The Andes is the backbone of America and is the most striking landscape across the continent. With each passing peak 6000 meters high, with valleys, chasms, glaciers. And with the imprint of the history of the American revolutions seared in their paths. That gives us the Crossing of the Andes on horseback, between Argentina and Chile.
Crossing the Andes on horseback riding is one of the most impressive adventure in Latin America, and I dare say, the whole world. A challenge not for everyone, because, though not technically so complex, it is recommended to have previous experience in horse riding for mountain to overcome the difficulties of the road. and possible inclement weather, as the tour takes place in what is called High Mountain.
This ride is much more than a journey of adventure tourism. It is also a historical tour, which follows in the footsteps of the expedition of the Army of the Andes led by Jose de San Martin crossed the Andes in 1817, as part of the American War of Independence. Today, nearly 200 years later, through these untamed mountains can not but marvel at that feat, considered one of the most complex military campaigns in history.
Given the complexity of the route, it can only be done by hiring a qualified adventure travel agency. There are a few tour operators who perform it, with some variations, but overall the classic route starts from Mendoza (Argentina) and then taken a starting point, in this case Barreal town in the province of San Juan.
From there the ride begins, we expect several days hospitalized in the pristine mountains of the Cordillera de los Andes, in a totally wild where they will have more than our horse, our bags and our tent. The steep trail leads to viewpoints unforgettable, as the slope of Espinacito (over 4350 m) from where you can see the Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas.
A moving average that is nature in all its splendor in these places so remote, grazing herds of guanacos, majestic condors in flight and nights by the fire under a sky full of stars deep. The road crosses the international border between Argentina and Chile, and eventually flows into the neighboring Chile from Mendoza is back again, this time it will not be riding.
A truly unforgettable journey … as you can see in these beautiful images that speak for themselves.