International Cruise
Crossing the Andes
Chile & Argentina · Andes Mountains
Price per person
$3,500
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Next date
Feb. 21–28, 2027
Quotas
8–15 people
Max. altitude
4,380 feet above sea level
Level
Advanced
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Mendoza, Argentina
Crossing the Andes on Horseback — South America’s most epic equestrian journey. Starting in Mendoza, Argentina, we follow General San Martín’s historic routes to cross the Andes Mountains to the Chilean border, passing glaciers, historic military outposts, glacial streams, and breathtaking landscapes.
8 days. 6 days of riding. Elevations up to 4,380 meters above sea level. Direct views of Aconcagua (6,959 m). No marked trails—just expert muleteers who have inherited their knowledge from their parents and grandparents. Because here, you ride—and you also discover Colombia from the southern Andes.
Operated by La Bandolera Trail Rides, a Colombian equestrian tourism company with operations throughout Latin America. Next departure: February 21–28, 2027.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Mendoza
They’re heading from the airport to the hotel. Tonight: a wine tasting at a vineyard in Mendoza. We’re getting ready for the adventure that starts tomorrow.
Day 2 — We enter the mountain range · 1,750–3,200 m.a.s.l.
We arrived at Manzano Histórico and left our large suitcases there. With our backpacks, we set off into the mountains. We spent our first night at the Scaravelli Refuge (3,200 m.a.s.l.), nestled between the peaks of Punta Denga and Punta Blanca, surrounded by meltwater streams. It was an acclimatization night.
Day 3 — Portillo Argentino · 4,380 m.a.s.l.
We climb the imposing Portillo Argentino, the very same pass that Captain Lemos crossed during San Martín’s War of Independence. We descend through the Cementerio de las Vacas, cross the Mansa Creek, and arrive at the Real de la Cruz Military Shelter (2,800 m.a.s.l.).
Day 4 — The Rest
A short hike to enjoy the scenery. After a hearty Argentine barbecue, your body will appreciate the rest. The best day of the trip.
Day 5 — Caletón · 3,100 m a.s.l.
We crossed the Tunuyán River (which originates at the foot of the Tupungato Volcano, 6,680 meters above sea level) and continued along the Palomar River to Caletón—a natural cave visited by Charles Darwin in 1835. We spent the night with a view of Mount Marmolejo (6,100 meters above sea level).
Day 6 — Chilean Border · Piquenes Pass
We reached the Chilean border via the Piquenes Pass. We enjoyed views of the Mesón San Juan Glacier (6,050 m.a.s.l.) and the Cerro Marmolejo Glacier. We completed one of the six San Martinian routes. We returned to the Real de la Cruz Refuge for our final night in the heart of the Andes.
Day 7 — Return to Mendoza
Last day of the ride. We go up Portillo again, head down to Scaravelli, and a van takes us back to Mendoza.
Day 8 — Mendoza and Saddleries
A day off in Mendoza. The Argentia Saddlery is well worth a visit. We bought the things we’d been craving and said our goodbyes.
✅ Includes
- 🐴 Mule with a full set of tack (The Mule of the Andes)
- 🏨 7-night stay
- 🍽️ Complete meal
- 🚐 Logistics and Ground Transportation
- 👨🌾 Expert guides and muleteers
- 🏕️ Campsites with mattresses
- 📡 Insurance + satellite tracking
❌ Does not include
- ✈️ Airline tickets
- 🏨 Additional accommodations
- 🛏️ Private hotel room (additional cost)
What should I bring?
It's cold one minute and hot the next—it's a place where you'll need to dress in layers.
- Sleeping bag (very cold nights)
- Small backpack (leave your large suitcase at the starting point)
- Flashlight
- Heat/cold therapy garments
- 2 pairs of riding jeans
- Shirts in the Columbia or Lekamp style
- Riding boots + comfortable indoor shoes
- 7 pairs of knee-high socks
- Winter gloves
- Hat with a chin strap / cap
- Windbreaker
- Rainwear and waterproof clothing
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Sunglasses with a strap
- Quick-dry towel + flip-flops
- Chaps
Reservations and Payments
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience to cross the Andes on horseback?
Yes, this horseback riding trek is for advanced riders. Prior riding experience is required, as the daily rides last 5–6 hours on rocky high-mountain terrain. If you don’t have any experience, we recommend starting with our shorter rides near Bogotá.
When does the horseback trek across the Andes open?
The route is open only three months a year (January, February, and March), when weather conditions allow for crossing the mountain range. It remains closed for the remaining nine months due to snow and extreme conditions. The next dates are February 21–28, 2027.
How much does it cost to cross the Andes on horseback?
The price is $3,500 per person and includes a mule with equipment, 7 nights’ lodging, all meals, experienced guides and muleteers, campsites, insurance, and satellite tracking. Airfare to Mendoza is not included.
Can foreigners participate in this horseback trek?
Absolutely. The Crossing of the Andes is one of the most sought-after equestrian tourism experiences for travelers from around the world. We provide services in Spanish and English. For information in English, please contact us via WhatsApp or email us at comercial@labandolera.com.
What makes this horseback ride through the Andes unique?
We follow the same routes taken by General San Martín’s Liberation Army—six of the San Martín trails. The muleteers who guide us have inherited the knowledge of their ancestors and know every path, stream, and shelter in the mountain range. It’s a route that doesn’t appear on any tourist map.
Ready to cross the Andes?
Limited availability — February 21–28, 2027
