Cross the Andes on Horseback
Ride across the Andes on a 9-day journey through history, mountains and unforgettable landscapes.
Discover the Andes Crossing
ABOUT US
My name is Diego Videla, I’m the owner and founder of Gaucho Estate Horseback Riding Experiences, a family owned Tour Company located in Mendoza/Argentina, focus on horseback riding tours in The Andes, 15 minutes away from Mendoza city.
The Argentinian Gauchos and their culture is what we try to show to anyone looking for a real experience in Mendoza, trying to connect travelers with the people who live and work the land.
I’m the one leading almost every tour, and I’ve been in the Tourism business for over 15 years now, so I can say I feel blessed to be able to combine my work and passion as one.
Crossing the Andes on Horseback
Via Paso de los Patos · San Martín Horseback Expedition
9 days / 8 nights.- Starts and ends in Barreal, San Juan.
- High-altitude horseback expedition.
- Maximum altitude: approx. 4,500 m / 14,760 ft.
Days 1–3
The journey begins in Barreal with a welcome, equipment check and introduction to the historic route. The following morning, we travel by 4×4 to Manantiales, where the horseback expedition begins.
- Day 1: Arrival, welcome dinner and overnight in Barreal.
- Day 2: Manantiales to Los Hornitos, approx. 2,900 m / 9,510 ft. Overnight at camp.
- Day 3: Crossing Paso del Espinacito, approx. 4,500 m / 14,760 ft, and descent to Vega de Gallardo. Overnight at camp.
Days 4–6
The expedition continues deeper into the Andes, surrounded by panoramic views of La Ramada, La Mesa and Aconcagua, before reaching Refugio Sardinas.
- Day 4: Vega de Gallardo to Refugio Sardinas, passing Puente de Tierra. Meeting with the Argentine National Gendarmerie.
- Day 5: Rest day, with free time for the landscape or trekking and historical interpretation of the area.
- Day 6: Horseback ride to the Argentina–Chile border marker and return to Refugio Sardinas.
Days 7–9
The return journey takes us back through mountain streams and Andean landscapes toward Manantiales and finally Barreal.
- Day 7: Refugio Sardinas to Rancho de Lata, approx. 3,550 m / 11,650 ft. Overnight at camp.
- Day 8: Rancho de Lata to Manantiales, followed by vehicle transfer to Barreal and farewell dinner.
- Day 9: Breakfast and end of services.
What’s Included
A complete high-altitude horseback expedition with the necessary riding, guiding and camp logistics throughout the journey.
- 4×4 transfers between Barreal and Manantiales.
- Horses and/or mules.
- Guiding and assistance throughout the journey.
- Mountain camps and overnight logistics.
- Welcome and farewell dinners.
- Rest day and optional activities described in the itinerary.
- Historical interpretation of the San Martín route.
Sunset Tour
Our Star product and the most requested.
Consists of 2 hours on gentle easygoing horses, with qualified and bilingual guides at all times, and concludes with a traditional complete barbecue of the best Argentine beef, with roasted vegetables, salads, bread, Mendocinian wine and soda, and unlike the other options and for logical reasons, it offers a bonfire after dinner, accompanied by a brief folk session of the gaucho’s guitar, as the cherry on top to enjoy the starry night.
From 4.00pm until 9.30pm.
Roundtrip transportation from your accommodation.
Complete BBQ.
Bonfire.
Bilingual guide.
Life insurance.
Criolla
Consists of 2 hours on gentle easygoing horses, with qualified and bilingual guides at all times and the stops that the group needs along the ride. Concludes with a traditional complete barbecue of the best Argentine beef, with roasted vegetables, salads, bread, Mendocinian wine and soda.
- From 10.00pm until 13.00pm.
- Roundtrip transportation from your accommodation.
- Complete BBQ.
- Bilingual guide.
- Life insurance.
Half Day Tour
Only in the morning, consists of 2 hours on gentle easygoing horses, with suitable and bilingual guides at all times.
- From 10am until 13hs approx.
- Roundtrip transportation from your accommodation.
- Bilingual guide.
- Life insurance.
Full Day
Ideal for experienced riders and horse lovers who are eager for a longer, more demanding ride.
- From 10am until 16.30pm approx.
- Roundtrip transportation from your accommodation.
- Complete BBQ lunch.
- Bilingual guide.
- Life insurance.
Full Moon
Consists of 1.45 hours on gentle easygoing horses, with qualified and bilingual guides at all times, and concludes with a traditional complete barbecue of the best Argentine beef, with roasted vegetables, salads, bread, Mendocinian wine and soda, and it also offers a bonfire after dinner, accompanied by a brief folk session of the gaucho’s guitar, as the cherry on top to enjoy the starry night, that under the moonlight have a very unique charm.
- From 6.00pm until 00hs.
- Roundtrip transportation from your accommodation.
- Complete BBQ.
- Bonfire.
- Bilingual guide.
- Life insurance.
Expeditions
Does not include personal equipment. Booking in advance.
- Roundtrip transportation from your accommodation.
- Complete meals.
- Bilingual guide.
Tents.- Life insurance.
Personal equipment not included.
FYI
1. The minimum number of passengers for this or any activity is 02 (two) people, and in all cases the rates include round-trip transportation from the place of accommodation (city of Mendoza and surroundings), and life insurance.
2. The schedules are estimates since we are talking about group activities, where we try to respect the itinerary but it always depends on the number of people on the day, so the drop off time is always approximate, unless it is a private activity. In any case, the pick-up time begins punctually at the time indicated in each case, according to the itinerary.
3. For full refunds, reservations must be canceled 24 hours in advance of any tour.
4. Regarding clothing we recommended to always wear long pants, comfortable sneakers (never flip flops or sandals), sunscreen, glasses, hat or cap, and coat.
5. All activities have a vegetarian option (ask in advanced).
6. We work with small and regular groups; we also offer private outings, whenever requested in advance.
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