Andes Crossing Trek from Argentina to Chile

Previous day
You have to arrive in Mendoza a day before the departure date. It’s necessary to check
the equipment.

Day 01 MENDOZA / MANZANO HISTORICO 1700M /  REFUGIO SCARAVELLI / 3260M

In the morning, we will drive a private vehicle towards the “Manzano Histórico” (2
hs), located in the “Valle de Uco” (Uco Valley). Uco Valley is a viticulture region
southwest of Mendoza City in Argentina. It is widely considered one of the top wine
regions in Mendoza and Argentina. We arrive then at the Refugio Portinari
(National Gendarmerie). Here, we perform customs clearance and registration with the
authorities of the National Gendarmerie. After that, we start the trekking day until “Las
Scaravelly refuge “. Night in a tent.

TRANSPORT 3.30 hs from Mendoza 750 m / Manzano Histórico 1710 m / Portinari 2520 m.

Trekking start at Portinari 2520 m /Scaravelli 3200 m.

Approx 4 hrs / 8 km.
Waypoint:
Portinari 2520 m.
Scaravelli 3200 m.

Day 02 FROM REFUGE SCARAVELLI / TUNUYAN VALLEY (Real de la Cruz camp)

Breakfast and enlistment of the luggage. This day we are going to climb to the “Portillo
Argentino”, rising to 4380 m. After, we have 8 / 9 trekking hours (mostly on a downhill trail) until the Real de la Cruz. Once in the camp, we enjoy an energizing dinner adorned by the
experiences of this day for adventure. Night in a tent in the area around the military refuge.

TREK Portillo Base 4000 m / Refugio Real de la Cruz 2870 m.
Approx 8-9 hrs / 16 km.
Waypoint
Confluencia, Valle de las Yaretas 3545 m.
Portillo Base 4000 m.
Portillo Argentino 4380 m.
Valle de la Mansa, cruce del arroyo de la Olla 3260 m.
Mirador “La Banderita” 2900 m.
Alto Valle del Río Tunuyán, Real de la Cruz Refuge 2870 m.

Day 03 TUNUYAN VALLEY – Laguna de los Patos Trek

The third day will be destined to rest. It may choose to remain in the vicinity of the camp or a trek of to Laguna de los Patos.Dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 04 REAL DE LA CRUZ / EL CALETÓN
After breakfast, we prepare the luggage for the mules and embark on the Tunuyán
River. To cross the river, we will need the help of our strong horses guided by
skillful muleteers.
The trek continues through the viewpoint of “Mount Tupungato 6800 meters” and
then follows upriver the beautiful “Palomares” stream, until the last campsite in
Argentinean territory: “The Caleton” or “Real de la Oveja” (depends on the decision of the mountain guide).
Rest, night in tents.
TREK: Approx 5-7 hrs / 13 km.

Waypoint
Real de la Cruz Shelter 2870 m.
Cross Tunuyán river 2870 m.
Valle de Palomares 3000 m.
Camp El Caleton 3027 m.
Real del Vallecito 3100 m.
Paso Hondo or Real de la Oveja 3400 m.

Day 05 EL CALETÓN / INTERNATIONAL BORDER / PARQUE DEL YESO
Departure towards the Argentinean/Chilean Border.
Another big challenge lies ahead on the fifth day.
Departure to Step Piuquenes to 4030 m, boundary between Argentina and Chile.
At noon, we will enjoy a unique lunch at the border marker. At the border, we must
change the mules who carry loads (they are prohibited from crossing the border). New Chilean
mules and Chilean muleteer guides will lead us going down to the river “El Plomo” in
Chilean territory, the final leg of the expedition.
After crossing the river, private vehicles are waiting for us.
Transfer by minibus to the Cajon del Maipo, coasting the “Yeso dam”, to San Gabriel
The village where are the customs formalities where we complete customs paperwork at the
Police office.
After 11 km from the customs office, we will get to the accommodation in a beautiful
cabins and farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

TREK Approx 7-9 hrs / 14-16 km.
Waypoint
Piuquenes pass 4030 m.
Crossing the river Yeso. End in Parque del Yeso or Termas del Plomo 3000 m.
BY CAR: Yeso / San Gabriel Cajon del Maipo 1260 m.

Day 06 BREAKFAST AND TRANSPORT TO SANTIAGO 

Transport to Santiago Airport or Bus station.

Upper body
• 1 Top underwear, Polypropylene or thermal capeline
• 1 Long sleeve shirts
• 1 Fleece jacket
• 1 Windproof Gore-Tex jacket, it must have a hood
• 1 down jacket, it must have a hood
Hands
• 1 Pairs of liner gloves
• 1 Pair of fleece or wool gloves
Head
• 1 Hat or cap for the sun protection
• 1 Fleece hat
Lower body
• 1 Bottom underwear
• 1 Trekking pant
• 1 Windproof Gore-Tex pant (only in winter conditions)
Footwear
• 1 Pair of hiking boots (we recommend Gore-Tex models)
Feet
• 1 pairs of light-weight socks
• 2-3 pairs of heavy-weight socks
Eyes
• 1 pair of glacier glasses with side covers (100% UV)
Others
• 1 headlamp with extra batteries

• 1 sleeping bag (-15oC)

• Crocs or similar shoes to cross rivers
• Mattress
• Sunscreen and lip protection min. SPF 40. Moisturizing
cream, protective lipstick, milk cream in case of very dry skin.
• 2 water bottles
• Personal medicine
• Passport.
• US$ 30 in Chilean pesos (for any small expense arising as
drinks or snacks).
• 1 plastic bottle or a water bottle (1 1/2 or 2 lts).
• Eye drops (for persons who are sensitive or allergic to the
dust).
• Insect repellent.
• Elements of personal hygiene (hand towel, soap,
toothbrush, etc.).
• Camera.

INCLUDED SERVICES

Transfer Mendoza City to the place where we start the trekking.
Professional mountain guide and muleteers.
Transport of the equipment on mules. Up to 10 Kg. per person.
All meals and drinks during the expedition.
Complete camping equipment.
Dining tent.
03 nights of accommodation in tents (igloo shape, for 2 or 3 people).
First Aid equipment.
Satellite phone (in case of emergency).

Transfer from the end point of the expedition to a complex of cabins in “Cajon del Maipo”
(Chile). This day you are getting at Cajon del Maipo after 8 pm.
01 night of accommodation in a complex of cabins in “Cajon del Maipo” (Chile) with
dinner. We think that this night it is necessary because sometimes we have delays in the
customs offices in San Gabriel Chile, and can be too late for getting to Santiago.
Transfer “Cajón del Maipo” / Santiago de Chile.
English speaking guide.

NOT INCLUDED
Transfer (return) from Santiago de Chile to Mendoza.
Transport to Chile of the equipment and bags that you don’t lead the expedition.
Personal gear.
Food not stipulated in the program.
Drinks in restaurants.
Personal expenses (phone calls, tips, laundry, etc.).
Rescue expenses.
Medical assistance or insurance.