Horseback Riding in the Andes Tour

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.