Privacy Policy

Argentina Tours and Travel

Best of Patagonia / Sample Itineraries / Patagonia Treks / More Patagonia Tours / Wildlife Spectacular / Hidden Argentina
Estancias & Andes / Patagonia Ice Trail / Buenos Aires / Calafate / Iguazu Falls / Bariloche / Ushuaia / Salta / Mendoza
Antarctic Cruises / Ibera Wetlands / Valdes Peninsula / Australis Expedition Cruises / Iruya Trek / Kayaking / Wine Tours

"LOS ANDES ON HORSEBACK"

A horseback expedition to the Andean range in Mendoza reaching the Chilean border. Large sandy areas, extensions of volcanic ashes, waterfalls, the local inhabitants, its horses, its goats, a very different rhythm compared to the city. The expedition begins at Guatana Camp. Located in the heart of The Andean Range at 2400m (7800ft) above sea level and 6 hours horse riding from Las Loicas (Mendoza's Province, Argentina) where the roads end. The tented camp includes: Tents with beds and heating, dining room, bathrooms and hot water showers and electricity (220 V). An ideal place to stay, where the starry skies and the vastness of the landscape are a mesmerizing sight.

The horses are hybrid called “Cerrillanos”. Born and bred in the mountain, they are quiet, strong and are used to the mountains. The saddles we use are of “cuyan casque”, ideals for the mountains. The blankets and “pellones” make them more comfortable. The "baquianos", Argentina’s historical characters are strong and simple men who live in the area and work with animals since they are born. They are in charge, during the horse riding, of the care and maintenance of the horses, as well as loading and unloading the mules when its necessary. You will have the opportunity to share many of their habits and the knowledge of the area that they only have.

Day 1: Saturday
Arrival in Malargüe by car or bus. Meet and greet and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

At the end of the day the group gathers for an itinerary overview and delivery of the saddle-bags. This is a time for "duty", meaning we will have to choose what is worth carrying to the Guatana Camp and what to leave behind at the hotel. In the saddle-bags it is advisable to carry the necessary things for the day (coat, creams, camera, etc.) while leaving the personal belongings and clothes on the bags carried by mules. Dinner and night at the Microtel Inn.

DAY 2: Sunday
Early morning transfer to Las Loicas (105 km - 2:30 hours). The road goes through the mountains until reaching this small village which basically lives of goat and bovine cattle.
Once there the "baqueano" will be waiting for us, he will assign the horses and saddle them while we get prepared. Within a few minutes of ride, Las Loicas and the civilization will be left behind, entering Los Andes along its valleys and gorges. Peculiar volcanic shapes like "the lost city" and "the street" anticipate an interesting landscape. Afterwards, a large sandy land produced by the Volcano "El Descabezado" (Chile) will appear.
In the afternoon, after descending 100m (330ft) on sandy lands, where the horses will be buried up to their bellies, we will arrive to the Guatana Camp, where an exquisite tea will be waiting. The intense green of the meadows, contrasting with the white sand, framed by a rocky amphitheatre, indicates the end of the "Cajon del Trolon".

Night at Guatana Camp.
Meals: breakfast, pic-nic, snack, dinner
Approximate time of ride: 6 hours.

DAY 3: Monday
Morning start riding to the border. After crossing some meadows and a waterfall we will ascent up to 3000m (9800ft). On the way, we will see herds with their shepherds. Going up, the green becomes more peculiar and patches of ice start to appear, the landscape opens to the infinite. In the horizon the Martinez milestone appears, dividing Argentina and Chile.
This desert landscape is interrupted by small glaciers, some of them covered with volcanic sand, capriciously popping up between the gorges. The landscape contrasts with the green of the slope. In some of this small natural oasis, we will stop for lunch.
In the afternoon, we will descend to the end of the "Cajon del Trolon", where there is a 20m high waterfall. This is an ideal spot to stop and, weather permitting, enjoy swimming. We will then return to Guatana Camp at the end of the day.

Night at Guatana Camp.
Meals: breakfast, pic-nic, snack, dinner
Approximate time of ride: 6-7 hours.

Day 4: Tuesday
Leaving the valley behind we will climb between large rocks, cliffs and needles formed by the wind erosion. The pathway appears where we would have never imagined. Once on the top we will be able to appreciate the high plateau formed by the winds and the sedimentary dragging produced many years ago by the extinct glaciers. The landscape will quickly be tinged with green, as we arrive at "Cajon de Pichi", a summer place. Stop for lunch at a stone refuge built by inhabitants for shelter while shepherding their goats. For some days we will experience their solitary lives, marked by the rhythm of nature. On the way back, we will cross the slopes of the "Choique Mamil" mountain and volcanic sands, where we will see needles and windows carved by the wind.

