Crossing The Andes from Chile to Argentina

The expedition begins early in Santiago, where you will meet the expedition team before travelling by private transfer to Los Patos, the starting point of the ride. After completing the necessary border formalities and meeting the Chilean Huasos and horses, the journey into the Andes begins.

The first ride takes you through a varied landscape of dry, semi-desert mountains dotted with cacti. After lunch in the open air, the route continues upwards through increasingly rugged terrain towards Maitenes, marking the beginning of the expedition proper.

After an early start, the horses are saddled and the mules loaded before continuing deeper into the Andes. The route follows the Chalaco River before climbing towards the colourful mountains of the Cordillera Colorada.

As the trail reaches the high plateau, expansive views open across the mountains and the terrain still to come. The route then descends towards the Rocín River, which must be crossed before continuing east towards Lagunitas. A refreshing river bath and dinner beneath the stars round off the day.

An early start is essential for the longest riding day of the expedition. The route climbs through increasingly high and rugged mountain terrain before descending towards Ciénago and passing a remote Chilean border police post.

From here, the trail continues upwards towards the Chile–Argentina border. At approximately 3,300 metres, the Chilean Huasos and their horses are exchanged for Argentine Gauchos, horses and pack animals. After lunch, the expedition continues into Argentina, descending through the mountains towards Valle Hermoso

Today is an active rest day, designed to allow the body to adjust to the high altitude before the more demanding riding days ahead. There is no riding, but the day includes a gradual walk into the surrounding hills, with each person able to set their own pace.

The afternoon offers time to enjoy the peaceful mountain valley, take a refreshing dip in the river, try your hand at trout fishing or simply relax and take in the spectacular surroundings

The expedition continues across the Valle Hermoso, a vast mountain landscape of rivers, grasslands, colourful rock formations and snow-covered peaks. The route gradually climbs out of the valley, with each rise revealing another panoramic view across the surrounding Andes.

The terrain becomes increasingly rugged as the trail continues towards Rancho de Lata. After a long day in the saddle, the expedition settles in for the evening among the mountains.

Today is the highest and one of the most demanding riding days of the expedition. The route climbs towards Paso de la Honda, reaching almost 5,000 metres above sea level. At this altitude, the horses set the pace as the trail winds upwards through increasingly rugged terrain.

The summit is a defining moment of the journey, with snow, ice-cold winds and immense mountain views surrounding the trail. After a short pause at the pass, the route descends towards the Las Leñas River and continues across a high plateau towards Manantiales.

The final riding stage begins with a descent through fertile valleys and rugged mountain landscapes towards Hornillas, a desert oasis marked by eucalyptus trees. Here, the expedition comes to a celebratory end with a toast to the crossing before saying farewell to the horses and Gauchos.

A vehicle transfer then takes you towards Uspallata, where the expedition concludes. This evening offers the chance to reflect on the journey across the Andes, following historic routes between Chile and Argentina and experiencing one of South America’s great horseback expeditions.

After breakfast, the expedition comes to an end. From Uspallata, onward travel can be arranged towards Mendoza or Santiago, depending on your onward travel plans.