Night 1
Refugio Portinari in Scaravelli
Rustic and remote, this refuge is full of Andean mountain spirit and has some of the best views in the area.
Navigate through the stunning landscapes of Argentina and Chile on this 6-day Horse Riding Across the Andes Tour
Imagine yourself immersed in the vast wilderness while horseback riding in the Andes. On this tour, you stay in remote mountain shelters each night after long days of crossing the Andes on a horse from Argentina to Chile. That’s the essence of this 6-day adventure tour.
During the tour, you’ll be guided by local experts on horseback through epic landscapes of deep gorges, pristine rivers, gigantic peaks, and glaciers. Start southwest of Mendoza, Argentina, and get a fix of history and culture in Manzano Histórico before heading into the wilderness. Once you’re in the mountains, you’ll spend each day drawing nearer to the Chilean border, getting well-acquainted with your new horse companion. Keep your eyes peeled for enormous condors flying above and other wild animals along the way.
This horseback riding across the Andes tour gives you a glimpse of gaucho culture, which is the way of life for the Argentine cowboys in this area. You’ll meet them and other adventurers in the various refugios each night, where you gather for feasts of asado (barbeque) and wine. No doubt, there will be stories, songs, and laughter around the bonfire and under the stars.
Live your dream on this incredible journey crossing the Andes on a horse over 6 unforgettable days.
Horseback riding in Chile and Argentina is a perfect way to discover the beautiful Andean countryside. This activity allows you to see more highlights and cover more ground. It can also get you through terrain that is hard to pass on foot, which is perfect for those who want to witness more of what the landscape has to offer. Horseback riding also has excellent physical and emotional health-boosting benefits.
Welcome to Argentina! You should have made your way to Mendoza the day before today, as you’ll meet your guide early this morning. The group will be transferred to Manzano Histórico (literally the “Historical Apple”), known to be one of the best wine regions in southwest Mendoza. Take a tour of the museum here and wander the streets dotted with monuments and steeped in history. Continue west towards the Andes in a private car to Refugio Portinari, run by the Argentine Gendarmerie. You’ll register with the authorities, clear customs for the journey, and meet other guides and mule drivers. Spend the first night of the tour around a bonfire and sleep at the Refugio Portinari.
Begin the day with a hearty breakfast and meet and prepare your horses for the first and longest day of horseback riding in the Andes. Start with two hours of ascent to earn astounding panoramic views of the Andes from Portillo Argentino, a viewpoint of 4,380 m / 14,370 ft. Descend into a stunning valley to reach the Tunuyán River running through it. Near the river sits the Refugio Real de la Cruz, where you’ll tie up your horses and gather for a well-earned dinner. It’s common in these mountain shelters to meet other adventurers and porters who can regale you with stories about the area, and some songs, if you’re lucky. Get a good night’s sleep in the refuge with the sounds of the adjacent river lulling you to sleep.
Today will be an active rest day. You will have free time to either relax or explore the surroundings on a short guided hike to learn about the vegetation and wildlife in this region of the Andes. Gather for lunch, and while you digest, enjoy a demonstration by the local gauchos. These Argentine cowboys will impress you with their skills using lassos and boleadoras, a leather and stone weapon native to the area. Spend a quiet evening resting up for a big day tomorrow.
Get ready to mount the horses again as you continue west on your horseback riding in the Andes adventure. After breakfast, channel your inner cowboy—your journey will start by crossing the Tunuyán River, an iconic moment, to say the least! Continue climbing towards Mount Tupungato, a volcanic peak at 6,800 m / 22,310 ft, where you’ll be rewarded with epic views of the Andes stretching to the horizon. Follow alongside the Palomares stream until reaching El Caletón, the last of the campsites on the Argentine side. Depending on the weather, the group can indulge and relax with a spa-like dip in a mineral stream nearby. Set up camp in tents and sleep under the dazzling starry sky.
Once you finish breakfast, prepare your horses to ride towards the Argentine–Chilean border. Near the border, you’ll summit Portillo de Piuquenes, a striking viewpoint at 4,030 m / 13,222 ft. You’ll have to bid farewell to your Argentine horses here because they are not permitted to cross the border with you. Meet your new horses and Chilean guides who will lead you the rest of the way. Follow your guides through the Chilean side of the Andes and cross the Yeso River. After the river crossing, you’ll meet a private transfer and head to San Gabriel to clear customs in Chile. Spend your last night in a gorgeous cabin complex near Termas del Plomo, a collection of natural hot springs among the wild Andes.
Sadly, it’s time to say adios to your group and your guides. You’ll receive a transfer to Santiago de Chile to complete the tour. If you would like a transfer to Mendoza, please contact us to discuss it.
This guided hiking tour in Argentina is run as a fixed-departure tour where you’d be joining a group, however, custom private tours can be organized for those willing to travel with their group only (please contact us with your preferred date and the number of people in your group and we will create the itinerary just for you).
The prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:
During this tour, you will stay in mountain shelters called refugios. The shelters are rustic and have basic amenities. You’ll also spend a night camping in tents, and the last night will be in a cabin. Please note, that the rooms in refuges might be dormitory style.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room while traveling with your group. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.
Rustic and remote, this refuge is full of Andean mountain spirit and has some of the best views in the area.
Tucked away in the beautiful Andean mountains, this refuge provides a cozy shelter.
Rest easy each night in North Face’s V25 tent with solar panels, lights, and a 12v charger. You’ll be cozy and warm in this fully-equipped mountain shelter.
Beautiful views, clean and spacious rooms and friendly hosts will make sure you have a great stay.
5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.
Accommodation for 5 nights is included in the tour.
Transport for your luggage is included throughout the tour. You’ll also receive a transfer from your hotel in Mendoza and transfer to your hotel in Santiago de Chile.
How hard is the Crossing the Andes on Horseback Tour?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. You should be comfortable riding a horse for up to 8 hours daily.
Do I need a visa to travel to Chile and Argentina?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Crossing the Andes on Horseback Tour?
5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Mendoza to start this tour?
You can reach Mendoza by plane connecting through Buenos Aires from several international airports in North America and Europe. You will be picked up from your hotel in Mendoza.
Is the Crossing the Andes on Horseback Tour in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Where does the Crossing the Andes on Horseback Tour end?
The tour ends in Santiago de Chile with a drop-off at your hotel in Santiago de Chile.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Chile and Argentina?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Chile and Argentina?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Argentina for this tour?
The best time to travel to Chile and Argentina for horseback riding is from November to March.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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45 total ratings, 0 with reviewsStephen L.
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We rate this horseback riding tour in Chile and Argentina as a 3 / 5. You should be comfortable riding a horse for up to 8 hours daily.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Three words: Hiking Across Andes. Doesn’t that sound like a dream come true? This 5-day Hiking in the Andes Mountains guided tour can turn that dream into a reality. Spend your days exploring the high-altitude trails among this astonishing mountain range, then rest amid nature in a tent each night.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Let us take care of all the travel planning details, so you don’t have to.
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