Night 1-4
Camping in Andes
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.
Hiking in the Andes Mountains Tour
Prices
Highlights
Traverse the Andes from Mendoza to the Maipo Valley on this 6-day trekking adventure tour
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.
The trek from southwest Mendoza to the Maipo Valley in Chile is divided over 5 days, with one rest day incorporated in the middle. You’ll start in the foothills near Manzano Histórico, then hike west through peaks and valleys until reaching the Chilean border. Your guide will lead you to summits up to 4,380 m / 14,370 ft and magnificent viewpoints to catch a glimpse of Mount Tupungato, one of the higher volcanic peaks in the Andes at 6,800 m / 22,310 ft.
With all your camping gear included and mules to carry most of the luggage, you don’t have to worry about the small details on this guided tour of Argentina’s mountains. Immerse yourself in this wild world, traversing the timeless mountain range by day and camping among it at night. If you’re physically fit, looking for a challenge, and want to explore South America, then this human-powered adventure is an unforgettable journey. How many people can say that they’ve gone hiking in the Andes Mountains?
Trekking Across the Andes
Trekking across the Andes Mountains is a beautifully scenic adventure, although it is not without its difficulties and challenges. Many people never get the opportunity to travel to South America to undertake such an excursion, which is why there can be such a mystique when it comes to the topic of trekking in the Andes. Here are a few commonly asked questions about adventuring in this stunning mountain location:
How Hard is it to Hike in the Andes?
Like any high altitude hiking regions, the Andes Mountains can be challenging; however, with a proper acclimatization period, a good training regimen, and proper gear, you should have no problem tackling thai world-famous mountain range.
What is Special About the Andes Mountains?
The Andes Mountains are special due to the fact that it is the longest continental mountain range in the entire world, stretching out for approximately 9000 km.
Should I Explore the Andes Mountains on a Guided Trek?
For anyone that is looking to go hiking in the Andes Mountains, but lacks local knowledge or experience, then a guided trek is undoubtedly the best option. This will provide you with the safety, security, and knowledge of a local guide who will ensure that your trip goes off without a hitch.
Hiking in the Andes Mountains Itinerary
Day 1 Visit Manzano Histórico and Hike to Scaravelli
Welcome to Argentina! Meet your guide in the morning for private transport to a historical area southwest of Mendoza, known as Manzano Histórico. It’s considered one of the best wine regions in Argentina, so why not have a quick taste before heading on your hike? After the quick town tour, you’ll be driven to Refugio Portinari, run by the Argentine Gendarmerie, to clear customs and register to trek through the Andes. Then begins the Andes hiking adventure on foot: hike for about 8 km into the mountains until you reach Refugio Scaravelli to set up camp for your first night under the stars.
- Overnight Location
- Camping in Scaravelli
- Distance
- 4 hours, 8 km, 680 m of ascent
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 Climb Portillo Argentino (4,380 m) and Descend into Tunuyán Valley
Wake up surrounded by nature and gather for breakfast with your crew—you have a big day ahead! Following your expert guide, you will ascend Portillo Argentino, where you’ll be awarded a view of the Andes from 4,380 m / 14,370 ft. The rest of the trail is mostly downhill, so you can focus on admiring views of the Tunuyán Valley, keeping an eye out for condors flying above. Hiking for approximately 8–9 hours will have you ready to set up camp once you reach Refugio Real de la Cruz. Enjoy a well-earned dinner and reminisce about the epic day you just had before going to sleep in your tent.
- Overnight Location
- Camping at Refugio Real de la Cruz in Tunuyán
- Distance
- 8–9 hours, 16 km, 1,180 m of ascent, 1,510 m of descent
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Rest Day by Tunuyán River with Optional Short Hike to Duck Lagoon
Enjoy the morning at your leisure—today on your Andes tour is a rest day. You can spend your day as you wish, exploring the nearby Tunuyán River, relaxing by the campsite, or going on a short guided hike to Laguna de los Patos (Duck Lagoon). Whichever activity you choose today, return for dinner and another night’s sleep in your tent in the Tunuyán Valley.
- Overnight Location
- Camping at Refugio Real de la Cruz in Tunuyán
- Distance
- Flexible
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Cross Tunuyán River and View Mount Tupungato (6,800 m)
Well-rested from yesterday, you’ll be back on your feet again today, trekking the Andes Mountains. Get your camera ready for some astounding views of gigantic peaks in the Andes. After breakfast, pack up your camp and head west across the Tunuyán River with the assistance of some trusty steeds. As you hike above the treeline through wild landscapes of dry grasslands on blue peaks, you’ll be afforded a view of Mount Tupungato, a volcano that reaches 6,800 m / 22,310 ft—an impressive beast to be near. Continue alongside rivers and streams until you reach your campsite. Enjoy the serenity of another remote destination to set up camp.
