You will ride to the breathtaking height of 14,000 feet in the snow capped Andes Mountains, camp under the spectacular stars of the southern hemisphere and enjoy the hearty Argentine cuisine and wine in this unforgettable adventure.

Itinerary:

Day 1:
Transfer from Santiago de Chile Airport to Los Andes.

Day 2:
You will be transferred from Los Andes to Los Patos. Here you will meet your guacho guides and horses. The route you embark on was taken by San Martin’s army to Santiago. Your ride will cross through the rugged Aconcagua and Puteaendo Valleys. With snow capped mountains in view, you will ride along the frothy Rocin River to your campsite at Las Tejas.

Day 3:
You will ride along the rushing rapids of the Pacific Ocean watersheds and ascend the narrow trails of the Rocin River canyon for a night at the El Ciénego camp. Other than the members of your ride, your only company is the wild guanacos and condors

Day 4:
The ride will leave early in the morning to reach the international border, altitude 10,500 feet. Your horse will carry you through cactus filled deserts. Your campsite is Valle Hermoso, Beautiful Valley, because you will be in view of the incredible white capped Aconcagua Mountain, the highest peak in the western hemisphere at 20,900 feet.

Day 5:
This will be a restful ride as you journey closer to Mount Aconcagua. You can also choose to fish for trout.

Day 6:
Your ride will leave the green valley to forge through the Los Patos Valley. This stark canyon of volcanic and whiter travertine rock was once an old sea bottom. You will follow the lead mule to your campsite, Rancho de Lata.

Day 7:
This day you will cross the highest point at 13,500 feet. The trail to the Espinacito Slope is lined with stalagmite type snow formations. While your horses rest, you can look for fossils. You will welcome the site of your campsite, Penón Colorado, for you will have spent 9 hours in the saddle.

Day 8:
Your return to civilization will take you across flat slabs overhung by red rock. Your journey will end after a last trail through the arid desert to your final destination, Uspallata.

Day 9:
A day of superb wine tasting and lunch await you in Lujan de Cuyo. Argentina’s best wines will be tapped from oak casks for your enjoyment at Club Tapiz winery. After lunch, you will transfer to the Mendoza Airport

Details:

Dates: 2010: January 16 - 25, February 7 - 16, December 14 – 23. Extend your stay by linking these rides with the Pampas Estancia ride
Riding days: 5
Meeting point: Santiago de Chile, Mendoza Airport
Riding Ability: Walk, trot, some canter
Horses: Criollo horses and polo ponies
Group size: minimum 4
Saddles: South American Recado
Non-riding activities: rafting, rappel and hiking
Hotel/s: campsites and 3*** hotels
*Price: $4,250 per person double occupancy, $350 single supplement

Includes: 6 nights camping, 2 nights hotel accommodation, all meals and beverages, guide, horses, camping equipment, transfer from airport

Not Included: Air fare