Guide’s introduction, talk over the expedition and itinerary details (bibliography hand-out) and expedition details. Medical form fill-out and equipment check.

DAY 1: Mendoza – Yaretas

Departure from Mendoza city, via National Route 40, to Tunuyan county. Via Route 94, we arrive to Manzano Historico reserve, site where General San Martin rested upon his return from the campaign of liberation. Visit to the monument "Return to the Fatherland" and the San Martin museum. Transfer to the Alférez Portinari refuge (2500 m) where we will fill out the customs paperwork. Lunch, preparation of horses and loads. Trek through the Arroyo Grande gully up to the Yaretas valley (3600 m). Camp, dinner, and overnight stay. 

Length: 3 h approx

Breakfast. Preparation of animals and loads. Led by the guide, we will safely ascend through steep paths, observing the scarce vegetation as we go up.  Towards midday, we will see a natural gap in the mountain: the Portillo Argentino (4380 m), where we will stop for lunch. Then, we will continue towards the high valley of the Tunuyan river, admiring the beautiful virgin landscape. Arrival at the Real de la Cruz refuge (2500 m). Camp. Snack, dinner, and overnight stay.

Breakfast. Preparation of the animals and loads. Crossing of the Tunuyan river on horses. Trek through the gully of Palomares river appreciating the beautiful rock formations. Lunch on the ride. Ascent to the Real de la Oveja camp. Camp, dinner, and overnight stay.

DAY 5: Portillo Piuquenes (Republic of Chile)             

Breakfast. Preparation of animals and loads. Trek toward Portillo Piuquenes (4045 m), the international border. Lunch and toast. Preparation of loads and descent to the gully of Plomo river to the Termas del Yeso. Meet with other vehicles. Transfer to San Gabriel for the customs process. Transfer to Santiago.

All transfers above indicated. Bilingual professional guide during the whole expedition, muleteers, assistants, and duffel bag for the transport of personal equipment, transport of personal equipment (10 kg  max.), horses for load, muleteer,  four-night stay in igloo tents (double or triple), all meals and drinks specified, emergency satellite phone, personal accident insurance, and first aid kit.

Services not included

Personal equipment (see Information). Unspecified food and drinks. Expenses for abandoning the expedition and lodging in the cities of Santiago and Mendoza, and transfer from Santiago to destination.