- Overnight Location
- Camping in El Caletón or Real de la Oveja
- Distance
- 5–7 hours, 13 km, 530 m of ascent
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Hike to Portillo de Piuquenes (4,030 m) and the border crossing into Chile
Your last day of hiking in the Andes has arrived, and with it comes another big challenge. Heading west after breakfast, you hike to Portillo de Piuquenes, a stunning viewpoint that straddles the border at 4,030 m / 13,222 ft. Have lunch at the Argentine–Chilean border, where you’ll switch guides and mules as they are not permitted to cross the border with you. Hike into Chile following El Plomo river, getting a feel for a new country with similar landscapes but different vibes. At the end of the journey, pay a visit to the customs office to register the end of the expedition. Spend the night in a comfortable cabin for a well-deserved rest.
- Overnight Location
- Cabin in Parque del Yeso or Termas del Plomo
- Distance
- 7–9 hours, 14–16 km, 580 m of ascent, 1,030 m of descent
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Adios
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.
- Overnight Location
- None
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- Breakfast
Hiking in the Andes Mountains Tour Price and Dates
This guided hiking tour in Chile and 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:
Accommodation on hiking in the Andes Tour
During this tour, you will camp in a geodesic tent with room for 2–3 people. You’ll spend the last night in a cozy cabin. 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 tent. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.
Night 5
Cabin near Maipo Canyon
Beautiful views, clean and spacious rooms and friendly hosts will make sure you have a great stay in the Maipo Canyon.
Hotels on Standard Tour
What’s included in the Andes Mountains Trekking tour?
Meals
All 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 5 nights is included in the tour.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport for your luggage by mule is included throughout the trek. You’ll also receive a transfer from your hotel in Mendoza and transfer to your hotel in Santiago de Chile.
Also Included
- Transfer to Mendoza City to start the trek
- Transport of equipment on mules, up to 10 kg per person
- Complete camping equipment
- Dining tent with tables, chairs, and tableware
- First Aid equipment
- Satellite phone (only for use in case of emergencies)
Not included
- Personal equipment
- Flights
- Insurance
- Anything not mentioned as “Included”
- Personal expenses
- Drinks in restaurants
- Rescue expenses
- Return transfer from Santiago de Chile to Mendoza
Optional Extras
- Extra night in Mendoza, Argentina
- Extra night in Santiago de Chile, Chile
Frequenty Asked Questions about Hiking in the Andes Mountains Tour
How hard is the Trekking Across the Andes Tour?
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. You should be comfortable hiking for up to 9 hours daily on moderately tricky terrain at high altitudes.
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 Trekking Across the Andes Tour?
All 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 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 Trekking Across the Andes Tour in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Where does the Trekking Across the Andes Tour end?
The tour ends in Santiago de Chile with a drop-off at your hotel in the city.
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 trekking is from November to March.
Reviews
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.
4.8
45 ratingsWritten Reviews
There are no written reviews yet.
45 total ratings, 0 with reviewsAdd a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Thank you!
Thank you for submitting your review!
If you enjoyed your tour please consider leaving a Google review for 10Adventures to help others discover the world of custom adventure travel.
Google ReviewPrices
What travellers say
Stephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
When can I do this tour?
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Why 10Adventures?
Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews
Tour Difficulty
We rate the Hiking in the Andes Mountains adventure tour as a 4 / 5. You should be comfortable hiking for up to 9 hours daily on moderately tricky terrain at high altitudes.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Get in touch
Related Tours
Open details for Maipo Volcano Adventure TourView More
Maipo Volcano Adventure Tour
6 days
From $850
Months Tour Operates
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
The 6-day guided Maipo Volcano Adventure Tour offers a chance to climb a volcano and summit Cerro Maipo, a stratovolcano in the Central Andes that sits adjacent to Laguna del Diamante, meaning “Diamond Lake.” The lake is named for the reflection of Cerro Maipo above, which looks like a diamond on a glassy day. This is a special corner of the world!
Open details for Torres del Paine Guided Trekking TourView More
Torres del Paine Guided Trekking Tour
7 days
From $2,125
Months Tour Operates
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Come experience the mystique and majesty of South America on this 7-day Torres del Paine guided trekking tour. Hike amid stunning views of glaciers, rolling tundra, and snow-capped peaks at the bottom of the world.
Open details for 13-day Best of Patagonia TourView More
13-day Best of Patagonia Tour
13 days
From $2,625
Months Tour Operates
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
No need to choose between the Argentine and Chilean sides of Patagonia, because the 13-day Best of Patagonia Tour covers the best of the region across both countries! Experience the best of Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park and Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, the paths that hold the most iconic sights in all of Patagonia.
Book your next Adventure on 10Adventures
Hassle-free Adventure Travel
Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Let us take care of all the travel planning details, so you don’t have to.
Don't Just Take A Trip, Take YOUR Trip
Let us help you get exactly what YOU want with a customizable adventure tour centred around your active interests and passions.
No Hidden Fees
We don’t believe in hidden fees like credit card fees, booking fees or more. Even better, most people can pay in their local currency!
Happiness Guarantee
We want your journey to meet your expectations, and we will work with you to solve any issues you’ve encountered.
Personal Adventure Travel Concierge
Our dedicated adventure travel concierge will curate the perfect itinerary to make your travel dreams a reality.
Vetted Local Guides
Book with confidence, knowing that our team has carefully hand-picked each tour operator and they use local, experienced guides.