When the roar of freedom that swept France and the newly formed United States finally rolled across South America. Patriotic voices with gigantic dreams coordinated their actions to put an end to 350 years of monarchic domination. Here, in the wind-swept mountain of the Andes liberty would gallop forth!
We invite you to share with us the privilege of recreating one of the most amazing achievements in history, crossing the Andes on horseback following the exact route of the liberator San Martín and his “Army of the Andes”. Follow the same 1817 route used by San Martin as he rode to free the people of Chile from monarchical European control. Join us on this mythical journey steeped in passion and history, this could very well be your trip of a lifetime!
This wilderness is flanked by the highest mountains in America, the Aconcagua (20,900 ft.) and the Mercedario (20,700 ft.). It is in these uninhabited places, which you can only reach on horseback, where huge herds of guanacos roam freely and the Andean condor nests. Only in unique places like this can you enjoy the privilege of watching them in plenitude. As the sun sets, the spectacular stars of the southern hemisphere will cover the sky. Relax at the camp with its peaceful atmosphere, beside the campfire that lights up the darkness as you share a cup of mate. All this creates the ideal natural ambiance and welcomes in the true spirit of freedom. After you reach the other side of the Andes, we will be able to say that you now completely understand the exact value of San Martin’s words:
“...and to the Army of the Andes remains forever the glory of saying: in 24 days we have done the campaign, we crossed the highest mountains of the globe, we ended tyranny and gave freedom to Chile”. Signed by José de San Martín, 22 February, 1817, Santiago de Chile.
2008 Dates: January 17-24, December 9-16 and on request December to March.
Meeting Point: Santiago de Chile City Airport, transfers are included at pre-set time. Departure flight home should be booked from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Saddles: Recado.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Santiago de Chile, Chile at the pre-set time for your transfer to Los Andes town. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel in town. Welcome dinner.
Day 2: Transfer from Los Andes to Los Patos by car. This is the route taken by San Martin´s army on his way to Santiago, through the Aconcagua Valley and the Putaendo Valley. You will see the site where on February 12, 1817, the Chacabuco Battle took place. On February 14, San Martín and O’Higgins entered Santiago de Chile to declare independence. At Los Patos, the horses will be waiting for the group. The local authorities are shown documentation to allow riders to cross this unattended border. You will ride upstream via Rocin River to Las Tejas, the first campsite.
Day 3: Today you will ride the Pacific Ocean watersheds. You ride up the Rocín River canyon to spend the night at El Ciénego camp.
Day 4: Riders leave early in the morning to reach the international border at 11,500 feet. Changing horses is mandatory so say farewell to the Chilean horses to continue the ride with an Argentine team. You will have a very clear view of the Aconcagua Mount (22,000 feet), the highest peak in America and the Western Hemisphere. Spend the night at Valle Hermoso camp.
Day 5: Today you ride along the Los Patos Valley, which gives the name to this pass. It was once at the bottom of the sea so is full of marine fossils. You’ll ride by the Volcán River. Camp is at 11,500 feet in Rancho de Lata, and you’ll want to rest up for the next day’s challenge.
Day 6: Today you ride across the Espinacito Slope at 14,700 feet. This is the highest point of the journey. The landscape is surreal and will make you feel the titanic efforts that the Army of the Andes had to overcome. Night is at the Peñón Colorado camp.
Day 7: After breakfast you ride to Hornillas. The challenge is almost over and you can now fully grasp the real meaning of the crossing. Say farewell to the horses and end this fun adventure. You are driven to Uspallata town to spend the night at the hotel. Farewell dinner.
Day 8: This day will be very gourmet: wine making and tasting and a superb lunch. From Uspallata you will depart early to visit Tapiz boutique winery at Luján de Cuyo. This area is now known worldwide for producing several of Argentina’s best wines. Lunch at the winery. Transfer to Mendoza city airport for your flight to Buenos Aires and home.
Extra nights can be booked in Buenos Aires at additional cost.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$3,460 per person, sharing.
$335 single supplement.
Price Includes:
- 7 nights (1 night hotel in Los Andes, Chile, 5 nights camping, 1 night hotel in Uspallata)
- All meals and beverages during riding portion
- Breakfast during non-riding portion
- 5 days guided trail riding
- Horse
- Tack
- Transfers
- Tax.
Price Excludes:
- Internal flight from Mendoza to Buenos Aires.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Argentina
Horse Riding
Camping
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