Andes Horseback Crossing: 8-Day Guided Expedition & Camps

Summary

Horseback adventure through Andes history & wild beauty

You’ll ride across wild Andean valleys with local guides who know every story behind these mountains. Expect long days in the saddle, campfire dinners under southern stars, and moments where history feels close enough to touch. This expedition includes all camping gear, transfers from San Juan to Barreal, and support from experienced baqueanos along San Martín’s legendary route.

What’s the experience like?

“¿Listos?” That’s what Martín, our guide, asked as he tightened my saddle outside Barreal. I was still fumbling with my gloves — nerves, maybe — but his easy smile made it feel less like a tour and more like being welcomed into something old and shared. The horses snorted in the cool morning air, dust swirling around their hooves. Someone handed me a mate gourd (I tried not to spill it), and we set off toward the Cordillera, the sun barely up behind La Ramada.

The first day was mostly getting used to the rhythm of riding, which is harder than I thought — your legs go numb after a while, but then you stop noticing because there’s so much to look at. We crossed dry riverbeds where the air smelled faintly of sage, and Martín pointed out guanacos on a distant ridge. Lunch was just bread and cheese on a flat rock, but honestly? It tasted better than most restaurant meals I’ve had. Maybe it was the view or just being hungry from riding.

I’ll never forget reaching Espinacito Pass — 4,500 meters up, wind howling so loud you had to shout to be heard. My hands were freezing even inside my jacket. One of the baqueanos (I think his name was Luis) handed me a chunk of chocolate and grinned like this was all perfectly normal. He told us stories about San Martín’s army crossing here; I could almost see them in my mind, moving through these same valleys two centuries ago.

Nights were cold but somehow comforting — tents pitched by rivers that sounded like distant applause all night long. Sometimes we’d sit around after dinner, boots off, swapping stories in Spanish and broken English. I tried to say “Valle Hermoso” with the right accent; everyone laughed (in a good way). There’s something about sharing exhaustion that makes people open up faster than usual.

The last morning back toward Barreal felt strange — legs sore but not wanting it to end yet. I still think about that silence between mountain peaks before sunrise, just horse breath and your own heartbeat for company. If you’re looking for an Andes horseback crossing that feels real — not staged — this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and acclimatization in Barreal

• Reception in San Juan city
• Transfer to Barreal
• Accommodation in Barreal
• Acclimatization and equipment check
• Logistics briefing and history introduction
• Free time

Day 2 — 4x4 transfer and first horseback ride

• Breakfast
• 4x4 transfer to mountain post
• Assign and prepare mules
• Lunch in the field
• Horseback ride through Cordilleran valley
• Wildlife watching
• Arrive at Los Hornitos camp

Day 3 — Horseback ride to Espinacito pass

• Breakfast
• Horseback ride to Espinacito pass
• Reach 4,500 meters altitude
• Arrive at base camp
• Dinner and overnight in Vegas de Gallardo

Day 4 — Ride to Valle Hermoso via Valle de Los Patos

• Breakfast
• Horseback ride to Valle de Los Patos
• Continue to Valle Hermoso
• Visit General San Martín's last Argentine camp
• Dinner and overnight by Valle Hermoso river

Day 5 — Ride to Argentine-Chilean border

• Breakfast
• Horseback ride to border landmark
• Rest and free afternoon
• Overnight camp in Valle Hermoso

Day 6 — Return ride to Vega del Cura

• Breakfast
• Horseback ride along mountain streams
• Arrive at Rancho de Lata or Vega del Cura
• Dinner and overnight camp

Day 7 — Ascent to Paso La Honda and return

• Breakfast at Rancho de Lata or Vega del Cura
• Ascend to Paso La Honda (4350 m)
• View border line and Cerro Aconcagua
• Arrive at Manantiales
• Transfer to Barreal
• Farewell dinner without beverages
• Overnight in cabins

Top questions

How difficult is the Andes horseback crossing tour?

This expedition is rated medium/high difficulty; riders should have at least moderate physical fitness and be comfortable spending long hours on horseback at altitude.

What is included in the 8-day guided expedition?

The tour includes camping equipment (tents), transfers from San Juan to Barreal and back, air-conditioned vehicle support, horses/mules with saddles, local guides/baqueanos, and meals (excluding drinks/dessert at farewell dinner).

When is the best time for this Andes horseback trip?

The season runs during summer in Argentina—December through March—when weather conditions are best for high mountain crossings.

Is there an age limit or health restriction?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers under 12 years old or those with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy; moderate fitness is required.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

No advanced experience needed—guides help beginners—but some comfort around horses helps since days are long in the saddle.

Are meals provided during the trek?

Yes—all meals during camping are included except drinks/dessert at farewell dinner; expect simple mountain fare shared outdoors.

How many people join each departure?

A minimum of 6 people per booking is required; groups are capped at 14 travelers for a more personal experience.

Is hotel pickup included from San Juan?

Yes—pickup from San Juan city is included as part of your transfer to Barreal before starting the expedition.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup from San Juan city with transfer to Barreal where you’ll meet your guides and acclimatize before setting out on horseback. All camping gear—tents provided—plus support vehicles for logistics are included throughout the week-long ride along San Martín’s historic route. Meals are prepared daily at camp (except drinks/dessert at farewell dinner), so you can focus on riding and soaking up those Andean landscapes before returning to Barreal for your last night.