Night at Guatana Camp.
Meals: breakfast, pic-nic, snack, dinner
Approximate time of ride: 6-7 hours.

Day 5: Wednesday
An amazing day marked by the immensity of the landscape. After arriving to the end of the "Cajon del Trolon", lunch will take place at the Trolon's river slope, near a waterfall which flows along a vertical rock wall. After the pause, the ascent to the edge starts. In the horizon we will see the "Campanario Hill" with its angular characteristic 4000 meters above sea level. The view is completed with the shape of the South Trolon's milestone; making it a perfect spot. Like the days before, herds will cross the path which will be recognized because of its traces. The day of the big rodeo, the animals are taken to the place where they will spend the winter; the inhabitants give their support and work together.

Night at Guatana Camp.
Meals: breakfast, pic-nic, snack, dinner
Approximate time of ride: 6-7 hours.

Day 6: Thursday
Early in the morning, and taking advantage of the dawn light, we will start our way back to Las Loicas, along a path that will still surprise us. The ride goes along the "Cajon de Pichi", which reveals strange rock formations. It will be a long day. In the afternoon the expedition will come to an end, celebrating the arrival to Las Loicas with a good lunch.
We will say goodbye to the horses before leaving to Malargüe to spend the night.

Night at Malargüe: Microtel Inn
Meals: breakfast, pic-nic, dinner
Approximate time of ride: 6 hours

Day 7: Friday
End of services. Depending on the following destination, the riders will be transferred to the bus station to catch the bus to Buenos Aires.

Meals: Breakfast

FIXED DEPARTURES 2011-2012 - SATURDAYS from MALARGUE**
New Year Departure: DEC 28th (WED).
JAN: 3rd (Tuesday), & Sat 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th
FEB: Sat 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th
MAR: Sat 3RD & 10th

Accommodation Rates p/ person in US Dollars
Quadruple Tent (*) US$1190
Double Tent (*) US$1478
Single Tent (includes two nights at Malargue Hotel) US$1840
(*) Additional single supplement at hotel (Two Nights) US$109

Extra services
Transfer pack Mendoza (Trf htl / bus depot + RT Bus tickets + Trf bus depot / htl) US$330p/person -Min 2

The Program includes:
" Two night accommodation at Microtel Inn (3*) in Malargue; breakfast and dinner included; no drinks - www.microtelmalargue.com.ar
" Four night accommodation in quadruple or double tents equipped with beds, linen, heating sink with running water and electricity (220V).
" Facilities at Guatana Camp: dining /living room tent, hot water showers, games.
" Round trip transfers: Malargüe - Las Loicas - Malargüe
" Full board from Saturday night to next Saturday morning
" Alcoholic beverages only during stay at Guatana Camp
" Pack mules to move luggage
" First aid kit
" Specialized guides and "baqueanos". English speaking guide. Ratio of one guide per every five riders.
" Horses and complete equipment for the ride including individual saddle bags and waterproof coats.
" Taxes

The Program does not include:
" Beverages and extras during the stay in Malargue
" Phone calls at Guatana Camp
" Transfer to Malargue
" Other expenses in case of giving up the itinerary (for any reasons personal, sickness, etc).

THE FACILITIES AT GUATANA CAMP
The groups will have a maximum of 14 riders lodged in 3 double tents and 2 quadruple tents.
The facilities at the campsite are:
" Electricity generator, heating and hot water
" 3 sleeping tents (double bed or double twin)
" 2 sleeping tents for 4 persons
" 1 dining tent / living room totally equipped
" 1 rock cottage where the kitchen and the store for provisions are located
" 1 tent with 4 hot water showers.
" Satellite phone in case of emergency

THE ROUTE: The route is subject to weather conditions and / or operational issues.

LEVEL OF EXPERTISE REQUIRED: There is no need to be an expert rider, but it is important not to be afraid of the horse and be ready to enjoy the days on horseback. The trip can be made by expert riders as well as beginners.

RIDING PACE: Every day there will be a 6 to 7 hours ride, mostly at a walking pace. Those who wish to gallop may have time to do so on certain parts of the route.

TYPE OF HORSES & SADDLES. The horses are hybrid called "Cerrillanos". Born and bred in the mountain, they are quiet, strong and are used to the mountains. The saddles we use are of "cuyan casque", ideals for the mountains. The blankets and "pellones" make them more comfortable.
Maximum 14 riders lodged in 3 double tents and 2 quadruple tents.

STYLE OF PROGRAM / EXPEDITION. Although there are facilities and comfort at Guatana Camp, it is important to remember that the program takes place in the high mountains, where everything depends on weather conditions, which can go from extreme hot weather to snow.
Each rider will take their personal effects in their saddle bags, with the waterproof coat that we provide. The rest of the luggage will be transferred by the mules to the camp. Foresee a small hand bag to load in the mule and leave the bag at the hotel. A fanny pack is very useful to take personal belongings.

