipment.
Languages Offered
[object Object]
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
Featured Travel