Horseback Riding from Mendoza to Piuquenes in the Andes

2302 - Horseback Riding to Valle Hermoso & Barreal

An amazing 11-day expedition to the Andes!
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Best Season | Shoulder Season | Low Season | Not Available

Enjoy the incredible landscapes of the High Andes, in a wonderful horseback riding expedition!

In an extraordinary journey right out of the history books, we follow the footsteps of the Army of Liberation that freed Chile from the Spanish crown in 1817. During this fantastic nine-day ride expedition over the roof of America, we glimpse the lifestyles of   “gauchos” (Argentinean cowboys).

We travel in the shadow of glacier-capped Andean peaks -such as Mercedario mountain (6.770 mts.) and Aconcagua (7.050 mts.), the Western Hemisphere’s highest mountain – fording rivers that rush through the arid lower ranges after tumbling off rocky summits frozen in eternal snows. In the midst of wind and cold to temper our spirits, we are amazed by the variety of native wildlife to these heights, such as guanacos, vizcachas, and condors keeping watch on their lofty domains. 

Riding in this wild and amazing landscape in Argentina, we will go through a close mountain range full of surprises, and delightful places that are an invitation to rest. We will ride among rivers and streams, narrow paths with plentiful vegetation and short bushes surviving to low temperatures, snowfalls and winter winds. As we are climbing, we leave behind the few trees we can see to move on to a wonderful color spectrum that dye the hills. Crossing and descending to Argentina is to open a door to a big show of great mountains, big glaciers, and snow in contrast with wide and green valleys. Moving on and climbing again to 4,500 meters high through “El Espinacito” pass by riding loyal horses will make us thank eternally for all the effort made by these powerful native horses. When we reach the top of the slope, we will be able to watch such a magnificent show opening under our feet that will not be hard to understand the silence of the tourists. The excitement, tears, and hugs make us become aware and remember that we are in the heart of the Andes surrounded by the main heights where the value and merit of this trip is that we can live a different landscape every day

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Itinerary

DAY 1 - MENDOZA

From Mendoza Airport to your hotel

Mendoza Airport reception and transfer to  Mendoza town.  Mendoza is a charming city and true oasis located at the foot of the andes mountain range. Due to the characteristics of its climate and “terroir”, today it is leading the great market for wine production. Free afternoon to explore the city and meeting at 7 pm with our guide in the hotel.

Horseback riding from Mendoza to Piuquenes in the Andes

DAY 2 - MENDOZA - LAS HORNILLAS

From Mendoza to Las Hornillas (2100 mts)

Early in the morning, we will depart from Mendoza City to   Barreal town, San Juan province. During the transfer, you will go through, Uspallata Valley, Pampa del Leoncito, and the town of Barreal, until arriving at Las Hornillas, a site located at the base of the Cordillera Frontal (Álvarez Condarco location). 

Distance: Mendoza – Las Hornillas 350 kilometers approximately north of Mendoza
Duration of the trip by vehicle: 7 hours approximately

 

Horseback riding from Mendoza to Piuquenes in the Andes

DAY 3 - The Andes

Las Hornillas - 2100 mts / Manantiales - 3020 mts

This day will be the first day on horseback Riding in the middle of the Andes mountain range. Our muleteers will load up the animals with our equipment,  starting this great adventure. In the afternoon will arrive at the  Manantiales camp. Tonight, we will camp close to a stream, with fertile plain and clear water. Dinner will be shared in our Base Camp tent and overnight in our tent.

  • Distance: .17 kilometers
  • Riding time: 5 hours
Horseback riding from Mendoza to Piuquenes in the Andes

DAY 4 - The Andes

Manantiales - 3016 mts / Paso Espinacito - 4481 mts / VEgas de Gallardo 3016 - mts

This day will be the most intense day of the expedition.  We will ride along   the Las Leñas until to reach the end of this valley. The road becomes increasingly rocky, crossing the same river several times. We will travel through the Cordon del Espinacito, passing a large mountain ridge, until reaching the pass at 4,500 meters.  We will descend from the Pass, Riding through the Vegas of Yeso and  Vegas de Gallardo , the place where we will arrive and set up our campsite.

  • Distance: 31. kilometers
  • Riding time: 9 hours ( rest included)
Horseback riding from Mendoza to Piuquenes in the Andes

DAY 5 - The Andes

Vegas de Gallardo - 3016 mts / Valle Hermoso - 2990 mts

After breakfast, we are going to ride along the foot of the Yeso hills, and following the path, we are going to reach the imposing Valle de Los Patos. Short rest in the Refugio de Gendarmería Nacional «Ingeniero Sardinas»,  and we will continue our journey to the Valle Hermoso where we will set up camp and spend three nights. During the crossing,  will appear the highest mountain in America, Mount Aconcagua (6,962 meters). You will also observe “The Mesa”  mountain with a large glacier on its summit.

