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Argentina · Horse Riding
The journey
Visit the historic site of one of the world's most famous survival stories on this 6-day expedition to Valle de las Lagrimas. Join survivor Eduardo Strauch and mountain guide Ricardo Peña for a special journey to the Fairchild crash site, surrounded by dramatic Andean scenery, snowcapped peaks, and glaciers. Combining horse riding, mountain camping, and first-hand storytelling, this adventure offers both natural beauty and deep insight into the story of the Andes survivors.
Ride on horseback to Valle de las Lagrimas, where the memorial is situated and where the survivors' incredible story of survival took place.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
2 pm: Eduardo Strauch, Ricardo Peña, and all other participants rendezvous at the Aconcagua Hotel.
2:30 pm: Board the van and depart for San Rafael.
In the evening, have dinner with Eduardo.
Check your equipment before the early morning departure.
Breakfast at the Tower Hotel in San Rafael.
Load the vans and begin the drive to the abandoned hotel and hot springs at the base of the 18,000 ft volcano, El Sosneado.
A bit farther down the valley, reach the horse post in the mountains at 7,500 ft, where the horses and handlers will be waiting.
Have lunch.
Saddle up and begin the horse ride over rugged terrain to the camp at El Barroso River at 8,800 ft. Enjoy spectacular views all day.
The cook will prepare dinner.
Overnight in tents.
Ride on horseback to Valle de las Lagrimas, where the memorial is situated and where the survivors' incredible story of survival took place. This is an incredible valley surrounded by 15,000 ft high snowcapped peaks and impressive glaciers.
Depending on snow conditions, weather, and participants' preferences, some team members may choose to spend the night at the high camp in this valley at 12,000 ft.
If you are interested in spending the night at the high camp, it is important to bring extra warm gear and inform us in advance. However, a night at high camp is not guaranteed.
Eduardo and the rest of the group will return to the lower camp to spend the night.
Overnight in tents.
Participants staying at the high camp can explore the surroundings. Those with mountaineering experience have the option of doing an alpine ascent with Ricardo at some of the nearby glaciers for even more spectacular views. Please inform us in advance about the mountaineering option, as this requires technical gear.
Those staying with Eduardo at the lower camp will have the option of taking a scenic horse ride to a beautiful lake in the glacial basin, going for a hike, or resting in camp.
In the evening, the whole group meets at the lower camp, where Eduardo and Ricardo will give a talk on many of the fascinating aspects of Eduardo's incredible survival story in the Andes.
Overnight in tents.
Ride back to the horse camp, where the 4x4 vehicles will be waiting.
Have lunch at the horse post.
Head out of the mountains and down to the Tower Hotel in San Rafael.
Celebrate the expedition with a wonderful dinner and excellent wines.
Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay at the hotel.
Drive back to Mendoza. End of trip.
The route
The fine print
All land transportation in Argentina during the itinerary days.
Hotel accommodation and lodging in Argentina during the itinerary days.
Group gear (tents, cooking utensils, etc.). Tents are shared. You are free to bring your own tent if you prefer not to share.
All meals while on the mountain.
Horses and 4x4 vehicles.
Guides and support team.
The expertise of Eduardo Strauch (Andes survivor), exclusive to Alpine Expeditions.
Round-trip airfare from your point of origin to Mendoza, Argentina.
Excess baggage charges and airport tax.
Personal gear.
Meals in Mendoza or San Rafael, other than breakfasts.
Tips for restaurants, hotels, and others. There are only a few restaurant and hotel tips to take care of, so $100 should be more than enough. This does not include tips for your Alpine Expeditions guides, who will be working for you throughout the trip and watching every detail to make your expedition safe and enjoyable.
Charges incurred as a result of delays or changes in the itinerary beyond the control of Alpine Expeditions (Ricardo Peña).
If arranging your departure flight from Mendoza, Argentina, please book one that departs after 4 pm. Many participants stay an extra day to enjoy Mendoza. If you would like to stay an extra night in Mendoza, we can help arrange a hotel and transportation, but the cost is not included in the itinerary.
If you are interested in spending the night at the high camp, it is important to have extra warm gear and inform us in advance. However, a night at high camp is not guaranteed.
Participants with mountaineering experience may choose an alpine ascent with Ricardo at nearby glaciers. Please inform us in advance, as this option requires technical gear.
Logistics
Your 6 days finish where they began, in San Rafael.
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