Crossing the Andes via the Piuquenes Pass
- December 2023: 08th to 14th.
- January 2024: 20th to 26th.
- February 2024: 20th to 26th.
- March 2024: 09th to 15th.
- Professional trekking guide.
- Communication equipment (VHF radio and satellite GPS).
- First aid kit for high mountain.
- General equipment (tents, heaters).
- Full board.
- Mules for general equipment.
- Mules for personal equipment ( 10kg max).
- Transfer from Mendoza to Manzano Histórico.
- Transfer to Santiago de Chile
- Staff trained in first aid.
- Insurance and medical expenses.
Does not include
- Rescue expenses.
- Cost in case of abandonment of the expedition.
- Airfare to Mendoza or from Chile
- Any other service not expressly mentioned.
Day 1: Meeting point at Mendoza Terminal Day 1 – Manzano Histórico and Scaravelli Hut: A good start. We meet in Mendoza and visit the Manzano Histórico. Then, we set off to the Portinari hut, where we will start our trek to the Scaravelli hut, the place where we will spend the night and have a delicious barbecue for dinner.
Day 2 – Yaretas Camp: We go little by little: we acclimatize to the altitude by walking 2 hours at a slow pace to Yaretas Camp. It is important for our body to adapt! We have the afternoon free to enjoy.
Day 3 – “La Hoya” Camp. Let’s get ready for our most intense day! We wake up early for a nutritious breakfast and start a 10 hour trek to reach “La Hoya” camp. The ascent involves 18 km and 1000 meters of positive difference in altitude (we reach 4300 masl). Day 4 – Tunuyán River with a view of the Tupungato Volcano, glaciers and “six-thousanders”: This day we move to the “Corral de Alambre” camp, to do this we cross the Upper Tunuyán River. The trail offers magical views of the south face of Tupungato, with majestic glaciers and mountains over 6,000 meters high. Day 5 – From Corral de Alambre to Casas de Piedra: Short day; we cover approximately 7 km until we almost reach the Argentina- Chile border crossing. The next day will be an important day. Let’s get ready. Day 6 – International Pass “Portillo de Piuquenes”: We start early and with a lot of excitement: we are getting closer to our goal. In just a few hours we reach the border crossing, we made it! After the celebrations and photos, we descend to the shuttle that will take us to Santiago de Chile. Day 7 – Farewell in Santiago de Chile: We share breakfast on our last day. After that, we greet each other with all the satisfaction and happiness that the days we have lived leave us with. Until the next adventure!What to expect from full board?
This includes: breakfast, snacks, lunches, dinners and packed snacks for the 3 days, with the exception of the first day which starts with a packed lunch. The menus are prepared according to the logistics and activity planned.
Some meals can be:
- Asado (barbecue)
- Bacon Risotto
- Meat sauce pasta
- Sandwich with homemade bread, cold meat, tomato and avocado.
- Rice with sautéed vegetables
- Fajitas
- Fresh fruit, nuts, cereal bars, oatmeal cookies, etc.
I need a different menu because I am a vegetarian / have dietary restrictions.
No problem! We will prepare something special for you. Just let us know upon booking.
How many guides will there be?
There is 1 guide every 5 people, because this way we take better care of the adventurers and provide a completely personalized service.
Do I have to have experience?
No, for this activity it is not necessary to have experience in high altitude, but it is necessary to be in good physical condition since some of the days are long.
Have you ever imagined yourself walking in the footsteps of San Martin and his armies? In this wonderful experience, we will do the Crossing of the Andes on foot or on horseback. We will do it through a historic landmark: the Piuquenes Pass. It will be a demanding 7-day traverse, full of breathtaking mountain scenery and unforgettable moments.
Undoubtedly, the Crossing the Andes is one of those challenges that are hard to put into words, you have to experience it!
What does the Crossing the Andes via the Piuquenes Pass consist of?
It is a complete mountain experience: you will be the protagonist of a high intensity historical expedition. Our crossing of the Andes will take 7 days. We will set off from the Argentinean side, in the Province of Mendoza, and we will finish the activity in the City of Santiago de Chile.
We will start the trip by visiting the museum in the Manzano Histórico to learn about the history of the area where we will be spending the next few days.
From there we will begin to ascend the great mountain range, accompanied by Professional Trekking Guides who ensure that the trip is a safe learning experience full of enjoyment.
We will cross through the International Pass “Portillo de Piuquenes”, the place where San Martin started his return from the famous liberation campaign.
The gradual, day-by-day challenges are designed so that we can acclimatize to the altitude, move forward with strength or recover from the efforts according to the moment: that is why we will have some quiet days, and other very challenging ones.
A must? Delicious meals are always a good motivation to move forward, and an excellent reward for having “given our all”.
Who is this activity recommended for?
The Crossing of the Andes via the Piuquenes Pass is recommended for those who want to fully experience mountaineering. If you are in good physical condition and like challenges, this traverse is for you!
You don’t have to be a very experienced person. You only need to be in good physical condition and eager to go on this adventure. Leave the rest to us: we are here to guide you, to offer our experience and to guarantee that you will learn things that you will take with you for life.