  • Distance: 23 kilometers
  • Riding time: 8 hours

 

Horseback riding from Mendoza to Piuquenes in the Andes

DAY 6 - The Andes

VALLE HERMOSO 2,990 meters /  ARGENTINA-CHILE  FRONTIER 3,518 meters / VALLE HERMOSO 2,990

This day we will continue the ride and ascend towards the border pass with Chile (border of Argentino – Chilean) where you observe a reminder to the Sanmartiniana epic and the milestone which indicates the border between both countries. You will arrive at the most desired point of the expedition,  the border line, and in the middle of the mountain range, l return to Valle Hermoso camp for dinner and rest.

  • Distance: 21  kilometers
  • Riding time: 6 hours and 30 minutes

 

Horseback Riding from Mendoza to Piuquenes in the Andes

DAY 7 - The Andes

Valle Hermoso, day at leisure

Active, resting day. Today, we can get up later and have breakfast outdoors. We will walk in order to become acclimatized and have a wonderful view of the valley and its surroundings. Trips by surrounding areas and optional fishing. Camp and dinner.

Horseback Riding from Mendoza to Piuquenes in the Andes

DAY 8 - The Andes

Valle Hermoso, Rio los Patos Sur, Rancho de Latas

Very early in the morning, we begin the crossroad again. Here, the herb`s green will admire us with grass fields surrounded with puddles and a great variety of birds. We will discover intensive subaquatic and aquatic life in this valley which makes a contrast with the imposing mountain range of Cerro La Mesa (6.280 mt). The crossroad continues rising by Los Patos river to later arrive in Los Patillo’s river, which will approach us to the last mountain range that is left to rise: The large fertile plain of La Honda pass, Camp at the base of  Rancho de Latas 

  • Distance: 28 kilometers
  • Riding time: 7 hours

 

Horseback Riding from Mendoza to Piuquenes in the Andes

DAY 9 - The Andes

Rancho de Lata - Manantiales

This day, the journey will be very hard for the animals because we must rise Espinacito range going through sinuous hillsides by la Honda pass, at 4.500 mt. The ascent is sometimes dramatic when we see a big effort the animals make. Rest and then continue again the trip to reach the top of the mountain. From this point, we will have a spectacular view of the Andes mountain range. Afterward,. We begin to descend until Las Leñas river and reach last El Peñón, where we will camp.

  • Distance: 24  kilometers
  • Riding time: 7 hours and 39 minutes

 

Horseback Riding from Mendoza to Piuquenes in the Andes

DAY 10 - The Andes

Manantiales, Hornillas, Uspallata

Today will be the last journey in terrain. after leaving our camp we will continue by Las Leñas river arriving in Manantiales. Beautiful fertile plains are placed at this altitude. Here we can see one of the most amazing rocky formations in the entire journey. It’s really like being in the far west. Afterwards we will descend to Hornillas, through the black pampa where a vehicle waits to take us to Barreal pèqueño oasis en medio de áridas montañas hacen sobresalir esta area. Continuing the journey by minibus to Uspallata. Arrival to the Uspallata hotel. 

  • Distance: 18 kilometers
  • Riding time: 4 hours and 10 minutes

 

Horseback Riding from Mendoza to Piuquenes in the Andes

DAY 11 - MENDOZA

From Uspallata to your hotel in Mendoza

After breakfast, we shall prepare to return from Uspallata to Mendoza. End of our services.

 

 

 

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING

FEET

  • 2 Pairs of comfortable hiking boots
  • 4 Pairs of outer socks (thick wool or polypropylene)
  • 1 Pair of inner socks (thin silk or polypropylene)

LEGS

  • 1 Thin synthetic pants (polypropylene or nylon)
  • 1 Fleece pants (full length side zippers recommended)
  • 1 Waterproof and breathable over-pants (such as Gore-Tex, full length side zippers recommended)
  • Comfortable trekking pants

UPPER BODY

  • 1 Thermal baselayer shirts (polypropylene or capilene)
  • 1 Fleece pullover (like soft polartec 100 or 200, or similar)
  • 1 Fleece jacket or alike
  • 1 Warm jacket for -20°C / -4°F (down recommended)
  • 1 Rainproof or windproof jacket with hood (such as Gore-Tex)
  • Cotton T-shirts or shirts
  • 1 Turtleneck or multifunctional headwear of synthetic material (Buff or similar)

HEAD

  • Sun cap or hat
  • Ski hat (wool or fleece)
  • Light balaclava
  • A good pair of sunglasses (with UV filter and side protection)

