Level: Demanding
Levels Explained
Departures
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11 nights camping
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Crossing the Andes: Chile-Argentina
Crossing the Andean Cordillera from Chile to Argentina is said to be one of the most spectacular horse-riding experiences in the world. It brings back the same odyssey that the Spanish conquistadors carried out almost 500 years ago. All the passes, landscapes, flora and fauna remain the same. On the second day of the 14-day journey, we cross over Argentina by Paso Piuquenes. Then the trail heads south for 10 day before re-crossing the border at the Volcan Maipo shared between the two countries on the final day. The passes take you up to both a physical and a spiritual ‘high’.

As we ride along, the scenery is always spectacular, changing from mountainside to rugged cliffs, flowered slopes and high valleys. Waterfalls, springs and crashing rivers cross on our way. Some provide a relaxing bath and others challenge us to negotiate these natural obstacles intrepidly. The sight of amazing huge brownish rock masses, carved and sculpted by the wind high above us make us fantasize on the many myths and tales about the secret cities said to be hidden here on the Andes.

The guides for these trips are "Arrieros", who are true cowboys, men who have worked with cattle and horses in the mountains all their lives and know the ways and path of the vast cordillera as intimately as we know our home villages. As there are no marked trails here, many have learned the routes from their fathers and grandfathers before them. By the end of the day, they find us shelter when the storm comes and set up camp in idyllic places on calm bright nights. They light a fire, prepare the food and drinks and even sooth our ruffled spirits with some gentle Chilean guitar music.

ITINERARY
Day 1, arrive in Santiago where we meet you at the airport and drive you to San Alfonso. Day 2, Departure after breakfast in vans (approximately 2 hours journey) to "la Panimavida. Day 3, gentle descent through the valley of the river Palomar, then across the river Tunullan. Day 4, the guides go ahead testing the terrain and their experienced horses sniff the snow to assess its depth. Day 5, up through the Cien Vueltas (100 turns) to the Corrales Negros. Campsite: Vega Corrales Negros. Day 6, we ride through the valley of the river Marmolejo till we arrive at the valley Salinillas, and cross the same river. Day 7, departure in the direction of the Torrecillas - gigantic wind-carved castles of pink and rose-coloredstone rising around a beautiful clear river. Day 8, in the morning we go for a ride and in the afternoon we can relax in this beautiful site, perhaps swim, read or in some cases sing and dance by the camp fire. Day 9, from the Torrecillas we ride across the wide canyon of the Colorado River. Day 10, we cross the valley of the river Papal before finally arriving at the Laguna del Diamante. Day 11, ride to the Laguna del Diamante. This spectacular lake can often be seen from the airplane as you fly into or out of Chile. Day 12, we ride through the valley of Volcan Maipo before crossing back to Chilean territory through the Alvarado pass to the south. Day 13, along the Alvarado canyon, with its incredible rock formations, to cross the river Maipo. Day 14, transfer to Santiago city or airport as required.