Crossing Trekking Tour Argentina to Chile

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Day 1 • Transfer Mendoza – Portinari Refuge | Trekking to Scaravelli Refuge
1 stop
1
The expedition begins with a meeting to introduce all the members of the trip. Then, we will drive in a private vehicle to “Manzano Histórico” to continue on a dirt road to Refugio Portinari, National Gendarmerie. We will meet our local muleteers who will be part of this spectacular expedition. At this point, we will perform customs clearance and registration with the National Gendarmerie. Then, we will start our 4-hour hike to Scaravelli Refuge at 3200m, going deep into the mountains. In the afternoon, we will set up camp and have dinner around a bonfire. Transfer: 3:30 hrs – Mendoza 750 m | Manzano Histórico 1710 m | Portinari 2520 m Trekking: 4 hrs – 8km | Max. altitude: Refugio Scaravelli 3200 m Waypoints: Portinari 2520 m Scaravelli 3200 m
Admission ticket free
Day 2
Day 2 • Acclimatization at Scaravelli Refuge
1 stop
2
This day is dedicated to acclimatization at Scaravelli Refuge to ensure a better adaptation to altitude before continuing the journey. You can take a short hike to explore the surrounding area, enjoy the breathtaking views, and prepare for the upcoming challenges. This day helps improve overall performance and reduces the risk of altitude sickness. Dinner and overnight at Scaravelli Refuge.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Scaravelli – Portillo Argentino – Real de la Cruz Refuge
1 stop
3
On our second day of trekking, we will climb to the Portillo Argentino, the highest point in our traverse: 4380 masl. Effort pays off, and once we get to the highest point, we will be rewarded with astonishing views of the Andes and the border with Chile. The path continues downhill to the Tunuyán River valley, and we will arrive at the mountain shelter named “Refugio Real de la Cruz” at 2870m to set up our second camp in the area. This shelter belongs to the Argentine Army and is used by adventurers, porters, and mountaineers. We will enjoy an energizing dinner and spend the night in tents. Trekking: 8-9 hrs – 16km | Max. altitude: Portillo Argentino Pass 4380 m Waypoints: Confluencia, De las Yaretas Valley 3545 m. Portillo base 4000 m. Portillo Argentino Pass 4380 m. “La Banderita” viewpoint 2900 m. Real de la Cruz Refuge – campsite 2870 m.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Tunuyan River Valley | Laguna de los Patos Hike
1 stop
4
Our third day will be a rest day. You can stay near the shelter or take a short hike in the area with your guide, who will show you the local flora and fauna and visit Laguna de los Patos. Dinner and overnight in tents.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Real de la Cruz – El Caletón
1 stop
5
After breakfast, we will prepare for the Tunuyán river crossing. To cross the river, we will need the help of our strong horses guided by the skillful muleteers. The hike continues to an excellent viewpoint of Mount Tupungato (6,570 meters) and follows up the beautiful Palomares stream to the last campsite in Argentinean territory: El Caletón. If the weather is mild, we will be able to enjoy a relaxing bath in a mineral-rich stream. Spending the night at this camp offers a wonderful opportunity to sleep by the campfire under a sky full of stars. Trekking: 5-7 hrs – 13 km | Max. altitude: El Caletón camp 3027 m Waypoints: Campamento Real de la Cruz 2870 m. Cruce del río Tunuyán 2870 m. Valle de Palomares 3000 m. Campamento El Caletón 3027 m.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
El Caletón – International border – Termas del Plomo, Chile | Transfer to Cajón del Maipo
1 stop
6
Cajon del Maipo
Another big challenge lies ahead on the fifth day as we depart towards the Argentinean – Chilean Border. We will hike up to the Piuquenes Pass, at 4030m, the border between Argentina and Chile. Due to customs regulations, Chilean horses must be used from this point. 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 Yeso river, private vehicles will be waiting for us to take us to Embalse del Yeso (Yeso Reservoir) in San Gabriel, Cajón del Maipo to complete customs paperwork at the Chilean Police station. Accommodation in a beautiful complex of cabins and farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Trekking: 7-9 hrs – 15 km | Max. altitude: Piuquenes Pass 4030 m Waypoints: Piuquenes Pass 4030 m. Río Yeso Crossing
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Transfer Cajón del Maipo, Chile – Santiago de Chile
1 stop
7
Santiago
Transfer to Santiago and end of the program. Optional transfer to Mendoza – don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like us to arrange your transfer to Mendoza.
8 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

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