Everything you need to carry for 9 days at altitude. Pack right and the Cordillera will welcome you. Get it wrong and you will spend the nights miserable.
Packing correctly for a 9-day horseback expedition at altitudes above 4,500 meters is not optional — it is essential. Here is the complete guide based on over 25 years of leading riders through these mountains.
THE GOLDEN RULE
You cannot bring more than fits in one medium saddlebag (alforja). Everything else goes in the support vehicle or stays home. Ruthlessly edit your gear list before departure day.
TEMPERATURE RANGES YOU WILL EXPERIENCE
Day temperatures at altitude: 15–25°C (59–77°F) with intense UV radiation. The sun at 4,000+ meters feels dramatically stronger than at sea level — experienced riders describe it as "burning from above and reflecting from below."
Night temperatures at camp: -5 to 5°C (23–41°F). Frost on the tent is normal. Wind chill can push the perceived temperature well below zero even in January.
Possible brief storms: hail and sudden temperature drops of 15°C are normal. More intense snowfall with strong winds cannot be ruled out.
THE FIVE NON-NEGOTIABLE ITEMS
Sleeping bag rated to -15°C (5°F) — This is not the place to save money. Down or Thinsulate. A cheap sleeping bag will make you miserable every night. Borrow one from a friend if needed, but do not compromise here.
Wide-brim hat — Baseball caps are insufficient. You need full brim coverage. The UV radiation at 4,500 meters is intense and the reflection off snow and pale rock amplifies it further. Burns happen within 30 minutes of unprotected exposure.
Sunscreen SPF 50+ — Apply every two hours during riding. This is not exaggeration. Altitude burns happen fast and they hurt.
Sturdy mid-height boots — Your feet spend 6-8 hours per day in stirrups. Break in your boots before the expedition — new boots at altitude cause blisters that can end a trip. Waterproof is strongly recommended.
Warm gloves — Morning departures at 3,200 meters are cold. Your hands will be the first thing you feel. Pack a thin liner glove and a heavier outer glove.
WHAT NOT TO BRING
Cotton clothing — Cotton retains moisture and becomes dangerously cold when wet. This is not a comfort issue; at altitude, wet cotton can cause hypothermia. Bring synthetic or wool instead.
Jeans — Uncomfortable for riding, take forever to dry, and offer no thermal insulation when wet. Bring loose-fitting hiking pants instead.
Heavy books or excessive electronics — Weight matters. The saddlebag has limited space.
Perfume or strongly scented products — They attract insects and disturb the wildlife you came to see.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
All group camping equipment, tents (pre-assembled at camp), cooking gear, food, first-aid kit, VHF radios, satellite phone, and Starlink internet are provided by South Explorer. You only need the personal gear on the official list.
THE STARA ADVANTAGE
Since 2023, our mule Stara carries a Starlink satellite antenna to every base camp. This means you can charge your devices, share photos with family, and stay connected — even at 4,500 meters in the heart of the Cordillera. Pack a power bank anyway as backup.