Parques EVT · License No. 13994 · 2093 Mariano Moreno South, Barreal, San Juan, Argentina
[email protected](+54 9) 264 503-2008
Andes Horseback Expedition
Horseback ExpeditionSeason Jan–Mar 2027Level 7 – Advanced

Andes Horseback Expedition

Retrace the steps of General San Martín's Liberation Army across the Andes

Duration

9 days / 8 nights

Group Size

10 – 20 participants

Region

Central Arid Andes, San Juan

Season

January – March 2027

Deposit

50% to confirm

About the Expedition

The Historic Route

Live an unforgettable experience retracing the steps of the main column of General San Martín's Army during the Liberation Campaign of 1817. Discover the ever-surprising and breathtaking Andean region of San Juan. Enjoy a nine-day horseback expedition through some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Andes Mountain Range, reaching altitudes above 4,500 meters above sea level, where you will observe wildlife in its natural habitat.

Program Highlights

What Makes This Expedition Special

Follow the exact route of General San Martín's Liberation Army of 1817
Reach altitudes above 4,500 m.a.s.l. at Peñón del Espinacito
Magnificent views of Mount Aconcagua (6,972 m.a.s.l.)
Observe Andean wildlife — condors, guanacos, vizcachas — in natural habitat
No prior horseback riding experience required
Season: January – March 2027
Groups of 10 to 20 participants per departure
Starlink satellite connectivity at every base camp (carried by our mule Stara)
Pre-assembled high-mountain tents — you arrive to a ready camp
Expert local horsemen (baqueanos) throughout the entire route
Day by Day

Detailed Itinerary

Barreal → Andes → International Border → Barreal

01Day

Arrival in Barreal

Arrival in Barreal (1,630 m.a.s.l.) and reception at Complejo Cabañas Doña Pipa. Afternoon briefing with the guide and welcome dinner.

02Day

Barreal – Los Manantiales – Río Las Leñas

After breakfast, 4x4 vehicles take us along dirt roads to Los Manantiales (3,182 m.a.s.l.), where our horses await. After horse assignment and a light lunch, we begin the horseback expedition heading south toward Río Las Leñas, entering the majestic Andes. We camp at Los Hornitos de Arriba (3,226 m.a.s.l.) on the banks of a small Andean river.

03Day

Río Las Leñas – Peñón del Espinacito – Vegas de Gallardo

Early start as baqueanos light the fire for breakfast. We ride past Trincheras de Soler (3,663 m.a.s.l.) toward the headwaters of Río Las Leñas. After lunch, we ascend the Espinacito ridge — just as the Liberation Army once did. At the summit (4,500 m.a.s.l.), breathtaking views of Valle de Los Patos Sur and Mount Aconcagua. We descend to Vegas de Gallardo (3,131 m.a.s.l.) for dinner.

04Day

Vegas de Gallardo – Valle Hermoso

Waking to morning dew and firewood smoke, we ride through rivers, mountain slopes and endless Andean valleys to Valle Hermoso. Mount Aconcagua (6,972 m.a.s.l.) — known in the Huarpe language as 'Stone Sentinel' — watches over our camp and restorative dinner.

05Day

Valle Hermoso – International Border Landmark – Valle HermosoFarthest Point

When Aconcagua allows the sun's rays over its summit, we ride to the International Border Landmark at Valle Hermoso Pass (3,506 m.a.s.l.) — the farthest point of our journey. We return to Valle Hermoso for a free afternoon to take in the vastness and grandeur of the Andes.

06Day

Valle Hermoso – Vegas de Gallardo

Return journey begins through the Valle de Los Patos. After crossing Puente de Tierra, we ride upstream along Arroyo Patillos to Rancho de Lata, located at the foot of the La Onda mountain slope.

07Day

Vegas de Gallardo – Río Las Leñas

After breakfast, we tackle the ascent of La Onda Pass (4,369 m.a.s.l.). At the summit, we bid farewell to the Valle de Los Patos and descend toward Río Las Leñas — our final camp in the majestic Andes Mountain Range.

08Day

Río Las Leñas – Los Manantiales – Barreal

After a well-deserved rest, we descend along Río Las Leñas back to Los Manantiales, where 4x4 vehicles transfer us to Barreal. A free afternoon followed by a group farewell dinner — sharing stories of what may well have been the journey of a lifetime.

09Day

Barreal – Farewell

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Barreal. End of services. Transfer to departure point or airport.

Services

What's Included

Included

All internal transfers specified in the itinerary
Full board (alcoholic beverages not included)
Two (2) nights accommodation in Barreal at Complejo Cabañas Doña Pipa
Six (6) nights accommodation in the Andes Mountains per itinerary
Services of driver, professional guides, cultural interpreters, and local horsemen (baqueanos)
Medical assistance throughout the expedition
Corresponding vehicle insurance and permits
Personal accident insurance
Satellite internet connectivity at base camps (Starlink)
VHF radio communication and satellite phone
Fully equipped first-aid kit
Trail meals and hearty camp dinners (vegetarian & gluten-free options on request)
Drinking water from mountain streams, juices and non-alcoholic beverages
High-mountain tents pre-assembled at each camp

Not Included

Airfare and airport taxes
Personal medical and life insurance
Gratuities
Alcoholic beverages
Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
Optional excursions
Services not detailed in the program
Expenses resulting from early departure or abandonment of the expedition

Level 7Degree of Difficulty — Advanced

🐴

No Riding Experience Required

Calm, well-trained animals accustomed to this expedition. Full instructions before departure.

💪

Good Physical Condition

A fitness test is recommended. A mandatory medical form must be completed and submitted.

⚕️

Health Declaration Mandatory

Participants must disclose conditions: asthma, heart disease, diabetes, joint problems, etc.

🪪

Age Requirements

18+ (or 14+ with parental authorization). No heart conditions or blood pressure problems.

📋 How to Apply

Request the following forms at [email protected] and return them signed:

Personal Information Form
Medical Information Form
Assumption of Responsibility & Risk Form

Deposit: 50% to confirm reservation · Full payment required before departure

Get Season 2027 Updates

Be the first to know departure dates, availability and expedition news.