Day 1 Meeting in Barreal town, San Juan province Shelter D
Recpetion in Barreal, transfer to Las Hornillas Shelter. After a free time you will have a meeting with the guides, to learn everything about the expedition. You will see maps, organization of the campsites and information about the historical freedom expedition held in 1817.
At night we will dinner together.

Day 2 Horse back riding to Peñón Colorado Camp Camp BLSD
After the guides give you explanations about riding and saddling horses, we pack the mules and leave heading to the mountains. After 4 or 5 hrs following dry stream beds and crossing rivers we reach the red canyon where our camp site “Peñón Colorado” is located (2800 m high), next to a clear water stream.
We will rest the horses and make camp for the night either in tents or under the stars depending upon your preference.

Day 3 Horseback riding to Los Yesitos Camp Camp BLSD
After an early breakfast we saddle the horses and ride going up to the El Espinacito pass (4.500m), the highest spot of our expedition. It will have a very long ride and probably some travellers will experience altitude sickness, but the reward will be unforgettable: from the pass the view is breathtaking, the Aconcagua Peak and the rest of the highest mountains of America will appear in front of us, with their snow-capped summits and glaciers.
After a time to enjoy the view and take photographs we will go down in an adrenaline-filled ride to our next camp in Los Yesitos, where we will arrive in the sunset time (10 to 12 hs riding today).

Day 4 Horseback riding to Ingeniero Sardinas Camp Camp BLSD
Today we have a lazy breakfast before starting our ride following an semi-dry river bed to reach the Río de los Patos Sur Valley (2600 m). Riding through the valley we will cross the river many times until we arrive to Ingeniro Sardinas refuge and camp site, in a beautiful grassy area, quiet and isolated.
We will have the rest of the day to enjoy a bath in the river and rest, drinking mate and sharing a pleasant time with travelers, surrounded by a awe-inspiring view. (5 hs riding today)

Day 5 Free day Camp BLSD
Resting day to enjoy the camp site and surroundings. Optional walk to the border between Argentina and Chile.

Day 6 Horseback riding to Rancho de Lata Camp Camp BLSD
After a lazy breakfast we ride through the valley again, but this time going to Rancho de Lata camp (3100 m). We will arrive in the afternoon having time to enjoy the next river and the nice area. At night this is the perfect place to sleep under the starts. (6 hrs riding today)

Day 7 Horseback riding to Peñón Colorado Camp Camp BLSD
After an early breakfast we start the second longest day of the expedition, ascent towards La Honda pass (4300 m) in the line of Highest Summits. Closer to the top the slope will become arduous and we will ride slowly in zigzags. The view from the pass is amazing again, and usually there is no wind there so we will have time to play in the ice penitentes and lunch. Another breathtaking descent will take us to Peñón Colorado camp site. (9 hs riding today)

OPTIONAL PRE & POST ACCOMMODATION IN MENDOZA or SAN JUAN:
Hostel double room: starting in 25 dollars the room
Hostel dorm: starting in 8 dollars.
Hotel 3* double room: starting in 35 dollars the room.
Hotel 4* double room: starting in 45 dollars the room.

OPTIONAL TOURS IN MENDOZA: rafting, trekking, hikking, paragliding, tour to the wineries, mine exploration, city tour, etc.

PRE DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Thank you for choosing a tour in South America with Latitud Sur Group. The following information is provided to assist you in preparing for your trip.
Our itineraries are not luxury tours. At times it may be dusty, dirty, wet, hot or all of this at the same time! If you approach your trip with a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude, you and your fellow travelers will get the most out of the journey.
Difficulty level: this expedition is for people who enjoy unique and extreme experiences and imposing landscapes. It requires normal physical conditioning and its difficulty is moderate (+).
The horse ride everyday is intense, nights are in campsites. The climate should be temperate, but storms are possible, also wind and snow. Please note some effects of altitude sickness may be experienced. We do not recommend this expedition to people suffering from dizziness.

Because security reasons, to be part of the expedition the top weight allowed is 110 k.

Personal travel insurance is required (bring a copy with you to give to the guide).

It is compulsory you inform us if you suffer asthma, diabetes, allergy, back or legs pain or surgery, reduced vision or other problem we should know.

CAMPSITES: in natural places, without services or facilities except the equipment we transport (mess tent, table, chairs, stove and kitchen stuff, igloo tents for two people)

ACCOMMODATION: In Las Hornillas in basic hostel.

BEVERAGE during the expedition: we will drink the water from clean streams, with juice optional. We have also rationed wine, beer, sodas and champagne.

FOOD: the menu will include pastas, meats, rice, salads, cold meat and sausage, some fruits, vegetables, etc. During the riding time you will have snacks like cereals, sweets, etc. Vegetarian menu available.

YOUR PARTICIPATION: although you don’t have to, we will appreciate your help in the daily chores such as cooking, washing up, going for water, cleaning and packing.

DOCUMENTS: passport is required. You will need to have a copy with you during the expedition. Visas are not our responsibility, contact your embassy to get information about countries that require a visa to visit Argentina.

CLIMATE: we conduct the expedition during the summer, so the climate should be temperate, with sunny days and cold nights. Short storms are usual. However more intense storms, with strong wind and abundant snow could occur, so your personal equipment has to prepare you for all these possibilities.

MONEY AND CHANGE: the local currency is the “peso”, 3 pesos are equivalent to 1 dollar. ATM machines are available in Barreal city.

SPECIAL VACCINATION: is not required.

LINK YOUR TOUR: this trip can be linked with optional adventure activities in Mendoza, also with our “Aconcagua Mount Trekking, to Plaza de Mulas” tour.

IMPORTANT NOTE: the itinerary and camp sites can be changed cause security reasons, the tour can be even suspended because of climate reasons. In all matters related to the trip the guide will have the final decision.
Prices and all the information is subject to change without prior notice.

NECESSARY PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
Personal sleeping bag (- 10 degree comfort temperature) and roll mat.
Purse and Daypack (or saddlebag if you have it)
Hiking shoes or boots
Raincoat or poncho
Water bottle (2 l)
Hat, sun block, sunglasses
Heavy sweeter or polar and light sweeter, jacket, gloves, scarf
4 pairs of socks
2 long trousers
2 long-sleeved shirts
Insect repellent
Small sewing kit
Plastic bags
chocolates, candies or other snacks
Passport (plus photocopy)
Camera and film
Personal toiletries and towel
Torch/flashlight and spare batteries
Swimsuit.