 

HANDS

  • 1 Pair of inner thermal gloves (polypropylene or capilene)
  • 1 Pair of insulated finger gloves
  • 1 Pair of hard gloves (like working type)

PACKS

  • Comfortable backpack (30 liters / 1.850 cubic inches as minimum)
  • One extra large strong duffel bag (to be carried by mules and stored in base camp, 4.000 cubic inches as minimum. Large enough to fit in all your equipment)

SLEEPING GEAR

  • Sleeping bag for -20°C / -4°F (down or polar guard)
  • Sleeping mat (Thermarest or similar, full length recommended)
  • Foam pad (only if you bring a Thermarest, to avoid a burst)

OTHERS

  • Head lamp with extra batteries and bulb
  • Block for lips and sun screen (not less than 35 solar protection factor)
  • Personal crockery (bowl, cup, fork and spoon)
  • Two water bottles (32 fl.oz /1 liter Nalgene recommended. Water bottle insulator needed)
  • Personal care elements (small towel and soap, baby wipes recommended)
  • A change of clothes (for the return to Mendoza City)

OPTIONAL ITEMS

  • Camera, memory cards and extra batteries
  • Swimsuit (for the hotel pool)
  • Pocket-knife 

 

End of our services. We can personalize your program, by adding or deleting nights, add new destinations, or make any necessary change. Just let us know. Optional activities you can see below each day, are just suggested options. You can add any of these activities to your quotation, or ask for any other available in each destination.

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Transfer Plumerillo  Airport –  Mendoza town / Uspallata / Barreal / Hornillas
On the second day, you will be driven to Hornillas, in Barreal. Before the horse riding, we will be waiting for you in our camp with a  welcome dinner


Hotel in Mendoza and Plumerillo
It will be a comfortable hotel where you will stay during one night in Mendoza  ( at the beginning of the program). The rooms included in our programs are double rooms, and you will have to share your room with any of your partners. In case you prefer a single room (only for you), please let us know in your Booking Form. This service has an extra cost. Breakfast and taxes are included.

Our guides
Our mountain guides are qualified professionals of the AAGM (Argentinean Association of Mountain Guides) and the EPGAMT (School of High Mountain and Trekking Guides). The last qualification is the result of 3 years of study. 

We believe that to succeed in our expeditions, professionals with experience and the ability to offer security should guide our teams.

Their equipment includes: VHF radio, a firstaid kit, complete with the appropriate medicine for altitude sickness, ropes, an altimeter, and professional clothing and equipment. All these will provide security and comfort.

Working Papers
You only have to have your personal documentation (Passport). 

Meals
Throughout the expeditions you will enjoy all meals (B: breakfast / L: lunch / D: dinner), carefully planned by professionals to have a balanced diet during those horse riding days. Our guides will be in charge of cooking. The meals mentioned in the itinerary are included. If you are vegetarian or celiac, or if you need a special diet, please let us know in your Booking Form. It will be a pleasure for us to prepare a special menu for you. This service has an extra cost.

Drinks
During the horseback riding, the drinks (water, juice, wine) are included, in lunches as well as in dinners.

 

Complete Mountain Gear
In our program Horseback Riding Los Andes until to the border,  we include crockery, tables, chairs and sleeping tents. Usually, two people will sleep in each tent, but if our guide considers it necessary, a maximum of three clients may sleep in one tent. Remember that each passenger will have to set up his/her tent with the partner´s help, and the guide will assist if necessary. 

 

Mules
We owns more than 100 mules that carry people or belongings.  The difference between the mules that carry people and the mules that carry gear is that the ones for people are tamer.  These animals pasture during autumn, winter and spring, that is to say from mid March to mid November. Before the beginning of the summer, these animals are tested and given medicine by veterinarians. They are treated with caution. We have to take into account that each mule has its own health book as they are strictly controlled. During the season, they are treated with a lot of care and attention.

It is very common to observe that some mules present injuries in their chest and behind their forward legs, caused by the girths. They are immediately cured with special medicaments and they rest enough time to get better. The negative aspect of these animals is their untamed character. That is why we have selected a professional team of muleteers, called “arrieros”, who have dedicated their lives to the country animals. They know how to deal with these animals, because of their experience.

Each mule can carry up to a limit of 180 kg, but our mules only carry 60 kg to move comfortably on the mountain. Every client may transport on the mules a maximum of 20 kg on each stage of the approach. We strongly recommend you to bring a strong duffel bag.

Horses, saddles and caretakers
Horses with their saddles are included in this program. In the horseback riding, “arrieros” (muleteers) come with you, since they really know the horses and how to manage them. 

Communication
The guide will have a satellite phone that will be used just for emergencies.

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