LIMITATIONS TO PARTICIPATE There are some limitations which include:
" Maximum weight: 120 kg
" Medical problems that require immediate assistance (heart diseases, epileptics, etc)
" Participants Over 65 years old, medical card should be signed by a doctor
" Participants over 12 years old (ask in each particular case).
" Minors should have an authorization of their tutors.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
In case of individual reservations charges for cancellations before 30 days will not apply.
Between 30 and 15 days before the departure, a 30% charge
And between 14 days and 2 days before departure a 60% cancellation penalty will apply.
Less than that there will be no refund.
Groups will have a separate policy

WHAT TO PACK
Remember that in the mountains days can be warm and sunny and nights cold, with temperatures below zero.

" Thermal clothing as undercoat
" T-shirts
" Two long sleeve shirts
" Two polars
" Winter jacket
" Parka (gore-tex, ultrex)
" Two field trousers o similar (no jeans or dismountable trousers, avoid internal seams)
" Three pairs of thick wool socks (long)
" Polar or wool cap
" Neck neckerchief or Buff (tubular neckerchief)
" Winter gloves
" Comfortable and warm change of clothes for the camp
" Swimming suit
" Flip- flop

Accessories, protection and others
" Wide wing hat with laces to tide up
" Sunglasses (as closed as possible to protect from the sun and the wind)
" Leggings or riding boots
" Sport shoes with rubber sole
" Sun protection cream (no sunscreen) and post sun cream and/or refreshing (Dr. Selvi)
" Lip balm Sun protection
" Riding gloves (could be working gloves)
" Canteen (plastic bottle of 600 ml)
" Frontal lantern with spare batteries
" Personal medicines
" Camera (remember to take spare batteries and memory). Batteries can be charged during the stay at the camp.
" Personal hygiene elements
" A book
" Skull cap. In case that you are used to wear a riding hat, please take it because the organization does not provide it.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS THERE ANY AGE LIMIT?
We suggest children over 11 years old as a general rule, but it depends on previous experiences and character of the child.

CAN I GO ALONE?
Of course, many people travel alone and it’s an excellent opportunity to make new friends because mountain life get people closer.

I WENT HORSE RIDING A FEW TIMES IN MY LIFE? CAN I GO ALL THE SAME?
We have very gentle horses and the riding itself, beyond what people imagine, it’s quiet. We have taken passengers who had never traveled on horseback. The principal aim is that you are sure that you are not going to feel afraid, because once the riding started you cannot change your mind and ask to return (for you to know, nobody ever asked to return) The first day is the most difficult to adapt but, on the other hand, it’s easier to ride. The second day, you’ll feel safer and the third day you’ll ride normally with the group.

HOW IS THE BATHROOM MATTER?
At Guatana Camp you’ll have a tent with WC and bidet, and a tent with four hot water individual showers. On the other hand, at your sleeping tent you’ll have a lavatory to wash your hands and face in the morning (it doesn’t have hot water)

WHAT DO WE EAT
Food is home- made and very assorted. It is prepared by our cook using foods we carry on our mules. At night there are always hot dishes and at lunch time the dishes are cold as we’ll be travelling. Breakfasts and snacks are very complete and for all tastes.If you are following a diet please let us know and we’ll prepare it for you, but you have to tell us beforehand, as we can’t change menus because the mules take the food a few days before.

HOW DO WE SLEEP?
We have sleeping tents for 2 or 4 people, they have electric light, wooden floors, heating, beds with linen, blankets and duvet, night tables, lavatory and all the necessary amenities. We recommend to take a sleeping bag in case there is a warm night and you wish to sleep outdoors and enjoy the sky of Mendoza with all it’s stars.

DOES IT RAIN MUCH?
Not generally. Weather is very dry and there are passing storms. Many few times we have had storms for two or three days. All the same, we take waterproof coats to use in case of rain during the journey.

DO I HAVE TO TAKE FIRST AID KID?
Please take your personal medicines if you are taking a special one. We also suggest to take moisturizing cream and sunscreen. All the same, we take a very complete first aid kid in case we need it. We also recommend to hire an insurance for adventure activities.

WHAT HAPPENS IN CASE OF ACCIDENT?
The best cure is prevention and awareness not to act irresponsibly during the program. If there is a problem, we know the way out and our first aid kid is prepared if necessary . In the heart of our itinerary there is a Medical Center at Las Loicas or Las Leñas. Thanks to our satellite phone we’ll be in communication for cases of extreme urgency.

ARE WE IN COMMUNICATION?
The guides will take a satellite phone to use in cases of medical emergencies.

CAN I RETURN EARLYFROM THE HORSE RIDING?
Yes. But in fourteen years of experience a passenger has never asked to return early from a horse riding. This causes an extra expense.